Ruth Loebe combines the perfection she presents as a hand-weaver with a sure feel for colour and for use. She knows that such a plaid, a woollen rug, can be a lot more than decorative or useful companion to a sofa.  Many a unavoidable emotion is interwoven in it. Many 'unspectacular' proven weaving patterns offer an infinite variety in colour, space and stripes, so that each rug can develop its very own character.  Surely it also has to do with the fact that Ruth Loebe does not ever want to get bored while she weaves. But also because she wants each rug to be something totally unique.

She courageously places large and small coloured areas next to each other. The colours have been combined like a sound-wave.  Harmonies, which are broken up through complementary other colours, sometimes single thread sometimes wide woven. As the rugs are continuously folded in different ways they always present themselves differently.  Each rug has its own name, sometimes they are named after seasons, sometimes after nature; only the red ones are always called 'fire engine rugs'.  Even when only just off the loom memories are being evoked which may have something to do with walks through a summer cornfield or on a forest walk through the snow.  There may be an association with granny's linen drying-up cloths.  Vague recollections but enough to be sure: These rugs does not just suit the sofa, but suits me too!
Pure wool, sometimes soft, sometimes a little rough to the touch, this is the material she uses. The careful details, finely knotted threads, turned tassles and cheeky tassels create trust and give the plaid a 'human touch'.
Ruth Loebe studied textile design at the Technical College of Art and Design in Hanover before she came to Luebeck as an apprentice to Alen Mueller-Hellwig at the Burgtor Weaving Works.  Here she got her professional qualification as a hand-weaver and got her artistic influence.  In 1992 she took over the weaving mill and has taken on the tradition which she continues with great confidence and in a modern way.

Text & Photos copyright Schnuppe von Gwinner