Frida Hansen’s Open Warp Transparency Technique
Robbie LaFleur
You might be forgiven for not recognizing the name of one of Norway’s 
most famous tapestry artists: Frida Hansen. But her beautiful “open warp wool transparency” technique is a stunning achievement. Using open warps combined with meticulous woven areas, she wove textiles with fluid drape and dramatic contrasts of color and shadow.
And now for the first time, tapestry artist and Hansen scholar Robbie LaFleur brings this artistry to life for you, with her newly-developed workshop.
During your time with Robbie, her in-depth presentations will cover Frida Hansen’s life and works. While weaving samples, you’ll learn about appropriate yarns for the warp and weft, and how to adapt designs for the technique.
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate. Students should have tapestry weaving experience.
EQUIPMENT: Warped tapestry loom and yarn. Drawing design tools – 8.5 x11 inch paper or larger, tracing paper, pencil, tape, markers or colored pencils.
PRE-WORKSHOP PREP: Sample patterns will be provided or students can weave a design of their own. Bring ideas!
MATERIALS FEE: $15
Robb
ie LaFleur, a weaver and instructor from Minneapolis, Minnesota, learned to weave at Valdres Husflidsskole, Norway. She is a gold medalist in weaving from Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, coordinates the Weavers Guild of Minnesota’s Scandinavian Weavers Study Group, and publishes the digital publication, the Norwegian Textile Letter.