Open Rep with Rags with Monica Hallén

Unlocking the secrets of block patterns and profile drafts

Instructor: Monica Hallén

Dates offered 2022: ~~Aug 22–26~~ (class full; waiting list only)

Open rep is a technique that allows the weft to show, as well as the warp. When this technique is used to make rag rugs, beautiful patterns and variations are possible. You will receive expert guidance from Monica as you move from loom to loom on a variety of pre-dressed looms using four to eight shafts.

We are thrilled to bring you the opportunity to study with Monica Hallén, a Swedish expert in her field as a rag rug weaver and author of many rag rug books.

Techniques

Plain open rep
4 shafts and 2 blocks
4 shafts and 3 blocks
8 shafts and 8 treadles

Warp yarns

12/6 cotton rug warp
8/2 cotton
16/2 cotton
16/2 linen

More details

Looms already dressed

We will dress your loom for you ahead of time.

Context & inspiration

Monica will start with a thorough introduction to the world of Swedish rag rugs, in order to give some historical background. She'll help you understand the many possibilities for weaving open rep and inspire you in the creation of your rag rug.

open rep rugs

4 shafts, 3 blocks

4 shafts, 2 blocks

plain open rep

4 shafts, 3 blocks

8 shafts, 8 treadles

4 shafts, 2 blocks

plain open rep

scraps & pieces, linen warp

bowl of rag balls

rag balls

Monica Hallén has unparalleled expertise in the history and weaving of rag rugs. She is a designer, weaver, and embroiderer, and (together with Ann-Kristin Hallgrén) author of a number of very popular books on rag rugs. She teaches at Sätergläntan, the world-renowned institute for craft and handwork in Dalarna, Sweden, and we are thrilled to welcome her to Vävstuga.

We currently have Monica's most recent book available in our store:

I Trasmattans värld (The World of Rag Rugs), 2017
Älskade trasmattor (Beloved Rag Rugs), 2006
Alla tiders trasmattor (Rag Rugs for Everyday), 1999
Så fint med trasmattor (Wonders with Rag Rugs), 1995

Monica posts inspiring images on her Instagram.

Prerequisites: none

Max enrollment: 12

Course fee: $850 (includes all instruction and studio time, course handouts, lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Thu)

Materials fee: $95

Room & board: We offer a variety of room & board plans with lodging in Farmhouse, Cabin, or Glamping Tent

For more detail: See also costs & logistics, food & accommodations

Days offered: Five-day session, Monday–Friday

Schedule: Instruction time 9:00–noon and 1:30–4:30. Exceptions: on the last day, instruction ends at noon, and checkout must be completed by 3:00. Once a session begins, the Barn studio is available at all hours.