Click on the main image to view at full size
I have become particularly interested in weaving fractals – tied weaves where the pattern of the ties and the pattern of the blocks is the same, but at a different scale. Though tied weaves usually yield sturdy fabrics, the use of fine silk here gives wonderful drape and sheen. The same ivory silk is used for both pattern and tabby wefts. This piece was inspired by the ‘not quite white’ twinkle of starlight and a profile from handweaving.net.
Techniques:
Handwoven tied weave where the weave structure of the ties is also the profile for the blocks, making it a fractal. The profile, from handweaving.net, is a 10 shaft plaited twill on a straight draw. Narrow selvedge bands of 2/2 twill have been added. The warp comprises bands of very pale neutral colors; the weft (both pattern and tabby) is ivory. Despite this deliberately low contrast, the pattern remains visible even in the background (though quite subtly) and the luster comes to the fore. The scarf has a plain weave hem section at each end, hemstitched and finished with a twisted fringe.
The sett is 16 ends per cm (approximately 40 epi) and approximately 30 picks per cm (75 ppi).
Dimensions:
Length 80″ (70″ excl. fringe) x Width 10″
Materials:
60/2 silk
Loom:
Louet Megado Compudobby 2, 32 shaft loom, 24 used for this piece
Brenda Gibson
My journey into weaving began in the 1980s through spinning, which led to my joining the London (UK) Guild in the late 1990s. I progressed from using a 4-shaft loom to a 32-shaft Louet Megado compudobby and a 24 shaft Leclerc Weavebird. I am largely self-taught from books and some workshops; I was especially influenced by Bonnie Inouye. After retiring from a career in the financial world in 2006, I joined a weekly weaving class and eventually became the class teacher. I also authored “The Complete Guide to Spinning Yarn” in 2011 and “Color in Fiberworks” online course in 2023.
My involvement with Complex Weavers (CW) began in 2012, and I have since become a seminar leader, covering topics like pleats, shaded satins, and double two-tie/fractals. I currently serve as Second Vice President. I really value the knowledge and friendships gained through CW and I am honored to have a piece selected for Complexity 2026.
