BLUE

I know cotlin is not a typical material for something like a scarf but it's a matter of using what I have on hand, and I happen to have a bunch of this cotlin, having picked it up at Webs' last end of year sale.  I'm still getting back into the swing of things, so I wanted to go with less expensive fiber for this early effort.

2011-11-13

I've run into some tension issues early on - I think partly due to the thread count, which is higher than anything I've dealt with in quite a long time, and due to the fact that I didn't catch some crossed threads until after I started weaving.  I don't know how that happened... I thought I double-checked, but next time I'll triple check!  Definitely an object lesson in being very deliberate while threading the heddles... I'd rather spend an extra 15-30 minutes at that stage than an extra 15-30 minutes dealing with it after!  I was able to fix the crossed threads, but as a result of re-tying that particular bunch of threads at the front tension is a little uneven there.  I think my sleying pattern is also a factor; I spaced things out to get 24 EPI in a 10 dent reed, and 3 threads to a reed seems to be pushing it a little.  Some of the warp stripes are a little bunchier than others.

I also found a mis-thread which broke the twill pattern.  I wound up adding a string heddle, cutting the old warp thread and adding a new one (wrapped around a T-pin, to be threaded in after weaving) and after a few shots it's looking good.

All in all I think it's starting to settle down and even out- my hope is that once the cloth makes it onto the beam the tension will get a little more uniform.

2011-11-15

Tension has definitely improved as cloth winds onto the front beam.  A "paper clip temple" has also helped speed things up. I've actualy already finished one 68-ish inch scarf, which is quite gratifying.  It's uneven at the beginning and has its share of flaws, but that won't stop me from wearing it.

2011-11-18

Finished weaving scarf #2 tonight.  If I wanted I *might* be able to squeeze another repeat of the sett in, but I don't want to risk running out of usable warp in mid-block.  The tension came out fine at the end, after getting frustratingly uneven right about the time the rear apron rod came off of the back beam.   I'm hopefuly that I'll be able to massage a couple of particularly crooked rows back into better shape before finishing.  It's too late to contemplate taking it off the loom tonight, eager though I am to do so!

2011-11-19

Scarf #2 is off the cloth beam, and its fringe tied off... I still need to weave in a couple of replacement warp threads but it's pretty exciting to see how much everything has evened out.  Can't wait to see how it looks after finishing!

2011-11-21

I finally had a chance to weave in replacement warp thread ends, trim weft threads that were sticking out from color changes, and deal with a few selvedge loops.  I let both pieces soak for a bit in cold water, and have run them through a delicate cycle with some woolite... now to air dry!

2011-11-22

After a hard press, things look good.  I've surprised myself a bit with this project, and it's definitely emboldened me a bit as far as tartan is concerned!