New Project: Finnish Iron Age Band Reconstructions - Kakuola Kekomäki 376a

Ever since getting Applesies, I have been mulling over a larger sort of tablet weaving project.  Here is this fantastic book with amazing pattern reconstructions of some historical bands. So, why not go ahead and make it a project to make a reconstruction of every historical band in Applesies, and maybe a few more Iron Age Finnish finds?

I've already made the Masku Humikkala band, but I used non-period materials (cotton and bamboo viscose). For this project, I want to make reconstructions that would not be out of place in period, which means using period materials and methods. I will be working my way through this project throughout the year, maybe spacing it out with some other projects. Each time, I will make an attempt to be more and more authentic in my materials and methods.

Another Applesies Band

This is a quick update, which is about a month overdue.

I've continued to weave bands from Applesies and Fox Noses, and this time I wanted to take a break from the complexity that was the Masku Humikkala band and chose something simple.

This pattern, called small applesies, has a simple 5-forward, 5-back turning pattern and was thus very quick to weave. Still, I think the pattern is quite striking and very beautiful.

More images after the cut.

My Attempt at the Masku Humikkala Band

I finally finished a new band!

This band is based on the Masku Humikkala band, and the pattern came from the book Applesies and Fox Noses.  I have mentioned this book a couple of posts ago, and it is quickly becoming one of my favorite tablet weaving books. I suggest anyone looking to table weave purchase it.

This band had been on the loom since October, but I only had the time to work on it in spurts, and often at SCA events where my attention span was limited. I was finally able to finish with it at The Tourney of the Three Ships in Southkeep.

I will admit that this band gave me some trouble at the beginning due to some poor fiber choices, but once I figured out how to fix the issues and how to work around the problems the poor fiber choices caused, I was able to weave it, but unfortunately with some difficulty which I'll explain after the cut.