Editor’s note: Early this year, we had an idea—and Linda Ligon sent out a call to weavers: “Wouldn’t it be fun to get to know some of your fellow Handwoven readers?”
Stories began to pour in: About how weaving has led to recovery and new career paths. About using wool from your own sheep. About the sheer pleasure gained from creating handmade cloth. About weaving that enriches, and inspires, and soothes the soul. As one weaver put it, “After attending a fiber fest, I sat at a floor loom and thought my heart had come home.”
Keep reading for one weaver’s story, and then find out how to submit your own. We’re eager to hear from you!
I have always been drawn to natural materials. Wood, leather, wool, metal, linen. When I was pregnant with my second daughter in 2021, I really got into babywearing. Like, very into it. Then I discovered handwoven baby wraps. I was transfixed by these beautiful pieces. Each wrap felt like a work of art, alive with color, texture, and story. After joining a few groups on social media, I learned more about the actual making of these beautiful objects.
My daughters are too old to be “worn” now, at least comfortably, but my awe and appreciation of handwoven textiles have not abated. I took a creative rigid-heddle-weaving class a year and a half ago, which eventually led to a desire to explore multi-shaft weaving. Fate intervened when I was given a beautiful 60-inch eight-shaft loom by a lovely weaver in Colorado who was downsizing, and I have spent the last six months getting to know it. It hasn't all been smooth sailing, but I have learned a lot in the limited time I have as a full-time working mom of two little girls.
I have dabbled in crocheting and knitting, but nothing has made my heart sing like the over-under of handwoven cloth. My sweet husband remodeled our house so I could have my own “loom room” (he jokes, he gets a garage, why don't I get a room?). With his woodworking skills and problem-solving nature, I have the prettiest, most functional workspace a girl could ask for. I am so thankful the people in my life have been so supportive of my craft. I can’t wait to keep learning, exploring, and letting the warp and weft guide me along the way.
—Tessah Behlings
Have you been a weaver for a long time, have you just barely started, or are you somewhere in between? Please send in your 300- to 500-word story, along with one or two photos of you and your weaving. We may use it in the magazine or online.
Curious about baby wraps? Learn more about them, and check out ten projects for weaving one in the Handwoven Presents: Baby Wrap eBook.