Hello, friends. Lots of weaving and sewing happening here at home in the Monadnock region. We have heard and seen loons here in Harrisville, so we are sure that Spring is really here, despite the occasional rounds of snow.
Last year at the League of NH Craftsmen Summer Fair I had a few handbags available that were sewn from my handwoven fabrics. I was permitted to exhibit these pieces after successfully passing a jurying process for “stitchery” last spring. This year I hope to have a few more bags on display. Here are a couple of bags that I finished last week:
It is really fun to use different tools in the construction of the handbags. I especially love my rivet press! I have a new die set on the way for magnetic snaps.
Kitchen towels are on the loom (and will be for quite a while). I’ve finished a series of dusty pink towels and have some lemon yellow kitchen towels in process:
This kitchen towel is a pleasure to weave as there is no complicated treadling involved. A simple straight twill, the visual interest comes from the checked border. I use two contrasting colors for the borders, but you could also use one. You just can’t go wrong! If you’d like the pattern for your own files, please read more about the print-at-home pattern here.
Do you sew with your handwoven fabrics? If so, feel free to share any insights you have learned along the way. Sewing with handwoven fabrics, especially those made of wool, is a different kettle of fish. One thing I do without fail with wool yardage is interface the wrong side of the cloth prior to cutting the fabric. The extra stability (I use Pellon SF 101) prevents the slippery fabric from shifting around during cutting.
Be well, all.
Kate K.
Kate Kilgus 