Karen A. Holmes

Happy Wedding Day

14″ x 33″
Warp and Tabby Ground Cloth – 10/2 mercerized cotton In color number UKI #117– Stone. Weft – 5/2 Perle mercerized cotton in color number UKI #000 – Bleach White

NFS

Bio: Karen Holmes learned to weave 10 years ago. She enjoys weaving useful items, such as table linens, towels, shawls, and scarves, both for herself and to give as gifts. Her Swedish and Finnish heritage beckons the exploration of Scandinavian styles of weaving. Daldräll is a Swedish weaving style that Karen just learned a year ago. Karen also makes time for watercolor painting, gardening, and enjoys classical music.

Description:I discovered the pattern for this table runner in a Handwoven magazine from 1997, which was in a stash of old magazines I bought at the Weaver’s Guild. This pattern caught my attention, as the author of the article mentioned she needed to weave a gift for three weddings that year. I was planning to weave something special for two upcoming weddings, a year apart. This pattern is called a “Name Draft” – thus the title “Happy Wedding Day.” In a name draft, each letter of the alphabet is assigned to one of the four shafts on the loom. This can be done either systematically or randomly. This seemed rather magical and I was intrigued how this could work to create something so lovely. I was also thrilled that someone else had worked it out for me. It seemed serendipitous to find this pattern named “Happy Wedding Day” with two upcoming weddings in the family! I have now completed three of these table runners in various lengths, all in neutral colors, like stone and silver grey with white. This one I might keep for myself, but if there is another wedding soon, I am ready!

Regarding the Scandinavian Weavers Group: The Scandinavian Weavers Group provides opportunities to gain experience and learn together. Members offer advice and helpful suggestions, whether it’s an individual or group project.

karenaholmes@aol.com