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 ...