“Domestic to Decorative”: Warp-Weighted Loom Demo

Thanks to Melba Granlund and Peg Hansen who demonstrated weaving on a traditional Scandinavian warp-weighted loom at Red Wing Arts on November 18, as part of the Scandinavian Weavers exhibit “Domestic to Decorative: The Evolution of Nordic Weaving.” Visitors were fascinated by this ancient weaving technique, and Melba and Peg looked their finest in their Viking garb!

Melba Granlund explains the history of the warp-weighted loom to visitors (dogs included). Melba teaches classes in warp-weighted weaving at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, North House Folk School, Shepherds Harvest, and other venues.

Red Wing Arts is the perfect space for weaving on a warp-weighted loom: Plenty of room and lots of sunlight!

The big loom always draws a crowd!

Peg Hansen demonstrates rya weaving on the small warp-weighted loom she built in Melba’s class at North House Folk School. (Notice the deer antlers.)

Any weaver who has used a warp-weighted loom will tell you the slowest part of the process is tying on the loom weights.

Yes, still tying on rocks!

Our beautiful Viking maidens!

For close-up photos of Peg’s handmade loom and the saga that inspired it, visit Robbie LaFleur’s blog post here

From Domestic to Decorative: The Evolution of Nordic Weaving