Sprang

The word Sprang is originally from the Swedish language (meaning to spring or jump) and it refers to a unique kind of textile.  It’s neither weaving nor netting - it’s more like a type of braid. Sprang is created when warp threads are systematically twisted around one another, and as a result looks a bit …

The ancient (and modern) practice of sharing yourself through craft

Anthropologists and archaeologists are often interested in how research from a related field can bring new insight, especially on the level of theory.  And this has come home to me in the past few weeks while I’ve been attending a series of lectures about the art and literature of the English Renaissance. The reason I’m …

The Huldremose Woman has more to tell us

There is an interesting story I’d like to share - which has emerged from the research of Margarita Gleba and Ulla Mannering.  Their articles are referenced below. It was sometime in the 2nd century BC, and a woman living in north-eastern Jutland, Denmark was about 40 years old - an advanced age in this period.  …

Diamonds and Broken Diamonds

Diamond twill is an ancient weave which has been identified in textiles dating back thousands of years.  I think it is a beautiful, symmetrical and versatile pattern that combines well with borders in a point twill, or with variations of beautiful 'bird's eye' designs.  (It also works quite well with a stripey warp, as you can …

A warp-weighted Tablet Weaving Loom

I’m enjoying teaching myself about tablet weaving, through some reading and a lot of trial and error.  Over the past few months I’ve spent quite a while experimenting with ways to make sure that I’ve got the right tension on the warp.  And after a few false starts, the very ancient idea of using loom weights occurred …