We are excited to welcome long-time member Barb Thoreson to the Handweaving Academy team! Barb will be helping the Academy site run smoothly and assist with daily tasks behind the scenes. Members will know Barb for her persistence, attention to detail, and impeccable sewing skills.
Barb was gracious enough to answer some questions about herself so we can learn more about her and her journey as a weaver.
Welcome Barb Thoreson! We are delighted to have you on the team.
What made you decide to become a weaver?
My husband bought a Harrisville, 4 shaft, direct tie-up loom because he thought it might interest me. I had never owned a loom or had any idea how to use it. My local knitting shop had a small weaving studio, so I decided to give it a try.
Tell us a little about the weaving project you feel most proud of.
I was proud of my first project which was a set of plain weave placemats. There was a lot of room for improvement, but I was weaving!
What was your most challenging project?
While warping a table runner, I realized that I had missed 40 threads when winding the warp. I weighted each thread separately and persevered. I was still a new weaver, and I was determined to make it work. It turned out beautifully.
What looms do you currently own?
I still have the Harrisville, an 8 shaft LeClerc Nilus, a 4 shaft Dorothy table loom, a Structo Artcraft table loom and a brand new LeClerc Weavebird dobby loom.
What brought you to the Handweaving Academy?
I saw a couple of courses offered during COVID and decided to try them. They were great courses and that’s what made me join the Academy.
How has the Academy changed your weaving?
I was a weaver that followed written patterns using the suggested colors. Now I am more confident selecting my own colors and I’m learning to understand the nuts and bolts of structures and how to make my own draft. It has made me a thoughtful weaver.
What’s one interesting thing that our readers might not know about you?
My husband and I have traveled all over the US in our little camper seeking unusual sites to visit. Here are a few of the places we’ve been:
- The Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota
- World Mining Museum in Butte, Montana
- Grand Coulee Dam, Washington
- Pendleton Woolen Mill, Oregon
- Golden Spike NHS, North Platte, Nebraska
What’s your favorite yarn? So many choices, who can pick a favorite?!
Chocs or wine? Neither, but I’m a sucker for good sourdough bread.
Dogs or cats? Dogs – they love you no matter what.
How to convert a liftplan to a treadling and tie-up
How to create a star fashion liftplan for overshot