For my 3rd rigid heddle project, I am ready to try the Log Cabin pattern for a table runner. I have seen instructions on how to produce this design. You use the same thread in the warp and weft. I have seen so many warnings to be careful about the warp thread. It seems that should be the first consideration when shopping for this project. Linen is often recommended on table runners. Would the fabric be stiff?

The tutorial at Lili and Mum's does point out common errors to avoid, but the photo looks like she uses ordinary knitting yarn which I think would be too stretchy. Perhaps it was just because the colors and weight would show nicely for photos.

I would like the colors combination to match a koi picture that I have -a dark goldfish red and a deep orange gold. Being as the color would be too hard to match on a computer monitor, I would settle for black and a reddish brown wood color. I tried taking a photo of the picture to send to shops, but the colors were showing too wrong.

From the samples I've seen, I like the patterns with bold edges separating the blocks. A plain warp pattern would have 2 thread colors alternating to make a block -white in the hole, black in the slot until you get the block with wide as you want. The next block uses the same colors, except in reverse -black in the hole, white in the slot. To make the bold edge on the block, I imagine you simply would thread 2-3 black threads before starting your next block of alternating colors.

There are several YouTube video demonstrations and text tutorials on line, if you would like to try this with me.

 

Need: Thread for a table runner

My equipment:
Rigid Heddle Kromski 16"
Heddles #8, 10, 12.

Comments

endorph

is not a difficult pattern to do, you just need to be careful to keep track of where you want your blocks to end when warping. For a table runner  would recommend a cotton blend like cotolin - much easier to care for than linen. Also, it can be difficult on a rh loom to keep the high tension that linen warp wants. I have used cotolin with no trouble at all. Here is a link to one of my project pages that shows a log cabin scarf I made. It is a cotton / slk blend and has great drape. http://weavolution.com/project/endorph/more-scarves-part-2

10ashus

Endorph, what a wonderful Log Cabin design you have woven. The varied block height shows creativity. Did you do samples of various blocks, plan it on paper, or just weave the first rows (picks) until your eye liked the look?

The cotolin thread will go on my shopping list. I have seen the name but not it's uses.

10ashus

I am going to slow down and listen to the good advice I have read from many weavers. Order some Thread Sample Cards (tonight) and weave Samplers of the pattern (this week).

Do you save your Samplers as a sample; or, make something from it?

Queezle

I love sampling. I keep my samples in a box, but am trying to transition into putting them into a notebook.  I find them a handy reference.

I am looking forward to seeing your progress.  Log cabin is beautiful, and for some reason, I've never woven it myself.  I love the idea that you are trying to pick up colors in art that is in your room - that will be lovely.

endorph

especially with a pattern like this, can be beneficial. There are so many possibilities!

Hazel Fyrebird

You could easily cut and hem your sample to become matching coasters,  trivets, or the like. Just my $0.02. 

10ashus

I have been too ill to shop or weave, but today I found a gold mine, a Log Cabin WAL (weave along) from 2009 by the Rigid Heddl e Group. Good examples, patterns, and advice.

http://www.weavolution.com/group/rigid-heddlers/log-cabin-wal-details-11263

10ashus

After reading more about the Log Cabin design, it would not be what I wanted in the dining room with my koi picture. So the colors were chosen from the living room curtain.

My eyes like unusual color combinations or texture. I realized for the table runners it is usually best to use neutrals. Which do I want to showcase -the table runner or the object sitting on it? I thought that this color combination should hit in the middle of both needs.

I ordered thread today from Halcyon Yarn, using their thread Sample Cards to make my color choice. I will definitely need to weave a sampler to see how these colors and the thin thread work with the Log Cabin design.

Homestead 8/2 cotton

Homestead 8/2 cotton - color: Old Gold   

Homestead 8/2 cotton - color: Rose

10ashus

Many down days during illness turned out good. It gave me time to learn more and plan more. Finally I started the warp last night. I had to quit. That size 12 heddle has teensy tiny holes. The angle I was threading through the heddle had me bent over. Oh, my aching back. Warping should be finished by tomorrow. Completing a few sampling rows would be a bonus

Pictures show thread tied on to the back rod and the first Block A-B sequence through the heddle slots. Block A on right.

Slot ThreadsTie on threads to rod

Several weavers suggested quicker methods of warping since you change colors every slot and hole. I had concerns about tangles and twists. I am using the method in this video demo. https://youtu.be/wLCGPwXIcWQ

    Pattern
  1. Block A - Dark thread (hole) and Light thread (slot); 8 times (16 ends).
  2. Block B - Light (hole) and Dark (slot); 4 times (8 ends).
  3. Repeat Block A-B sequence seven times.
  4. End with one more Block A. (I want a wide block at each selvedge edge.)

 

10ashus

I have been away from the loom for awhile due to an impaired hand. Then, my clamp on the warp peg slipped loose (2 times). The first time I spent hours untangling the thread loops. This time, I am cutting off the warp and starting over. I hope that my last order included extra thread.

Today, I am trying a logical suggestion. Warp and loop over your peg a few inches at a time and tie a piece of colored yarn around each bundle. It is like separating the bundles when you use a warping board.

Erica J

Good luck 10ashus! I look forward to more updates!

10ashus

I am the Tenacious Optimist; but even at that, it is time to quit and warp the loom for a new project. The difficulties and the frustrations have surpassed the pleasure.

Have you ever had a project that you decided would be better to trash versus persevere?

 

Erica J

I think we've all been there. You also have the option of reworking the project into something else. Definintely if you are not having fun it is time to move on!

I look forward to seeing what you do next!

10ashus

The stronger the contrast of a Dark and a Light color, the better the Log Cabin pattern looks. My colors did not contrast enough.

The color hues were altered when woven into small dots of color. The rose pink looked Pepto-Bismol (a stomach ache medication) pink and the rich gold looked pea green. The thickness of yarn may create a block versus small dot of color that would minimize this effect.

These threads are pretty, but not a good choice for a Log Cabin project.

Log cabin sample with bad color choice

endorph

on the loom. It started as a sample and ended up a scarf. Cool

Queezle

That is something I have repeatedly contemplated.  For me, the scissors only occasionally win - and typically for weft-faced weave structures.  Its a great way to get to know yourself.  The scissors also won in my first return-to-weaving project a couple years ago (after a hiatus for career + children).  I had not admitted that I needed reading glasses, and there were so many errors, frustration won the day.

An important lesson in value came when wanting to make my baby daughter (now 17) a baby blanket.  I ordered various shades of pink, purple, and blue.  Thankfully I made a sample, because I didn't like it, and so never made the blanket.  In retrospect, the selected colors had very similar value, but at the time I didn't understand why the rosepath pattern was so indistinct.  Thinking in terms of value is so different from my background, and your sharing of this project is helping many of us to reinforce our color lessons!  So thank you very much.