More on handfasting bands

I have just received an award for my six silk handfasting bands shown in my first blog. The title of my piece is 'Tying the Knot.' I am a member of the Durham Guild of Spinners Weavers and Dyers and  I entered these bands  into the Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers National Exhibition 2014: Yarns in the Cathedral, held in Norwich Cathedral.

The Braid Society awarded a rosette and prize to a braid item in the exhibition.   Anne Dyer from the Braid Society made the beautiful rosette which I am very proud to have won.

The Braid Society Rosette

Celtic Handfasting or the binding of hands, is an old wedding custom that has become more popular since the ceremony featured in the film ‘Braveheart’ starring Mel Gibson.  Handfasting is probably the origin of the term ‘tying the knot’ for getting married.

A special cord or band is wrapped around the joined hands of the couple.   After the first wrap, each person answers a question and makes a promise to their partner. There are five more wraps and after each one, a question and promises are made.  After the final sixth wrap, the band or cord is tied, usually by the best man. In some versions only a single long cord or band is used and is wrapped after each promise. These promises can be devised by the couple themselves although many web sites offer a set list of promises for the handfasting. 

When I first heard of this delightful addition to the wedding ceremony, I designed a long band. It has a pattern of two hearts facing each other along its length and has two joined hearts in the centre. It is made of unbleached singles linen for the background threads, red wool for the edges of the band and silk yarn for the pattern threads. Natural yarns, each with their own very different nature are blended into a beautiful whole. 

Starting to weave the band using a standard heddle.

The joined hearts in the centre of the band.

I thought carefully about the materials to use for the band.
Linen cloth is long lasting and grows more lustrous with time. 

Silk adds a touch of luxury – we all hope for some luxury in our lives! 

Red wool outlines the band: an old custom signifying protection from outside harmful forces.  

The completed band is 422 cm in length and 1.1 cm in width. I finished the band with a short double plait and tassel wrapped in red wool with a small bead heart sewn at the end. It took a long time to weave!

Happy weaving.

Durham Weaver

June 2014

Weaving handfasting bands

This is my first post as a new blogger.  I am passionate about the craft of weaving.  I love natural yarns; wool, silk, linen & cotton.

I discovered the beauty and variety of woven bands from the Baltic region and have become fascinated by the amazing patterns that can be seen in museums.

I also love designing my own versions.  I recently wove a set of handfasting bands in silk.  Celtic handfasting or the binding of hands, is an old marriage custom.

The Endless or Eternal Knot.

The pattern on these woven bands is known as the Endless or Eternal Knot.  It is one of the eight Auspicious symbols in Buddhism. It can represent eternal love and friendship.  A gift of the endless knot symbol is said to make an auspicious connection between the giver and recipient.  I wove six bands and used six colours for the symbols: red for passion; orange for kindness; yellow for joy; green for health; blue for devotion and purple for steadfastness.

Durham Weaver

June 2014

A set of six silk handfasting bands by Susan J Foulkes