Friday 17 April 2015

Other Obsessions - Tablet Weaving

I call this nested or double Thor's hammers
As well as loving painting, I also still have a passion for textile arts.  I have always felt like two different people, one who draws, paints, prints and the other who spins, knits, weaves, sews. I often wish I could find a way to combine the two.

A lovely Finnish Band
In a way, I do, my colour sense has been very much enriched by studying paintings and learning how to mix my own shades and this feeds in to my textile work.  My use of fabric and sewing in my mixed media pieces has enriched the texture of my paintings.  The cross-over is happening!

Very subtle colouring in this band
I used to enjoy weaving, but it is very time-consuming and looms take up a lot of space.  I made the decision 10 or so years ago to no longer weave and I sold my looms.  Instead, I now make woven bands using an ancient weaving technique called tablet weaving.  Using square tablets with holes on each corner, threaded with various coloured yarns to create the pattern.  It sounds so simple, but it is wonderfully complex.

There are so many variations and patterns out there to try that can keep me happily weaving  for the rest of my life.

Here you can see the tablets at the top
The looms are small, the investment in fibres is small(ish) and even the tablets are easily made out of playing cards.


I love that I can carry an entire loom around with me too!


A Russian design
A Palette of Fibres

17 comments:

kaslkaos said...

Oh my gosh, those are gorgeous! Especially LOVE the green Russian design. I crochet, same thoughts, working with colour in both mediums are similar, but for me, crochet is too relax and do something creative but easy (I find art very challenging) so I keep things simple in crochet to rest my brain.

Chris Lally said...

You're right. Now I can see how different creative expressions influence each other. What an awesome post! Your photos are all beautiful, too. I told my husband I would like to try weaving with the square tablet. He's still shaking his head...

Rolina said...

Oh, go for it, Chris, tablet weaving is such great fun!

Rolina said...

Thanks Kaslkaos, I find the tablet weaving to be very absorbing and a good counterpart to the constant decision-making that is necessary when I paint. Tablet weaving is strict and analytical and that, oddly, soothes my brain!

Jennifer Rose said...

I have to try this! :D might have to figure it out during the summer :)(unless I make it to second year and then the summer project might become a priority :p)

Linda said...

How gorgeous, Rolina!!! :)

Sue Marrazzo Fine Art said...

You are so TALENTED!!!

Rolina said...

Thanks Linda and Sue, it is a fascinating method of weaving and I am slightly addicted!

Jennifer, oh do give it a go, it is such fun.

AprilRimpo said...

Gorgeous. I used to work on my glass jewelry in the evening, but I'm so busy with my painting now I don't do much glass work any more. So glad you have time for both.

Kathy Elliott Art said...

Oh, wow! These are so lovely! You talents are impressive! I loved seeing the talisman also!!

Rolina said...

Thanks, April, I must admit, the tablet weaving does take a back seat while I am painting so much, but it is OK, I just do a little bit when I can.

Thanks Kathy, no talent needed, just dogged determination, lol!

Sheila said...

So cool! I have never heard of this before, thanks so much for introducing me to it. It does sound, oddly relaxing. Love seeing what you are up to Rolina :)

Win Dinn, Artist said...

Wonderful bands - I can see how you've been drawn to mixed media and hope that you're busy incorporating your lovely bands into some of your paintings!

Rolina said...

Thanks Sheila, I had read about it many years ago at reports of historical findings at digs, so that captured my interest. Little did I know that I would one day be doing it!

Win, I can't figure out how to incorporate them, maybe with the talismans?

Unknown said...

So lovely! I have never heard of this before either.

stapeliad said...

You are all kinds of amazing Rols. <3 Such PRETTY COLORS........ I'm so glad I do not have a fabric and yarn addiction.

I can definitely see the cross-over in your work, you are brilliant. I really mean that.

Rolina said...

Thanks Jessica, you are so kind. I love having a range of yarns to choose from, it really is like painting without the mixing, although when it comes to dyeing...