My latest personal project is a new tapestry that I am weaving for a “home” project. One might think that my house is full of all sorts of Medieval era decorations – actually, it is quite ecletic, with bits and pieces from around the world, both modern and not-so-modern. And then of course, we are in the southwestern part of the United States, so there is a significant Hispanic and Native American influence on the decor. Such is the case with my tapestry project . . . a Kokopelli character, which is a family favorite. However, the technique being used to make the little flute player is the same used during Medieval days.
I found a nice series of photos and video clips from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City portraying a tapestry weaver at work on her loom. I wanted to show this particular link to clarify “hand woven” tapestries done on a proper tapestry loom as compared to those done on a Jacquard tapestry loom – a more contemporary piece of equipment (circa 1804). While the Jacquard loom certainly produces some wonderful tapestries, it is missing the personal touch found on the earlier, more “period” type of loom. When you see a “hand woven” tapestry being sold for a very low price, you can probably assume that it was the product of the Jacquard loom. However, if you commission someone to weave a tapestry on a traditional tapestry loom, expect your price to be . . . higher . . . alot higher!
by Annie MacHale, on February 19 2010 @ 12:10 pm
I have a Google alert set to notify me of anything new on the internet in regards to inkle weaving, which is how I found your blog just now. Very interesting information. Thanks for doing what you are doing and for teaching and keeping the weaving arts alive!
~Annie
by Scott, on February 19 2010 @ 7:22 pm
Thank you for visiting my blog. My interest in using an inkle loom actually began as the precursor to weaving a wide “belly band” for my 20 foot diameter yurt. One thing led to another and well . . . I will add your site to my links.