About this episode
With Madelyn van der Hoogt’s extensive knowledge of loom-controlled structures and techniques, you might be surprised to learn that the celebrated weaving teacher spent her first years as a handweaver working on a backstrap loom. On a sabbatical in Latin America from her teaching career in Oakland, Madelyn traveled from village to village looking for the style of weaving she wanted to do, then sought out a local teacher. But when she moved back to the United States and began a new life as a farmer, her backstrap weaving style hit a snag: sitting on the ground to weave under a tree is a lot less pleasant when you are the favorite meal of chiggers. Falling in love with shaft looms and the cloth she could make, Madelyn began the weaving explorations that would make her the editor of two national weaving magazine, instructor in a half dozen weaving videos, and leader of a weaving school. She now has over 30 looms in her home teaching studio, each ready to explore a different weave structure. Despite decades as a writer and editor, she doesn’t hesitate before identifying first and foremost as a teacher. Links The Weavers’ School The Primary Structures of Fabrics: An Illustrated Classification by Irene Emery was originally published by the Textile Museum, Washington, DC; it is currently out of print. Ask Madelyn includes hundreds of thoughtful replies to reader inquiries—and if you send her an email , she might answer yours! This episode is brought to you by: Treenway Silks is where weavers, spinners, knitters and stitchers find the silk they love. Select from the largest variety of silk spinning fibers, silk yarn, and silk threads & ribbons at TreenwaySilks.com . You’ll discover a rainbow of colors, thoughtfully hand-dyed in Colorado. Love natural? Treenway's array of wild silks provide choices beyond white. If you love silk, you’ll love Treenway Silks, where superior quality and customer service are guaranteed. Learning how to weave but need the right shuttle? Hooked on knitting and in search of a lofty yarn? Yarn Barn of Kansas has been your partner in fiber since 1971. Whether you are around the corner from the Yarn Barn of Kansas, or around the country, they are truly your “local yarn store” with an experienced staff to answer all your fiber questions. Visit yarnbarn-ks.com to shop, learn, and explore.