Save the Date for the FTWG 2026 Conference

April 16 - 19, 2026

Due to COVID-19, FTWG cancelled its 2022 Conference two months before it was scheduled to start. As a result, this workshop was not taught in 2022.

Traditional Swedish Towels

Skill Level

Intermediate

Required Skills:

  • Must be able to bring a warped loom to class.

Class Length

  • 2.5 Days
  • Friday: 9 am to 12 pm, 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am to 12 pm, 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
  • Sunday: 9 am to 12 pm

Description

What is it that about the Swedish traditional weaves that is so distinct and so satisfying to our weaver's eye? In this round robin class, we will explore monks belt, daldrall (overshot), halvdrall, rosepath, crackle, twills, Swedish lace and more as well as simple tape woven hanging loops, all in 8/2 cotton and cotton/linen yarns. There will also be discussion of weave structures, history and simple finishing.

Fees

Registration Fee $290 for FTWG members and $320 for all others.
Materials Fee $35

Materials Fee includes: yarn kit, postage, and handouts

Students to Bring

  • A warped loom
  • Two or three shuttles
  • Bobbins
  • Tape measure
  • Scissors
  • Note-taking tools

Instructor Bio

Melissa Weaver Dunning

Headshot of speaker Melissa Weaver Dunning

Melissa Weaver Dunning is a hand-weaver, spinner, and knitter with over 40 years of experience working on antique equipment to recreate 18th- and 19th-century home-produced textiles. She began her textile study with Scottish master weaver Norman Kennedy in 1980, and carries on this rich tradition in her own teaching. Melissa is an avid tartan and linen weaver, a compulsive knitter, and a lover of wool who enjoys sharing her passion for weaving and spinning with students. She is also a ballad singer, specializing in the ballads and songs of Ireland, Scotland and England from before Napoleon’s time.

Gallery

These pictures offer examples of the workshop content or experience.