Valley Yarns #135 Blocks and Stripes in Summer and Winter

Valley Yarns Blocks and Stripes in Summer and Winter Weaving Rug

Project Overview

The Blocks and Stripes in Summer and Winter is a woven homeware rug adapted by Barbara Elkins from an original draft designed by Faithe Nunneley, published in Lily Weaving Suggestions 1977. This project demonstrates the timeless appeal of historic weaving patterns, reimagined for contemporary weavers. The rug showcases a classic design that has been refined and modified from its original form, offering both visual interest and practical functionality for home décor.

Weaving Technique and Structure

This rug is woven using the Summer and Winter weave structure, a sophisticated 2-block, 4-shaft weft-faced technique. Summer and Winter is a traditional weaving method that creates bold, reversible patterns with excellent dimensional depth. The weft-faced construction means the weft yarns are densely packed to cover the warp, resulting in a durable, substantial fabric ideal for floor rugs. This technique allows weavers to create distinct color blocks and stripe patterns by manipulating shaft combinations to raise and lower different sets of warp threads.

Loom and Equipment Requirements

This project requires a 4-shaft loom with a minimum width of 30 inches. Weavers will need three separate shuttle tools—whether ski shuttles, rug shuttles, stick shuttles, or a combination—to manage the multiple weft colors efficiently. A temple is essential equipment for maintaining consistent width throughout the weaving process and preventing the fabric from drawing in at the edges.

Yarn Materials and Specifications

Warp Yarn

The warp is constructed from Valley Yarns 8/5 linen, a 100% linen yarn offering excellent strength and durability for the foundation of the rug. The natural color provides a neutral base that allows the weft colors to stand out prominently. Weavers will need approximately 474 yards from three tubes of Valley Yarns 8/5 linen (accounting for variable yardage per tube and extra length for twining techniques). The warp is wound at a sett of 6 ends per inch (epi), using either a 6-dent reed or every other dent in a 12-dent reed, creating a reed width of 26 inches.

Weft Yarns

The weft employs Valley Yarns Collingwood Rug Wool, a blend of 80% wool and 20% nylon that combines the warmth and resilience of wool with the durability of nylon for high-traffic applications. Three colors create the striped and blocked pattern:

• Navy: 1680 yards (primary color)
• Lilac: 1522 yards (secondary color)
• Mulberry: 225 yards (accent color)

The nylon content in the rug wool enhances wear resistance, making this rug suitable for areas that receive regular foot traffic while maintaining the aesthetic qualities of natural wool.

Warp Setup and Finished Dimensions

The warp length is 3 yards with 160 ends total, including 4 ends reserved for floating selvedges (edge threads that create finished, non-raveling edges). The finished rug measures approximately 24½ inches wide by 35 inches long, though length may vary slightly depending on individual beat tension and loom characteristics. This size makes the rug suitable for accent placement in living spaces, entryways, or bedrooms.

Design Elements: Stripes and Blocks

The Blocks and Stripes pattern combines two fundamental design elements in weaving. The stripe technique creates linear color sequences across the weft, while the block structure—enabled by the 2-block Summer and Winter weave—produces larger geometric color areas. The interplay between navy, lilac, and mulberry creates visual depth and interest, with the smaller mulberry accent adding sophistication to the overall composition. The weft-faced structure emphasizes these color blocks, making them the dominant visual feature of the finished piece.

Finishing Techniques

The draft references specific rug techniques that are detailed in the full instructions, including twining methods. Twining is a traditional finishing technique used to secure warp ends and create reinforced edges, ensuring the rug maintains its integrity and prevents fraying after removal from the loom.

Suitable for Weavers

This project is appropriate for intermediate to advanced weavers with experience on multi-shaft looms and