This was an experiment with color and texture, using a variety of warps. I used the same yarns for the weft, using an irregular, but sequential pattern. I call it "Better Together" because it reminds me of people. We may be an assortment of odds and ends, but each one has value, especially when woven together.
Fibers are mostly bamboo and cotton, some ribbon, and a few unknowns thrown in the mix.
I love your colors! Did you use some ribbon in the warp, or only weft? I'm just curious. And since it's bamboo & cotton, did you wash it by hand - or what? I'm still new to weaving - lots to learn.
Thanks!
Teresa
Teresa, I don't know a lot. I'm mostly self-taught, and only recently put my rigid heddle back into action after many years of non-use. All that to say - I'm not afraid to try things, partly because I don't know any better. :)
Yes, I used some strands of ribbon in the warp, but I paired it in the heddle with a cotton thread that I knew could hold the tension. The ribbon ended up being my favorite element because of the sheen it adds. It's a nice surprise hidden among the other threads.
I tested a sample in the wash first. (But I loved that sample and didn't want to ruin it, so it took me a few days to gather the nerve to throw it in the washing machine.) After making sure all the ends were secure, I threw it into the washing machine in hot soapy water (in a net lingerie bag) and let it agitate-rinse-spin for about 10 minutes. And then I threw it in the dryer to dry it. I was pleasantly relieved that it came out better than it went in.
Lovely! Experimenting can be fun and richly rewarding. I have yet to use the rigid heddle loom that I got when purchasing a bunch of weaving equipment off craigslist several years ago. I have thought it might be a nice way to get some weaving projects done when traveling, but work and other projects.....Nice work!
Talk about use of color...this is a great combination. Love it.
