Sarah H. Jackson, Textile Artist: Elemental Huck-Lace Top, Etc.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Elemental Huck-Lace Top, Etc.

The huck-lace top I designed for the most recent issue of Handwoven magazine is now available as a kit from Cotton Clouds, and owner Irene Schmoller has asked me to share a little more about the weaving and construction process here.


Photo from Cotton Clouds website

The design for the top was inspired by a challenge in my Clothing study group to create a garment made of strips, the huck-lace my weave structures study group was exploring, and my interest in using Bambu 7 (100% bamboo) for the first time. I chose four colors of Bambu 7 and a coordinating Luna ribbon.

I wove a sample using all four colors...

but decided to use only two for the top; Walnut for the warp and Water Chestnut for weft.

Below is the photo I submitted to Handwoven for their consideration. Please note that the top is unfinished; the hem is only pinned in place, so it looks a little strange at the hem. I finished it before sending it to Handwoven, of course!

Back view:

And a close-up of the back:

I love the way this top turned out; it feels silky and soft, drapes beautifully, and is loaded with textural interest. I wish the photo in Handwoven showed more of the fringe on the one front panel; it adds another element of texture.

The Handwoven article includes three process photos I took that provide good visual instruction for joining the woven panels with ribbon. If you are weaving the top and have any questions, please feel free to contact me. And... please! send me a photo of your finished top. I would love to see it.

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Welcome!

Artist Statement:
Handweaving, simple or elaborate; it all begins with one thread. To sit at  my loom and throw the shuttle while witnessing the interplay of color,  pattern, and texture as it develops into cloth is endlessly fascinating.
My design process often centers on color as I work within the limitations  of the loom to stretch and explore the possibilities of color interaction.
At other times I focus on the combination of structure and fiber, using  only one or two colors, to create the desired cloth.
Whether designing for the home or one-of-a-kind garments, my weaving  reflects a passion for marrying structure, fiber, and color to produce  cloth that is unique, practical, beautiful, and just right for my intended  purpose.

About Me

An early interest in art and textiles led me to the University of Kansas where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with emphasis in textile design. I started weaving again in 2005 after an almost twenty year hiatus. Some of the things I did during that time include working for a publishing company designing and writing pattern instruction for knitwear, quilting, home schooling my son, and volunteering as a Stephen minister in my church. I am passionate about weaving (everyday, if possible!), color, and texture. When not weaving, I enjoy reading, gardening, and bike riding.

I have had numerous designs published in Handwoven magazine. In January, 2012, I joined their editorial team as a technical editor, and in January, 2015, I was offered the job of weaving editor.