Weaving with Laima
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We got to go with Laima to the local weaving studio in Aizpute to learn about the different looms that she is using. / CC BY Ramyah Gowrishankar & Kati Hyyppä

Laima also showed us a book containing instructions for weaving belt patterns. / CC BY Ramyah Gowrishankar & Kati Hyyppä

We chose together one of the patterns in the legendary Lielvarde belt and Laima counted how many yarns of different colors we need. / CC BY Ramyah Gowrishankar & Kati Hyyppä

Laima swiftly prepared the correct set of white linen and colorful woolen yarns with a wooden apparatus available at the weaving studio. The apparatus is a wooden frame around which yarns can be spun. / CC BY Ramyah Gowrishankar & Kati Hyyppä

When setting up the backstrap loom, all the yarns are twisted around a rod (some from top, some from bottom). / CC BY Ramyah Gowrishankar & Kati Hyyppä

The next step is to lift the bottom yarns up in order to prepare the heddle. / CC BY Ramyah Gowrishankar & Kati Hyyppä

A diagram in Laima’s book shows how to set up the heddle. / CC BY Ramyah Gowrishankar & Kati Hyyppä

Laima used her wooden weaving knife, a pencil and thick household string to make the heddle. The string is placed under the bottom yarns and rotated around the pencil to make loops with which the yarns can be lifted during weaving. The knife is used for making evenly sized loops and it is removed when all the loops are ready. / CC BY Ramyah Gowrishankar & Kati Hyyppä

When the heddle is in place, the end of the belt that is attached around the waist is tied on a knot, and couple of wooden sticks are woven in the beginning of the belt to ensure proper weaving width. / CC BY Ramyah Gowrishankar & Kati Hyyppä

The other end of the bunch of yarns is attached to a table leg or other sturdy object. / CC BY Ramyah Gowrishankar & Kati Hyyppä

In the beginning of the belt an even texture is woven where every other yarn is lifted – at this point no pattern is visible. A white linen yarn is used as a weft (same color as the white warp yarns)./ CC BY Ramyah Gowrishankar & Kati Hyyppä

Once the beginning part is done, pattern weaving starts. The pattern is created by lifting specific red yarns according to each row in the patten diagram. / CC BY Ramyah Gowrishankar & Kati Hyyppä

Keeping track of the belt pattern while weaving is important and requires full attention, as correcting mistakes is rather laborious. / CC BY Ramyah Gowrishankar & Kati Hyyppä

We managed to weave a little piece of the belt. The technique requires great precision and we have utmost respect to crafters who master it. / CC BY Ramyah Gowrishankar & Kati Hyyppä