A couple of years ago I took a class in wheat weaving…and I got hooked! I love crafts of all lines and am primarily a weaver. If it goes “over and under”–whatever the materials, I love it! Wheat weaving is closest to basket weaving, I think, in materials and technique but it also involves braiding (or “plaiting”) in many of the designs. I grew up in North Dakota, so using wheat appeals to me…and I have a Swedish/European background, so the history of many of the patterns of wheat weaving appeal to me.
At Ingebretsen’s I teach primarily what I call “thread people.” These are the men and women, nisse and goats (julbock), that are of tied wheat and so much a part of the Swedish Christmas traditions. I also teach some simple braids there, so that little ornaments of other kinds can be made.
I’m a member of the National Association of Wheat Weavers, so I continue my own learning of more complex plaits and designs. Some local women who enjoy wheat weaving meet every couple of months at my house, so we can weave together.
I am a member of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota and of the Minnesota Basket Weavers Guild, as well as two local needlework guilds, so my fingers and design ideas are kept pretty busy. I’m glad Ingebretsen’s provides this opportunity for me to share the fun of weaving wheat with others.
–Bonnie Buzza