Classic (and classy), with clean lines and simple designs that are visually pleasing, is what comes to mind when describing the handwovens in Connie Westbrook’s Simply Scandinavian class.
Connie brings so many of her own beautifully woven pieces as samples of projects suitable for the students. We’re sure choosing just one or two to weave is not an easy decision to make!
Some very fine threads go into these woven treasures, used for special occasions or everyday. We remember one of our weaving instructors saying that handwovens are meant to be used on a regular basis. Only when they’re part of the collective memory of family and friends over time, are they considered heirlooms. This is true of any work done by hand.
We are fortunate that a few of our instructors live year-round on Washington Island, Connie being one of them. In the summer of 2003, she saw a weaving demonstration at the Art and Nature Center’s “Art in the Park” event. Connie said, “I was mesmerized and knew that this is what I wanted to do.” In September 2003 she took a Beginning Weaving class with Jean Hutchison and Louise French. Buying a Sievers Loom was the next step just a few months later and then, going on to take 17 classes at Sievers, she not only expanded her weaving knowledge, but included other interests such as sewing, basketry and more.
Connie began to offer weaving classes at Sievers in 2010, including Handwoven Towels, Handwoven Bags & Totes, Techniques for Texture & Dimension, Holiday Handwovens, Terrific Towels, Handwoven Handspun Fabric and Simply Scandinavian. Three of her articles have been published in Handwoven Magazine, two with a Washington Island-based theme. In addition, Connie worked part-time with us from 2007-2016. Whether in the Sievers Shop or helping us prepare the studios for classes, her many spot-on suggestions, myriad talents, and tasteful touches still remain. We all agree that whatever Connie touches is made better.
is Connie Westbrook
Meanwhile, outside the studio, the fall colors are reaching their peak, especially these past few days. There isn’t a road or view untouched by autumn splendor. There’s bound to be some busy days ahead for the Sievers camera!
Wow! A feast for the eyes! Beautiful!
Thank you for the great newsletters, Carolyn!!
Love, Lynn Schuster
Hi Lynn,
Thank you for the thank you on the newsletters! How can we be so lucky to have so many best-of-the-best instructors and friends, including you!
Hugs,
Carolyn, Ann and Cindra
In a world of mass production it is good to see that handcraft continues. I wonder if any of us knows what it takes to get from source of fiber to finished product such as flax, a green plant to a thread.
Sievers is such a great place to remind us of the art and craft of it all. To humble us as to what it would take to produce everything for the home. Baskets, table linens, wearables including knitted items
So true, Mary! All those hours, from the initial materials to the finished product add up to a lot of love. We’re glad to have some part in bringing that to our students and visitors. Take care, Carolyn
Absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks, Nora! We missed seeing you this summer. Perhaps we’ll cross paths in your neck of the woods instead!
Carolyn
I didn’t have a chance to take a class from Sievers summer of 2023. But I recently read the winter 2023 issue of Threads magazine and saw Sievers highlighted on page 65. Also, page 82 contains an article about Temari, a Japanese art that I was introduced to four years ago at Sievers and have been enjoying every summer since then. I just love Sievers and have taken classes there for about 20 years. It fills me up.
Hi Pam! We knew there was going to be a feature in Threads with Sievers included, but weren’t sure when it would be published. We’ll have to pick up a copy and how interesting that Temari is included in the same issue. Such a unique subject. We’re glad to have been offering it as a class. Thanks for your kind words and take care!
Carolyn
I so hope this class is offered again in the future. Definitely on my wish list
Hi Kathleen,
This class has been a favorite for several years, so we’d love to offer it again!
Thanks! Carolyn
What a great reminder of what defines an heirloom! Lovely photos as always too.
Thanks, Jane! It’s so true that handmade things tucked in closets and drawers should be used and shared. Every home deserves hand crafted treasures!
Happy fall from all of us!
Carolyn
Beautiful and a wonderful tribute to Connie.
This is a class I would love to take
Thanks for the lovely comment Jennifer! We’re so glad Connie shares her love for weaving and her talents in this and her past classes. There are so many appealing projects in the Simply Scandinavian class, we’re always glad to offer it in our schedule.
Take care,
Carolyn