Plain weave – the basic foundation for textiles throughout the ages. The last class you would think I would take after weaving since 1988. And yet, it was time to get back to the purity of the basics, and create a new path of discovery and yes, play.

Vävstuga is a wonderful weaving school in the middle of Massachusetts. It’s all about Swedish weaving and Swedish looms, and band looms, and draw looms, etc. When Becky Ashenden announced that Tina Ignell, editor at VÄV magazine, was scheduled to teach a class based on her book, I was totally intrigued. I was at the point where I was tired of taking online and/or in-person workshops that were based on the jack-style loom. I needed to get to where I could experience weaving on the type of loom I have at home – an Öxabäck Lila countermarch. I’ve been tricked many times into taking advice for techniques that will not work on my loom, only to arrive back at square one. Visiting Vävstuga meant I could weave away from home as though I were at home.

There were twelve people in the class, and twelve warped looms. Four different style warps, three of each style. Each day was allocated to one of the styles of warps – rag rug/rya; wool warp; cotton warp; dented wool warp. I absolutely loved this format – typically round robin classes mean racing crazy from loom to loom and being at the mercy of everyone’s pace. Instead here, we were able to spend a full day of exploration on each configuration. You’d be amazed at how that let the creativity flow. When we had our “reveal” on the fifth day, no two projects were alike. And it was all Plain Weave!

The weavers came from all experience levels. That really added a level of perception to everyone in the group – no information was taken for granted! Each morning we had a debrief around the table. Students described their project, experiences with the different materials on a particular warp as well as any quirks for that particular loom. It was a very productive way to start the morning. Tina’s lectures were on point and intentional. Tina Ignell really is a commendable teacher. She explained things well, coached us through roadblocks, and was hands-on in all aspects of the weaving process. She can warp a loom amazingly quickly! And such joy in guiding us all. Eva was extremely helpful in keeping the looms running and helping us find the materials we chose as we went through the creative process.

With my projects, I chose to created a “finished” product, and you can see the experimentation as I progressed through my weaving.

Being there, having all the tools and guidance at hand, and being with a group a really wonderful people, I was very happy to have gone to Vävstuga for this special experience. It was sad to leave, but I have the memories, and the renewed joy in weaving that will help carry my practice forward.