December 2022 Newsletter

Mysteries Revealed

Thanks to experienced and sharing instructors, I was able to weave a willow bark basket and unlock some of the mysteries of Jamtlandsdrall/Crackle Weave, all in the last three weeks. It may be a while before I try to make another basket. My appreciation for the basket makers art has only increased with this experience. Judy Zugish grew the willow, harvested and peeled the bark, then dried it for the requisite number of years, before leading us step by step through the day-long process of weaving a little gem of a basket, perfect for holding a tea light. A fun day, and a charming holiday centerpiece. 

Crackle Weave (AKA Jamtlandsdrall, in Sweden) has been a mystery to me for years. Thanks to Liz Moncrief’s workshop, turned study group led by Sheri Ward, the darkness has been lifted. I get it about the incidentals. I finished my samples. And labeled them! The really cool thing (well, one of the cool things) about Crackle Weave, is it can be changed in so many ways, even on the same warp, depending on weft, color changes, tabbies or not… I’m looking at the ANWG Conference Colors and considering a set of towels. Or a scarf. Four blocks on four shafts opens up a new world of possibilities. Thanks so much to a fellow guild member for the loan of a portable floor loom. It was especially fun with several other Guild members taking the workshop. 

At the same time, there is a simple and exciting “Weaving Adventure” happening in my studio, designed by a new-ish weaver and friend. Starting with yarns in colors she likes, my friend developed a design for a scarf, for a rigid heddle loom. She wound a wrap, from which the loom was warped and the weaving begun. You don’t always have to use a complex weave structure. Plain weave can certainly appear complex in color, texture and design. By the way, most of the yarns came from Evie’s Mom’s Stash Sale. (If you know, you know…) Sweet to be using them in such a pretty project. 

A shout out to Lynn and Wendy who have been organizing the Guild Library Books. For those who haven’t had a chance to visit the Library, it’s easy, and we have a number of newly acquired books, including some knitting and crochet resources that weavers will find useful. There is also equipment available for loan, that can help new weavers get started. Read through the member PDF that was emailed last week for all the information, including who to contact with questions. 
Here's hoping your December is safe, happy, and full of all the warm fuzzies.​

Warmly,
Carol Berry
2022-2023 President, Whatcom Weavers Guild 
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