Hi there!
I'm a weaving noob, have taken two classes and recently acquired my own loom. I'm getting ready to start my first project and decided on one from the Sept 09 issue of Handwoven called Budget Bamboo Shawl. Basically, I wanted to hit the ground running and not have to think too hard for my first solo project.
One thing I noticed right off the bat is that I understand everything but the selvedges, or rather, how there is no mention of them in the pattern. For my first "real" project in class, I had three selvedge threads on each side that were threaded through a single dent, and my instructor said this would form a good solid edge. I also had a couple of floaters on each side. I never asked why, and now I'm all confused. Is it such a basic thing it's generally left unspoken? How do you decide? Is three a good number? If a pattern doesn't mention selvedge threads, does that mean there are none at all?
Thanks a lot!
Heather
Hi Heather,
Just follow the pattern. If there was a need for a special selvage treatment, it would be in the instructions. One usually does not find special instructions for a selvage unless the piece will get a lot of wear, or if the last warp thread is not caught often enough in the weave.
Good luck with your first project.
Joanne
I wove that shawl as one of my first projects and LOVED it. I didn't do anything special with the selvages but rather followed the instructions as Joanne said.
Happy Weaving!
~PattyAnne~
The Palmetto Fiber Arts Guild in Charleston SC is hosting a Fall Fiber Workshop Saturday, October 9, 2010, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm. Taught by Beryl Tippin, former sheep farmer and long-time spinner, weaver, knitter and felter, the emphasis will be on working with raw fleece for spinning, knitting, and felting.
Also: exhibits and demonstrations of 4-harness loom, rigid heddle loom, drop spindle and spinning on a wheel. Friendly folks for new weavers to know.
$35 includes lunch. Space limited. Register by Oct. 1
Flyer and registration form here.
Find Palmetto Fiber Arts Guild on the web at: http://www.palmettofiberartsguild.blogsp...
Although I generally have no problem with my "edges," I usually double (or triple) the threads in the two "outside" dents of my projects. The threads seem less likely to twist and I get nice firm edges. My weaving teacher suggested this. I don't imagine it would appear in most project instructions. It's just a handy trick.
