Broken Diamond Twill/Reversing Twill Hybrid
Four heddle techniques known as “diamond twill” and “reversing twill.” Twill weavings are of ancient origin and were once widely practiced by Navajo weavers. Twills were favored for their thick and durable structure. Twill techniques were favored for making utilitarian items such as saddle blankets and other equestrian tack. The wool yarns were handspun by a 102-year-old Navajo woman from around Tuba City, AZ. She passed away at the beginning of 2025. I wove this textile to honor the texture and weight of the yarns. Weavings made today from commercially spun yarns don’t contain the unique and texture qualities of handspun yarns. Probably more time went into the spinning of the yarns than the time it took me to weave the textile. The combination of two twill techniques is both visually and technically complex.