So Many Sources for Inspiration

Looking at old textiles can be a wonderful inspiration for designing new textiles.  In our current Scandinavian Weavers Study Group focus on Swedish art weaves, I found digital images from Swedish museums that could help with ideas for patterns and bands.  You could look at the old pieces for color combinations, or to see how they were balanced into sections.  Just soak it in.

In the Swedish DigitaltMuseum, try these terms: Konstvävnad, halvkrabba, krabbasnår, dukagång. I know there is overlap, as many pieces may include more than one of the techniques.

There are images not only of woven items, but of patterns, too.  You could use them to chart your own, combining elements you like.  For example, here is a krabbasnår pattern.