Weaving through The Big Book
- By Karen
- August 6, 2019
- 36 Comments
It took me seven years of study, practice, and mistakes to complete this rigorous Swedish weaving curriculum! You have been with me through much of it right here. I’m talking about The Big Book of Weaving, by Laila Lundell. I made it through the book, sequentially, page by page, warp by warp. 43 warps in all! Remember the blue 12-shaft double-weave blanket I had on the loom in June? That is the final project in the book.
In the short video below, each completed project is presented in order in our Texas hill country home. Watch to the end to see the blue blanket in all its finished glory.
For nitty-gritty details, check out The Big Book of Weaving tab at the top of the page.
I. Secrets to success:
- mindset of a student
- determination
- eyes on the goal
- no option other than completion
One loom dedicated to the book.
II. Lessons learned:
- technique
- processes
- planning
- drafting
- Swedish practices
Any mistake can be remedied.
III. Treasures gained:
- patience
- humility
- endurance
- focused attention
- problem solving
- creative freedom
Confidence.
IV. Prized perspectives:
- new experiences
- delight of dressing the loom
- wonder of cloth-making
- fresh ideas
- joy of discovery
- knowledge and understanding of the loom
Getting lost and absorbed in the whole process of weaving.
V. Favorite project: Old-Fashioned Weaving / Monksbelt (at 4:46 in the video)
Are we determined students of heavenly things? Oh, to know God’s will! Study what’s written, don’t lose heart, eyes on the prize, no option besides completion through Jesus Christ. One life dedicated to know him. Day by day, warp by warp, the Grand Weaver teaches us. We can know God’s will.
May you be a lifelong learner.
Happy Weaving to you,
Karen
36 Comments
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Conversation with Joanne Hall
- By Karen
- February 19, 2019
- 15 Comments
Drive up to this storybook cottage, and you can tell there is something special about it. It’s the home of Ed and Joanne Hall. When I arrive, Joanne greets me and takes me down the hand-crafted pine stairs to her delightful weaving studio dotted with floor looms.
I recently had the joy of learning the ins and outs of drawloom weaving in this storybook studio in Montana. After the class ended, Joanne and I sat at her kitchen table to share some thoughts about weaving.
Photo credit: Ed Hall
Come join us, and sit in on our conversation…
If you could keep only one loom, what would it be?
The 59” Glimåkra Standard. That would be my loom, with a drawloom. A big loom is easier to set up, easier to warp because I can step inside it, and easier to weave on than a little loom. As you get older you need every advantage you can get.
Being a tapestry weaver, I had to add more colors, so I laid in some colors and then I put a little gold leaf here and there. I did not want to add anything that looked like embroidery. I wanted my new work on the drawloom to have all the elements woven in.
– Joanne Hall
What would you weave on that loom?
I would mostly make narrow warps. I could weave some blankets or larger things, as well, because it’s easy on that loom. It is easy to beat and so easy to treadle. I could also weave tapestry on it.
Describe the drawloom you would use.
With the Myrehed combination, I would have both the shaft drawloom and the single unit drawloom. I do like images, like tapestry weaving, so I would enjoy weaving with the single unit drawloom.
Three of my grandparents immigrated from Sweden to America. This tells the story of their journey–walking, riding, then endless days on the boat, then walking again, all the way to Minnesota.
– Joanne Hall
Are there any weaving secrets you’d like to share?
One important thing to know is to wind a warp with more than one thread, especially a long warp. It is easier to beam and you will prevent problems when you wind with two or more threads. And doing so may also have a positive effect on weaving that warp.
Another thing to consider is that once you start weaving, plan to invest in good equipment. Some weavers start out buying the smallest, least expensive equipment. That’s okay for getting started, but don’t spend too much time with inferior equipment. Once you start warping looms, get a big vertical warping reel that is more than two yards around. You can wind a warp in half an hour, an hour at the most. And the warp will be more even and accurate than one wound on smaller equipment.
If someone wants to learn more about weaving, what is a good way to start?
Go someplace where you can take a class weaving on floor looms, even if you have never woven before. Keep in mind that researching online can be more confusing than helpful. In a class you will learn much faster and you will probably get better information.
Woven on single unit drawloom by Joanne Hall.
Woven on single unit drawloom by Joanne Hall.
Single unit drawloom, woven by Joanne Hall.
Any final thoughts?
In Sweden, weavers guilds are different than they are here in the US. Most everyone in Sweden can join a guild, called a vävstuga, which in Sweden is a place with looms—floor looms, big floor looms. You meet there as often as you want, and you can weave on floor looms in the company of other weavers, who are very helpful. If we had that, it would be wonderful.
That would be wonderful, indeed! I think I got a little taste of that, right here in your Montana studio. Thank you!
Happy Weaving,
Karen and Joanne
15 Comments
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Joanne says:
You are welcome to visit us.
Joanne
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Jann says:
The is one of the few American weavers who accurately, skillfully and creatively interprets their ethnic heritage through Swedish weaving. The pieces are exquisite.
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Thank you. I enjoy visiting Sweden and the places my family came from.
Joanne
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Ruth says:
I love reading about your experience with Joann. She is a treasure to us here in Montana and it is wonderful to see her being acknowledged and appreciated.
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Thanks, Joanne
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Hi Ruth, There is much to appreciate about this special lady. I’m glad you recognize how much Joanne brings to our weaving community.
Karen
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Mona Roberts says:
So glad I subscribed to your newsletter. Joanne’s work is beautiful–the photos and article, too. Thanks for sharing your creative adventure.
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Joanne says:
Thanks,
Joanne
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Mary Jean says:
I feel so fortunate to be able to visit Joanne’s home and studio on a regular basis. The weaver I have become is due, in no small part, to Joanne’s influence! Thanks for sharing your experience.
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Hi Mary Jean, I agree with Joanne – we are fortunate to have you in our weaving community, as well!
Karen
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Thanks, and Montana is fortunate to have you too.
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Leslie says:
I am so impressed with these images of Joanne’s home, and the examples of her drawloom weaving. I have searched for information on how to take her classes, is there a web site? thanks.
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Hi Leslie, You can gain a lot from a class with Joanne.
I let her know about your inquiry.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Drawlooms in Montana
- By Karen
- February 5, 2019
- 16 Comments
Montana is beautiful, with snow-capped mountains and big-sky sunrises! It’s there that I took Joanne Hall’s fantastic drawloom class last week. My confidence level about setting up and weaving on my drawloom shot up 100 per cent! (And Steve got to experience fishing on the ice with Joanne’s husband Ed!) Please continue all the way to the end of this post to read about submitting a question for Joanne to answer.
Cathleen and Deborah and I wove on the shaft drawloom, the single unit drawloom, and the Julia loom set up with half-heddle sticks to weave opphämta. What joy! …even in the challenges of learning new things.
Joanne taught us how to understand patterns and drafts, and how to make our own patterns. And we dressed the drawloom—we threaded pattern heddles and ground heddles, and distributed pattern shafts. Boy, did we students make mistakes! But with quiet Joanne, there is always a way to fix anything that matters. She is a picture of grace.
Striving to look good to other people, we face unwelcome judgment. Striving to please ourselves, we face demands of perfection. But when our heart strives to please the Lord, we receive grace. Our failures fade in importance as our confidence in his faithfulness grows. Know who you are working for. The imperfect images we weave in the cloth are a humble gift of gratitude back our Grand Weaver.
Please excuse me now while I go wind a warp!
May your imperfections be greeted with grace.
Love and grace,
Karen
~What are your questions? Joanne has answers~
Are you curious about drawlooms? Are you considering a drawloom for yourself? Do you have a drawloom and wish you could ask an expert for help? Please put your question about drawlooms and/or drawloom weaving in the comments below, or send your question to me through Get in Touch. Joanne Hall’s answers to two selected questions will be included in next week’s post. Please submit your question by this Friday, February 8.
16 Comments
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Nancy Malcolm says:
Oh, how lucky you are! I am searching for the loom, then take her class. It seems to be taking forever!!
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Hi Nancy, I know what you mean. I searched for quite a while, too, to find a loom. And then, all of a sudden, at just the right time, there it was! You have a lot to look forward to.
All the best,
Karen
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Marilyn Cann says:
Karen, my brain tingles at all the learning you did last week! The picture of Montana way lovely too, but I added to that my knowledge that it was bitterly cold in that part of the country! Have fun playing with your drawloom when you get set.
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Hi Marilyn, So much learning! Hopefully, the important parts will stick with me.
It was cold, but we didn’t get the bitter Artic cold that some places were getting last week. I think they got some of that right after we Texans left. Whew!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Good morning Karen,
The draw down loom is something I did not know existed. At first glance, confusing. As I continued reading, exciting.
I look forward to your adventures.
Blessings,
Nannette
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Hi Nannette, It has taken me a while to peel off the confusion about drawlooms. I think I’m beginning to understand how they work. I’m super excited to get the whole thing set up!
Thanks,
Karen
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Shari says:
Amazing! The complexity and beauty and feeling so empowered to make beautiful textiles.
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Hi Shari, It seems complex until you start to understand it. It’s really pretty simple—just sticks and strings that do specific things. It opens up a world of beautiful weaving!
All the best,
Karen
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Elisabeth says:
I am so happy you got your drawloom, and that you were able to take Joanne’s class this soon.
Your weaving journey har been amazing, and it is such a pleasure to be invited into your weaving world through your blog!Elisabeth
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Hi Elisabeth, I feel very fortunate that the timing of everything has worked out so smoothly.
It’s wonderful to get to share my weaving journey with friends like you!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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D’Anne says:
I enjoyed seeing the pictures and reading your commentary, Karen. Is that your drawloom in the last photos? Have a wonderful time learning and weaving, and thanks for sharing your journey.
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Hi D’Anne, Yes, that’s my drawloom in the last photos. It’s almost ready to weave!
Thanks for dropping in!
Karen
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Janet says:
I’m so excited to hear about your recent trip, Debbie and I are headed there in April and I can’t wait!!
Janet-
Hi Janet, You are going to have a fabulous time! I’m excited for you!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Thank you for sharing your experience and photos. Beautiful work. I am heading out there mid April and so looking forward to it. For some unexplainable reason I am so drawn to the big Swedish looms and the drawloom. I have an older Glimakra standard in storage and getting time with kind Joanne and the class I will know if it’s something for me or not. I will likely be less experienced than the other participants and your last paragraph is a reminder to not compare myself or lack of expertise but to enjoy.
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Hi Denise, Since you are drawn to the big Swedish looms, I am confident that it will be a great joy for you to weave on them. I’m excited for you! Your class with Joanne will be just what you need! No need to worry about lack of expertise. Just go with an attitude willing to learn. Enjoy!
(And I know two others in the April class. You’ll be in GREAT company!)
All the best,
Karen
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Weaving Rhythm Awakening
- By Karen
- January 29, 2019
- 18 Comments
All the looms are bare right now. Four empty, quiet looms. But they won’t be quiet for long. I have thread/yarn and plans ready for each loom. I hear a rumbling as the looms begin to wake up. Before long, the weaving rhythm will be fully awakened in this place!
12/6 cotton rug warp in Pear and Brass for Rosepath rag rugs.
6/2 Tuna wool in Lapis Lazuli and Almond for a 12-shaft double weave blanket.
22/2 Cottolin in Sapphire and Yellow Ochre for towels.
The room is undergoing some renovations, too.
Unbleached 16/2 cotton for I-don’t-know-what-yet. But I will soon!
Book pictured is Drawloom Weaving, An introduction to warping and weaving on a drawloom by Joanne Hall.
May you see your best dreams unfold.
Happy, Happy Weaving,
Karen
18 Comments
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Debbie says:
You are gathering quite a herd of beautiful looms!
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Hi Debbie, I can’t deny it. Each one fills a purpose. However, the reality is that I can only weave on one at a time. So I think I’m done gathering looms…for now.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Hi Kelly, I am very fortunate. This really is a dream come true for me!
All the best,
Karen
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Betsy says:
Oh, look at my baby all dressed up in a drawloom! I thought you couldn’t put a drawloom on a horizontal CM loom, but I guess you found a way. Very interesting! One of these days i’d like to see that. 🙂
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Hi Betsy, Your baby is just waiting for you to come and see her! As soon as I get her all dressed and ready I’ll let you know. I’d be thrilled for you to come out!
Yours,
Karen
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Hi Nannette, It will be fun to share how each of these develop! Thanks for being interested.
All the best,
Karen
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Alice says:
You are an inspiration, my dear!!!!
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Hi Alice, Aww, you’re sweet. I’m blessed to get to do these things.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Robyn Tanchum says:
What a lucky girl you are to have so many beautiful looms! I too am a lover of Glimakras. I love their simple beauty, the way they whisper while you weave, and the ease of treadling. Can you help me with a warping question, please? Where do you put the raddle when you warp back to front? I have tried Joanne’s method of putting the raddle on the back beam, but I would prefer to rest it further toward the front, perhaps on top of the castle or even resting, clamped, to the shafts. The lease sticks would be in their usual position per Joanne’s method.
Also, I wonder if you have any tie-up tips for the original Ideal that doesn’t have the “doorway”and extra room that the Standard has. I find the tie-ups truly tough to reach. Thank you! I LOVE your blog!-
Hi Robyn, I have never used a raddle. I just pre-sley the warp ends in a reed. So I don’t have an answer for you on that one.
For the Ideal, I do most of the tie-ups from the front of the loom. It can help to set the treadles on a box so that you can have both hands free for the tie-ups. I also usually put in all the treadle cords first, and then attach the cords to the treadles. That seems to make it a little easier. I also take breaks so I don’t strain my back.
I’m so happy to have you coming here. Thanks for asking great questions!
Karen
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Amazing! You are the Gkimakra poster child!
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Annie says:
I am so happy to see your draw loom dreams come true, Karen. Life is good!
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Almost Like Weaving Outdoors
- By Karen
- May 15, 2018
- 8 Comments
I am practically outdoors in the middle of trees when I’m weaving. It’s refreshing to weave between corner windows. That’s how it is with the little loom at our Texas hill country home. I have windows beside my other looms, too. But this is different. Here, I have windows beside me and in front of me.
Corner windows for weaving pleasure. Color-and-weave plain weave placemats on the little loom.
Nature is resplendent with ornamentation and flourishes that influence my weaving. Colors, patterns, shading, and playful surprises. They work their way into my thinking and planning. Aren’t the Creator’s designs amazing?! So, to be surrounded by all that inspiration while weaving raises the enjoyment at the loom all the more.
Colors.
Patterns.
Shading.
Playful surprises.
Color – variation, pattern – color and weave, shading – two-pick stripes, playful surprise – offset warp stripes.
It is refreshing to experience the enjoyment of nature. We need that. Our minds need refreshing, too. Our minds can be freshened up. When we grow in the knowledge of God—who he is, what he is like, and what he wants—our minds are refreshed and renewed. It’s a breath of fresh air for our thinking. Like weaving out in the middle of the trees.
May you be refreshed.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
8 Comments
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Joyce Lowder says:
I am glad you see the wonders that Christ provides; they are reminders of His presence and you add to His creation when you weave with His inspirations! Thanks for sharing your faith from God! Happy weaving! Blessed weaving! 🙂
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Hi Joyce, I’m thankful the Lord gives us daily reminders of His nearness!
Blessings,
Karen
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Beth Mullins says:
Such beautiful inspiration! You are indeed fortunate.
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I enjoyed seeing the photos of nature through your eyes. It gave me a fresh perspective. As do your thoughts on our Heavenly Father. I always enjoy your posts and learn from them.
Do you move your loom from place to place, Karen?
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Hi Annie, This little loom stays in that spot by the corner windows. Steve built the loom for me specifically for our Texas hill country home, so I could have a loom to weave on when we go there. I have two other larger looms that stay in place in our Houston home.
Blessings,
Karen
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Thank you for including photos of Texas Hill country. It is beautiful and inspirational.
The triad of purple / orange / green blessed by God.
Thank you and may God continue to bless.
Nannette
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Hi Nannette, The purple / orange / green triad in nature always seems stunning to me! Texas hill country has many visual delights!
Blessings to you,
Karen
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Copyright © 2019
Well done. It’s such a great book. I’m picking and choosing from the book – its a great way to learn.
Hi Susie, I’m glad to hear you value The Big Book of Weaving, too. It’s been a steady teacher to me.
Thanks!
Karen
Your work is so inspiring, Karen. I recall many of these projects, here and in Handwoven. Do you have a personal favorite? One that you’ll perhaps explore even further? Kudos!
Hi Beth, Thank you so much! My personal favorite is the monksbelt piece—the large multicolor runner on the dining room table. And yes, I have monksbelt ideas that I would like to explore. Another one I’d like to play around with and learn more about is the turned rosepath—the long narrow red band. There are so many possibilities!
Thanks for asking,
Karen
What a splendid presentation, Karen! You have accomplished so much, and each one is beautiful! Thanks for sharing, it was fun!
Hi Geri, I’m glad you enjoyed the presentation. It was a lot of fun for me to put together, going back in time remembering all the projects.
Thank you!
Karen
Such a feast for the eyes!
Hi Betsy, What a descriptive way to say it!
Thanks so much,
Karen
Wow and Wow! Such an accomplishment! And your lovely home showcases all those projects beautifully. Thanks for making this video and thanks for your encouragement. I’m currently doing the Jane Stafford online guild lessons with a new video lesson and project every five weeks. Sometimes it feels a bit overwhelming but I’m determined to try each one. I’ve already learned so much!
Thanks again for your encouragement and dedication, both to your weaving and for sharing your weaving and faith with others. It DOES make a big difference to many.
Hi Cindy, I know how you feel. Many times I was overwhelmed and even discouraged about completing this mammoth dream. Keep pressing on with your lessons, it WILL be worth it–I promise! And between the hard parts, I really had a lot of fun! So enjoy it, too.
I really appreciate your encouragement to me. It means more than you know.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
Hi, Karen! I remember that you recommended this book to me last July was exploring what loom to purchase for my first multi shaft loom. I ended up purchasing a small table loom, a Louet Erica Loom so decided not to purchase the book since I would not have the capacity to work many of the projects.
However, I recently purchased a larger loom and now, I believe that I will purchase this book. Thank you for sharing this and tweaking my memory of your recommendation.
Everything you make is so beautiful! You are a wonderful inspiration to a beginning weaver.
Hi Annie, The Big Book of Weaving has been my tutor. I started with it as a complete beginner. It was written as a curriculum, so it has everything I needed to gain skill and confidence. I hope you find it a great resource for learning.
Happy weaving,
Karen
That video is amazing. As I hadn’t found you then, I didn’t know that you were following this book and studying your way through it. What a lovely compilation of work and color. Thank you
Hi Karen, Only a handful of people knew I was working my way through the book. I have mentioned The Big Book of Weaving here many times, but this is my first time to mention here on the blog that I was going through the book, step by step. I didn’t want too many people to “guess” what project I would do next… 🙂
Thank you!
Karen
Congratulations, Karen! I remember when you started working through The Big Book of Weaving, but I didn’t remember it had been 7 years. What a great learning experience! Did you use all the same yarns as the projects called for?
Hi D’Anne, It’s hard to believe it’s been 7 years, isn’t it? For most of the projects I used the yarns that were called for, but in colors of my choosing. I did change a few, though. For instance, two projects call for paper yarn. I didn’t know a good resource for that, so I substituted 8/2 cotton for one, and 16/1 linen for the other. So, for those I have beautiful scarves instead of room screens, which suits me better anyway.
Happy weaving,
Karen
Karen, I’m speechless. There are no words for my admiration of not only your artistic vision, but also the incredible amount of work clearly visible in the lovely video. Thank you for all the encouragement and advice you’ve given us you worked through the Big Book. MORE happy weaving to you. Joanna
(My v. Favorite piece of your is also that fantastic monks belt. I think you captured all the lovely colors of the Texas Hill Country. It couldn’t be more perfect.)
Hi Joanna, I’m fortunate to have a place where I can talk about things that I learn! Thanks for joining in!
Every time I look at that monks belt piece, I get warm and fuzzy feelings. It’s so cheerful! I’m happy you like it, too!
All the best,
Karen
You inspire me! As you know! 🙂
Hi Kerimae, What a bright light you are! I appreciate you.
Happy weaving,
Karen
Truly inspirational. Thank you for your diligence and following the goal.
What a lesson in perseverance. Warm glow…… -Carolyn Penny
Hi Carolyn, Most worthwhile things take time and perseverance. Thank you for the encouraging words.
All the best,
Karen
Congratulations on completing such an amazing and inspirational project. I love all the patterns and the lovely colours. I have not got the book but your lovely video makes me think I will buy it. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Vida, I am very happy to hear your thoughts about my adventure! This is one weaving book I wouldn’t do without. 🙂
Thank you very much!
Karen
What an inspiration this is! Your work is wonderful. I love your color choices. Love, love love…
Hi Gail, Aren’t colors wonderful? There are so many ways they fit together!
Thanks so much,
Karen
So inspiring! I will look at my book with new eyes!
Hi Sue, This book will always be an important resource in my weaving library.
Thanks!
Karen
Wow! I so enjoy following your work, but seeing everything in one video is just amazing! Congratulations on such a major accomplishment!
Hi Maria, I’m so pleased to have you following along!
Thanks so much!
Karen
Penelope kept the suitors at bay for 10 years weaving one tapestry. What a remarkable legacy of a textile artist in 7 years!
AND.. the hand wovens are not kept in a chest to pull out and admire. Basis the hems on the towels, they are being used. Beautiful!!
Thank you for sharing. PS welcome back from your sabbatical.
Nannette
Hi Nannette, Thank you for noticing. Yes, the articles were made to be used, and they are used and enjoyed.
It’s good to be back.
Karen
One of the sweetest moments was when I saw one of my patched blankets worn to the point of being hand mended. Textiles will age one way or another. It fills my heart knowing the ones that pass through my hands are used daily.
That is sweet to think of your handiwork being used to the point of needing hand mending. I agree that the best handwoven items are the ones being used.
Karen
Wow! I am very impressed! A 10 minute video doesn’t do justice to the hours and hours of weaving work that precedes it. You are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your talent.
Hi Cindy, It’s a great pleasure for me to get to share what I enjoy doing. Thanks so much for your kind words!
Happy Weaving,
Karen