All It's Cracked Up to Be

Well, I began the "crackle" experiment with a rug. I used some material that had been given to me just to do the experiment. I was a synthetic chenille which I could not think of another use for. But the results are beautiful. The crackle pattern is one that I modified to result in the size I was looking for. Take a look at the finished product here. As you can see, the results are astonishing. I was amazed that the pattern took on an almost living quality in the finished rug.

Rust Colored Crackle Weave Rug

Charcoal Colored Crackle Weave Rug

Here are the two rugs that I wove. Both are from the same pattern which, as you can see, has an interesting orderly pattern while at the same time being broken or "cracked" like the glaze on an antique piece of ceramic. This is where the weaving structure gets its name, crackle weave. I find that the resulting pattern has a modern and traditional look  at the same time. I guess that is why I like it so much. I hope that I can use this technique to make rugs and things over the years ahead.

As it turns out, I did get an order for a smaller rug to be made using the crackle weave structure. Here it is, a meditation rug made of rug wool. This is more of the application I wanted to see the structure used for.

Custom Made Crackle Weave Meditation Rug

 You can see the "crackle" look in the pattern, yet the pattern is clearly visible, radiant, even alive. The unobtrusive and yet vibrant appearance will not dominate a room, but it will attract comments.

I think you will agree that these rugs are truly unique.

Always Something to Learn

I have always had a fondness for the intricate detail of overshot pattern weaving. The numerous variety of colonial patterns provides me with ample source material for applying tradition to my current creations. Even with only a four harness loom, I find abundant inspiration from history. After 18 years I have not even come close to reaching the limit of using traditional patterns for my newest projects.
However, I am always exploring other weave structures that I can apply my loom to. In this search, I have recently found what is called "crackle weave." This structure originates in Sweden, where it is called Jamtlandsvaev, or something like that. It is certainly difficult to pronounce in English so we call it "crackle."
This structure is very well suited to four harness looms and can even be applied to traditional overshot patterns to a degree. But, the structure is something that is attractive in its own way and the applications in more modern patterns seems without limit. As I explore, I will add pictures so that you can have some idea of just how beautiful this can be. I hope to begin with a few wool rugs, something crackle weave is very suited to. More to come ...

The Story Begins

Many years ago, perhaps 1992, I stumbled upon a new experience. I am not even sure exactly how it began. Somehow, I acquired two hand weaving looms. Each of them was able to produce cloth of about 45 inches wide. Scrounging up some acrylic yarn was not so difficult, and with the help of a book from the local public library, I began to experiment with the craft of hand weaving.
I was very soon entranced by the potential of this craft. With such simple tools and materials, a whole new world of possibilities were opened to my imagination. Locating printed materials as curriculum for my self motivated and administered education proved to be a challenge, but not an insurmountable one. Undaunted by my inexperience, I pressed on, using what little time I could steal from a busy life to learn and experiment. To my boundless imagination was added the reality of experience largely through the tough knocks of mistakes made and corrected.
After just a short time, I found myself overwhelmed by the capacity of such a simple mechanism as the hand-loom. With the very limited knowledge I had quickly obtained, I felt transported into a completely new world. Though I had become part of a small portion of people who could be called hand-weavers, I felt united through generations with people who knew hand-weaving as the only way they could obtain their own clothing and blankets.
My first major project was inspired by another library book — I produced two coverlets (bedspreads) made in the traditional structure called overshot weaving. It was an experience I will never forget. In just two weeks time, the magic of the hand loom had me in its spell. I was hooked to weaving in general and overshot specifically.
Not long after this project, the looms had to be retired and put aside in the face of more pressing needs.
Years went by.
Now, over the past six months, the passion for the hand woven fabric has been rekindled. I am pursuing at the present a hope to earn my living by producing products from hand looms. In a short time, I have acquired two Leclerc floor looms (60″ and 24″ width) and have been producing runs of various items using a variety of techniques. The desire to continue learning new things is driving my production, resulting in different items that I am now selling.
I am also finding that my interest is infectious. My three youngest sons are joining in the experimentation as I pass on to them the things I have learned and am learning as I go along. My wife is also helping with finishing work, and she wants to get her hands on one of the looms herself. Behold, a family cottage industry is being born.

Here I am, hard at work, hardly noticing that it is work. There will be more to come here as I experience new things and make new items.

Introductions

I am hoping to keep here a log of my activities and progress in my hobby and vocation of hand weaving. I have been weaving on and off since about 1992, I guess. I have found that I not only am fascinated by the craft, but I have a sort of natural knack at it too. Of course, having a knack is very helpful when doing a task, but there is so much variety to the craft of hand weaving that I don't know if I will ever exhaust the experimental possibilities.

I have items I have made on exhibit at the following on-line locations:

Zibbet's
Etsy
AdamNWeave's home shop

Stop by and have a look.