Energy Series

This blanket woven in advancing twill using five colours inspired me to begin a new Energy series. The eye-popping long zigzags, woven with such distinct and beautiful colours, was exciting and inspiring to weave. Energy!

SH083 | 100% wool | 180 cm x 127 cm (71" x 50") | $250

SH083 Detail

I look forward to adding more blankets to the Energy series, and perhaps, over time, scarves and big towels.

Blanket Collectors

One of the most gratifying parts of being a weaver and running my own business is to see how some blanket lovers begin their own collection of Cariboo Handwoven wool blankets.

One collector has two blankets of the same dark brown handspun weft woven on slightly different warps but in the same twill block pattern.

This pair looks stunning together in the family room on leather furniture with big windows looking out to the Gatineau hills. They're perfect for wrapping up to read or chat. I blogged about these blankets a few weeks ago.

Another blanket collector has three wool blankets - the first two she bought in 2012. Below, one blanket includes handspun mohair, and the second one is pure wool and goes well with it, which she was careful to check during the selection. Both blankets were also woven in turned twill, or what I call twill blocks.

Her third blanket, below, she bought earlier this month after taking it home to check with the first two.  Here's the detailed pattern in two shades of wool and brushed mohair.

I suppose that one measure of a blanket's usefulness is the expansion of it into a collection. That keeps me busy and makes me happy!

13th Set of Shetland Wool Blankets

Thirteen is not an unlucky number at all for this set of new Shetland wool blankets. Some of the new treadlings I tested turned out really well. The final blanket is about 50% handspun Romney wool from the local Wenger Sheep Farm.

As always, feel free to contact me if you're interested in any more information or to buy a blanket.

SH073 | 100% wool | 171 cm x 130 cm (67" x 51") | $250

SH074 | 100% wool | 180 cm x 130 cm (71" x 51") | $250

SH075 | 100% wool | 175 cm x 126 cm (69" x 49.5") | $250

SH076 | 100% wool | 196 cm x 128 cm (77" x 50.5") | $250

SH077 | 100% wool | 183 cm x 130 cm (72" x 51") | $250

SH078 | 100% wool | 193 cm x 127 cm (76" x 50") | $250

W011 | 100% wool (approx. 50% grey Romney handspun) |
193 cm x 130 cm (76" x 51") | $300

Handspun Wool Blanket Set

A high school friend who lives in Quebec has matching Cariboo Handwoven blankets, both given to her as gifts from family members. The two blankets have weft of dark brown handspun Shetland wool, and the warps are predominantly brown and grey for each blanket.

The blankets have the common weft but slightly different warps. Together they make a very compatible and gorgeous set!

Artwalk 2014

Artwalk began yesterday in Williams Lake, and I have three blankets in the Raymond James office.  It's great to be part of another Artwalk, and my location this year is fantastic - on Third Ave. between the Cariboo Regional District office and the Bean Counter.

The Shetland wool blankets on the left and centre are on display and for sale, and the shorter blanket on the right is my silent auction item.  Feel free to bid on it!

Thanks to the Raymond James staff for hosting me and to Arty the Artwalker for organizing another Artwalk.

Three New Shetland Wool Blankets

The last three latest Shetland wool blankets are ready to show now.  The first two are 100% Shetland wool with lovely colours added to the browns and greys. The third blanket is about 50% handspun wool which makes this an exceptionally special blanket.  It's a little heavier than the others and it's really soft. It includes many, many (happy) hours of spinning in addition to the fun of weaving.

SH070 | 100% wool | 190 cm x 130 cm (75" x 51") | $250

SH071 | 100% wool | 186 c x 130 cm (73" x 51") | $250

SH072 | 100% wool (with ~50% handspun) | 183 cm x 135 cm (72" x 53" | $300

As always, feel free to contact me for more photos or information about any of these blankets.