The last few months have given all of us time to reflect and make personal changes in diet, fitness and and other mind consuming activities. One of the things that I did was organize all of the yarn that I have in my craft supply cabinets. Over the years I have accumulated a lot of skeins from previous projects (complete or incomplete) and donations from family and friends. In my amazement, I found I have a ton of various colors and textures, but not enough to complete a project. What was I to do with all of these leftovers? I pulled out my iPad and searched on Pinterest…”what can you make from leftover acrylic yarn?” Little did I know, there is a sewing/weaving technique I had never tried that would work perfectly with my dilemma. Welcome to the world of Huck Embroidery also known as Swedish Weaving.
Huck embroidery is a sewing technique that uses a specific fabric (Huck toweling) comprised of weft and weave. It can also be created on Monk’s cloth – this gives you the capability to make a larger project. The yarn which you weave floats on top of the fabric and leaves the underside fairly clean (for all of you cross-stitchers, you definitely know what I’m talking about!). There are many different blogs which describe this technique but here is my favorite one to start with… http://www.nordicneedle.net/guides/stitching-techniques-guides/scandinavian-techniques/huck-swedish-weaving/#.X6wnSS88KfA
As soon as I tried my first placemat project, I knew there would be no turning back. I researched many different patterns, purchased a how-to book and the material to get started on a full size design. Those who know me know that I never begin a new skill with a beginner project. I guess that’s why my basement is so cluttered with incomplete projects.
The first pattern was very fulfilling to complete. I didn’t order the directions, I attempted to copy it from the image on the internet. Here is the link to order the pattern if you would like to give it a try. https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/494720941/50-waves-of-gray-swedish-weaving-blanket
Once I completed this project, my desire to complete one for both my girls was underway! I asked them what colors they would like and just created a pattern for them that felt like their personalities. Here are their blankets:
The next blanket was a special request from my mother. She wanted a blanket that was neutral and more of a sampler style project. I took several days investigating patterns that appealed to me and started again. It ended up having 22 different patterns represented. Projects which are personalized do consume extra time but I find solace in the process.
Once I began posting these creations on Facebook, I got a bunch of compliments and tons of questions! And I received my very first order from a family friend. It will be my next true endeavor because there are no patterns that fulfill the desired request – Aztec Inspiration. Today, I began the project by preparing the fabric including an Italian hem with fringe. You will see the next stage of the project in Huck Embroidery/Swedish Weaving – Creating a Pattern (coming soon!).
I love your blankets. Very nice.