Monksbelt Flowers on a Shoulder Bag
- By Karen
- June 30, 2020
- 20 Comments
Remember Joanne Hall’s Swedish Art Weaves workshop that I took a few months ago? With the warp that was left, I explored some of the art weaves in more depth.
I finished off the linen warp by making a front and back panel for a small shoulder bag. A monksbelt pattern is scattered like flowers on the front. The back has various stripe patterns in weft-faced plain weave. I wove a shoulder strap on my band loom using 6/2 Tuna wool for warp and 12/6 cotton for weft.
The bag has simple construction, mostly hand-stitched. In one of my remnant bins I found a piece of wool fabric that I wove several years ago. It’s perfect for the sides and bottom of the bag. The lining uses pieces from fabric that went into my latest rag rugs, and has pockets, of course.
This bag with Monksbelt Flowers is for carrying sweet memories, happy moments, and heavenly dreams.
Resources: Swedish Art Weaves workshop with Joanne Hall; Heirlooms of Skåne Weaving Techniques, by Gunvor Johansson; Väv Scandinavian Weaving Magazine, 2/2013.
This is the time for my annual pause for the month of July. I appreciate you joining me in this weaving journey!
I look forward to being back with you again Tuesday, August 4. In the meantime, joyfully draw living water from the source, Jesus Christ.
May you carry no more than necessary.
With love,
Karen
20 Comments
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Process Review: Jämtlandsdräll with Julia
- By Karen
- May 26, 2020
- 12 Comments
My intention is to weave fabric for a couple of cushy throw pillows. But after just one pattern repeat, I realize that this cloth on my brand new Glimåkra Julia is something I would like to wear! No pillows this time. Instead, here is my new autumn/winter shoulder wrap, embellished with frisky swinging fringes. Miss Julia has proven her worth on four-shaft Jämtlandsdräll (crackle) in 6/2 Tuna wool. Her next adventure will be something that explores all eight shafts. (See My New Glimåkra Julia Loom.)
This project starts with the draft for the Jämtlandsdräll Blanket on p.59 of Simple Weaves, by Birgitta Bengtsson Björk and Tina Ignell. Tuna yarn samples, along with Fiberworks Silver for Mac, help me jazz up the color. I settle on three colors for the warp, with burnt orange as the anchor. Six different colors are used for the pattern weft, plus dark teal for the tabby.
This is one of those times when the weaving is so satisfying that I truly don’t want the warp to come to an end. (…except that I’m excited to start on Julia’s second adventure!)
May your adventures never cease.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
12 Comments
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Bom dia! Ficou lindo essa peça.Sou brasileiro, professor aposentado e estou tecendo a pouco tempo em um tear de quatro eixos que eu mesmo fiz. Gostaria de saber qual é a medida do tecido pronto? E onde encontro esse padrão para quatro eixos. Muito obrigado por compartilhar seu trabalho
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Google Translate: Good Morning! This piece was beautiful. I am Brazilian, retired teacher and I am recently weaving on a four axis loom that I made myself. I would like to know what is the measure of the finished fabric? And where do I find this pattern for four axes. Thank you so much for sharing your work
Bom dia, Reinaldo!
Thank you very much. The finished piece is 47cm (18 1/2”) wide and 146cm (57 1/2”) long, plus 14cm (5 1/2”) fringe on each end.This pattern is in the book “Simple Weaves,” p.59 “Jämtlandsdräll (Crackle) Blanket,” by Birgitta Bengtsson Björk and Tina Ignell, published by Trafalgar Square Books, Vermont, 2012. I changed the colors in the pattern.
The weave structure is Jämtlandsdräll, also known as Crackle.
Thank you,
Karen
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Hi Nannette, It would have made a pretty throw cushion, but I already have plenty of those. This will be fun to wear!
Thanks!
Karen
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Betsy Greene says:
That’s a beautiful wrap! Thanks for sharing your design process.
Betsy-
Hi Betsy, I’m glad you enjoyed seeing a bit of my design process. I don’t usually use the weaving software, but this makes me want to put it to use more often. It helped to see different possibilities on the screen.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Cindy Bills says:
Simply lovely! I so enjoy following along with your projects. You inspire me to try new techniques/projects with my looms. 🙂
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Hi Cindy, When I got the Julia, I decided to use the loom to weave something I haven’t done before on my own. (I wove Jämtlandsdräll at Vavstuga once, and have wanted to weave it again ever since.)
It’s so exciting to try new things!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Nancy says:
Beautiful! Love your style!
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Elisabeth says:
Gorgeous colors! And if not pillows, the wrap can double as a runner for a special holiday or something 🙂
I love that you have looms in several spaces, with your dedication it makes sense. And you get a glimpse of your projects as you move around, what a joyful experience!
Elisabeth-
Hi Elisabeth, I had the same thought that I could use this as a runner. The colors fit right in.
It is a joyful experience to have looms scattered around. Each one has its place and purpose, and I’m free to let them work or rest, as needed.
I always enjoy your thoughtful responses.Love,
Karen
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Leave a Reply
My New Glimåkra Julia Loom
- By Karen
- May 12, 2020
- 26 Comments
My family of looms just welcomed a new little sister—Julia! This 8-shaft countermarch is Glimåkra’s smallest floor loom. I dressed the loom right away in 6/2 Tuna wool for 4-shaft Jämtlandsdräll to try out the loom. So far, so good. An 8-shaft project using 20/2 Mora wool is up next. Would you believe this is my new portable loom? Surprisingly, the Julia fits in the back of our vehicle, without disassembling. This is the loom you can expect to see with me at future workshops.
My Julia Observations:
- It goes together like you’d expect from a Glimåkra. Instructions are minimal, and quality is high. It’s a well-designed puzzle.
- The assembled loom is easy to move around to gain space needed for warping, or simply to change location for any reason.
- The breast beam is not removable like it is on my other Glimåkra looms, which makes it a stretch to thread the heddles from the front. However, by hanging the shaft bars from the beater cradle at the very front I can thread the heddles without back strain. (Or, if you are petite and don’t mind climbing over the side, you can put the bench in the loom for threading.)
- Tying up lamms and treadles is not much different than it is for my Ideal. Everything is well within reach from the front. It helps to take the lamms off the loom to put in the treadle cords, and then put the lamms back on the loom. With one extra person available, it is entirely feasible to elevate the loom on paint cans, upside-down buckets, or a small table to make tie-ups easier, but I didn’t find it necessary to do that.
- Weaving on the Julia is a delight, as it is with my other countermarch looms. Everything works. With four shafts, the sheds are impeccable.
- The bench adjusts to the right height.
- The hanging beater is well balanced, sturdy, and has a good solid feel. I can move the beater back several times before needing to advance the warp.
- I thought the narrower treadles might prove annoying, but I’ve been able to adjust quickly. After weaving a short while, I forget about the treadle size.
Steve is the loom assembler in our family. I stand by and give a hand when needed. I hope you can feel our excitement as you watch this short video of us discovering what’s in the boxes and figuring out how it all goes together.
May you enjoy the puzzles that come to your doorstep.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
26 Comments
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Too cool.
What a great video of putting together the 3d wooden puzzle. It reminds me of sewing a tailored jacket. All those pieces with no rhyme nor reason until it starts to come together.
When I think about it… That is what weaving is.
Thanks for sharing.-
Nancy says:
Thank you for the glowing review! I was ready to purchase one, but was told it isn’t the wood like in the regular Glimakra loims, but plywood. Also told the front and back beams get grooves in them from the warp threads.
Waiting for your updates in about 2 months.
Thanks!-
Hi Nancy, If you haven’t heard enough about it in a couple months, send me a note and I’ll give an honest update.
The wood is most definitely beautiful solid wood, not plywood at all. Any wooden breast beam and back beam will show wear from warp threads and beam cords. This loom is no different. I don’t think it’s a problem.
Happy weaving,
Karen-
Anonymous says:
Thank you very much! I will get back to you! Perhaps this dealer was trying to upsell me?
Nancy-
Nancy, I look forward to hearing from you. I hope the dealer had better intentions than that. Anyway, if you keep doing your research you will end up with a good loom.
Karen
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Hi Nancy,
Decades ago I was enamored with English smocking and took two classes from two different instructors.on maintenance and care of the pleater. The first class I took we were told to NEVER EVER take the pleater completely apart as it was not possible to ever get it back together and working properly. The second class I took began with the instructor ‘accidentally’ dismantelling the pleater. We were taught how to care for a very simple tool.
Maybe your dealer is not familiar with the loom?
It sounds like you have a support system in this blog to help you through any challenges.
Nannette
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Hi Nannette, It’s very interesting how all those tinker-toy sticks fit together perfectly!
Happy weaving,
Karen-
Karen, is there some way you can email with me?
My email is camel heights at msn dot com.
Strange I know, it’s a street I lived on in Evergreen, Colorado. On the side of a mountain.
I have more questions about this loom.
Thank you very much!
Nancy
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Betsy says:
She’s adorable! May you have many happy workshops together.
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Hi Betsy, And may your Julia and mine sit happily side by side at some point.
All the best,
Karen
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Kristin G says:
Loved the video – I could feel the excitement! I’m looking forward to seeing the beautiful items you will create with her 🙂
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Hi Kristin, Thanks for joining in the fun! It won’t be long and I’ll have her weaving an 8-shaft project.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Julia says:
I can agree with you there. The Julia is a great little loom, I speak from the experience of a proud owner. I can therefore fully understand the joy of unpacking, because it was very similar to me last fall, only that it was my first loom… Greetings from Berlin, Julia
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Hi Julia, It’s good to hear from you. Oh, the excitement of putting together your first loom! That is the best of all. The Julia is a perfect first loom! Or second, or third, or fourth, or fifth… 🙂
Very Happy Weaving,
Karen
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Annie says:
What a darling little loom! I wish I had room for one more. I don’t always reply but always read you posts, Karen. Not only do I always learn something but I just enjoy feeling that we are keeping in touch.
Please tell Steve I think he is the best husband a weaver could ever have!
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Hi Annie, It’s satisfying to know you read these posts. I do like keeping in touch, too.
I’ll tell Steve. He’s definitely the best husband this weaver could ever have!
Love,
Karen
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Gretchen says:
Congratulations on your new loom Karen! How exciting!! And there os just nothing more beautiful than a new loom! May Julia bring you many happy hours of weaving. Sending love from WA. Gretchen
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Hi Gretchen, It’s great to hear from you! Yes, new looms are special. This one will serve me well.
Hugs,
Karen
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marlene toerien says:
i am green with envy, I would love to own a Julia, or even a Mighty Wolf from Schacht, as I am living in South Africa where looms are a big luxury at the moment with our exchange rate, and my studio space is taking over our home, it will stay a dream. I do have 5 Varpapu looms, 3 table looms, 2 floor looms.
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Hi Marlene, Thanks for chiming in!
I’m glad that you have some good Varpapu looms to work with. The Julia is a sweet little loom in the family of Glimakra looms. The Glimakra Standard is still my favorite.Happy weaving,
Karen
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Marina says:
Great video! What are the thingies under the feet of the loom in the background?
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Hi Marina, I’m glad you enjoyed the video! What you are seeing under the feet of my other looms are Stadig Loom Feet. They keep the loom from “walking,” and they help absorb the impact of the beater when firm beating is needed, such as for weaving rugs. I get them from GlimakraUSA.com.
Thanks,
Karen
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[…] My intention is to weave fabric for a couple of cushy throw pillows. But after just one pattern repeat, I realize that this cloth on my brand new Glimåkra Julia is something I would like to wear! No pillows this time. Instead, here is my new autumn/winter shoulder wrap, embellished with frisky swinging fringes. Miss Julia has proven her worth on four-shaft Jämtlandsdräll (crackle) in 6/2 Tuna wool. Her next adventure will be something that explores all eight shafts. (See My New Glimåkra Julia Loom.) […]
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MitzyG says:
Is your Julia made of pine?
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Hi Mitzy, My Julia looks like it is made of Swedish Pine, the same as my other Glimåkra looms.
All the best,
Karen
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Leave a Reply
It Is Going to Be All White
- By Karen
- May 5, 2020
- 6 Comments
I am getting ready for Christmas. When I was a little girl, my Aunt Helen made a Christmas tree skirt for our family. It was a simple white felt skirt, with added colorful felt silhouettes depicting Christ’s Nativity. I want to reproduce that Christmas tree skirt using handwoven fabric. This fabric on the Ideal loom will be the base of the skirt. I will use some of my myriad handwoven fabric remnants for the colorful Nativity appliqué.
The warp is unbleached 8/2 Möbelåtta wool. The weft is bleached 6/1 Fårö wool. The 6-shaft point twill fabric is delightful. Perfect for what I have in mind. It is peaceful, soothing, restful, and calm. You can see that everything is going to be all white.
There is a time for color, action, and noise. But we also need a time for serenity, stillness, and quiet reflection. Going alone to sit in the Lord’s presence gives us just that. It is there that we can pour out our heart in prayer. The Lord meets us where we are when we pray. And He tells the trusting heart that everything is going to be all right.
May your heart be at rest.
With you,
Karen
PS Floating Selvedges. Last week I asked if you could tell which one of these four towels was woven without floating selvedges. (1 – 4, with the towel on top as #1.) See Process Review: Jubilation Hand Towels
The towel that was woven without floating selvedges is the same towel that received the most votes. Towel #2!
It seems counterintuitive that weaving twill structures without floating selvedges could produce a pleasing edge. But most of the time the small floats that appear at the edge are inconsequential, especially after wet finishing. (By the way, I am weaving the white point twill mentioned above without floating selvedges, as well.)
Thank you for your wonderful participation!
6 Comments
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Joanna says:
That’s a really lovely fabric, Karen. And yes, it’s calm, soothing, and absolutely self-assured. I’m a lover of winter and the can see the joyful little swirls of snow and ice crystals dancing over the blanket of snow. Your tree skirt is going to be stunningly beautiful.
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Hi Joanna, It does look like ice crystals on a layer of snow. It’s pretty. I think it’s going to be a lovely fabric to hold, too. Like a lightweight little blanket.
All the best,
Karen
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Karen,
Are you sure you live in Texas? Your handling of white on white brings memories of last December.Well done.
Nannette
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Hi Nannette, I’m glad the fabric makes you think of the beauty of winter. That’s the effect I’m after.
Thanks,
Karen
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What a great idea for this beautiful fabric! You already know that I really like white on white, not to mention utilizing leftover fabric for the appliqué, love it!
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Hi Elisabeth, I have been carrying this project idea in my mind for a few years. It feels good to get it started. White on white has always been a favorite of mine, too, though I haven’t done much weaving of it.
Thanks,
Karen
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Leave a Reply
Handwoven Scarves Embellished with Flair
- By Karen
- March 31, 2020
- 22 Comments
You could say I finished these scarves too late. Winter in Texas has come and gone. But I prefer to think of it as considerably early. When cool weather comes back around in a few months, I’ll be ready. I began with the draft for the lovely Stardust scarf, designed by Mona Nielsen, published in Happy Weaving, from VävMagasinet, p.74. I simply substituted the yarn and colors in the book with what I had on hand.
The scarves are delightful, but the icing on the cake is the addition of fluffy, furry pompoms, an embellishment with youthful flair. And that is exactly what I will put on at the first sign of autumn chill.
Some things are certain. The sun will rise tomorrow. The seasons will follow their schedule. The faithfulness of the Lord our God will never end.
May you dress in youthful flair.
Warmly,
Karen
22 Comments
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Beth Mullins says:
Very pretty! I love the pompoms!
Take care!!
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Charlotte says:
So, so, so precious! And! Your scarf is pretty special, as well!!!
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Hi Charlotte, Thank you! We have so much to be thankful for, don’t we?
Be blessed with health and well-being,
Karen
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Marianne says:
It’s gorgeous! What a clever way to add Pom poms!
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Hi Marianne, Thank you so much! The idea for the pompoms came from the book Happy Weaving. That’s what drew me to this scarf pattern.
All the best,
Karen
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Hi, Karen!
I love the colors and pattern of this scarf. And the pom poms are the perfect touch. Thank you telling us how they were made and attached. I always learn from you.
Please stay safe and healthy.
Annie
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Hi Annie, I’m glad you can learn something here. That’s always my hope.
Thank you,
Karen
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Janet says:
Love the addition of Pom Poms. I haven’t used tuna wool before but recently purchased many skeins for a throw. I know you’ve used quite often, what do you find the best sett for a lovely drape for a twill structure?
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Hi Janet, My favorite twill blanket from Tuna wool is the one I made at Vävstuga. You can see the info for the project here: Swedish Wool Blanket.
Tuna wool is an excellent choice for a throw. I think you will enjoy weaving with it, too!Happy weaving,
Karen
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What a beautiful and “happy” scarf I have never seen this pom pom maker before, a neat tool, thank you for showing us!
Elisabeth-
Hi Elisabeth, I happened upon the pompom maker while browsing at Hobby Lobby. I knew I wanted this embellishment for my scarves, so I was happy to find a helpful tool. It beats cutting out cardboard circles to wrap with yarn–one fluff ball at a time. It wouldn’t be hard to make a similar tool at home.
I, too, think of this as a “happy” scarf.
Thank you,
Karen
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Such a fun scarf!
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Hi Betsy, I agree. It may be the funnest scarf I’ve ever made. 🙂
All the best to you,
Karen
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Hi Karen,
What a pretty scarf. With the early Spring in Wisconsin, it is too warm to wear it here until November. More time for anticipation.My looms were taken to the retirement home Friday. The chipper was brought back so my sister can dispatch the 5 mature trees she dropped.
Now I am going through my sewing room. Oh My, Why did I buy some of the things I am finding? Three piles. Donate, Sell, Take with me. Too many decisions. Where did I get all those cards of snaps from 1960?
Are any of your readers in health care? I am wondering if the cloth face masks being shown as projects are something that can be used in the medical system, or are they just fashion statements? When the other grandchildren were born I would take a home made treat to leave with the nurses. This year I could leave some cheerful cloth masks…
This latest grandson can come at any time.
Blessings to all.
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Hi Nannette, Congratulations on your coming grandson. Life is full of twists and turns. I’m glad you have a place for looms in your new home. That gives you something to look forward to.
Blessings to you,
Karen
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Betty Morrissey says:
Beautiful! May I ask, when weaving with a stretchy wool warp, do you tension it tightly so the stretch is maxed out?
The pom poms are a great use of ends. Thank you for your kindness, always.Betty
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Hi Betty, Great question! No, I don’t tension tightly to max out the stretch of the wool. I don’t want to over-stretch the wool. You have to find a happy medium so that it is tight enough that the shuttle doesn’t fall through, but not so tight that it will stretch the fibers out too far.
I’m always happy when I can find a good use for some of the thrums. Who knows, maybe I’ll start putting pompoms on everything. 🙂
Happy weaving,
Karen
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These are gorgeous. I am so inspired by your weaving and sharing.
Thank you -
Barbara Mitchell says:
Love these scarves and the pom-poms. I tried to put pom-poms on a scarf, but couldn’t get them tightly enough tied on to the end of the twisted fringe so they just ended up looking goofy and wishy-washy, so I cut them off again. Do you have a secret?
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Hi Barbara, Thanks for asking! I think what helps is stitching the pom pom to a group of 3 or 4 twisted fringes, and the individual fringes are fairly thick. The tapestry needle with 8/2 cotton for the stitching thread goes through the fringes just above the knots and then through the center loop of the pom pom. I take the thread back around 3 or 4 times and then secure it with several small (hidden) stitches in the fringe/knot.
Maybe you’ll have a chance to try it again. It does make a fun finishing for a scarf.
All the best,
Karen
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Copyright © 2020
Beautiful! As always.
Hi Nancy, I appreciate your kind thoughts!
All the best,
Karen
It’s wonderful! Love the playful flowers.
Hi Beth, I’m glad you see the flowers as playful. That was my intent.
Thanks,
Karen
This is absolutely marvelous! I am a new weaver and am truly impressed with all your projects. So much to learn so little time! Thank you for sharing your lovely work! I can only dream
Hi Averyclaire, Welcome to the delightful world of weaving. No matter how much time we have, thankfully, there will always be more to learn.
Happy weaving,
Karen
What a great way to use a class project! It’s such a happy bag 🙂 I think my favorite details are the asymmetrical flowers and the exposed fringe on top. I admire your creative use of remnants.
Enjoy your pause!
Love, Elisabeth
Hi Elisabeth, I wanted to make asymmetrical flowers because that is possible only with the pick-up method, and not possible with standard monksbelt threading. The exposed fringe on top is one of my favorite details, too. It came about because it was simpler than trying to fold the edge under.
Thanks!
Love,
Karen
I can’t add to above comments..
Enjoy your sabbatical!!
Nannette
Hi Nannette, Thank you so much for your kindness!
Karen
I love how it all came together from your stash! Bet that felt good! Beautiful!
Hi Maria, You are right, it feels good to put things to use that would otherwise be hidden away.
Thank you,
Karen
I love how the light colored centers in your monksbelt flowers jump out and say,”look at me”. This is a great design. And I like how you have the knots and linen ends sticking out. That is very effective.
Joanne
Hi Joanne, It was fun to try to make a monksbelt design that would show off the possibilities of this method. This was a fun “playtime” at the loom. The knots and linen ends sticking out was an afterthought, but I liked the idea to show off the light-hearted concept of the scattered flowers.
Thanks for your encouragement,
Karen
I love the view thru the loom of seeing the weaving that you did at the workshop thru the loom and then the newest weaving still showing on top of the warp.
Hi LJ, That’s my favorite view. There is something intriguing about looking through the warp to the previously-woven fabric.
Thanks for chiming in,
Karen
“May you carry no more than necessary.” A great reminder to cast our cares on Him!
Have a blessed July!
Hi Lyna, Yes, the Lord is our burden lifter.
Blessings to you,
Karen
Hey Karen. Lovely. I have gobs of scrap quilt fabric. Too bad we don’t live closer, you could be going through my scraps for linings to your things.
Hi Cynthia, It’s fun to find ways to use scraps. It’s probably good that I don’t have access to your quilt fabric scraps. I have plenty of my own to use up. 🙂
All the best,
Karen