Rosemary Roehl 1624 Washington Memorial Drive Saint Cloud MN 56301 (320) 252-0835 Work Samples Images: (select to enlarge)

Rosemary Lang Roehl Norwegian weaving I am a self-taught weaver in the Norwegian tradition, and my weavings incorporate the traditional colors and patterns of Norway. However, as a contemporary weaver, I modify and combine the patterns to create unique table runners and wall hangings. I have earned a Medal of Honor (gold medal status) competing in the Vesterheim Exhibits of Weaving in the Norwegian Tradition, held during the Decorah, Iowa, annual Nordic Fest. In addition, I have earned blue ribbons at the Minnesota State Fair, the Zapp Bank Art Show in Saint Cloud, and at the International Sons of Norway Folk Art Show. Available: Anytime Space: Sturdy tables are needed for my table loom and woven table runners. Wall space or display boards are needed for my wall hangings, which measure 20 inches wide and vary in length from three to five feet. Fee: Negotiable

Additional Information:
In 1980, Rosemary was living in Denmark, teaching courses to Saint Cloud State students who were studying there. Because of the proximity, it made good sense for Rosemary to visit her relatives in Norway. After two trips to Norway her life was changed. While visiting relatives in Olden on the Nordfjord, she noticed that her hosts had weavings all over their house. Rosemary also learned that her third cousin's mother was a weaver and she gave her some of her work. Rosemary's curiosity was piqued.

Upon returning home to St Cloud, Rosemary noticed a community education-based course in weaving, and once she started there was no stopping her. Once the class was over, she bought a 6-harness table loom and set to work. Then there were days of self-teaching, and a little bit of luck, too. Rosemary's family had a Norwegian student staying with them, and it was fortunate that the student's mother sent Rosemary some weaving magazines with patterns in them. Although the diagrams were useful, it still wasn't easy to figure how to create the patterns. However, between a Norwegian/English dictionary and input from a local woman who knew Swedish, Rosemary was able to figure out some of the texts in the pattern books.

Rosemary's continued interest in Norwegian weaving stems in part from her heritage, and also from the challenges of learning new techniques. Deep study of the form has taught her that creating Norwegian weaving is a satisfying discipline unto itself. Norwegian weaving has a lengthy history, and as Rosemary put it, "there is plenty to learn." She uses the techniques used in the old Norwegian weavings, but she does not copy designs. Earth tones and blue are important, and she uses Norwegian yarns.

Typically, Rosemary creates such objects as table runners, wall hangings and pillows. She exhibits at Nordic Fest, held in Decorah, Iowa, where she has earned Gold Medal status. She has won two blue ribbons at the Minnesota State Fair, the first in 1984, only a few years after she started weaving. Rosemary knows that her work is on the right track when, after viewing her work, people say "We saw that in our mother's home," or "We've got one like that."