Instead of writing, I've been ...

Color matching yarn to birch trees, which contain so many more shades than white and black. I see multitudes of pinks, rusts, yellows, and tans, and I am planning a set of handwoven cotton towels inspired by birch bark.

Deep cleaning the Airbnb I manage, as well as my closet and studio, which I then immediately make a mess of again.

yes, this is “clean”

Healing from a painful cortisone shot in each hand, targeting some persistent inflammation from my rheumatoid arthritis. After a few days of recovery, I am waking up without pain for the first time in years.

Most excitingly, after finishing two large weaving commissions, I have begun work on the weaving project for which I received a Minnesota State Arts Board Creative Individuals Grant.¹

color planning and small sample

With this project, I have the opportunity to study krokbragd, a traditional Scandinavian weaving pattern.

Typically, krokbragd is woven on a floor loom. Floor looms are an investment of money and space that many weavers just don’t have.

My work with this project will be to weave a series of krokbragd tapestries manually on a frame loom. This involves engaging the hands, eyes, and memory to do the work that on a floor loom, foot pedals and shafts would do for you.

My intention is to make this beautiful traditional pattern more accessible to more people by exploring how to accomplish it on a simple frame loom. Using what I’ve learned weaving these tapestries, I’ll develop a class to share this technique.

much of this tapestry was woven outside in the amazing spring weather!

While exploring this traditional pattern, I want to find ways to infuse my own voice and style within the classic krokbragd convention.

Working within the convention of this pattern of straight lines, I am asking the question: how can I elongate, curve, encircle? How can I make it bloom and expand?

tapestry 1, fresh off the loom today. 20 x 30 inches, 100% wool

1. Grant Acknowledgment: Emily Wick is a fiscal year 2025 recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.