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As part of the Image 2007 Art Show at the North Branch Library Community Room, Diane Tallarico shared a demonstration and advice session on the art of Swedish weaving. The show concludes tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 26. All this week featured artists spent time with the public in small group presentations on everything from basket weaving to photography.

Tallarico said she learned how to do Swedish weaving from other weavers she got to know at an RV park in Texas where she winters. It is relaxing, she said. "If you can count you can do this." The weaving of yarns through the loose cloth is done with large-sized needles and usually involves a larger design making it easier to see than doing cross stitch-- which was another handcraft she enjoyed doing.

Tallarico, a North Branch resident, said she has been weaving in the Swedish style for six years and is still amazed at the variety of patterns and how unique the works turn out to be, adding, "Some almost remind me of Navajo (Indian) designs, it's really interesting."

She will do Swedish weaving while she watches T.V. or rides in the car, so she hasn't "clocked" her hours into any one project, but guessed a woven afghan will take maybe three weeks.

The weaving is done on monk's cloth, which can be found at specialty fabric and hobbycraft stores or on-line by searching the word "monk's cloth." The cloth is available in various colors or in neutral shades and by combining the cloth with different yarn colors, the designs are endless. Tallarico has made small lightweight blankets for her grandchildren and table runners, placemats and napkins as special gifts.

Tallarico, who married a non-Swede, joked that the Swedish weaving is one way she maintains ties to her Scandinavian heritage in a houseful of Italians.

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