Velkommen til Simply Scandinavian, our last class of the 2021 season. Connie Westbrook was kind enough to offer it twice this year, in June and October, and both times focused on projects with the clean lines and simple designs of Scandinavian weaving. Like the class held in June, Connie shared her beautiful handwoven samples and ideas, offered afternoon fika (not just for Swedes, it’s time for friends to take a pause, share a cup of coffee or tea and a little something to eat), arranged for a guided tour of the Stavkirke and created a welcoming atmosphere for her students. From an array of weave structures and patterns including Halvdräll, Monk’s Belt and Scandinavian Snowflake, students wove table linens, pillow […]
Patterns
From the crisp, clean patterns of Scandinavian weaving to the infinite patterns created with Shibori resist-dyeing, to twill patterns for beginning weavers, there have been a multitude of patterns in the first few classes this season. We begin with Connie Westbrook’s Simply Scandinavian weaving class and her beautiful handwoven samples including table linens, garments and home décor pieces she brought to inspire the students. Like the samples, each student’s project was unique and beautiful. Each afternoon Fika was served (should’ve taken a photo of those treats!) and a tour of the Washington Island Stavkirke were both extra-special additions to the class. There is no end to the patterns that can be achieved using indigo and the Japanese technique of Shibori […]
Keeping up with keps
After a few warm days, we’re back to a typical Washington Island spring, which means temperatures in the 40’s, a northerly breeze and the need to keep our hats and gloves close by. Recently, those who sponsor the annual Shetland Wool Week announced they are unable, again this year, to conduct an in-person event. Today they released their free Shetland Wool Week 2021 hat pattern. Last year’s Katie’s Kep was so well received, they asked the same designer, Wilma Malcolmson, to design the 2021 pattern. It is called Da Crofter’s Kep, honoring the people who work the land and care for livestock in Shetland. We are offering these kits using Jamieson & Smith’s 2-ply jumper weight yarn for Da Crofter’s […]
