Telemarksteppe Project

Weaving by Robbie LaFleur

The Scandinavian Weavers’ latest group project was weaving in Telemarksteppe, organized by Lisa Torvik. Lisa was inspired by Laura Demuth’s table runner in a 2013 issue of Handwoven magazine. Laura wrote:

Telemarksteppe is a technique that originates from Telemark, a county located along the southeastern coast of Norway. Using six shafts and five treadles, Telemarksteppe is a three-block weave woven on a tabby ground. This three-block structure allows for more design elements than the two blocks found in monk’s belt. Another aspect of Telemarksteppe that I find especially charming is the inclusion of weft loops along the selvedges. The loops also make frequent pattern-weft color changes easy. A color that is not used for several picks does not have to be cut because its end may be woven into the selvedge and reintroduced by making a loop at the selvedge that blends in with the other weft loops.”

This was our first group project in the new home of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, the Open Book building in Minneapolis. It was a joy to work in this bright space and also have the opportunity to demonstrate weaving Telemarksteppe to visiting students, guests, and Guild members.

Scan Weavers members used a variety of weft threads in wool, linen, or cotton. The first group of weavers had so much fun that we put a second warp on the loom. Stay tuned for more pictures as their projects are finished!

Telemarksteppe runners fresh off the loom!
Lisa-Anne Bauch
Beth Detlie
Nancy Ebner
Kala Exworthy
Brenda Gauvin-Chadwick
Melba Granlund
Jan Johnson
Robbie LaFleur
Judy Larson
Cathie Mayr
Shari Nelson
Mary Skoy
Paige Tighe
Lisa Torvik
Lisa Torvik

Comments

10 responses to “Telemarksteppe Project”

  1. Melvin Agen Avatar
    Melvin Agen

    These all look great. Can a version of this weave be done on a 4 harness loom?
    Thank you.
    Mel

    1. Lisa-Anne Bauch Avatar
      Lisa-Anne Bauch

      Good question, Mel! I have a four-harness loom at home and would also like to know an answer as well. I passed your question along to Lisa Torvik and will let you know her reply. Thanks for subscribing!

      1. Lisa-Anne Bauch Avatar
        Lisa-Anne Bauch

        Hi, Mel. I put your question to our online discussion group. The general consensus is that you need three harnesses to create the twill, which would only leave one for the pattern, so a four-shaft would not work. However, it did get us wondering how weavers back in the old days created it on their counterbalance looms. What are your thoughts?

      2. Melvin Agen Avatar
        Melvin Agen

        Maybe one could use pickup sticks to create the desired patterns. Do you all think that would work with a 4 harness loom?

      3. Lisa-Anne Bauch Avatar
        Lisa-Anne Bauch

        Yes, pickup sticks was one of the methods discussed when talking about how the old weavers must have done it. If you give it a try, please keep us appraised of the results!

  2. Karin Nelson Avatar
    Karin Nelson

    These are all lovely! So many options with color and pattern. I want to try this!

    1. Lisa-Anne Bauch Avatar
      Lisa-Anne Bauch

      Hi, Karin! Our project was based on Laura Demuth’s draft in Handwoven. You can download her draft here: https://handwovenmagazine.com/telemarksteppe-in-spring-colors/

  3. Charlotte Allison Avatar
    Charlotte Allison

    Good morning, from Texas!  I am thoroughly enjoying your newsletter!  Would it be possible for Melba Granlund to share the specifics of her tablerunner, with me?  It is something I would love to create for my son.  You see…he is adopted from Minot, ND.  Recently, though his birth mother would not meet with him, he learned he is 4 lines from Norway.  It would be so very special if I could create a true Norwegian pattern project for him.  If you can help me, I would be so very appreciative!  Charlotte Lindsay Allison, Texas

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    The Scandinavian Weavers’ latest group project was weaving

    1. Lisa-Anne Bauch Avatar
      Lisa-Anne Bauch

      Oh, how lovely that you want to create something meaningful for your son! I will pass your request on to Melba. Would you mind sharing your email so she could respond directly to you?

      1. Charlotte Lindsay Allison Avatar
        Charlotte Lindsay Allison

        Oh yes…my email: cjla422@gmail.com
        Thank you so very much!!!!

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