Experimental Sprang Frame. (click picture for larger image) Continuing the Sprang adventure. The goal is to work a continuous warp on a small frame. On a previous test I determined after the first couple of rows are worked in the sprang, there needs to be a method for creating slack in the piece. In another previous project I used a clipboard frame loom with dowels that are removed to create slack. Click here for CLIPBOARD LOOM. So I decided to try it out with a cardboard loom. I rolled up a couple of thin magazines into tubes and secured with rubber bands. Then I tied them to cardboard with acrylic yarn.



Then I wrapped the yarn over the frame and tubes. Yarn is Sugar and Creme Red cotton worsted 4 ply. The blue yarn is twined to help keep the yarn in order. Be careful not to miss any of the strands when you twine. I missed one the first time I twined it. This is my second try.



I started to interlink the string. I used knitting needles to hold the pattern. The process of twisting the yarn shortens the warp over the frame and that tightens the yarn on the frame.




After the second row, I found the yarn was pulling on the cardboard frame so I removed one tube. That created some slack but the frame keeps flexing as I work.


Here is picture of the working side without the tubes. I am sliding the knitting needles out of the pattern and inserting to the new row as I work down.


Here is picture of the other side. I slide a second knitting needle to move the pattern "down" over the edge of the frame to this side. Again the reason for doing this is to work Sprang on a continuous warp on a small frame with common materials for the frame. I'll be sharing the experiment as it continues. NOTE: Knitting needles keep sliding out of the sprang!! Use dowels or pencils or something else! Have a good day!

Comments

endorph

so creative. With my wooden frame I figure I can move a dwoel when I need a little slack. The Trick is getting some slack but not too much.

francorios (not verified)

Experimental Sprang Frame Continued

 


 



After the last report, the sprang project was getting pretty snug on the 13 inch cardboard frame. I had moved the sprang from the long 13 inch frame to my regular 11 inch frame. After this picture I stop using knitting needles as holders because they keep sliding out. I started using string like I did on previous projects. The warp is kind of floppy and loose even with the tubes. That makes it hard to keep track of the intertwining.




So I made a 12 inch frame. The strings fit more snuggly with just one tube. I think I have the system figured out. I'll start on the 13 inch frame with tubes and move to smaller frames as needed.



I move the sprang from the 12 inch frame by sliding the 11 inch frame into the sprang and then removing the 12 inch frame. It worked smoothly. Now you can see the white and blue strings moving closer together as the band works around.


Here is the reason for working on cardboard frames. I can put all three frames into a plastic bag and slide that into my messenger bag for my commute to work and back. That's why I am spending time trying to figure a system to make sprang a compact craft.



So I can practice on the train or the bus! Here I go with my 11 inch frame. Over half finished! Have a good day!

jenjscott

How long is your commute each day?  I wish i could weave on my commute, but I have to drive!

endorph

do a lot of things while driving but weaving. . .  that could be tricky! :)

 

francorios (not verified)

I am lucky enough to have a situation where public transit works for me. I get about 15-20 minutes on the light rail. Then I also take a bus for about 30 minutes. So I get about 45 to 50 minutes each way. I've read books, magazines, listened to music, radio. I've completed many little projects that would not have finished otherwise. But if it doesn't fit in my bag or on my lap, it is not gonna work. Have a good day!

francorios (not verified)

 

This is the sprang I started last month (http://francosfiberadventure.blogspot.com/2012/01/x-frame-cont.html) and finished a couple of weeks ago. I made it on the experimental frame as continuous warp. Then I sewed up the sides and cut the strings to open the top. I was trying to tie off the ends when the thing started unlinking. Highly annoying. I was really mad at it for a while. But I came to appreciate the good parts. It proved I can sprang on cardboard frames. I can do pattern changes. And I also have a different idea for the design. More to come in the future.

If you can't see the picture, please visit my blog:
http://francosfiberadventure.blogspot.com/2012/02/x-frame-finish.html


Have a good day!
Franco Rios
Sacramento, CA

sarahnopp (not verified)

Have you tried chopsticks? I have found the cheap wooden chopsticks to stay in as small tensioners on little projects like that. might be a good substitute for the knitting needles.

I can't help but think there is a solution to the tensioning using long screws, las the side pieces. Something like the Mirrix Tapestry looms?

endorph

fun to see your projects. Every step you take you learn more and teach us as well. I need to get back to my sprang project its has been sitting idle too long. . . Tina

jenjscott

Franco, looks like there should be a way to get those ends secured BEFORE cutting the top.  

Jen

francorios (not verified)

Sarah, I think you are on to something with the idea of using long screws. That might be workable. I think two 12 inch long pieces of all thread screw rod, two wooden dowels drilled to accept the screws, and eight hex nuts to adjust the position of the dowels. Or two wooden dowels drilled to accept two other dowel and maybe another screw to hold it in place? All of which is more work than using more cardboard but being adjustable could make the difference. Thank you for your comment. Have a good day! edited to add: I'm sure chopsticks or skewers would work. I've used pieces of string before because I have lots of string, it stays in place, and is easier to carry in my bag than a handful of sticks. - FR

endorph

daffodils are blooming - a month or so early. Supposed to be in the 70s today - started out at 60 this morning - that is 20-25 degrees warmer than usual for this time of year. I hope this warm winter does not mean we will have another scorching summer!