Sievers School of Fiber Arts

Learn, refresh and reflect

Simply Scandinavian

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Simply Scandinavian or simply fabulous? Definitely both! Connie Westbrook’s class focused on the clean lines and simple designs found in Scandinavian weaving.  A table of beautiful samples and Connie herself wearing one of the Washington Island Scandinavian Dance Festival costumes became points of inspiration for the students to weave heirloom-quality table runners, towels, scarves, shawls, pillow covers and more.

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Yards and yards of towels were woven and for some, then it was onto the next project.  If you laid down all the weaving done in this class, end-to-end, you might not reach Scandinavia, but you would certainly reach the hearts of anyone with Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, Finnish or Icelandic heritage!

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Each reveal prompted oohs and ahs, and you can see why!  A lot of weaving time was evident in each of the students’ finished pieces and well worth each throw of the shuttle.

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If all this isn’t enough, Connie set aside time each afternoon at 3 pm for Fika.  Fika is Swedish for “a coffee break that’s more about socializing than drinking coffee. And something sweet is also welcome.”  It’s not easy to get students to stop each day in the midst of their weaving projects but no one can resist just-baked Swedish coffee bread, triple chocolate cake and almond bread served with lingonberries.

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Simply Scandinavian is simply beautiful!

Comments

  1. Oh, Carolyn! Your photography is stunning! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story that is so close to my heart!

  2. This was just magical to see! Some of my friends were in the photos…what a lovely group and gorgeous outcomes. I think Fika would have been my favorite time!

    Again, love the photos!

  7. So much beauty! And you capture it so well in word & picture Carolyn! Now I KNOW I need this class!!! (Even if I wasn’t Norwegian – with a tiny bit Swedish) Connie’s weaving is so inspiring! I see Sue in the pictures with beautiful work.

  8. I always enjoy having fika in the afternoon- a family tradition in my family as long as I can remember. The class looks like it was fun & VERY productive!

    • Having fika as a family tradition sounds like the most wonderful thing! You’re right, it was both fun and productive. We’ll look forward to seeing you next year, Linda!