November of 2024 – Status Update

11/162024

This post can a be read, grab a teacup and sip along.

Uptown Studio

It has been a while since I posted here, largely because I have been busy in the Uptown shop at 68 West Park Street in Butte. I think it is a good time to give you an update on what I have been doing. I am entering my second holiday season in that location, and I have started to settle in and get comfortable.

In this location I have access to a full textile studio, a print making studio with etching,letterpress and collagraph presses, as well as a general area to work arts and craft projects. There is also a darkroom on site and a ceramics studio downstairs. Downstairs also features a cooperative artist gallery and a hot yoga studio. In some ways it is an artist’s heaven, creative peers and a coffee shop to get my caffeine fix.

What am I doing and who are my customers?

I started out thinking I would be offering workshops, but I discovered that people love to have one on one sessions more than workshops. Workshops seem to work best when you have an audience that all have common interests who work the same schedules. My schedule lets me teach during the day, but I really need to be home in the evenings. One reason is for caregiving and second, for work/life balance as a senior citizen. A slower pace is healthier for me. I did teach a couple of times in the Helena Weaver’s Guild this year. We had a great time, and good attendance. I will do that again if requested, mostly in late spring, summer or early fall months as driving to Helena in a blizzard is not my idea of fun even if I am teaching something I am passionate about.

Studio hours

That being said, I have committed to being in the uptown studio during weekday afternoons. I will open the shop on evenings when the Phoenix Block Building is participating in local events, like the Christmas Stroll in early December.  I will not be showing and selling in a vendor booth at a craft/vendor show.  My shop hours are listed as 1:30 to 4:30 Monday through Friday. I may be in the shop earlier, but usually it will be to set up for the day, and perhaps to finish a project or two. If you find me there, feel free to stop in and visit. Nothing is so important I can’t stop and chat with a friend for a few minutes.

What drives my work — my “Why”

I believe creative play builds stronger communities by increasing the feeling of connectedness. Through the completion of art projects together, we build healthy relationships, take risks, and improve our artistic skills. With these, we have the right tools to make a positive impact at home and in the world when we share ourselves and our talents with others.
I am building an artist community. Do you want to come play with me?

As you can see my “Why” can include a lot more than weaving.

Where can you see my regular updates?

Historic Weaving Uptown Studio

Historic Weaving Uptown Studio

For the past year I have been making my daily studio blog posts on Facebook, as the process is easy and free. Here is a link to the page: https://www.facebook.com/historicweaving/

I do not have another social media account. There is no Etsy, Instagram, X or other account. I have Pinterest account https://www.pinterest.com/etritthart/ with a sizeable following, but am not considered a Merchant on the site as I sell digital patterns, not products. With the current winds of social/political change and systematic unbalance, I’ll probably leave things this way for now. I have had the same phone number and email for more than 20 years, there is no reason to change. If you knew me then, you can still find me now. I’ll maintain the website, I own the domain, and will use it for publishing my research and patterns. But if you want the projects I make or want to commission a personal work, you can message me via Facebook, text or email.  I love making things for my friends, I also like to help problem solve if you are stuck on a project. Its part of my “why”.

My plans for the future:

I am still weaving and researching and do not plan on stopping any time soon. I have my large looms, but found I need to design patterns and project for smaller footprint to accommodate the needs of many of my friends who are downsizing. I have no need to downsize as I have second studio at home that does not impact my living situation.

I have never been a production weaver, and likely will not be one in the future. My research more often is leading me to develop patterns and kits as an outgrowth of the research work completed.

I am looking to make use of locally produced fibers, even if that means I need to produce fewer works for sale. There are no other weavers in this area with the looms that I have in my studio and the type of work I produce is usually a one of a kind. The patterns are my own, developed from whatever had happened to inspire me.

I enjoy the work that I am doing in the public sphere, I get to work with individuals, some with special learning needs, some with behavior health issues, and some who just like my company. I come out of these sessions energized rather than drained, and therefore it is an indication of the type of work best suits me. I like to weave, print and make “cute” things. I still can do serious research, but would need eventually to travel to museums to view books and textiles in special collections. Taking a long trip right now is not something I can do, maybe later that will be a possibility.

Supporting me and my work:

So if you are traveling my way (Montana cross roads of I 15 and I 90)  and want to set up a session to make a special project or take a studio tour, let me know and I will see what we can work out. If you like my research and outreach efforts and want to support me; make a purchase of a pattern set, via the website shop or purchase project from the shop on West Park St. If buying material things is not  thing because you are trying to minimalize your holdings you can donate via Venmo contact me directly, and I will the direct funds to an appropriate project.  I am working with and supporting non-profit organizations. If you want made a deduction on your tax return, we can arrange to earmark funds through one of those organizations, just contact me and we can work things out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uptown update for July

07/252023

Blue and White Warp on the LoomBlue and White Warp Under the loomToday I posted a sign trying to describe what happens in the uptown studio. This is how it reads:

 

 

 

 

We provide a safe studio environment for
people to work with their hands and
hearts to make art and recover from the
trauma of day to day living in a complex
world.

You can support our efforts best by shopping
here. Buy products that bring you joy.
Those dollars are used to purchase tools
and supplies needed to make the things
you see and many you may not see as they
part of a very personal journey.

We have no external funding or grants in
this studio. We rely on retail sales to
keep the door open for you.

That sounds so different from a typical weaver’s studio, but I realize that this studio is not about me – it is for my community. Some of my customers are the touring public, those that have just come to Butte to see the sights, somewhere between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier, or a trip to the West Coast and back again. They will never meet some of my new friends and may not even grasp the concept of the work that is being done here. Usually, the comment is: You made this by hand? They are interested in the history, the artist, and finding a product to purchase as a souvenir of their trip.

Others who come to my studio live here and are curious about a big wooden object in the window. It turns out to be a Glimakra Standard floor loom. When it was sold to me I was told it was not a full size, turns out it is a full size loom – I have over 60 inches in the beater bar.  Not something the average tourist encounters frequently in Montana. I hear the typical questions of “how long….” and now I have a new answer. It is not a matter of how long, its a matter of preserving history, techniques and the healing art of weaving. Not many artists could tolerate being on display and having frequent interruptions. I can because I am interested in learning about the people who stop by. I will eventually get my weaving completed, and I am grateful I can just step away from the loom and stop to visit with my guests. Having a loom that does not require electricity lets me do that. I also have a table and a couple of chairs in the shop so that we can work and talk together eye to eye.

Let me tell you about some of my new friends. They turn out to be from the streets, these are the homeless, the addict and the person struggling with mental health issues. I have been running a program called Afternoon Arts, it started because I learned that the local homeless shelter needed to turn out their guests at 7 am in the morning and have them return in the afternoon around 4pm. When the weather is hot like it has been or freezing cold, it can be difficult to find a safe place to stay out of the weather and stay sober. The uptown shop is a few blocks from the mission and it is near the uptown bus stop on Park Street. I probably get to see most of the homeless population walking in front of my window completing their daily tasks of looking for food, work and a place to rest their head in the evening. The Afternoon Arts program welcomes anyone, it is my hope to have my new friends meet some of my old friends so that we can reintroduce them to what normal life feels like. It is important for their continued recovery that they make new friends to help them make better decisions for their future. My experience has been that my new friends are grateful for a cup of ice water – they don’t get ice very often when outside. They love when I have some fresh oranges or apples to share. I am in awe of their response to being in a studio with art materials and they are being invited to play and talk just like normal people. Apparently, many of them have not been able to listen to music without headphones,  just hearing music that is joyful in the open air has an emotional impact. It really is the small things that make a big difference.

When you attend the Afternoon Arts classes the cost is $10 per session – we are not charging a separate materials fee. My new friends who are at the mission and have no resources are being offered a scholarship to attend for free. Those that come and pay, and those that purchase products help to cover the costs of that “scholarship”. (There is no non-profit status here).   We can provide dignity, the scholarship is there, and when my new friends are ready and they say they can afford the cost of the session, they then are helping the next person in need. When their workmanship is of sufficient quality their work will be placed alongside of mine and others and offered for sale when they choose to do so. This will allow them to purchase their own looms and materials for future projects, it is a step closer to autonomy.

I am aware I could be offending some people by inviting my new friends, but if you are willing to take the risk of encouraging someone’s new found sobriety, I welcome you to come to the Afternoon Arts sessions Monday and Wednesday afternoons. We have been doing our Pinterest Inspired projects.  You can see the schedule on https://www.eventsinbutte.com.   I have found that I have three or four budding weavers in less than a month’s time. Today, I had someone walk up to the big loom and sit down and say this looks like it would be very calming to weave on. I can not agree more, it is. But it will be a process to prepare them to be ready to weave on the large floor loom. I have two students on the inkle looms at present. One is weaving well enough that she is generating inventory that we can sell to help her purchase her own personal inkle loom to weave on rather than use the “trainer” ones from the shop. We just need to sell a couple more belts/bands. Her birthday is coming up and it would make a great present for her. Like I said before, this is not all about me. I want to see my new friends succeed in leading healthier lives. These new weavers have found that weaving helps to reduce their anxious moments. When things are overwhelming they can pick up the loom and the yarn and start to weave and soon their mind is able to process thoughts again, this is reducing the tendency to relapse as they have something positive to be addicted to.

But on a practical level, I see a change in their eyes and their hearts when they know they are welcome, respected and even loved. The external world is not often welcoming to my new friends. The studio is a safe place to go to participate, discuss and be part of, they belong somewhere even if they are homeless, or recovering from their substance abuse. They can be honest and open, and start to heal. If that is what the uptown studio offers, I think it is worth the effort.

Someone asked about my hours — I do not have employees, and I do care give and help with crisis management.   I can be called away from the shop when I am needed. I am making my best efforts into be in around 9, and available at the senior center for lunch around noon, and back in the shop by 1:30 most days.  I’m not going to be perfect, but I hope to be consistent. I do respond to texts, and voicemails. If you are looking for me – contact me and I will do my best to make sure we meet up.  I can schedule small classes or individual instruction, what ever your needs are.

What’s on the loom this week — a blue and white table runner, and soon a color and weave project for the table loom. I will be warping, using a warping mill, then weaving. The next project on the floor loom is the overshot threading/ twill tie-up from the Weavers Overshot Challenge Workshop I delivered in January. I have a good tie-up, but will be doubling the number of heddles on the loom – we will take it from 300 threads to 600.

I have also set up a number of $10 Session kits for things other than standard weaving:

Watercolor/Drawing/Pastels

Frame weaving – Potholders/ Kumihimi Started Kits/ Lanyards

Craft Stick Art/ Quilling/ Collage

If you came to the Oro Fino  to get their fine coffee you could stop by and request me to bring a kit to the table in the hallway and you and your guests would be able to sip and play together. Works great for parent child days, and best buds just getting away from it all to have some quality bonding time.

If printing is your thing, we have kits to get you started making a plate, and a group of artists meets  on Tuesday evenings for Open Print night from 5 – 8 pm. Often you will have access to two or three experienced printmakers to provide support and ensure that you have a good session on the presses.

All together we now have:

Community Printing Studio – Photography Studio – Ceramic Studio – Weaving Studio and we are working on a start up maker’s space in the building as well. If you are an artist, or lover of the arts – stop in and visit and let’s see if we can connect you even more closely to the Butte Artist Community.

 

 

 

Going Uptown

06/072023

New Loom Storefront The space Window View

 

 

 

 

Historic Weaving is going Uptown!

It will be possible to find me at Park Street in Butte. I have arranged to occupy the windows at 68 W. Park Street in Butte. From this location you will be able to visit my studio and to take classes. I will still be maintaining my home studio, but wanted to have a more public location for at least one of my looms. The Glimakra Standard pictured here is going uptown with me.  In the storefront I will be able to weave, teach and most importantly offer to the public a selection handwoven goods. Something Park Street in Butte has not seen for a while.

The space is located next to Oro Fino Coffee in the Phoenix Building, it will be hard to miss. Don’t expect it to be immediately complete, building a loom takes time and effort.  But I will leave the windows uncovered so that you can watch my progress as you get your morning coffee.  If the door is open feel free to stop in and say hello. I can take time to visit with old and new friends alike.

Stay tuned for more progress updates.

The Weavers Overshot Challenge

02/232023

Weavers Overshot Challenge Game Piece PackThe Weavers Overshot Challenge can be completed by an individual weaver or group of weavers as part of a guild one day or weekend workshop. The goal is to have a sampler that flows from color to color and row to row of pattern (at least different 8 designs) using overshot weaving techniques. The workshop is designed for 4 and 8 shaft table and floor looms. The Draft Solutions book contains both Lift Plans and Treadling drafts. No computer software required.

Time Requirement:
This challenge is intended to take 4-6 hours to draft and weave on a 4 or 8 shaft floor or table loom that has been pre-warped according to instructions.

When completing the challenge using your personal loom there is a minimum weaving skill required: The Ability to Warp a Loom.
Setting up the warp should be completed prior to starting this challenge. This process will require a weaver to determine their skill level for play and prepare a warp accordingly. It is suggested that brand new weavers should start with a loom already prepared for them.

YouTube Video showing some of the samples produced in the Weavers Overshot Challenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPBqh4_jb2Y

The Weavers Overshot Challenge has three components two of which can be ordered from Historic Weaving, and the third – the weft yarn can be ordered directly from Lunatic Fringe Yarns

Draft Solutions Workbook – https://historicweaving.com/wordpress/product/weavers-overshot-challenge-solutions-book-and-digital-files/  (One Draft Solution Book is needed for each weaver.) (If you are planning on using this package for a larger guild workshop – please contact me directly for a guild group license price). The digital draft package of files is also included in this package.

Game Piece Pack – https://historicweaving.com/wordpress/product/weavers-overshot-challenge-game-piece-pack/ (One game pack supports up to 10 weavers)

The Lunatic Fringe Munsell Color Wheel explained: https://www.tisseetfile.com/en/blogs/fils-et-fibres/dalbert-munsell-au-tubular-spectrum-%E2%84%A2-de-lunatic-fringe-yarns

Ordering Link: https://lunaticfringeyarns.com/product/3and5tubularspectrum/   You will be ordering the full set plus three additional colors – Forest, Copper and Burnt Umber in 8 oz cones for a full guild workshop. This cost can be covered with a material fee for the workshop from each participant that equals the individual cone cost plus 1/20 of the shipping fee.

 

Levels of Play:
Beginning: weavers are not expect to know structures, develop drafts or treadling sequences. Beginners will make use of this book to obtain the necessary tie-ups, treadling sequences and lift plans to match the cards drawn from the Beginning Shuttle Pattern Deck – Rows 1-23. Beginner patterns will be the same across the whole warp.
Intermediate: weavers will be expected to begin to develop textile analysis skills by being able to devise and follow a treadling sequence that match the pattern cards drawn from the Beginner Shuttle Deck.
Intermediate weavers should be able to warp their own looms. Intermediate weavers will be working with a warp that has a reversing motif in the threading.
Advanced: weavers will begin with the intermediate level challenge, but also have the ability to manipulate the tie-up and can design or use a predefined treadling “tromp as writ” that matches the current threading.

Ultimate:
Use the instructions for the motif builder to generate a brand new overshot threading pattern based on historic overshot coverlet patterns. Weavers will generate a pattern that will fits the number of threads in their warp, it will be unique to each individual.

 

Summary of The Weavers Overshot Challenge Learning Goals:
Overshot weaving while appearing to be a simple, even quaint structure is quite important to the understanding of weaving fundamentals.
Overshot is a structure that is part of the twill family. It was discovered that tie-ups could be changed to use most twill patterns.
An overshot draft can be woven on a wide variety of looms, with a 4 or more shafts. Overshot drafts can be woven face up or face down, or modified to include both design possibilities on both surfaces.
The different parts of the drafts (threading, tie-up and treadling) can be changed, and the weaver can still produce a beautiful, useable cloth. The possibilities can be almost infinite. We changed pattern rows, tie-ups and lift plans to demonstrate this property.
In this challenge changes were made to portions of weaving drafts but did not change weft fiber grist, setts, or color sequences in the warp. There are many adaptations that can be made in these areas as well.
Weavers learned about textile analysis on and off of the loom creating a draft from picture of a textile.
Participants who made use of the Motif Builder module also learned how to create overshot threadings from motifs to make an entirely new set of designs to explore.

Welcome to the New Studio

09/012022
New Studio

Studio construction is complete, and now it is time to settle in and get back to business. Fall is around corner and you know that cooler weather and shorter days means it is the beginning of weaving season.

I will be available for lessons/workshops Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. I can be available for a few Saturday workshops this fall as well. Please contact me (406-640-1651) to set up a session for you and your friends. I teach in my studio small groups, up to four students, but I can also make arrangements to make use of a larger space in Uptown Butte for larger groups when needed.

The cost of individual lessons is $25 per hour if you are providing your own loom and materials.

If you are taking a “Weave with me” workshop,  cost is $55, Workshops are 4 hours long and include instruction time and weaving time. You will have access to a warped 8 shaft table loom, and materials to complete a project.

Pre-warped 8 Shaft table looms can be rented for $25 per session. Looms stay in the studio at the end of the session.

I am also open for a weaver to bring their tableloom, or foldable wolf pup and be a visiting weaver in the studio for a few hours. If you need no instruction but just want the company of another weaver, what I ask you to do is give me a call so I can be sure I have a space ready for you.

I can also help you diagnose what is happening with your loom or your project. I do not offer repair services as I do not have a wood shop, but I do have a reasonable tool kit to make minor adjustments as needed.

My fun for the fall will to be set up my looms for holiday projects starting in October, I will let you know what projects are available on the looms and you can schedule your visit to make your handmade presents for the family this year.

Here is my invitation:  Come and “Weave with me” this fall.

Studio has easy access from I90 and I15. Located on South Montana St.

If you want to book a multi day session we can accommodate you. There is a Discovery KOA around the corner in the summer, several nice hotels with in a mile, and if you were into private guest rooms we have a modest one of those as well. Our goal is to have you enjoy your stay and have a pleasurable weaving experience.

 

 

Historic Weaving and 2022

03/302022
View from the West

It has been a crazy start to a new year. The Historic Weaving studio has officially moved from Bozeman to Butte, MT. An in-state move that gives me better access for students and fellow researchers. Butte,MT or Butte America as the locals refer to it is a unique place in Montana, at the intersection of I-15 and I-90, it is centrally located. Butte offers great history, entertainment options, outdoor sport access, and for me the opportunity to have a studio on the Main Street – Montana St. I choose to locate the studio approximately 2 blocks from the South Montana exit on I-90. It is an easy on and off of the Interstate, with two convenient gas stations on the right side of the road. There is also a great coffee/lunch stop on the left side of the road if you are famished when you get here. The studio is located behind my home, and is visible from Montana St. According to the zoning rules, no signage is allowed, but finding the only green building on the left side of the road while driving South will not prove difficult.

Some of the great features of the studio so far: there is a driveway that can handle up to a 35′ Class Motorhome with ease. I am planning on setting up full service connections in case they might be needed. For now I can access 30 or 50 amp electrical service from the outside of the studio. It’s nice to know you can safely pull in and have your own space to rest your head. If you prefer a full service campground, Butte offers a KOA Discovery a few blocks away (Kaw Street – off of Front St).

If you were to fly in: Butte has a regional airport served by Major Airlines: SkyWest Airlines, United, Delta all fly non-stop to Butte.

Currently, we are in the process of setting up the new studio space, converting a 24 x 24 garage into a studio to house the Drawloom and the AVL Dobby loom. It will also include space for the “Weave with me” workshop looms. The studio will be insulated, well lit and air conditioned with a heat pump. Opening is expected some time in the summer of 2022.

If you traveling across Montana or cross country you will want to put Historic Weaving on your itinerary. You will find the new location both comfortable and convenient.

Until the studio conversion is complete, I am not planning on offering classes to the public. I am spending my time researching new historic designs and working exclusively with table looms and working on the studio construction. I welcome visits from friends and fellow fiber artists who understand what it is like to be in transition for a long period of time.

One of my other tasks for the year is to bring Handwovensforsale.com to life as a marketplace for handwoven goods to the public. I will not have a retail storefront here in Butte at the present moment. I am willing to market handwoven goods made by artists other than myself. I am in the planning phases thinking about what that could look like and what resources might be needed that I do not already have.

Book Review – The Big Book of Weaving

11/202021
Big Book of Weaving

The Big Book of Weaving – Handweaving in the Swedish Tradition: Techniques, Patterns, Designs and Materials by Laila Lundell has been my reading selection for the past few weeks. There are books that you speed through and they give you great ideas. This is a book that is perfectly suited for winter months when you can take time to digest a section before moving on to the next.

As an experienced weaver, I was not sure that this book would have many surprises for me. I was wrong. In each section I was able to pick up a new tip or trick that I had not yet tried.

The book is a wealth of information for weavers making use of Swedish style floor looms, there is an excellent write up of dressing a floor loom using the front to back method in which the weaver pre-sleys a reed instead of using a raddle.

Laila also describes in detail the hanging of counter balance horses, as well as detailing the set up of lamms and tying them up.

There is also a great explanation of how to adjust the shed on a countermarche loom.

This book has often been used as a textbook for new weavers wanting to know how to get started with their first floor loom. The project sequence starts from the very beginning using plain weave and moves through pattern weaving. The author presents both 4 and 8 shaft projects for each type of weaving.

Projects that I found quite interesting – “Kitchen Towels with Small Blocks” that can be woven with 16/2 cotton. In this project Ms. Lundell also offers a complete project plan for weaving the bands needed for hanging towels. A great mystery solved!

I found her explanation of reading and writing warp sequences helpful for planning striped warps. She also explains how to adjust these sequences to meet the needs of your loom width and your particular project.

If making a drawdown from your draft is difficult there is also a easy to understand section in the book that describes in detail how this process is completed.

The most stellar explanation for me as an experienced weaver was the section on warp spacing where she explains how you can use multiple ends in warping at one time and how they are to be pre-sleyed into the reed so that you do not need to cut ends or use a raddle to spread the warp.

The author also discusses Rag Rug making and planning and loom set up in detail. If making a rag rug for the first time you will want to review this section before setting up your next project.

There is a section on Warp printed fabric, in which she discusses materials for the dye, and the process of applying the color to the warp in detail. This is a planned future project for me.

I was fascinated by the Inlay weaving technique descriptions:
• H-V Technique
• Russia
• Dukagang
• Small and Large Dots
• Loop Technique
• Kilim
• Crabba
• Half Crabba

There are also detailed instructions on how to make use of a cartoon on a floor loom.

The author explains the use of a temple and the problems that it can solve for you.
The book contains detailed instructions on how to construct measuring templates for pattern repeats and for plaids.

This is a book that I expect weavers will consult often.

Best Quotes:
“Weaving truly is a big journey of discovery!”

“Choosing the right materials for a weaving takes a lot of knowledge. It’s a good idea to train your eyes and fingertips to become familiar with various materials and to learn about their special qualities”

“Producing and comparing a variety of swatches, some good an some not-so-good, will help you tremendously when you plan a new project”

Project Summary:
Kitchen Towels with Small Blocks
Striped Kitchen Hand Towels
Twill Rag Rug
Striped Pillows
Color-Effect Mohair Throw
A Small Alpaca Throw
Small Reverse-Treadled Rag Rug
Cord-Striped Bags
Checked Fabric
Long Table Runner in Rep Weave
Large Checked Rep Rug
Rosepath Band
Cotton Summer Curtains
Bags with Bead Panels
Large Alpaca Shawl
Decorative Rosepath Weaving
Boa with Rya Knots
Slit Rya for a Bench
Dice-Weave Pillow
Double Width Throw
Decorative Weaving with Paper Yarn
Paper Yarn Screen
Warp-Printed Fabric
Half-Linen Mats
Inlay Rag Rug
Old-Fashioned Weaving
Rag Rug x 2
Bathroom Mats
Alpaca Scarf
Four Decorative Sample Strips
Transparent Interior Furnishing Fabric
Furnishing Fabrics x 2
Room Divider
Cotton Baby Blankets
Linen Table Runners and Hand Towels
Coordinated Furnishing Fabrics
Colorful Pillows
Picnic Blanket
Woolen Baby Blanket

Link to The Big Book of Weaving on the weaving resources page:
https://historicweaving.com/wordpress/weaving_resources/the-big-book-of-weaving

Book Review – Next steps in weaving

10/052021

Today, I completed my reading of “Next steps in weaving” by Pattie Graver. I am glad that I picked up this book at my local library because I found it to be filled with a logical step by step process of learning about structures using a 4 shaft table loom.  The Book covers Twill, Color-and-Weave, Overshot including Mok’s Belt, Summer and Winter, Lace – both Atwater Bronson and Huck.

In each chapter Pattie explains the new structure in detail and presents both a sampler project and a functional project for the weaver to complete. The samples are going to weave up in an afternoon or evening, the projects will take a bit longer. The goal of the book is to have the weaver get used to making samples that are completed separate from a project warp, and are used to explore the inner workings of pattern design possibilities using only changes in structure.

Best quotes:

I became a “weaver”; that is, before I was able to progress from “knowing how” to “knowing why”.

My desire to get weaving was far stronger than any longing to understand weave structures.

You’ll gain experience much faster by working on smaller piece and you’ll have fewer surprises when you do move to full projects.

 

Projects:

Scarf of Lucky Colors

Hydrangea Bouquet Scarf

Contemporary Overshot Towels

Summer and Winter Placemats

An Atwater-Bronson Lace Table Runner

 

The project that I will be completing from this book are the samplers. I have been weaving on 8 shafts or more for a while I have yet to explore all of these structures on a 4 shaft loom.

My favorite project to try will be the shadow weave. In this book Pattie Graver provide a very thorough explanation  of how Shadow weaves can be created from twill drafts. I have not seen this type of explanation before.

Link to Next steps in weaving on the weaving resources page: https://historicweaving.com/wordpress/weaving_resources/next-steps-in-weaving-what-you-never-knew-you-needed-to-know

Book Review – Spin to Weave by Sara Lamb

09/302021
Spin to Weave - Cover

I have a need to learn more about hand spinning for a planned handwoven project.  I went to my local library and found this book to use as a reference. Things I like about the book,

There many tips and hints on handspinning fiber for weaving – there are a number of projects with details on how to spin the yarn and how to set up the loom, and further how to assemble the project which include patterns, and sewing instructions.

The book also contains plans for a PVC yarn blocker made from 3/4″ PVC pipe.

Noteable projects, I would like to try:

  • Tibetan Jacket
  • Hooded Scarf
  • Kimono
  • Half Damascus Edging

 

Favorite quotes from the book:

“Spinning yarn for weaving is no more difficult than any other spinning. Take the time to spin & weave as often as your schedule and interest allows and make samples with your yarns.

There will be times when your yarn doesn’t function as well as you would like or doesn’t look the way you imagined, but the more projects you spin and weave, the more successes you will have. Make lots of samples.

Make lots of things. Look critically at your work. Make more. And, as if by magic, one day you will realize that you know just what yarn you want to make, how to make it, & how to weave it into the perfect cloth.”

 

“There is no substitute for doing the work.

No talking about it.

No wishing or thinking about it.

No reading about it.

No journaling about it.

No daydreaming about it.

No repeating truisms will teach you what the fibers have to say,

Nothing beats doing it!”

 

Thank you Sara Lamb

 

 

Here is a link to the Weaving Resource page for the book, you can find it in your local library or via a ecommerce retailer like Amazon.

https://historicweaving.com/wordpress/weaving_resources/spin-to-weave

 

 

 

 

The Historic Reticule Project

07/132021
Historic Reticule Project

The Historic Reticule Project began with a trip to a museum just prior to the pandemic of 2020. It was the last trip I would be able to take to a public venue for the entire year. Little did I know at the time it was the beginning of a time of intense research from my home studio. Follow a researcher’s progress from concept to cloth. The entire process occupied my loom for the better part of 6 months. I was not in a hurry as there was no place to go.  I share with you my candid process videos, the draft files from profile to final draft, *.wif files that you can load into your computer processing software. Experience the designer’s process starting from a historic object and moving to a final contemporary piece of Overshot weaving.

The learning begins with photographic textile analysis, moves to drafting and sampling to verify that the theory is correct before committing to the final warp. The entire package includes 19 drafts, and 9 woven samples. During the process I took time to video my weaving critiques of the work and the learning I had along the way. This a rare insight into what goes on behind the scenes in my weaving life.

To purchase the Historic Reticule Project Package: Click Here

Your purchase of a project or package from this website, helps to fund my historic weaving research. Thank you for your support.

Polychrome Tile Project

06/092021
Polychrome Tile Pattern

At the beginning of the Pandemic, I found myself spending more time researching digital archives of some of the best Internet sites. I came across pictures of buildings that lead me to believe the architects where inspired by weaving drafts. I set about figuring out what type of draft the designers were looking at and developed a project to recreate it.

The project is for a table runner. The project can be woven on an 8 shaft table or floor loom. The project includes both WIF files and PDF copies of the draft for those that are not using weaving software.

Included in the package is a basic warp calculation for the materials needed to complete the project if you set it up as I did.

Click Here to purchase the downloadable package for The Polychrome Tile Project

Polychrome Tile Project

100 Horizontal Stripes Project – using stripes to create handwoven Christmas ornaments

06/092021
100 Horizontal Sripes Cover Shot

Need to make something unique for your weaving friends and family this year? I have new project plan just for you. Using horizontal stripe patterns you can create a beautiful Christmas tree decorated with one of a kind handwoven ornaments that you design and personalize.

Over 100 patterns and drafts to launch your imagination, with no upper limit to the designs you can create on your own. There are no loom size or shaft restrictions to to hold you back, every pattern can be woven on every loom, by any weaver regardless of skill and experience.

Package includes instructions, 100 drafts in .WIF format, and a new painless pickup format that uses Microsoft Excel. No worry about having drafts that are too small to read, with Excel you can enlarge them easily without a loss of resolution.

With more than 100 drafts you will also get a digital catalogue PDF of the draft files and photos of each draft as it was woven to use as an index to the draft collection.

Tree Project ExampleMoose ExampleClick to purchase your copy of 100 Horizontal Stripes Project:

Just Getting Started Weaving?

04/222021

Are you a new weaver?

Are you confused as to how to get started?

There are now four online instruction modules available from Historic Weaving designed to ease you into the weaving world.

I use these modules when I teach in person with my mobile weaving studio.  The looms I use for my instruction in my mobile studio are Ashford “Katie” table looms. While the looms are small in scale and quite portable, the methods that I present are the same ones used by professional weavers weaving on large looms. I present new tools with the methods to save time and effort and provide excellent results.

Clicking the links below will take you to the shop pages for the individual products:

Illustrated Weaving Glossary

Warp Calculator

Getting Warped

Drafting Solutions

New online instruction – Getting Warped

04/222021
Getting Warped

Do you struggle with warping your table loom? Would you like to reduce the time it takes to warp your next project  while reducing threading errors and tension issues?

Learning to warp front to back can make your weaving look better and be less stressful. Spend more time designing and weaving than you do dressing the loom.

This method of warping works for both table looms and floor looms.

The illustrated guide contains many photos fully document the process and tools.

Instruction includes an example project to ensure you have the chance to practice your new weaving skills.

The concept of project planning is included and you can see how a warp calculated project worksheet is used to build a warp.

Click here to purchase – Getting Warped

Openings for Getting Warped

04/062021
Getting Warped

Getting Warped

Local weavers, I have found there are 2 spots open in the next running of Getting Warped (April 12/13) and in the Historical Horizontal Stripes (April 26/27) Adult Continuing Education classes running through Bozeman Adult Education.

 

What will you learn:

Getting Warped: Beginning Warp Calculations (planning the warp). Using a Vertical Warping Mill, and Front to Back Warping on a table loom using the reed. You will plan, warp a loom and weave a project in 4 hours of class time

 

Historic Horizontal Stripes: How they were used and where to find them using Art pieces on display in museums, and online research. Discover how they were created using standard looms, not just tablet weaving or drawlooms. Learn about the earliest weaving books and what they have to offer to weavers today. Learn new weaving techniques using loom control and pickup without pain. You will also weave horizontal stripes of your own during 4 hours of class time.

 

Time and Location Mon/Tue 6pm to 8 pm, at the Willson School on the second floor. (Accessible as there is an elevator if needed).

 

Cost of workshop is $47. Looms and materials and handouts are provided.

 

To Register: look on the list on the left side of the page. It’s about half way down. https://bsd7.revtrak.net/Registrations/