Finally finished, but it really only took me about a month because I worked on it a lot due to being inside the house for most of the summer. I'm very happy with the finished product even though I'm not too enthusiastic about the short fringe but, if that's what Matt wants, then it's just fine.
I started a Swedish weaving tablecloth for my friend, Mary, last winter but got bored to death with it and set it aside. It's dark green fabric with dark green yarn as a border. It's too boring for me when I use the same color fabric and yarn but it does look beautiful when it's finished. I doubt I'll ever do another this way, though.
I have one more long, long, long row all around the tablecloth to do and it's not going to be fun for me but I know Mary will love it when it's done. Then I can start on my sister-in-law, Marilee's afghan which will be ecru fabric with different greens for the yarn. I'm looking forward to doing that one.
How can I get patterns for your beautiful designs?
ReplyDeleteI would love it also . Beautiful
DeleteI mainly use Avery Hill's patterns but I like to alter them to suit my vision. I do think the best way to find Swedish weaving patterns is through Ebay. One of my favorite booklets is the "Diamond" which sells for around $7 and has all the patterns you'll ever really need.
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm new to Swedish Weaving and I have a question about prepping the Monks cloth for before starting. I don't know whether you mind if I ask but here goes. I bought a pkg. of Monk's cloth 2 1/2 yards x 60". Well my pattern says my finished piece should be 44" x 68" long including fringe. My question is... do I cut the cloth first to that size then sew about 2" in with a straight or zig zag seam fringe a bit, find my center then wash? The big question is cutting the cloth. Thanks for your help in advance. I can't wait to get started!!
ReplyDeleteNo!! Don't worry about your finished size because the cloth will shrink when it's washed (it's supposed to do that). First you zigzag stitch the raw ends twice so it won't unravel in the wash. I wash mine in hot water on gentle cycle because that shrinks it without causing too much pilling. You will love your project but try to use a simple pattern for your first attempt. Also it is very important to find your center of the fabric by counting every float before starting. I don't worry about the center of the length of an afghan because I can adjust those ends when I'm near done but the center of the width should be out no more than 1 float. I know you'll love this craft and I hope you send me a photo of your finished project!
ReplyDeleteIn regards to this question, please clarify for me. I have finally found huck toweling and cannot wait to get started on a project, picking up on what I had learned in 4-H many decades ago. I will cut my fabric into smaller pieces. Are you saying I should secure the edges but do not shrink the fabric? Thank you for your answer.
ReplyDeleteHuck toweling or fabric might require prewashing, too - just to be safe and sure that it won't shrink. Also, Aida can be used - both huck and Aida fabrics use floss and perle cotton, NOT worsted yarn. Monk's cloth is 7 stitches to the inch and worsted yarn IS used along with a flat bodkin or a curved one.
DeleteNO knots are used. So be prepared to finish all the edges in a way you like. Decide fringe or no fringe / hem all around or not. But always stitch around the edge BEFORE washing/drying or a mess will ensue. The preparation isn't fun but the actual 'weaving' is!
I use monk's cloth and not huck towelling but I think it's the same process. I'd zigzag stitch the raw edges before washing in hot water on gentle cycle. Then I dry in a hot dryer to make sure the fabric is completely shrunk. I still have lots of monk's cloth but I know it's harder and harder to find now...I buy mine at Joann's Fabrics but can only get it in white and beige. Good luck on your project and send me a photo when you're finished, okay?
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