In-depth study of the structure of Summer and Winter and the multitude of other weaves that can be woven on a S&W threading. A wealth of different textures from gauzes to pile weaves can be woven on a 4-shaft loom Additional shafts increase the design possiblities.

from introduction " The words "Summer and Winter weave structures" bring to mind certain old American coverlets. These were often woven in blue and white or natural. The cloth has a plain weave foundation for which the fiber is cotton, linen or both. The pleasing geometric patterns are woven with an indigo dyed wool. The pattern weft makes short floats which appear either on one side or the other of the foundation cloth. These floats are held down with great regularity by certain warp ends which are called the tie-down warp. Often the colored pattern weft floats more frequently on one side of the coverlet than on the other. This accounts for the lighter and darker sie of the coverlet and for the name Summer and Winter.

The popularity of the weave must be related to its tremendous design possibilities, especially if the weaver has a loom with more than 4 harnesses. The name Summer and Winter may be American in origin, but the weave structure is found among a variety of ethnic cultures. Summer and Winter is unusual in Sweden, but it is often seen in Findland where it is named "kuvikas". Certain Navajo Indian double-faced rugs and saddle blankets have the structure of the weft face Summer and Winter weaves without tabby........."

Newsletter #54, May 1997