The chancel rug for Rättvik church is a meeting between an abstract watercolor and the unique qualities of handweaving. The rug is intended to leave an artistic mark from our time, while remaining relevant for many decades to come, both in form and
       
     
The sketch on the finished rug for Rättvik church.
       
     
Chancel rug for Rättvik church in the loom.
       
     
Many steps and extensive knowledge are required for sheep’s wool to transform into a finished rug. The weavers’ interpretation of the sketch requires artistry and experience. In the rölakan technique, each weft pick is placed by hand, five threads o
       
     
Emma Moore and Malin Svennung Malmén work on the rug for Rättvik church.
       
     
Detail from the loom.
       
     
Chancel rug for Rättvik church, 2017. 3 m x 4 m. Designed by Alice Lund Textilier/Helena Hernmarck Rölakan technique, woven by Malin Svennung Malmén and Emma Moore
       
     
       
     
The chancel rug for Rättvik church is a meeting between an abstract watercolor and the unique qualities of handweaving. The rug is intended to leave an artistic mark from our time, while remaining relevant for many decades to come, both in form and
       
     
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The chancel rug for Rättvik church is a meeting between an abstract watercolor and the unique qualities of handweaving. The rug is intended to leave an artistic mark from our time, while remaining relevant for many decades to come, both in form and quality. The blue and rusty red areas are meant to correspond with the marbling on the woodwork. The dark, intense tones are also present in the pulpit. The soft forms of the rug fit beautifully with the architecture and floor of the church interior. The abstract watercolor challenges the straitlaced expression of rölakan and a new meeting is created in the loom.

Pictured: Chancel rug for Rättvik church 2017. Designed by Alice Lund Textilier/Helena Hernmarck. Rölakan (flatweave), woven by Malin Svennung Malmén and Emma Moore.

Photos: Pär K Olsson

The sketch on the finished rug for Rättvik church.
       
     
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The sketch on the finished rug for Rättvik church.

Chancel rug for Rättvik church in the loom.
       
     
+

Chancel rug for Rättvik church in the loom.

Many steps and extensive knowledge are required for sheep’s wool to transform into a finished rug. The weavers’ interpretation of the sketch requires artistry and experience. In the rölakan technique, each weft pick is placed by hand, five threads o
       
     
+

Many steps and extensive knowledge are required for sheep’s wool to transform into a finished rug. The weavers’ interpretation of the sketch requires artistry and experience. In the rölakan technique, each weft pick is placed by hand, five threads of wool yarn that create a beautiful tone together. The weavers’ hands work adeptly in the loom and a rug takes shape, centimeter by centimeter. For this rug we have collaborated with Wålstedts Textilverkstad, who have spun and dyed the wool especially for us so that the weavers can achieve the correct hues.

Emma Moore and Malin Svennung Malmén work on the rug for Rättvik church.
       
     
+

Emma Moore and Malin Svennung Malmén work on the rug for Rättvik church.

Detail from the loom.
       
     
+

Detail from the loom.

Chancel rug for Rättvik church, 2017. 3 m x 4 m. Designed by Alice Lund Textilier/Helena Hernmarck Rölakan technique, woven by Malin Svennung Malmén and Emma Moore
       
     
+

Chancel rug for Rättvik church, 2017. 3 m x 4 m.
Designed by Alice Lund Textilier/Helena Hernmarck

Rölakan technique, woven by Malin Svennung Malmén and Emma Moore

       
     
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Film from the ribbon-cutting for the chancel rug in Rättvik church, first Sunday of advent 2017. Filmed by Adam Powers.