Quiet Friday: Handwoven Handbags
- By Karen
- June 23, 2017
- 10 Comments
Is there such a thing as too many handbags, pocketbooks, tote bags, and purses? Of course not. Naturally, my favorite handbags are made from handwoven fabric. Linings made from remnants, handwoven bands used for shoulder straps, hidden zippers, and, of course pockets–these are the details that other people will seldom notice. Yet these are the details that make me smile every time I use one of these bags.
Nineteen handwoven handbags. Various sizes, fibers, styles, and purposes. And colors. Lots of colors!
…You know that box of handwoven bits and pieces? Those weavings from the end of the warp, and the “scraps” from various projects? Hmm… looks like I might need to make another handbag or two.
Here is my collection of handwoven handbags, divided into a few categories. Plus, a short video just for the fun of it!
Wool, novelty chenille yarn, crochet cotton, and narrow fabric strips are used for weft in these bags. Buttons are from my grandma’s button jar. The small rag-weave pocketbook has a permanent home in my daily handbag. The fabric for these bags was woven on my Beka 32″ rigid heddle loom.
Linings are from remnants of other sewing projects. Bag handles were woven on my inkle loom.
Travel Finds
Trips to The Philippines yielded interesting woven goods by artisans there. The green stripe tote bag is woven from native plant material, and the teal and burgundy purse is a beautiful example of ikat weaving. The colorful weft-faced woven shoulder bag and the purple bag with lovely weft-float patterning came from travel to Chile.
Project Carriers
Large tote bag, woven with 1/4″ fabric strips for weft, carries my “show and tell” when I go to my weaving study group. It’s known as the “Mary Poppins Bag.” Rag-rug bag in the center has straps, woven on the band loom, that were woven into the bag. This bag carries my portable tapestry weaving. The rag rug bag on the right carries my one-and-only crochet project.
Special Use
Linen bag has beads woven into the fabric. It is lined with satin. Rag-weave purse is simply a flat piece folded in half, with lining and pockets added to the inside. The blue bag is wool, woven in a weft-cord technique. The fabric was partially fulled to produce the ribbed texture.
Lining for this bag is made from extra fabric after weaving cotton/linen fabric for cushions, and the pocket is a remnant from a two-block twill tencel scarf.
Daily Use Favorites
Representing some of my “firsts.” The brown and blue small shoulder bag is from one of my first cottolin towel projects. This is what I did when the last piece was too short to use for a towel. The green and turquoise clutch has remnants of my first ever handwoven towel, my first rosepath rag rug, and my first big rep weave project! The blue shoulder bag is the bag I use every day. It’s a remnant from the baby wrap I wove for my daughter’s first baby. It’s lined with a remnant from an Easter dress I made for her when she was a little girl.
May you carry your handiwork with you.
Happy weaving,
Karen
10 Comments
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Now This Year
- By Karen
- January 3, 2017
- 22 Comments
New year 2017 is beginning! It’s time again to take account of where we stand in our life’s dreams and goals. What can we check off the list? And, what is still in progress? And, maybe there’s something new to add. But first, let me count my blessings. I’m filled with gratitude, thankful for you! What a JOY it is to have friends like you to walk through this weaving journey with me.
Here’s what you’ll find on my looms right now:
Glimåkra Ideal loom: Striped warp for the sample kit is all set! Winding quills is next. Then, weaving! If all goes well, a few pre-warped plattväv towel kits will show up in my Etsy shop.
Glimåkra Standard loom: Weaving a transparency. 16/2 linen warp and background weft. The weft pattern inlay is cotton chenille.
Hokett loom has the start of a simple stripes tapestry practice piece. 12/6 cotton warp, 6/1 Fåro wool weft.
Thank you for joining me through 2016!
May you have joy in the journey.
Happy Weaving New Year,
Karen
22 Comments
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Beth says:
I love the “Year in Review” and see so many favorites. Your work is simply beautiful and inspiring. You are brimming with talent!
Happy New Year, Karen!
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Hi Beth, There are several projects here that I want to do again! Especially the monksbelt.
Happy New Year to you,
Karen
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Hi Jennifer, Everything is better in the company of friends. Thanks for joining in!
Karen
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Loyanne says:
Thanks for sharing. Seeing the Faro piece bring to mind a question. I am working on a Whig Rose scarf. Trying to weave according to tradition and the warp is 8/2, weft is Faro and 16/2 for tabby. Just wondered if you had used cotton and wool and how you wet fingers she’d it ? Thanks
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Hi Loyanne, I’m sure your scarf is beautiful! The monksbelt does use 16/2 cotton for tabby, and Faro wool for pattern weft. I’m not sure of your question… I have a feeling that spellcheck gremlins took over. Could you try asking again?
Karen
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Loyanne says:
Boy did the gremlins take over. I wondered how you wet finish a piece out of cotton and wool?
Thanks.-
Ok, now that question makes sense. 🙂 That’s a great question! I did not wet finish my piece because I am going to use it for a hanging, so I wanted it to soften up or get distorted through washing. I did steam press it, though, which helped to tighten everything up and straighten it out.
I think if I were going to wet finish this cotton and wool combination I would gently hand wash in cool water with mild soap, like Eucalan, with as little agitation as possible. And then hang or lay flat to dry. If I had a sample piece, I would try washing that first, before submerging the main article.
I wish I could give you a better answer…
Thanks for asking,
Karen
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Fran says:
A year of accomplishing lots! You do black and white especially well. I enjoy your posts.
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Hi Fran, The black and white was a new experience for me. It was a surprise to me to find out how much I enjoyed working with it! Thanks for stopping by!
Happy New Year,
Karen
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Cindy says:
I just joined in on your posts! It’s part of my goals for 2017 to surround myself with others who love weaving, and to be inspired and motivated to continue learning from them. Thanks for having this blog!
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Hi Cindy, A big welcome to you! I do love weaving, and you will find many who comment here are the same way. I love it that we can all learn from each other.
Happy weaving new year!
Karen
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Hi Karen,
I enjoyed seeing your transparency, because I have used the same 16/2 linen to weave pictorial transparencies for the last 10 years or so. Is your sett 12 epi? How many selvedge warps are doubled on each side? I have never tried using chenille for the inlay, but this gives me a new idea to try!
Happy New Year, and God bless you and your family!-
Hi Lynette, I’m excited to hear that you weave pictorial transparencies! This is my first attempt, and I’m enjoying it very much. I would love to see some of your work. Can you send me pictures?
I am using a metric 50/10 reed, which is just a little more dense than 12 epi, but pretty close. I doubled 4 selvedge warps on each side, as instructed in The Big Book of Weaving.
Happy weaving new year!
Karen
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Liberty Stickney says:
Hi Karen, Happy New Year! Thank you so much for all the work you do for us, your posts are always beautiful and informative. I have been sick for a bit but I can’t wait to get back to my loom soon.
Happy weaving,
Liberty-
Hi Liberty, It’s no fun to be under the weather. I hope you’re all better very soon!
I always appreciate your sweet encouragement.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Tom Z says:
The year in review is so Inspiring Karen!
Sometimes we don’t look back to view where we’ve come from. We just keep plowing forward. The past gives us a much needed perspective on where we’re going. Your video reminded me of that simple face. And the music was perfect for that reflection.
Thank you Karen. Keep up the ‘good’ work.
Happy weaving new year!
Tom Z in IL-
Hi Tom,
I completely agree! Perspective can make a world of difference.
I appreciate your thoughtful words so much!Happy weaving new year to you!
Karen
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Pat McNew says:
I love your web page. I look forward to each one. I have learned a lot from you even tho I have been weaving for about 12 years.
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Hi Pat, This is such a sweet thing for you to say! It’s my goal to be a help to others, so I’m thrilled to hear you’ve learned some things here.
Thank you so much for taking the time to spread a little kindness. 🙂
Karen
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Tools Day: Measured Weaving
- By Karen
- November 8, 2016
- 11 Comments
How far will you travel? How will you know when you have arrived? Do you wish you could know when you are halfway there? Applied to weaving, I like to have the answers to these questions before I begin the “journey.” A pre-measured tape gives me consistency, especially important for multiple pieces in a set. The tape also acts as my “trip odometer.” I can see how far I’ve gone, and exactly how much is left to weave. It satisfies my insatiable need to know how close I am to the end. Are you like that, too?
How to Make and Use a Pre-Measured Tape
Supplies
- Roll of 3/4″ or wider twill tape (or any cloth tape or ribbon that does not stretch, and that pins easily)
- Tape measure with inches and/or centimeters
- Fine tip permanent marker
- Flat head pins
- Use the permanent marker to place markings on the twill tape, as measured with the tape measure. Mark the start line 1/2″ from the end of the twill tape, so that the tape can be pinned in front of the mark.
- After drawing a line for the starting point and ending point, draw a line at the midway point, labeled MID.
- Include dotted lines for hem measurements, if applicable. Write the hem measurement on the twill tape; i.,e., 3/4″ or 2 cm.
- Write the weaving length measurement on the twill tape. Include calculation for takeup, if desired; i.,e., 25″ + 3″.
- Write the project or item description on the twill tape, if desired, for ease of repeat use; i.e., handtowel.
- Add other lines or marks, as needed, for borders, placement of weft colors, or other design elements.
- 1/2″ after the final marking, cut pre-measured twill tape from the roll of tape.
With the warp under tension, pin the pre-measured twill tape near the right or left selvedge with two flat-head pins. Match the start line of the tape with the beginning of the weaving.
Before each advancement of the warp, move the pin closest to the breast beam to a point near the fell line. In this way, have the pins leapfrog each other, moving only one pin each time. Always keep the warp under tension when moving the pins.
Beginning hem, after red cutting lines between towels.
Ending hem is followed by two red picks that will become the cutting line between towels.
When the “MID” point hits right where it should! Mid point marking helps to confirm that the halvdräll pattern is centered and balanced in its length.
Five centimeters, marked at the end of the twill tape, is a handy reference for spacing the weft pattern floats in these plattväv towels.
Breaking up the length into quarters helps to set a pace for the weaving project. This baby wrap was on a time crunch, so it was helpful to know when I was getting close to the end.
May you accurately measure your ways.
Truly yours,
Karen
11 Comments
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Cate Kauffman says:
Love this idea for repeatable, standard sized projects like towels and scarves. Labeling it towels (4) or some such, makes so much sense. Thanks!
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Hi Cate, Labeling the pre-measured tape with the name of the project is something I learned at Vavstuga. It does make sense.
Karen
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Angela says:
Excellent, thanks for sharing.
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Karen says:
Your comments are so useful. I use a tape, but don’t mark it as you do and I don’t leapfrog pins. Such good ideas……I think a trip out to the fabric store is in order! Thank you.
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Hi Karen, I’m glad you find this useful! I look for sales. When the roles of ribbon are 50% off at Hobby Lobby, I buy several rolls of twill tape!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Nanette says:
Many thanks for all the detail. I will save all this for a warp that I’ve really planned out…wish that described MORE of mine! Nanette
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Hi Nanette, I had you in mind when I wrote this post. Thanks to your great question!
Karen
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Thanks for the details on how you use the tape. I used it on my handtowels. (I’m going to Vavstuga in June!) I am interesetd that you measure under tension. I measure when the warp is loose. Do you add length to your project because it is under tension?
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Hi Debbie, I hope you enjoy your Vavstuga experience as much as I did! You will learn a treasure trove of new things.
Measuring under tension may be the most consistent way of measuring, and is considered the standard way to measure. For Handwoven magazine, for instance, their projects give the “Woven length (measured under tension on the loom).” I do add a % amount to the length to account for take-up and shrinkage.
Thanks for asking!
Karen
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Jane Smith says:
A very interesting post on measuring your weaving, and one that has the merit of being well photographed and detailed. I shall definitely print this out and keep it in my weaving file.
Thank you!
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Hi Jane, You make me feel useful. I’m glad the measuring instruction serves your purposes!
Karen
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Quiet Friday: Woven Baby Wrap Baby
- By Karen
- August 26, 2016
- 14 Comments
A new life in the family is cause for celebration and thanksgiving! I had the privilege of weaving a baby wrap while my daughter carried the new little life inside of her. A wrap being woven to hold Lucia, and a baby being woven in the womb. Beautiful and more beautiful. God’s blessings on Eddie and Melody as they love the gift they have been given.
Handwoven baby wrap with baby Lucia. Photo credit: Eddie Fernandez (Lucia’s daddy)
In her mother’s arms… Photo Credit: Eddie Fernandez (Lucia’s daddy)
May you love and be loved.
Affectionately,
Lola (Grandma)
14 Comments
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Shirley says:
Just BEAUTIFUL .
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you are all, truly blessed
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Joanna says:
God’s smiling!
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Bev says:
What a beautiful and precious blessing…Lucia in your handwoven wrap! Rejoicing with you over this new life,
Bec
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Beautiful baby, beautiful wrap!
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Anonymous says:
Congratulations on this new addition to your family.
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Julie says:
Oh, Karen that is beautiful!!
Baby, mom, Lola and wrap -
Dear friends, All your sweet comments mean so much to me! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Karen
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Betty A Van Horn says:
Wonderful!!
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Tobie says:
How beautiful! Thank you for sharing.
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Anonymous says:
Beautiful, all around!
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Quiet Friday: Woven Baby Wrap
- By Karen
- May 27, 2016
- 9 Comments
What do you weave into the fabric that will be cradling your future granddaughter? Love, and lots of it, of course. The baby wrap has been woven, and is cut from the loom! All that is left is the finishing work–examining for errors, washing and drying, and hemming. …And Melody learning how to wrap a baby wrap. Soon enough, baby Lucia will be wrapped in this love-made piece of cloth.
May your loved ones enjoy your gifts of love.
Happy weaving,
Karen
9 Comments
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So beautiful. You’ve put in all the colors of light and of the rainbow, the sign of the covenant between God and Man, perfect for a wee girl whose name means Light.
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Joanna, Thank you for that meaningful connection between the colors and the baby’s name!
Karen
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Kris Stark says:
What a touching journey you have shared with us, Karen! We are eagerly look forward to seeing Lucia wrapped in this beautiful piece. Blessings, Kris
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Beachweaver says:
So beautiful. You have an amazing eye for color. You used color to made a very simple weave structure into something that is visually complex and eye catching.
Thanks for including all of us in your journey
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Beachweaver, It makes me very happy to have friends like you joining me in this journey!
Thank you for the compliments. I think working with color may be my main incentive for weaving. It’s invigorating to put colors together and watch them co-mingle into something visually interesting.
Karen
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[…] you remember the baby wrap I was weaving for my daughter and her coming baby? Baby Lucia has arrived! And she is already […]
Copyright © 2019
I would love to know where to get patterns to make a bag. Have yardage and really want to turn it into a purse
Hi Mary Kay, I have found a few good commercial patterns for an assortment of bags.
I used McCall’s 3894 to make the large tote bag. (I did break several sewing machine needles when sewing the very thick corners.)
And I used Simplicity 2201 for the green and teal clutch. Other patterns that I have not used yet are Simplicity 9949 and Simplicity 2274. All of the patterns have multiples sizes and shapes of bags. There are probably some more good patterns out there now. I’ve had these for several years. I enjoy browsing the pattern books at the fabric store.
For some of the bags, I folded and played with the fabric to make up a simple design.
For the shoulder bag that I currently use all the time, made from the baby wrap remnant, I purchased a bag at the store that I thought would work well with handwoven fabric. I took it home and ripped out all the seams to deconstruct it. Then I had the basic shapes, which I reconfigured to exactly what I wanted. I made a practice bag first out of denim before using the handwoven cloth to make the final bag.
I hope that gives you some ideas!
Karen
It was so much fun to see all your beautiful bags, Karen! Nineteen is certainly not enough!! Hope you keep making more and sharing them with us. You have a wonderful sense of color!
Hi D’Anne, You are so sweet! When I make another bag, you’ll be the first to know!
Love,
Karen
Hi, Karen,
You had the icon to share to Facebook, so I shared this post with my Rigid Heddle Adventure group. They’ve been talking a lot lately about creating bags. Thanks for the post!
Hi Cindy, That’s wonderful! The rigid heddle loom is perfect for making fabric for bags because it’s so easy to use a variety of fibers in the warp and in the weft. It’s a fun adventure!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Karen
Truly an inspiration, as always
Thank you Karen
Good morning, Angela, You are very kind!
All the best,
Karen
Please quote me a Magazine for which I wish to submit and an article dealing with woolen durrie weaving.
thanks
Hi Kantilal, Thank you for asking.
I don’t know a magazine that has an article about woolen durrie weaving. “Väv” magazine sometimes has articles about different types of rug weaving, and “Handwoven” magazine sometimes has articles about rag rug weaving. The March/April 2017 issue of “Handwoven” has instructions for a “Swedish Rosepath Rag Rug” that I designed.
Karen