I've got a new goal for my weaving that should keep me busy learning the rest of my weaving days. I want to learn as much as I can about Overshot. You're probably thinking "over-what?" unless you're already a weaver. I've posted a photo of overshot below. It's a weaving structure that makes beautiful textured (almost 3D) patterns. Because of the density of threads it's often used for upholstery, coverlets and table linens.
Handweaving almost disappeared after the civil war but it experienced a revival in the 1920's due to some inspiring weavers. One area of the country that contributed greatly to this revival was the Appalachian area of Kentucky and Tennessee. Being from KY myself and having gone to college very near the epicenter of this revival in Berea KY, makes this even more significant for me.
I would like to take a trip to Berea this fall and visit the college and the weavers that helped popularize the handweaving revival in the 1920's. Another significant weaver in KY was Lou Tate in Louisville. She was an educator, chronicler and collector of historic weaving pieces. She founded the KY weaving guild and the educTion center, The Little Loom House. My mother bought me a replica of the tabletop loom that she developed under commission from President Hoover's wife during the depression.
I've bought several books and watched a video to start my education, but now it's time to start weaving overshot. I'm going to do a couple samples and then try my hand at table linens that I can sell on Etsy.
I can't wait to get started.
From coverlets to sample in monochrome and multi color. The patterns you can achieve with overshot are amazing!