Tasha Medvedeva

Challenges Entered: Woven Images, The Planning Stages

Project: Brocaded tablet woven band

I wove an interpretation of the brocaded band found on the edge of the Maaseik Embroideries. This band is dated to the 8th or 9th centuries, and was originally thought to be the work of the sisters Saints Herlindis and Relindis, but may also have been imported from England.

I worked this band on a ground of 60/2 silk in hunter green using a 260/2 silk in white for the structural weft (both threads were sourced on Etsy). I added two cards on either side of the original 27 cards to expand the width a wee bit, so the brocade weft would have something to hide behind. I used two different gold threads for the brocade weft: a vintage Japanese gold thread that I got from Etsy, and a precious metal thread in 22K gold that I purchased from Tied To History.

I took around two weeks to complete the weaving on this band. I didn't find it difficult to work, but I did encounter some challenges with my materials. I found the Japanese thread a but bulky to turn in the weaving, and I think that despite my best efforts, it sometimes "squished" out the sides and peeped out from behind the borders I added to hide it. It's not an unattractive look - it sparkles beautifully along the edges as you move the band - but it was not intentional. The precious metal thread was delightful to work with, hid itself beautifully, and gave a very refined appearance. I look forward to working with this material more -- brocading is FUN!

I thoroughly enjoyed this project, and gave myself permission to relax and enjoy the process. I hope you enjoy these pictures of my work. My blog can be found at https://www.builtfjordtough.com/the-laurel-challenges