In the last entry, Claudia Brahms described the environment of the ‘home/lifestyle’ market in 1983 that gave rise to the Brahms Mount cotton blankets. In this entry, Claudia discusses the unique closed selvedge found on Brahms Mount throws and day blankets:
The closed selvedge, a distinct look that is possible only on our shuttle looms, shows the hand of the weaver.
The antiquity lends authenticity to the history of fabric and a beautiful clean fabric edge.
We take advantage of that aesthetic on our throws and day blankets.
Our twin, full, queen and king blankets are hemmed on all four sides… there are naturaly two raw edges that occur from cutting the fabric into lengths and so those edges need to be secured with a hem. So for uniformity and a clean presentation, we hem all four sides of our blankets whereas the closed selvedge is featured on throws, day blankets and towels.
1. The looms used by Brahms Mount utilize a shuttle which carries the fill yarn, spooled on a bobbin, across and back, closing the ends… a closed selvedge.
2. The magazine holds the bobbins that are automatically dropped into the shuttle
3. Here, the fill yarn is slack as the shuttle awaits its hammer returning it in the other direction
4.See the well finished ends? The loose tail in this photo indicates where the empty bobbin is replaced with a new bobbin from the magazine. The loose tail is “hand-tucked” during the finishing process, a step that takes up to 10 minutes per blanket
Brahms Mount Cotton Blanket in Houndstooth and Starry Night patterns
There was no cotton blanket on the market in 1983.The only cotton blankets were in hospitals and one being manufactured in England. This was a hole in the growing home market – a cotton blanket that is much more than a commodity!
Thick yarn was being used in the hand knit trade and we felt it had another use - in the bedroom. We were hearing about lifestyle merchandising, foretelling of the “nesting” trend. The home, and the textiles we surround ourselves with at home, were about to become the focus of an entire market. There were few natural fiber blankets other than wool, and merino hadn’t hit its stride.
An antique shuttle loom used by Brahms Mount prepared for transport
We had designed a fabric that we wanted as a blanket and Brahms Mount was born. The yarn we use and the looms in the Maine Mill are a perfect match. Our artisans can climb inside the loom to thread. You cannot do that on modern looms. On modern looms the harnesses and working guts are removed and threaded away from the loom then ‘plugged’ back in.
Our looms need little in the way of electronics and the parts were readily available. The looms themselves are far more approachable in terms of threading and setting up for shorter production runs. We did not have the space for the warping and ancillary equipment needed for high speed looms.
And that has given us the flexibility to design from a broad base of options.
Brahms Mount has an informative collection of videos hosted on YouTube
It’s summer in Florida – which is my best blanket to use? How about in Michigan? How about New York? Brahms Mount blankets answer the “which blanket is best for my area” query through the diversity of the products offered. All available in natural fibers.
Cotton
is number one in versatility, cost, ease of use. It truly is a four season blanket. Used alone in summer and spring – and especially where air conditioning is used – it provides just enough warmth to ward off a chill. Cotton breathes and does not trap moisture.
Used in fall and winter – cotton added to a light down quilt or a wool blanket again breathes and adds just the added weight and warmth to provide a restful, quiet sleep with the softness and comfort cotton is known for.
adds the bonus of luxury to the line. The drape of our Brahms Mount Linen Blanket, the weight of the long fiber linen used speak of its durability as well as luxury – and linen only gets softer with use. The added luxury of its inherent qualities – anti microbial, fast drying, moisture wicking, clean natural scent all contribute to its versatility. Linen is truly a four season blanket as well as it traps warmth in its channels. Adding just the right amount of warmth needed in summer air conditioning – aesthetics are never compromised when linen is used as a blanket or bedspread.
blankets are the perfect extra added lightweight wool blanket for your bed in fall, winter and spring. In the mountains in the summer? – use our wool blankets for that needed coziness to warm up with.
Ease of use: all are machine washable and dryable. All have been prewashed, preshrunk. These are not fussy blankets – but made to be used for generations to come, in any climate, any season, all decors.
There is a Brahms Mount blanket just right for your needs. Just ask, we’ll direct you to the best for your needs.
Since we’re in the Northeast, we’re used to getting those winter doldrums in February, March, and sometimes even April. But there’s good news! It may be gray outside, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be inside.
Color is a wonderful way to cheer up your space during the icy late winter, and pillows and blankets are the perfect way to do it. Far more easy than changing a paint color or the color on your upholstery, blankets can quickly add the perfect pop of color that your space needs!
Living Room
Showcase color by throwing a blanket over the back of the couch or a chair. You could even try switching out your favorite pillows to add some contrast to the blanket.
Bedrooms
The same goes for the bedrooms: throw your favorite colored blanket over the foot of the bed, the chair in the corner of the room, or even in some strategically placed open storage for the extra pop of color.
Laundry Room or Storage Closet
If you’re willing and able, open storage can be beautiful way to add both color and interest to a space. Even if your blankets are being stored for the winter, use clear plastic bags or containers to still see the blankets.
Have you been having a hard time finding the perfect present for your co-worker, friend, or family member? Look no further than lambswool. That’s right, lambswool.
Forget the age old classic itchy sweater like Grandma used to make; these blankets are soft, supple, and the best news? They aren’t a bit itchy.
Our perfect blend of merino wool gives you all the benefits of our softer fabrics like cotton and linen, with the bonus of being perfect for anytime of year! Available in a number of colors, the special person in your life will love a blanket they won’t have to put away after the winter is over.
Since you’re still able to throw these blankets in the wash, don’t fret about creating a lot of work for your loved one.
Ready to pick out the perfect lambswool blanket? Try our two designs in a number of great colors:
Brahms Mount was recently featured in Kennebec County’s Video TourBook in the Economic Development section. We’re honored to be included in the TourBook along with a number of other top notch businesses located in Kennebec County.
We’re proud to be apart of Maine, where we’re not only inspired by the beauty, but also by the people.
View and learn more about Kennebec County in the TourBook:
Earlier this year, we were featured by the Maine Office of Tourism as Maine designers. In it, Claudia Brahms – a founder and lead designer – and David Kaufman – owner – share their love of living and working in Maine.
Claudia shares some of her inspiration, including Maine’s wildlife, nature, and vegetation; as well as a bit of her story and how she came to love design.
Recently, we happened upon this fantastic article in the American Wool and Cotton Reporter, from the issue on May 14, 1903. You can view the original copy below:
Our favorite part? The section entitled “Textile School for Weavers”. This lesson closely resembles, if not exactly, our modern-day techniques for warping our fibers. You can even check out our warper in action in a two part video series that we created: Part 1 – What is the Creel? and Part 2 – The Warper.
Another favorite? The quiz at the end. Can you answer all of the questions after taking the lesson?
