This fabric is being woven to replace the existing curtains in the Trauger House kitchen located in historic Millbrook Village, Delaware Water Gap National Park, on the New Jersey side. The design emulates closely that which was woven nearly 30 or 40 years ago by Cordelia Cafone (currently "practicing" for her 97th birthday in 2011) and her dear friend Carmen Smith, who passed away a few years ago when she was in her early 90's.
In keeping with the spirit of their past weaving adventures, I am trying to use up what I have "in the stash". I needed to combine a lighter maize yellow with a more golden yellow to have enough material to make the length needed, AND match the original bright and cheery yellow before many years of sun-fading took its toll. That means I am weaving with two alternating shuttles in the yellow stripes, every other inch.
For the white areas, I have two passes of white, a pass with the green shuttle, and then I quickly begin the Bronson treadling. The addition of the Bronson in the center of the white checks was to add a little more light into the room, and make the treadling a little more interesting for me if I am to slog through 9 yards of this. (Recommendations for a good audio book or two would be appreciated!)
Although this looks like pretty simple fabric, it is a bit disarming how complicated planning a project like this can quickly become! Ironically, I have a Bronson challenge coming up in March/April of 2011, and I didn't think this was challenging enough to enter when I was considering the undertaking. (I am rethinking that now!) I can highly recommend the book Versatile Bronson by Dorothy Burton. (I believe it is still available via the Boston Weaver's Guild.)
Always nice to see a good 3 shaft project, even better when it is Lace Bronson!
Yes, Dorrie Burton's Versatile Bronson monograph is still available from Weavers Guild of Boston.
http://www.weaversguildofboston.org/Guil...
Laurie Autio
That is a lovely piece of weaving, and it brings me memories of the sort of kitchen curtains that I saw a lot in my childhood in many homes. I wish the Bronson detail was a bit clearer to see, but am looking forward to seeing the finished result when you get to the end of all the yards. When I wove curtains for my summer house I set up 12 meters of warp, so I know what you feel. I listened to a lot of interesting radio that summer, and now enjoy all the nice curtains in every window of my living room over there. At least I get the pleasure of the final product myself :-)
How beautiful are these curtains!! What is the grist of this cotton? I love the yellow, and your weaving is impeccable! (I'm pretty sure my squares would not be quite that square!). It is an honor, indeed, to have your curtains follow those of these elderly women on display. Please post a photo of them when they are installed at this house!! They are just beautiful!!
How beautiful are these curtains!! What is the grist of this cotton? I love the yellow, and your weaving is impeccable! (I'm pretty sure my squares would not be quite that square!). It is an honor, indeed, to have your curtains follow those of these elderly women on display. Please post a photo of them when they are installed at this house!! They are just beautiful!!
I visited our 96-year old guild member (Cordelia) in the hosptial two days ago, and was able to show her the finished yardage. She was delighted to see the result! I found out it was her goal to weave curtains for all the homes in the historic village. I laughed, as it has taken two of us about a year to weave just enough to cover two homes so far. (We'll try, but no promises!)
This project just blows me away! There is nothing better than cloth that is exactly right for its intended use, and you have hit the nail on the head with this one. I'm smitten. Now I have to go see them hanging in situ... as soon as the snow melts!
These are fabulous!
