Handwoven Coverlet c. 1940

Fred Hassebrock made this handwoven coverlet, and I am thinking about the kind of patience and attention that went into it. I imagine him at his loom, carefully interlacing threads, building up patterns bit by bit, and row by row. The coverlet is a study in contrasts, with its geometric shapes and a limited palette of dark blue against a neutral ground. I am particularly drawn to the bottom, where vertical lines meet horizontal bands, creating an almost architectural structure. It's as if Hassebrock is building a world out of thread, a tactile expression of order and design. The fringe at the bottom reminds me of the loose ends and imperfections that make handmade objects so appealing. There is a long history of weaving and textile art, with each generation building upon the techniques and traditions of those who came before. I see that legacy in Hassebrock’s work, a quiet conversation across time, woven into the fabric of everyday life.