Hand - Weaving

Since 1984, I’ve been hand-weaving on a traditional 8-harness floor loom in Providence, RI. After taking an introductory course in weaving during my last semester at RI College, where I studied creative writing and cultural anthropology, I bought a loom, some yarn and a few books and began experimenting on my own.
When I was ready to begin selling my work, I couldn’t find any shops that were a good match, so in 1986 I opened Po Gallery, originally focusing on the work of non-production craftsmen like myself. During its 27-year history, the gallery evolved and the emphasis, over time, shifted more towards the fine arts, but interesting craftwork, including my weaving, remained a strong presence. The gallery also doubled as my weaving studio; my loom was a permanent feature, and my scarves were always on display. After closing my gallery in the summer of 2013, I continued weaving at Mad Dog Artists Studios in Pawtucket.
There are many steps involved in weaving. I first plan a warp on graph paper, then choose the yarns, wind the warp, and dress the loom. I then experiment with different weft yarns and treadling sequences. When I decide what yarn and pattern combinations I like, I begin to weave. If I’m working on scarfs, I usually make 8 to 10 per warp. When all are woven, I cut the pieces off, fringe the ends, and finally hand wash and iron them. I use natural materials, my favorites being a 50/50 merino wool and tussah silk blend, merino wool, bamboo, and cotton, which I use due to its strength, feel, drape, and the fact that it holds its shape.
I’ve always loved making scarves. They’re attractive, warm, tactile, fashionable, functional, and they allow what seems like infinite freedom to try new patterns, textures and color combinations. In addition to my scarves, I also make cozy wrist warmers.
My work is available for purchase at:
The Peaceable Kingdom
Sunday, Dec. 7th from 1 to 5 pm
116 Ives St. in the Fox Point neighborhood of Providence
(401) 351-3472
Mad Dog Holiday Sale,
65 Blackstone Ave in Pawtucket
(401) 722-7800
There will be an opening reception on Thursday, Dec. 4th from 5-8:30 PM,
and continues Dec. 5th. 6th and 7th and Dec. 12th, 13th and 14th.
Hours and directions are on the Mad Dog website: maddogartiststudios.com.
Anne Huntington
pogalleryri2@gmail.com
www.pogalleryri.com.
When I was ready to begin selling my work, I couldn’t find any shops that were a good match, so in 1986 I opened Po Gallery, originally focusing on the work of non-production craftsmen like myself. During its 27-year history, the gallery evolved and the emphasis, over time, shifted more towards the fine arts, but interesting craftwork, including my weaving, remained a strong presence. The gallery also doubled as my weaving studio; my loom was a permanent feature, and my scarves were always on display. After closing my gallery in the summer of 2013, I continued weaving at Mad Dog Artists Studios in Pawtucket.
There are many steps involved in weaving. I first plan a warp on graph paper, then choose the yarns, wind the warp, and dress the loom. I then experiment with different weft yarns and treadling sequences. When I decide what yarn and pattern combinations I like, I begin to weave. If I’m working on scarfs, I usually make 8 to 10 per warp. When all are woven, I cut the pieces off, fringe the ends, and finally hand wash and iron them. I use natural materials, my favorites being a 50/50 merino wool and tussah silk blend, merino wool, bamboo, and cotton, which I use due to its strength, feel, drape, and the fact that it holds its shape.
I’ve always loved making scarves. They’re attractive, warm, tactile, fashionable, functional, and they allow what seems like infinite freedom to try new patterns, textures and color combinations. In addition to my scarves, I also make cozy wrist warmers.
My work is available for purchase at:
The Peaceable Kingdom
Sunday, Dec. 7th from 1 to 5 pm
116 Ives St. in the Fox Point neighborhood of Providence
(401) 351-3472
Mad Dog Holiday Sale,
65 Blackstone Ave in Pawtucket
(401) 722-7800
There will be an opening reception on Thursday, Dec. 4th from 5-8:30 PM,
and continues Dec. 5th. 6th and 7th and Dec. 12th, 13th and 14th.
Hours and directions are on the Mad Dog website: maddogartiststudios.com.
Anne Huntington
pogalleryri2@gmail.com
www.pogalleryri.com.