I have been reading through the Xenakis Technique (not the easiet read in the world) and am intrigued but am not convince that it is worth investing in a third heddle. Some of what he is describing is similar to what I have been experimenting with using two heddles and one or two pattern sticks and or string heddles. I have read through some of the older posts on here dealing with this technique and that I would bring up the subject again for us newer members of Weavo. I am waiting on a copy of the McKinney book on weaving with three heddles to see what he has to say. I want to expand my weaving possibilities and getting a 4+ shaft floor loom is not an option at this time.

Opinions everyone?

Tina

Comments

Sat, 12/10/2011 - 00:45

endorph

reading the McKinney book - much easier to understand but I'm still not convince the third heddle is worth it. . .
Sat, 12/10/2011 - 16:43

Looming

I agree with you about the books--the Xenakis Technique is brilliant and a bit of a head-spin, whereas McKinney's method and explanations are quite straightforward. I weave with four rigid heddles on a regular basis, and I love it. I have always preferred working with heddles rather than pick-up sticks, which seem fiddly to me (but that's just me). I have found that students tend to understand weave structures requiring multiple "shafts" faster when they are using heddles, and the warping tends to go faster, too. Also, making the transition from using multiple heddles on a rigid heddle loom to using a 4-harness floor loom tends to be smoother. But, in the end, it all comes down to what you prefer. Beautiful, complex weaving has been done for many hundreds of years with pick-up sticks.

If I recall from your other posts, you come from Wyoming (my folks live just outside of Cody), where people are known for their make-do spirit. So here's an alternative to buying that third rigid heddle, one that requires few skills, not much time, and materials you might have on hand already. Make a wood frame the same size as the rigid heddles you have. Tie string heddles within that frame--there are many explanations on the Internet and in weaving books for how to tie string heddles. I use strong, thin linen thread. The string heddles are the "holes" and the spaces between the string heddles are the "slots." Give it a try and see what you think.

Sat, 12/10/2011 - 23:23

endorph

I've done a little bit with two heddles and pick upsticks as wellas string heddles on a dowel so may continue in the vein for now. Maybe Santa will bring me a thrid heddle for Christmas - I have been fascinated by your Quad loom ever since I saw it on here. . . and love the shawl you did for Halloween. I worked in Cody for ten years at the Buffalo Bill Hisotircal Center - grew up in Sheridan! There is definitely a make do spirit around there! Tina