Marilyn Romatka

Experience the exotic in your own home; travel to Central Asia in this multi-media presentation. Uzbekistan isn't just blue-tiled monuments. We have been enchanted by Uzbek Ikat in museums and on the runway in New York and London. Go to the source with Marilyn Romatka. Accompany her through Uzbekistan and see how the Uzbek artisans weave the bold patterns into this fabric; each thread manipulated, dyed, and woven into exquisite cloth – truly hand-crafted.

Making cloth of you own – from the very start – is something that many people are curious about… but some folks are intimidated by a 48" wide warp, and very few of them have space in their home for a floor loom! Here is the perfect way to ‘dip your toe in’ to weaving! All parts of the weaving process are covered, from start to finish (over 2 hours of instruction). Bands that are woven on the inkle loom are narrow weaves used for shoelaces, one-of-a-kind dog leashes, clothing trim, backpack straps, lanyards, camera straps, belts, hatbands… bands have 1001 uses!

This technique is a relatively new invention, that melds ideas from time-honored and proven traditions: the Japanese art of Kumihimo braiding contributes the stand on which the braid is formed. However, the hollow braid that results resembles more closely the English tradition of straw plating. By using wire instead of fiber or straw, the result is a stunning 3D braid that can be used for a variety of jewlery, especially necklaces!

Delightfully easy to make, while looking deceptively complex, these stars are popular in Europe, especially at Christmas time. You will see them hanging in windows there, with light shining through them. The class is geared for adults, but the technique is easy enough for children. No experience needed to make beautiful stars – first time!

This tutorial is offered free of charge, being a durable reference for Marilyn’s Viking Knitting students at conferences across the nation. View the multi-step process of attaching the findings to the pulled coil, from the seat with the best view in the house!