We are fortunate to hear from Deb Essen at our March meeting. Her supplementary warp method, as many attest, is ingenious and requires no second back beam. Our library has both of Deb’s inspirational books (2016 version and updated 2022 version) to assist us in expanding our learning about her methods. It also includes some of her favorite projects that use supplemental warps.

Doing a quick search on the topic in the Handwoven Magazine index I came across an article published in the September/October 2018 issue by Kathi Keller and Linda Gettmann who used Deb’s supplementary warp method to create a beautiful scarf. Keller provides a designer statement showcasing the collaborative learning and accomplishments can that occur in guild communities.

“The weaving study group of the Central Oregon Spinners and Weavers Guild chose warping and weaving with a supplementary warp as our topic for spring 2017. We started by viewing Deb Essen’s video Weaving with a Supplemental Warp and studying her book, Easy Weaving with Supplemental Warps, as well as Barbara Walker’s book, Supplementary Warp Patterning. One member had taken a supplementary warp workshop from Deb and showed the group samples of supplementary warp scarves. Deb’s method allows you to weave supplementary warp structures on a loom with a single warp beam and requires warping back to front. After watching the warping process on the video and seeing the finished product, we got busy warping our own sampler projects using a four-shaft monk’s belt draft designed by Linda Gettmann. Now comfortable with the concept of supplementary warps, we experimented with the sampler design to weave this scarf.”

You can find this issue of Handwoven in our library. Enjoy!