Hand weaving mill

One of Martha Vogeler’s main objectives was to secure the economic independence of Haus im Schluh. The operation of a hand weaving mill was thus given top priority in the conceptional layout of Haus im Schluh.

Martha had four barn frame looms and two high warp looms set up in the smaller annex. From the very start, simple linen and woollen fabrics were woven, as well as fabrics made of hand-spun sheep’s wool. Tapestries, Smyrna carpets and kilims as well as fabrics for clothes and coats, tweeds, tablecloths and chaise longue coverings, curtain materials and fabrics for upholstery and pillows were and still are on offer. Dresses, jackets, scarves, belts and ties were tailored in the top fashion of the day and sold directly to visitors and customers. Even today there is an assortment of contemporary styles to be had.

Not only were traditional weaving instruments used throughout the years at im Schluh but, in the interest of preserving living folk art, the fabrics were coloured using natural dyes. Research into these old practices was a special concern of Walter and Bettina Müller, with many artistic tapestries being created in their workshop. The raw materials used for dying the wool came from natural sources, such as flora growing in the heath and moor. This resulted in weavings whose shadings were particularly harmonious.

The weave mill at Haus im Schluh also took on apprentices, a highly coveted position. Many girls from Worpswede and its environs took their apprenticeships in weaving or home economics under the tutelage of Martha Vogeler.

The tapestry workshops of Bettina Müller-Vogeler produced masterly crafted tapestries, including some of extraordinary dimensions designed by her husband Walter Müller.

After a second, larger farmhouse was built in the 1930s, the Schluh weaving mill was then moved to its spacious location there.

Today the lovely old frame looms can be viewed here and are still in operation. Here, under the supervision of Berit Müller, a great-granddaughter of Martha and Heinrich Vogeler, top-quality fabrics and, on request, tapestries and kilims are woven and put on sale.