For centuries, weavers throughout Scandinavia, the Baltics, and Sami regions of northern Europe have woven intricately patterned bands using just a few simple tools. These bands are used practically, wherever long, narrow, strong straps are needed, and decoratively, as garment edging, hairbands, apron belts, and costume sashes. In this class you will learn how to weave patterned bands using a backstrap loom and a spaltegrind (Norwegian: pattern heddle). You should have time to finish at least two bands. A supplies fee of $25, payable to the instructor, includes a complete backstrap loom that you can take home, and enough yarn to complete two bands. (Students who took the lead-in workshop will already have their loom and need pay only $5 for handouts and yarn.)
Keith Pierce lives in Lauderdale, Minnesota, with a constantly varying number of his adult children and grandchildren. He is a member of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota and coordinates a band-weaving study group. A self-taught band weaver, Keith has studied ethnic band-weaving techniques from around the world, focusing on tablet weaving and Nordic/Baltic pick-up band weaving. In addition to teaching band weaving and tablet weaving at Vesterheim’s Folk Art School, he has taught at the Weavers Guild, the American Swedish Institute, and Norway House in Minneapolis. His work has been displayed at the Textile Center, the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, and Norway House.
