VÄV Issue 1, 2018 – New Magazine
VÄV
It’s VÄV time! For those of you who aren’t yet acquainted, VÄV is a Scandinavian weaving magazine and each issue is just beautiful. [Sorry, item discontinued or temporarily out of stock] features textiles from Sweden and Japan, revealing intriguing parallels and and influences between the textile traditions of the two cultures. With articles on current events in the international weaving world, accompanied by elegant photography and patterns, each issue is a gem. Continue below for more highlights from this edition…
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The most current issue focuses on the relationship between Sweden and Japan, who are this year celebrating 150 years of diplomatic relations and trading, and what that relationship means for the textile world. Both countries have strong, and varied, textile traditions, which have inspired generations of fiber artists. This issue explores several artists who are closing the gap between various Swedish and Japanese techniques by combining elements of both countries into wonderful new fabrics and collaborations. (Above, Mylla Ek’s NoKiimo, part of the Swedish Embassy in Tokyo’s Textile Art in Motion exhibit. Even the logo is wonderful!)
Lisa Juntunen Roos & Shogo Hirata, from Intertradition.
One article tells the story of Lisa Juntunen Roos and Shogo Hirata, whose friendship began at a textile crafts course in Sweden. Their project, called Intertradition, combined Scandinavian patterns with Japanese dyeing techniques into a a unique fabric that clearly shows the influence of both countries. I was especially intrigued by their “process diagram,” a flowchart that outlines more than 30 different stages in the process from design to finished cloth.
Chihiro Tsuji’s handwoven scarves. Photo, Bengt Arne Ignell.
Fumi Hotta’s interpretation of daldräll overshot as pillow covers. Photo, Bengt Arne Ignell.
Other featured makers include Chihiro Tsuji, a Japanese weaver living in Sweden, who weaves scarves in naturally dyed cashmere, alpaca, and silk, and Fumi Hotta, who studied in both Sweden and Japan, and describes herself as a mathematician with a keen interest in textiles and dyeing.
Eva Davidsson creates unusual garments featuring a combination of Dalarna folkwear and Japanese techniques. Above: top, detail of a cross-stitch and shibori blouse, and below, sashiko stitched rose taken from a Dala motif. Photos, Bengt Arne Ignell.
There’s also a great article about Kampes Spinneriprodukter, a multi-generational Swedish spinning mill that has been in business for over 100 years. Jan-Åke Wahlström working a ring spinner. Photo, Bengt Arne Ignell.
After you’ve been inspired by the articles and photos…
Weave one of the corresponding patterns included in this issue! Drawing from Swedish and Japanese traditions, the patterns include several woolen blankets, ikat handtowels, and linen cloths with sashiko stitching. There are also tips on staggering an ikat pattern during the warping process and shibori dyeing handwoven a silk scarf.
Blanket by Åsa Martinsson, woven from wool spun at Kampes Spinneriprodukter. Photo, Bengt Arne Ignell.
Linen Cloths and Sashiko Stitching, by Kerstin Danielsson.
