Tapestry Weaving

The first tapestry weaving at my Icelandic Textile Center residency

The first tapestry weaving at my Icelandic Textile Center residency

When applying for this residency, I designed a project working with Icelandic fleece. I wasn’t even sure I would be get my hands on any raw fleece, but I managed to find a source through the friend of a friend and have been playing with the little bits I have. I am looking at how Icelandic works for tapestry yarn and getting a lot of spinning practice in in the process.

I had to work with the fleece I was able to get. A little bit of it is outstanding, lots of it is spinnable but not great, and some of it is not going to make the tapestry cut though I have been considering trying to spin it for knitting.

My tapestry yarn woven test includes these sources. All but the fleece I purchased either at the Handknitters Association of Iceland in Reykjavik or in grocery stores in the rural north. The Plotulopi came from the Kidka Wool Factory Shop in Hvammstangi.

  • raw fleece

  • Einband: a lace-weight singles yarn made by Istex that is quite nice for tapestry

  • Plotulopi: the traditional unspun roving sold in plates

  • Lettlopi: mostly I’m making a pair of traditional mittens from this, but it actually weaves quite well also. Worsted weight.

A new beginners tapestry course, a loom/yarn kit, and a holiday beginners bundle!

A new beginners tapestry course, a loom/yarn kit, and a holiday beginners bundle!

Before my Colorado Trail hike I made a new tapestry course which has just gone live. For years many of you have been asking for an intro course that is less of a commitment than Warp and Weft. This course leads into Warp and Weft but it is also a stand-alone class that can help you figure out if you want to do more tapestry weaving. I am also collaborating with Gist Yarn in their roll-out of their new tapestry yarn, Array. They are offering a kit that includes my course.

And finally if you know someone who wants to dive into tapestry, I’m offering a beginners bundle for the holidays that includes a signed copy of my book, The Art of Tapestry Weaving and the Introduction to Tapestry Course along with a bonus. All the details are in this post.