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
Wool Transparency Warp Testing with Frida Hansen Flowers
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?
Frida Hansen Transparency Technique–Research in Pixels and Yarn
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
From the Oak Savanna to the Lake: The Prairie Grove Tapestries visit Minneapolis
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, Nov. 29. Gallery talk at 3.
Frida Hansen’s Wool Transparency Technique and the Search for the Perfect Warp
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
Do you Recognize these Transparent Tapestry Designs?
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 Valley Grove Tapestries on Tour: October 2022, Duluth
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
Molly Elkind’s “Weave a Minime” Workshop at Convergence
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
Upcoming Exhibit at the Nordic Center in Duluth
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
Valley Grove Tapestries on Display
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 $7 Online Auction Find: A Skillbragd Weaving
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,
Authentic Viking Clothing in “The Northman”
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
Roses on Rugs, All Over the Place
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,
I Missed Great Exhibits in Norway this Summer
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
Rutevev cat collar?
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,
Bonfire Tapestry in the Common Thread Show
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
“Concept of a Wheat Field,” Woven at a Wonderful Workshop
Weaving a very abstract wheat field at a workshop with Fiona Hutchison.
Valley Grove Tapestries: Putting Together the Pieces of the White Church Tapestry
The final tapestry is done! see the blog post for a fun image of the meadowlark switching from photo to woven image.
Reminder of the June 25 Open House–The Last Tapestry is Done!
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: Open House, June 25, 2022
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: The First Three are Unveiled
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: The First Unveiling
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: The Skiing Pastor Tapestry is Complete
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
Watch a New Documentary: “Valley Grove: A Living Tapestry”
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: The Woven Animals Become International Instagram Stars
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: Taming the Tangles of Thread Tails
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
Frida Hansen’s Southward Tapestry: A Conversation Recap
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
Frida Hansen’s Southward: Musing on the Border and People who Live Near the Ocean
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.
Sørover (Southward) at the Manhattan Winter Show
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 Frida Hansen’s Rediscovered Tapestry will be Revealed
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
“Mermaids and Swans:” Another Missing Frida Hansen Tapestry
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: A Webinar Update
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,
Valley Grove Tapestries: Adding Graphic Elements from Historical Norwegian Tapestries
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: Skiing Pastor in the Colorful Woods
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
Missing Frida Hansen Transparencies in Hawaii
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.
The Norwegian Textile Letter Celebrates a Rediscovery
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: The Skiing Pastor
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: Ladies Aid Woman
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: Tapestry 2, Chicken 1
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: Tapestry 2, Words
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: Tapestry Two, the Stone Church
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: Tapestry 2, Roosters and Slow Progress
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 (a crabby review)
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,
Cordis Exhibition Visit
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: Testing No. 1 in Place
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: Badger, Coyote, Poland China Pig
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.
Valley Grove Tapestries: Pocket Gopher
Next up in the Valley Grove tapestry border: a pocket gopher. Did you know they chew fiber optic cables?
Valley Grove Tapestries: The Oak Tree Centerpiece
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
A Fugitive Frida Hansen Tapestry in Hawaii–Some More Clues
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: A New Animal Emerges
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: Deep into Design
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
My Bonfire Tapestry is in ENGLAND
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
Valley Grove Tapestry #1–Finally Underway
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
Woven Wise and Foolish Virgins–the Video
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
Investigating Norwegian Billedvev: an Online Tapestry Talk
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
A Weaving Timeline that makes me Happy
My daughter-in-law Maggie texted me two photos last night that made me happy. Here’s the story in a few photos…
Valley Grove Tapestries: Warping Woes
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
Pondering the Wise and Foolish Virgins
See a short video on the iconic Norwegian Wise and Foolish Virgin tapestries.
I Love the Idea of Weaving a Faucet
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: The Great Oak
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: Adding Angels Above the Arch
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: Working on Animals
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: In the Graveyard
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
Collections Connection Talk: Mixing Historical Motifs in Norwegian Tapestry
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
Collections Connection: Billedvev (Tapestry Weaving)
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
Another Missing Tapestry Mystery to Solve: Frida Hansen’s Mermaid from 1925
Help find a missing Frida Hansen tapestry, “The Little Mermaid” from 1925.
Valley Grove Tapestries: What Was I Thinking, Part Two
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
Beginning the Valley Grove Tapestry Commission
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
Norsk Folkekunst: Kvinnearbeid
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
Valley Grove Tapestries: A Year of Weaving Work Ahead
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
To Cap the Year-Long Baldishol Celebration
The catalog from the Baldishol Exhibit at Norway House is a beautiful reality!
Zooming: Super Great, But I Miss Real People too
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
Bonfire, Complete
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
Billedvev: Watch, Read…
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
A mystery tapestry–Perhaps with Princesses?
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
Vestfoldsmett in the Norwegian Textile Letter
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
My “Textiles and Tea” Interview, and The Wise and Foolish Virgins Pop Up Again
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
Russian, Norwegian, Swedish: Mixed-Up Fun
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
Oh, Those Rare Hagen Looms (Not?)
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.
Taping Photos to your Loom, and the Fire Tapestry Progress
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
Vestfoldtepper (I Made More than I Remembered)
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.
Scandinavian Lectures and Classes to add to your Calendar
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,
Scandinavian Textile Zoom Talks
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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