October 2021 Newsletter

Finally, the season of making is upon us! What are you creating? We have some fabulous inspiration for you this month. A project on our largest loom—the Cranbrook—plus cozy spinning fiber for sale in our online shop and the launch of a new class! Stay cozy this fall.

Lee’s Surrender Coverlet

designed and woven by Karen Ruckle Gardner

Woven on the Cranbrook Loom

As a young child visiting my great aunt in the nursing home, I would love to sneak to the lower floor and watch as residents wove blankets on large floor looms. I dreamt of weaving my own blanket. When I married and moved to Charlottesville, Virginia, over 30 years ago, I walked by a shop selling Schacht looms and offering classes. I went home with a table loom that day—a far cry from those big looms in the nursing home, but just as exciting. Superfine merino sheep originally from Morehouse Farm in New York entered the picture in 1990 and our flock continued to grow and produce amazing wool. . . . Once I owned sheep and a weaving studio, I dreamed of weaving a coverlet with my merino wool. I have a copy of Of Coverlets and have envisaged weaving every last one of them. I had eyed the Cranbrook for years and schemed a plan of how to acquire just one more loom. The shop had a great space that called its name. I wanted to weave on this beautiful loom, as well as have it available for others who share the same dream.

I chose Lee’s Surrender as my first project because it is the pattern shown on the Of Coverlets introductory page and I found it to be such an inspiration. I continue to dream of bringing the whole book to life through weaving the patterns one by one—even if I have to finish in the nursing home.

Find the pattern here.

Beginning Rigid Heddle Weaving Course Launch

Are you ready to explore rigid heddle weaving? Learn to warp and weave on a rigid heddle loom, and make a set of coasters. We’ll teach techniques including plain weave, weft stripes, clasped weft, inlay, and rya knots. You’ll learn to secure your weft with hemstitching and finish your coasters using a variety of techniques. They will make the perfect gift or be a great addition to your home.

This course is ideal for a new rigid heddle weaver who is ready to get their Cricket out of the box and begin weaving. Even the yarn and tools come with your Cricket loom!

Learn more & purchase here.

Spinning Fiber from Greenwood Fiberworks

We have gorgeous colorways from Greenwood Fiberworks in our online store! Choose from beginner-friendly fiber like Targhee or Falkland, or dive into luxury with Yak/Silk and Polwarth/Black Bamboo/Silk.

Head over to our store to check out our selection and start spinning up your next great project!

Purchase on our Specialty Products page.

NEW Spinning Wheels Video

If you haven’t seen our new video, check it out! Learn about the features of each wheel and choose the one that fits you best.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel here.

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