Haywood Overshot Blanket 1 – Irish Double Chain

Description

All profits from the sale of this blanket will be donated as emergency relief for victims of Hurricane Helene. The 10 overshot blankets in the WARP auction were woven by students in the Professional Crafts Fiber Program at Haywood Community College in Clyde, North Carolina. After the college was closed for 2.5 weeks due to the hurricane, students spent the remainder of the fall semester making handwoven blankets for those in need. 100% of the proceeds of the blanket sales benefiting two local relief organizations – BeLoved Asheville and the Craft Emergency Relief Fund.

Each weaver chose a historical overshot pattern to convert into a double weave for this project. The patterns are very recognizable as they are identified with the Appalachian tradition of handwoven coverlets and are constructed of washable wool. Each weaver gave careful consideration of pattern and material to ensure they are highly functional, beautiful, warm blankets.

This blanket was woven by Alyssa Sacora, using a superwash treated Merino Lambswool donated by Jaggerspun Yarn. It is sized to fit a twin bed, measuring 38.5” x 78”. The weight is 3 lbs 11oz. The pattern is a modified version of the Double Irish Chain BB59, found in Frances L. Goodrich’s Brown Book of Weaving Drafts by Barbara Miller and Deb Schillo. About this blanket, Alyssa shares:

“I was drawn to this pattern because of the clear geometric patterning. I like the crispness of the gridded squares compared to the wavy sections in between. As I worked through the pattern conversion, through each step of loom set up and the weaving process, it became more clear how the small sets of repeats worked together to create the pattern. Making those connections has deepened my appreciation for the folks who created these pieces throughout history and in present day.

This was my first time working with superwash merino. My hands loved the feel of the threads during the preparations and even more-so after washing. This blanket is a comfort to me.The many hours spent throughout the learning and making process and now spending time with it before it makes its way to its new home.”