Weaving is a universal language with a thousand different dialects. Many of the Scandinavian Weavers group are ardent travelers, roaming far and wide to learn more about global textile traditions. These are some of their stories.
Nancy Ebner is a true globe-trotter—and wherever she travels, she always takes time to take classes in local weaving traditions. Here, she learns Diné-inspired tapestry on a portable loom in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona.
In a previous trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, Nancy wove on a 2-harness, Rio Grande loom. “Rio Grande looms are also called “Walking Looms” because you stand at the loom, instead of sitting at the loom and step on the treadles to work the harnesses,” Nancy explained in a blog post. “They are counterbalance in nature, so they generate an excellent weaving shed.”
These were just a few of the SIXTEEN pieces Nancy wove and/or finished between April and August of this year. (We’re pretty sure this is a group record!) She shared them at a fall Scandinavian Weavers meeting.
Nancy’s recent travels include a class in rep weave at Vävstuga Weaving School in Massachusetts, where she wove the rug below. (See link below) Which side do you prefer?
Nancy also studied Norwegian billedvev (tapestry) with Laura Berlage. Below is her rendition of the traditional Wise Virgin motif.
Nancy cleverly used her samples from a Swedish weaving workshop to make pin cushions. They are displayed here on a weaving she did in Norwegian flesberg technique.
Finally, a photo from a trip Nancy led to Peru, through The Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development.
“I enjoy the weaving itself,” Nancy says of her travels, “and the connection it creates to people of other countries, backgrounds and cultures.”
Below, a cultural exchange. Nancy’s tapestry atop a Norwegian skillbragd she wove during a Scandinavian Weavers group warp. (See Skillbragd post.)
Meanwhile, Judy Larson attended the Väv2025 weaving conference in Gävle, Sweden. While there, she visited the Dalarnas Museum in Falun and took these photos of a knitting exhibit.
Following the conference, Judy traveled to Vävstugan (The Weaving House ) in Tingsryd, Sweden. Here, weavers of all levels are welcome to work on one of 23 looms in a variety of traditional Swedish techniques. (See link below.)
Judy wove this beautiful blue blanket in 8/2 cotton on a drawloom. She wove the piece below BACK SIDE UP, using Opphämpta technique on a drawloom. Congratulations, Judy!
Go to Part Two of this post for more weaving journeys!
Links:
Scandinavian Weavers Study Group 
Leave a comment