In putting together a “Nordic News and Notes” column for the Norwegian Textile Letter, I noticed that a new textile-related webinar was up on the

In putting together a “Nordic News and Notes” column for the Norwegian Textile Letter, I noticed that a new textile-related webinar was up on the
With the year almost finished, I am going back to complete some posts languishing in the drafts folder during my busy fall. This is a
To help a curator at the Nationalmuseet in Oslo, Norway, would you answer a few brief questions? Please answer by December 10. Unless you want to add
Our Scandinavian Weavers Study Group of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota has a show up at Red Wing Arts Depot Gallery in the beautiful southern Minnesota town of Red
Frida Hansen’s work can inspire in so many ways – technique, bold color use, images, and inventiveness, to name a few. When Gail Thompson attended
The first two sessions of my Frida Hansen wool open warp transparent tapestry workshops were so surprising, in a marvelous way. I offered several designs
I was an invited speaker for the London Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers today; sadly, only via zoom. It would have been fun to
The Frida Hansen transparency workshop for the San Diego Creative Weavers’ Guild was two and a half days long, beginning on Saturday afternoon. During those
Our enthusiastic workshop students met in the Zuest Family Spinners Cottage at the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum – motto: In rust we trust.
I was so relieved to hit the WordPress “publish” button yesterday to send out the new issue of the Norwegian Textile Letter. I felt tangled
I received a Google alert today; my name appeared in the (Mason City, Iowa) Globe Gazette; the linen table runner I donated to Vesterheim Norwegian-American
Today I will have the great fun of giving a lecture on Frida Hansen’s tapestry, Sørover [Southward], to a LIVE audience at Peter Pap Oriental
East Coast friends! Please join me for a wonderful opportunity to view Frida Hansen’s monumental 1903 tapestry, Sørover [Southward], at Peter Pap Oriental Rugs in
Half of the student projects in my Frida Hansen wool transparent tapestry class were highlighted in this post. Here’s what else was happening around the
As the students in my Frida Hansen wool open warp transparency workshop were diligently weaving, I often walked around with photos to illustrate various aspects
Those who follow my work know I am a fan of Frida Hansen’s wool open warp transparent tapestries. I spent time carefully examining pieces made
Impact Coffee Trivia Night in Decorah, Iowa, was especially festive in honor of Gay Pride Week. A substantial crowd sat on lawn chairs, draped in
Frida Hansen wove her wool open warp transparent tapestries on a vertical loom. When I was preparing a class on the technique, a prospective student
A Baby Wolf floor loom occupied the end of our dining room this summer. I borrowed it to experiment weaving a small Frida Hansen wool
I’ve been working on my Frida Hansen passion project and preparing for my workshop next week at Vesterheim Folk School. It’s not easy bringing order
The high point of my visit to the new Nasjonalmuseet in Oslo in June was viewing an object I know well, the Baldisholteppet, a Norwegian
A Minnesota woman named Karen Davis sent me a photo a while back, wondering whether I could tell her anything about a tapestry pillow-top inherited
Save the Date! Our Scandinavian Weavers Study Group of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota has an upcoming show at the Depot Gallery in the beautiful
I contacted the Nasjonalmuseet in Oslo before my trip to Norway and Sweden in June. I wanted to see the extent of Frida Hansen materials they have
When I finished my week-long weaving adventure at Sätergläntan in June, I had no idea what fun and adventure I would pack into a whirlwind,
I finished the ends of my rug woven at Sätergläntan recently. That meant it was time to take a photo on my neighbor’s red porch.
Almost everyone has had the experience of seeing an art work in person and having an “aha” moment. Oh, that’s why it is a big
I had a few reasons for taking this weaving course at Sätergläntan. I’ve heard about the school for years, and thought it might be fun
I often write blog posts to document events and projects for myself, and my current Scandinavian trip is very memory-worthy! I had just a few
People with purchased or inherited tapestries of likely Norwegian origin keep finding me and asking if I know anything about their unidentified objects. Sometimes I
I leave for Norway on Saturday! I will stay with my friend from weaving school (Valdres Husflidsskole), Inger Berit Myhre, to begin. She lives in
I recently ran across some random woven remnants and samples in a box. I liked the colorful, complex monksbelt pattern of the piece on top.
I’m teaching my first workshop in Frida Hansen’s wool open warp transparency technique in September. I’m weaving small samples now.
I finished my rug in doublebinding, part of a group warp with the Rag Rug Study Group at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota. (See also,
Musing on all the reasons why weaving a rag rug is so much fun
The mystery of the designer of the Norwegian tapestry of St. Olav and the Troll Woman remains unsolved.
The last days before I hit “publish” on an issue of the Norwegian Textile Letter feel like a blur of details. Which articles have the
I’m excited for a road trip to Milwaukee next week, for the opening of the blockbuster exhibit at the Milwaukee Art Museum, Scandinavian Design and
I recently heard from a Canadian with a wonderful tapestry. I hope there is a reader who will bring it from the category of mystery
Our Scandinavian Weavers Study Group of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota set up a group warp in telemarksteppe technique.
Before my husband and I travel to New York City, I pay special attention to reviews of gallery and museum exhibits. I had a flicker
“Czech” it out – the knights and grapes tapestry mystery is solved! When Helen Wyld from Edinburgh, Scotland purchased this beautiful tapestry, she thought it
Does anyone recognize this tapestry from 1948? It’s a mystery!
This set of transparencies for sale by Blomqvist are quite lovely; there is less than a day left to bid. The last time I checked,
Alert! This may be boring for those uninterested in tapestry design and weaving process! I’ve come to the top of the vase section in the
I wove a piece in Vestfold, a Norwegian coverlet technique, in 2000. It was displayed at the Annual Exhibition of Weaving in the Norwegian Tradition
In the Frida Hansen design, Amoriner, there is a bold butterfly. The modest-colored Minnesota butterfly in my design, the Poweshiek Skipperling, has a sad story.
I’ve begun to weave the piece described in my previous post, “Wool Transparency Warp Testing with Frida Hansen Flowers.” In my Frida Hansen still life,
Please come for cookies and lefse and to see the Valley Grove Tapestries at Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church in December. (The Open house
The day I decided to weave a small test on my pipe loom coordinated nicely with the onset of a terrible cold. I dragged my
The weather in Minnesota turned quickly frigid and windy. That seems like a good time to weave Frida Hansen flowers in a vase, doesn’t it?
I am deep into research on the open warp wool transparencies of Frida Hansen and her followers. At the same time I am deep into
The Valley Grove tapestries visit Minneapolis, at Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church from Nov. 20-Dec. 30, 2022. Open House: 1-4 on Tuesday, December 13. Gallery talk at 3.
Since I traveled to Norway on a fellowship from the Scandinavian-American Foundation in 2019, I have learned much about Frida Hansen’s open warp wool transparency
I was recently asked if I have information on two sets of transparent tapestries. Who designed and wove them? Where and when they were woven?
The four Norwegian tapestries brought a new spark of color to the spare 1862 Valley Grove stone church this summer. Now the leaves on the
This summer was so packed with writing and weaving and family activities that important days seem distant, as other experiences layered on top. My experience
The Valley Grove tapestries arrived at my house last week, in their new custom box. There was plenty of space to add materials for the
The Valley Grove Tapestries have been in the stone church this summer, and there is a great opportunity coming up to see them in their
My friend Carol Johnson loves spending time online, ferreting out special deals and spectacular Scandinavian textiles, usually from Sweden. For example, see my earlier article,
Nille Glæsel from Tønsberg, Norway, has been researching Viking clothing for years, and sells patterns through her website. She posts on Facebook as NilleViking Glaesel. Because
The latest issue of the Norwegian Textile Letter includes an article about an unusual group of rose-patterned rutevev (geometric weave) tapestries found in southern Norway,
A blockbuster summer at breakneck speed: I can hardly believe how much has occurred in the past three months. And yet, I wish I had
Our beloved, high-maintenance cat Buzz was diagnosed with diabetes last year. He requires twice-daily insulin shots, making our vacations more complicated. A lovely vet tech,
I love the unexpectedness of the varied works in “A Common Thread,” the 22nd annual member exhibit at the Textile Center of Minnesota, July 26-October
Weaving a very abstract wheat field at a workshop with Fiona Hutchison.
The final tapestry is done! see the blog post for a fun image of the meadowlark switching from photo to woven image.
Valley Grove Tapestries: An Open House Saturday, June 25, 2022, 10am-2 pmValley Grove Church, 9999 155th Street E., Nerstrand, MN 55033 There will be two short
Please come for an official unveiling of the four Valley Grove tapestries on June 25 at the beautiful stone church. Valley Grove Tapestries: An Open
The first three Valley Grove tapestries were hung in time for a Syttende Mai (Norwegian National Day) celebration at Valley Grove. One wall features “Oak
Would you like to see the Valley Grove tapestries in person? The first formal unveiling will be at the Syttende Mai (Norwegian National Day) celebration
The Reverend Nils A Quammen was the longest serving pastor for Valley Grove Church, from 1867-1908. Born near Bergen, Norway, in 1839, he immigrated to
The Valley Grove tapestry project came at an opportune time to coordinate with another project. Minnesota filmmaker Paul Krause had been working around two years
Some people get lots of likes on Instagram for glamorous selfies in fancy restaurants or resorts. On my feed, the Valley Grove animals became minor
My friend Josie Owens asked if I was attending our book group last week. I said I could only listen to the discussion of Cloud
It was enormously fun to be at the Winter Show at Peter Pap‘s booth to be able to talk with visitors about Frida Hansen’s newly-rediscovered
The border of Frida Hansen’s 1903 tapestry, Southward (Sørover), has surprising details I saw only after much study and listening to the observations of others.
It’s April, and it’s not the Armory, but it is still the iconic “Winter Show.” When the show was postponed due to Omicron, the Armory
Tonight is the opening for the Winter Show, the premier art, antiques, and design show in Manhattan, and Frida Hansen’s monumental tapestry from 1903, Sørover
The rediscovery of Frida Hansen’s monumental 1903 tapestry, Southward (Sørover), was an amazing find. When it is exhibited and for sale by Peter Pap at the Winter Show in
I’m going to be discussing my all-engrossing tapestry project for the Valley Grove Preservation Society in a webinar sponsored by Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum on Wednesday,
The Valley Grove tapestries are intended to pay homage to historical Norwegian weaving from the golden age of tapestry in Norway, from about 1600-1750. So
The hardest part so far in the tapestry of the skiing pastor has been weaving the angles of the skis and ski poles evenly and
The recent discovery of Frida Hansen’s missing tapestry, Southward (Sørover),* was a marvelous find, but it wasn’t her only work that is missing in America.
Every time I publish an issue of The Norwegian Textile Letter, I feel the content is rich and that many weavers and textile lovers will
While designing tapestries, I look through images of historical tapestries for inspiration, for graphic elements and use of pattern. I glanced at a card in
Primary images in the second Valley Grove tapestry are the stone church and a Ladies Aid member. Women of the Valley Grove Ladies Aid raised
I have almost reached the point of weaving the Ladies Aid woman in the Stone Church Tapestry. Her figure celebrates the group that was instrumental
During my initial Valley Grove tapestry design phase, I thought I didn’t need to weave the words “Valley Grove,” nor did I even need to
The second of the Valley Grove tapestry quartet focuses on the original stone church, built in 1862, and the women of the Ladies Aid who
Primary images in the second Valley Grove tapestry are the stone church and a Ladies Aid member. This new tapestry underway has so many details
Tapestry: Changing Concepts at the City Art Centre, 2 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE, Scotland 13 Nov 2021 – 13 Mar 2022 Artists include: Jo Barker,
What is it that everyone knows about tapestry–OK, maybe art in physical form in general? Photos are always inadequate! Thank goodness I was able to
The first Valley Grove Tapestry was displayed for a few minutes at the church, so it could be included in an upcoming documentary about the churches.
Valley Grove tapestry border animals include a Poland China pig, a breed favored by farmers in the region, probably only cute when woven in wool.
Next up in the Valley Grove tapestry border: a pocket gopher. Did you know they chew fiber optic cables?
The first Valley Grove tapestry is a celebration of the oak savanna, and I’m happy the centerpiece oak is done. I wrote about the importance
I wrote in May about a 1925 tapestry by noted Norwegian artist Frida Hansen, “The Little Mermaid.” (See the full post: “Another Missing Tapestry Mystery
A common exclamation by a Minnesotan driving on a country highway, walking on a trail, or glancing at a ditch by the woods at dusk
The American Tapestry Alliance member discussion list chooses a new topic each month; September’s is the design process. Questions include, “What does your design process
At the end of 2020, when I was planning the cartoon for my tapestry Burn 2020, I read about an upcoming exhibition of members of
The first of the Valley Grove Church tapestry quartet has a theme of animals and an oak tree, and it is finally underway. (The gold
This summer I was lucky to participate in a program from the Iowa Arts Council and Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum: Folk Art Education Re-Envisioned:Teaching Traditional Handcrafting
Over the past few years I have come to know the billedvev (Norwegian tapestry) collection at Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum very well. In June I
My daughter-in-law Maggie texted me two photos last night that made me happy. Here’s the story in a few photos…
I am warping the Glimåkra tapestry loom for the first of the Valley Grove tapestries. Such a debacle. I wound the warp for all four
See a short video on the iconic Norwegian Wise and Foolish Virgin tapestries.
I am a friend of the Swedish artist Anna Olsson–or rather, I see her marvelous tapestries as a Facebook friend. I’d love to meet her
I’m feeling a bit pressured and crazed about the one-year deadline for the Valley Grove tapestries. All four are conceptually planned. Three are close to
Putting together designs for the Valley Grove tapestries is an enormous puzzle. I want to use every opportunity to reference something from the history of
The Three Wise Men bringing gifts to the infant Jesus were popular figures in Norwegian tapestries of the late 1500s-1700s. Many of these Adoration tapestries
A graveyard flanks the Valley Grove churches, filled with interesting memorials–some very old, some quite recent. My tapestries will hang in the stone church next
Today I highlighted many of my favorite works from Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in a “Collections Connection” talk on Zoom. It will be produced as a
I am giving a short lecture on Zoom tomorrow (June 8, 2021, 12 noon) for Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, Collections Connection: Billedvev (Tapestry Weaving). You can
Help find a missing Frida Hansen tapestry, “The Little Mermaid” from 1925.
I wrote recently about the challenge I hadn’t fully appreciated in planning this project: weaving four tapestries is not the hard part; designing four separate
The “What was I thinking?” phase This project started with excellent planning, a well-written proposal, and the excitement of acceptance. Now I’m trying to pull
I have smart friends who haunt online auction sites and snap up rare Scandinavian weaving books and beautiful weavings. I’ve often been envious of their
Last summer and fall I worked with a marvelous team at the Valley Grove Preservation Society in Nerstrand, Minnesota, near Northfield. They were interested in
The catalog from the Baldishol Exhibit at Norway House is a beautiful reality!
Yesterday I gave a zoom presentation on the life and work of Frida Hansen for the St. Louis Weavers Guild. It was fun, I think
I’m so happy that the bonfire tapestry is complete, the first I wove on my upright Glimakra Regina loom. During the last part of weaving
Watch. In the past few years I have given a lecture on historical Norwegian billedvev (tapestry, or literally “picture weaving”) several times in person, and
Smart readers! Who can help with this mystery tapestry? Recently I was asked: I have a tapestry that is about 135cm x 105 cm which
I was so happy to publish the new issue of the Norwegian Textile Letter last night, a special issue on Vestfoldsmett, a brocading or inlay
If you haven’t been watching the weekly “Textiles & Tea” interviews done by Kathi Grupp with the Handweavers Guild of America, there is already a
People know my interests and send me stuff. This morning, two friends sent a link to this article: A Mystery Inscription on ‘The Scream’ That
I have a Norwegian Hagen tapestry loom and I often get questions about it. A couple of interesting things popped up in the past month.
I know I am not the only weaver who tapes photos to the loom, but I was thinking about it today as I had a
The upcoming issue of the Norwegian Textile Letter will focus on Norwegian Vestfoldtepper. This post is about the pieces I have woven in the technique.
Norwegian Tapestry Lecture I will be presenting a zoom lecture on Norwegian billedvev, “From Virgins to Spaceships: A Visual Voyage Through Norwegian Tapestry,” through Livsreise,
Many of you already know about the work of my good friend Annemor Sundbø, from Setesdal in Norway. Next week you can tune in to “Lunch
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