CHICKPEA SEWING STUDIO: band weaving

January 28, 2015

{a pale blue band}

Norwegian Band

Life can be funny when you change your course, and lately it's been funny busy. I decided to slow down this morning, write a few letters, take a few pictures and surprise, there is almost enough time left over to work on this little space. Thank you Kathy and Gwen for your comments on the last post, they were very heartwarming.

Norwegian Band

Today I am sharing the band I finished last night. Weaving those on the inkle loom has been fantastic. Most days I would have no time for anything handmade, but I can simply sit on my bed in the evening and weave a few inches or a lot. The key is to warp the loom on the weekend. I think I could probably make one a week that way. Not industrial production, but enough to learn a few new tricks.

Norwegian Band

This band is woven out of 16/2 linen as the others, but I varied the pattern threads this time to see what would happen if I simply used what I have on hand such as Rowan cotton wool (single), Nature Spun Sport (single) and a lace weight Shibiu (doubled). Well don't fret, it works perfectly well which is good news for all of us with bins of leftovers.

Mail Day

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January 17, 2015

Baltic Band Weaving

This is a bit of a funny post to write... you see I am not sure how long this tiny corner of the internet I made for myself about 7 years ago is meant to be around.

Let me explain: I have made drastic life changes such as... getting a job outside our house, taking a break from my sponsor (BERNINA) to make time to go back to school, registered to go back to school... you see where this is going!

To make a long story short, I am attempting to become a French elementary school teacher. Right now I simply substitute at Finn's school several day a week and prepare for the French exams. This means that I am not sure how much of us should be out there and find everything feels better close to the chest. But naturally, habits die hard and if you made it through all this should searching there should be some kind of reward. How about a look at some Baltic band weaving:

Baltic band 13-3

These bands, woven in linen and wool are a traditional weave of the countries around the Baltic sea. They are used to decorate clothing, tie the top of boots to prevent the snow from coming in and close aprons over dress. They are traditionally woven using the backstrap method but an inkle loom will do.

wool and linen for narrow bands sami band Baltic band 13-3 woofer narrow bands

Notice how the two sides of the bands are completely different? I can't get enough of staring at them side by side. I just finished the first band and cannot wait to warp the loom once more. There is these little borders from West Telemark that are calling my name...

Schacht inkle loom