When we were planning the September/October issue of Handwoven, we asked Laverne Waddington to design a pick-up band project done on a backstrap loom. Laverne sent us the instructions and project information along with photographs and the bands, but at some point we realized the project couldn't be contained within the magazine and was better suited for the website. In its place, we created a project using one of her designs that could be done on an inkle loom using pick-up. To complement that project, we are offering a free PDF download about setting up and weaving on a backstrap loom with two pick-up patterns.
Key fob by Laverne Waddington (Band 2 in PDF) Photo Credit: George Boe
Laverne is the real deal. She is a weaver, teacher, and writer, but mostly she is a researcher and student of backstrap weaving. She moved to South America in 1993 and currently lives in Santa Cruz, Bolivia where she works and weaves. Laverne travels extensively, always learning about and teaching backstrap weaving. Her teachers in South America are indigenous weavers whose techniques and designs she has meticulously recorded in journals. You can learn more about Laverne by visiting her website www.backstrapweaving.wordpress.com. There you will find additional information about backstrap weaving, answers to your questions, and tutorials to get you started.
Laverne Waddington weaving on a leaning vertical loom with her teacher, Maxima. Photo credit: Dorinda Dutcher
I noticed 2 main things when I visited her website: 1) Laverne is generous with her knowledge and wants to help others learn to weave on a backstrap loom, and 2) Laverne is prolific and consistent about recording her experiences and learning process.
The downloadable PDF of Bandweaving by Laverne Waddington is a full project write-up for the backstrap loom. We have included an equipment list, instructions for setting up your own backstrap loom, directions for weaving pick-up in the Bolivian style, and 2 pick-up patterns. The step-by-step photographs and the 2 pick-up patterns were provided by Laverne.
Both patterns can be woven on a backstrap or an inkle loom.
Download your free copy today and step into the world of backstrap weaving.
Weave well,
Susan