About my world of weaving
About the weaving
The images you see here are a sampling of my work. Most are woven on triangle looms ranging in size from 3 to 7 feet as measured across the longest edge at the top while on the loom. Once the piece is taken off the loom, it may be slightly smaller depending on how the yarn was stretched while on the loom. Fringe will add additional length. Some pieces are woven on the straight grain, others on the bias. This will impact the drape and how the piece stretches while on a body or hanging. Different techniques and types of yarn are used to produce a variety of styles. For easy care, most of my weaving use quality acrylic fiber. Occasionally a blend with wool or other fiber may be used. If the particular yarn used has a tendency to fray, the fringe will be knotted at the ends. This depends more on how the yarn has been spun than on the type of fiber used. Contact me if you have specific fiber requests.
Tartans and plaids
If I have included the word “tartan” in the name of one of my weavings, it is based on a tartan found in the Scottish Register of Tartans. I have used the threadcount and colors listed there to create an interpretation of that tartan adapted for the triangle loom and the type of yarn used. Similar weavings that do not specifically use the word “tartan” in the name are either my own designs or are tartans which I have largely modified in some way.
On a tartan sett (repeat pattern), the size of the weaving will impact how much of the sett you see repeated. When I plan my weaving, I frequently place one of the pivot points of a tartan at the center top. This is often the overcheck in an accent color. Depending on the sett and size of the weaving, this may appear only once as an accent stripe, and may, or may not, be repeated further toward the edges of the weaving. Modifications to this design may be possible if requested.
Tartan setts are often woven in several different color pallets. “Modern,” “ancient,” “weathered,” “muted,” and “reproduction” are terms associated with different color renditions. There are also different setts and colors for hunting and dress tartans of the same clan/name. This can make choosing a personal tartan a bit confusing. All this is in addition to the fact that you do not necessarily need to choose a tartan that would traditionally belong to your own clan/name or district if you find a different tartan more to your liking. In fact, while the use and weaving of a few tartans is restricted, in this day and age of cultural celebration, you do not even need to be of Celtic heritage to wear and display most tartans for pure enjoyment.
The world of tartan is big and expanding all the time. Contact me if you have questions or are looking for something in particular and want to explore possibilities
Pricing, Orders, & Custom Work
Prices for triangle loom weavings, including tartans, are as follows:
3-ft $55 4-ft $65 5-ft $90 6-ft $125 7-ft $185
Shipping and tax based on your location. Payment through PayPal invoice or other arrangements.
Some of the weavings shown here are available for immediate purchase, others may have sold but are able to be reproduced depending on the availability of materials. Modifications to all sizes, designs, and colors are possible. Simple changes in design or color are no extra cost. Special materials or other changes may, or may not, incur additional charges. If you have an idea in mind, contact me and we will work together to bring it to life.
About the Artist
Educator, librarian, historical reenactor, dancer, gardener and artist…. I have dabbled in many art forms throughout my life. Currently my focus is in fiber art, primarily as expressed in frame loom weaving.
I crave color. It is the primary focus behind all my work. My interest in all things of bygone days often reveals itself in the subtle blending of muted tones. However, with reds and purples being my favorites, occasionally a riot of bright, vibrant colors finds its way into my palette. There, modern fibers, colors, and sparkles live in harmony with historical techniques.
Texture is the second most important element of my work. As a child visiting galleries, I had to walk with my hands clasped behind my back to keep from reaching out to touch the paintings. My parents repeatedly reminded me, “Look with your eyes, not with your hands.” Through fiber arts, I have found a way to immerse myself in texture as well as color, where touching is not only allowed, but required, as part of the creative process.
After living many years in the cold north country of Minnesota, I presently reside in the Kansas City area where I frequently demonstrate triangle loom weaving at festivals and public events.