I love the great outdoors, but sometimes I want to go where the lights are bright and take a vacation in a big city. I spent a good part of my childhood living outside of St. Louis, and I remember the joy of taking a weekend trip to the city, where we’d visit the museums, eat Italian food somewhere in The Hill, and maybe even see some baseball. As an adult, I felt that same joy when I got to explore London, Denver, and other big cities. So when we needed a third “place” themed-project section for our 2019 issue of Easy Weaving With Little Looms, I knew it had to be one that paid homage to the joys of visiting a big city. Thus, the “Dazzling Downtown” section was born.
Whether you live in the city or only come up for special occasions, we’ve got projects for you. Scarves and shawls are, of course, an absolute must. If you want something fun to keep you warm as you walk down Michigan Avenue or Princes Street, check out Benjamin Krudwig’s Gridlock Scarf, a unisex rigid-heddle loom project inspired by Boston. Want something a little more subdued? Anne Merrow’s clasped-weft City Sunset Scarf, woven on a rigid-heddle loom in wool and rustic tussah silk, has you covered. If you’re a texture weaver, then you’ll love Amy Gunderson’s City Street Scarf, which is woven using a highly textured thick-and-thin yarn to create a cloth that demands to be touched.
From left to right, Tammy Bast's Classy Checkered Scarf and one of Peg MacMorris's Subway Scarves.
Part of the joy of city life is having access to fabulous restaurants and theaters, so, naturally, we also have scarves and shawls that are perfect for a night out on the town. Tammy Bast’s Classy Checkered Scarf, woven using neutral-colored yarns in a simple lace pattern, goes with pretty much any outfit. If you want something slinkier, Peg MacMorris’s silk Subway Scarves take simple log cabin to the next level with asymmetry and a perfect pop of color in the warp and weft.
From left to right, Margaret Stump's Fulled Messenger Bag and Deborah Bagley's Cobblestone Bag.
Once you’ve got the perfect scarf, you need the perfect bag to go with it. Margaret Stump’s Fulled Messenger Bag, made using wool pin-loom squares, is just the right size for a couple books to take to your favorite coffee shop for some relaxed reading or writing. If you want something with a bit more storage space, Deborah Bagley’s chic pin-loom woven Cobblestone Bag is just for you. It’s big enough either to toss a change of clothes in before you head out to yoga or to hold your lunch as you make the trek out to Central Park for a picnic.
Barbara Goudsmit's Amsterdam Yoga Strap, a close-up of the tablet-woven yoga strap, and Judy Pagel's rigid heddle Urban Organizer.
Speaking of yoga, if you’re living that city life 24/7, we’ve got projects for you, too! Barbara Goudmit’s tablet-woven Amsterdam Yoga Strap, inspired by the flag of her home city, will help you take your yoga poses to the next level (and look darn good doing so). After your trip to the yoga studio, head home and toss your mail into Judy Pagel’s Urban Organizer. In this organizer, Judy uses variegated and textured yarns with just a hint of pick-up to create a rigid-heddle project that only looks complicated.
So, whether you are planning your next big trip to Philadelphia—and I highly recommend the Mütter Museum—or you simply want to make your home or wardrobe feel a bit more cosmopolitan, make sure to check out our 2019 issue of Easy Weaving With Little Looms.
Happy Weaving!
Christina
PS: If projects inspired by the great outdoors are more your style, make sure to check out the Cozy Cabin and Summer at the Shore project sections, too!