Rio Grande Rug
I took the Rio Grande weaving class at Convergence 2010 with Karen Martinez. It was a well-designed class, and we finished a generously-sized rug while learning four different wefting techniques on traditional Rio Grande looms and using the unique open-sided shuttle. I loved weaving on this loom, and liked that the project design reinforced the skills we were learning several times throughout the project.
If you want to read more about the experience, visit chat > "New Mexico...We're Here" for more photos of the looms and the class experience.
Tree of Life Muse
Dropped in 4 shafts and used spit shed technique (form of pick up) This is a rug I just completed. It is mohair, mill spun from my customers mohair goats. The yellow is dyed with mesquite. The mesquite chips were soaked in alcohol to extract the color. My blog on dyeing is here. I confess that I need to catch up on some of the other color runs I have completed!
The rug is done in the split shed method. A method taught and used by Jane Evans. Here is her web page with her publications listed about split shed...janeevans.ca/Publications.shtml
I love using split shed, you have to allow for the warp peaking thru a bit but if you allow for it to participate with a color fit, it doesn't matter. I reference my cobra finish here.
I also keep myself to a triad of colors. It would be easier with 2 colors and the rug would be reversible but I find that 3 colors make it more interesting for me to weave it.
and here is an update, the client just receive the rug and is very happy, they will send me photos of the rug mounted over the fireplace on an iron rod....yahooo
Denim rag rug
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was hoping to make this 52" but ran out of warp - too much takeup I think, close to 30%. Other than that i LOVE it!
Hearth Rug - Knotted Pile
This rug is an extension of my exploration of pile weaving techniques. Following up on a small "ruglet" this piece is large enough to fit perfectly in front of the new high efficiency fireplace insert as a hearth rug.
The design is a composite of motifs selected from Layatif Kerimov's "Folk Designs from the Caucasus" - there are 3 concentric borders surrounding a double flower in the center. Around the flowers are several other small figures.
There are 4 colors - white, black, natural gray Jacob handspun, natural beige Shetland handspun.
This piece was worked with a complete set of hand forged tools from the Middle East acquired from Oriental Carpet dealers.
Shearing is nearly comlete, but some rough patches still exist on the surface. This process can take several days and is done in small increments.
The next project is using finer pile yarns and will be the face of a large, bright colored tote bag.
Berber Rugs
These two rugs are woven double-faced, plain on the back and tapestry-style on the front. The interlocked falcons derive from the work of M.C. Escher. More information about the structure is in the Weaving Forum, subject "What's on your loom", post #16. Sorry, I couldn't find how to get a direct link.
The photo on the right shows how the back looks.
Black, grey and tan rep rugs - Warp #60
The first of a series of three rug warps in rep stripes. This one is warped in black, ecru, tan, two shades of grey and brown.
At the Beach cotton chen. rugs (2)
warp doubled in a 6 dent reed
8 ppi
8-4-2-2-2-2-2-2...2-4-8 threading
Purple, Green, Gold Rep Rugs - Warp #61
With this rep rug warp I intend to accomplish a number of goals:
Reduce my rag stash - use up odds and ends.
Experiment with stripes and various colorways.
Play with asymmetric design.
Pave the way for a future project using previously painted warps.
