Fall 2025 | Studio Snapshots

The leaves are falling as the days get shorter. This is my favorite season at the loom, especially when the afternoon light streams across the studio and I can finally store my noisy but necessary portable A/C.

My studio is typically my private refuge, but today I'd like to share a behind-the-scenes peek at what I've been working on and what's inspiring me as I embrace the abundance of autumn.

Welcoming my knitting friends to our monthly gathering with a freshly baked loaf of pulla, a traditional Finnish sweet bread, a small bouquet of hand-picked flowers from my yard, and the last of my Marimekko napkins.

The afternoon light in my studio makes weaving even more enjoyable as I practice a traditional 3-shuttle pattern known as "Over the Waves" on a small floor rug.

Using fringed edges to finish my handwoven artwork isn't conveying the skillfully-crafted, modern aesthetic that I am trying to convey, so I am experimenting with an off-loom, handwoven edge.

Taking a close look at a tapestry as I consider how to improve my artwork. Could cutting the fabric strips I use for weft on the bias make the woven surface less shaggy?

After washing a big batch of well-worn bedsheets, I refold and reorganize my stash to fit my little storage space, a hand-built dollhouse that has been passed down through the generations.

I recently decided to change the sett (spacing of the warp threads) on my loom. I tried to spare the existing warp, but it appears to be causing tension issues so one side of my weaving is longer than the other. Sadly this means I need to remove the existing warp and redress the loom. I will salvage as much of the warp as possible for use in smaller projects.

Working on a little detail, my maker's mark. Of course the "E" is for Ellen, but I have also embedded a nod to the Nordic cross that is prominent on the Finnish flag.

Getting out into nature for what will likely be our last paddle of the season. I'm hoping to capture enough inspiration photos to keep my loom busy through the winter.

I've been nursing a foot (or maybe neck) injury the last couple weeks so it feels good to be standing at the loom again.

Taking time to notice the sparkling dew drops on some tiny flowers that others may consider weeds. Beauty is everywhere if you choose to see it.

Prepping the first batch of fabric strips for a beach inspired work that will also be a chance for me to practice a tapestry color-blending technique known as hatching.