I was going to get this posted last night an forgot! So here it is a new month. Looking forward to eeing all the projects you are working on. You are all such an inspiration. Weave on!

Comments

sally orgren

SO I haven't been getting as much weaving done this summer as planned. I blamed it on conferences and work deadlines.

However, I joined two hiking groups this summer, and I realize that has cut into my evening weaving time significantly. We try to complete a 3-5 mile trail in 1-1.5 hours starting at 6 p.m., but with rush hour traffic gumming up commute times and the shortening days, it is getting more and more challenging.

Last night, we ended up on the trail far longer than we expected. With the help of two cell phone flashlights, we got everyone out.

I couldn't resist this post-hike "photo". (I am sure you can tell who Luna, the 4-legged hiker is. ;-)

Ironically, next week we'll be hitting a Braille Trail, so no worries if we get stuck past nightful. (Note to self: pack head lamp anyway.)

theresasc

the posts lately have been really good reading.  I am enjoying all of the participation and comments going along with the color challenge.

I am still dealing with effects from a concussion, so I am still only weaving on my tapestry, inkle looms, or braiding stand.  It is that right to left head motion that is doing me in, so no throwing shuttles for me until this is all resolved.  I received the yarn that I ordered for my color challenge yesterday but I want to use my CM loom to weave it and it has a wide project on it so no color challenge weaving for me until my head settles down and I can weave on my big looms.  At least this way I am going to end up finishing another tapestry - LOL!

endorph

surgery sometime this month - still waiting to hear for sure - so that will mean no sitting at the loom for a couple of weeks. So I will catch up on my reading, drop spindle spinning, knitting and maybe some binge watching of TV / Movies that have been on my watchlist ofr a while. I could probably weave on my potholder loom - Wink I will be out of work for at least 2 maybe three weeks. I am thinking three weeks sounds about right! Luckily I have plenty of sick time accrued.

Sally - I love your photo and yes, I think I can tell which is the 4 legged hiker!

Theresasc - sorry that the concussion is keeping you away from the floor looms. Glad you can wor on the inkle, though.

Cynthia

I wove a couch blanket with bulky yarn (the warp is Rowan Magpie). Because my loom is narrow, I wove it double length, planning to cut it in half and seam the pieces together. I didn’t think I had enough warp to just leave space in between for fringe; I can use loom waste to create the fringe for the other edge.

But I didn’t think about finishing off that end. How can I fasten that edge so that the warps are secure, but it looks nice? If it were a thinner textile, I’d just machine sew, cut, and hem it, and then add fringe if I wanted it, but a hem is really out of the question on this.

The other option I’ve thought of is to hemstitch 5” on either side of the middle, then cut it & remove the weft in that place. But I would lose 5” in the overall length and would prefer not to do that.

Other ideas?

Jewell twill project : end with fringe

 

10ashus

Cynthia, maybe weave the short ends back into the fabric (up towards the warp) and add fringe, like  tassels, to match your other end.

That's the way, Theresa. Good going. Weaving is weaving no matter what tool you use. I have brain damage from a tumor. We will be the poster girls for 'Weaving is my therapy of choice.'

Queezle, put yourself a project kit together now for weaving with that little loom in bed. You have the right attitude and a good plan for your temporary trip in the slow lane. By the way, I gladly accept your offer to share the alpaca (after you recover from surgery).

Quoting history.com...

Observed on the first Monday in September, Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894.

As I weave this weekend for pleasure, I shall be thinking of the factory workers who weave as laborers, both in the past and present.

Erica J

I am at Rosalie Neilssons workshop. She uses binary code to explain blocks and it has all just clicked! Now I am confident in designing my own block designs. I highly recommend keeping an eye out for her soon the be published nook, An Exhaultation of Blocks! We've gotten a preview of the material and I  can tell you the book will ne amazing!

Here is my repo table runber so far. 

Queezle

That is a lovely rep design, Erica!  I look forward to hearing more about the workshop and seeing your final product.

I have been working to improve my weaving studio.  I went to Ikea and purchased a small kitchen cart to use to hold my electric bobbin winder, and even got it assembled.  Slowly, this room is being transformed into a studio with my tools organized and at hand.  I'm really thrilled. 

I also became intrigued by a draft in Strickler's 8-shaft pattern book, a boulevard weave (draft 606), and this morning finished measuring out a white warp.  It will probably take me more than a week to get it threaded, but its a lovely distraction while I continue to pursue finding yarns the right color for the color challenge.

I also have been spending time helping a guild mate move into her huge new studio.  Its fascinating to get an intimate view of this newly emerging studio, and to see her big collection of looms, yarns, and tools.  For me, weaving has been a pretty solitary activity (other than you weavo pals), and its a big change of pace to visit and spend face time with another weaver. 

Alison (not verified)

In August, with Bob's (at AVL) help, I got my WDL working again and have been working on various samples in 10/2 mercerized.  It is lovely having it working again.  Work is as demanding as ever but I have a bit more time at home because the office is much closer than normal (no flight - just a drive).  The goal for this month is to get a second longer sampler done and to get the A-series fixed.

10ashus

My progress stalled this weekend. Everything I thought of was lacking something. A color or a texture. I got tempted to use several yarns that were planned for other projects. If I used them now, when my back order arrived I would be sorry.

Queezle

takes time.  I have built my stash slowly, making purchases of about 2-3 times what I needed for a project....  My only regret - isn't really a regret - but I've always felt impoverished, and so purchased fairly inexpensive yarns - lots of 8/2 cotton, some finer cotton, a bit of silk.  I am now trying to change that.  Here are the yarns that arrived today.  Still purchased economically, the four on the left are cashmere (colourmart), and the two on the right are alpaca-tencel (WEBS).  I've only recently decided that I like to wear scarves (indoors, at work) in the winter, and so these were purchased with myself in mind!  And you know what?  I didn't have to pay any extra to obtain cones of yarn that stand sideways ;)   Oh - and none of these match my color card Cry.

 

10ashus

Four thumbs up for Queezle. Two thumbs for the lovely blues. Cashmere. Alpaca. Can I toucH your scarves? And, two thumbs for the excellent lesson.

Patience + Collect the fibers I really want. If stash storage or budget is limited, only collect what I love.

Here is another good weaving lesson. All artists make ugly stuff. http://urbangypz.com/making-ugly-art-good-thing/

Queezle

10 - come cuddle my scarves any time!  Its the mark of a fiber afficianado.  And today a couple new shuttles arrived.  I usually do not enjoy the shopping experience, but getting all this weaving-related stuff actually feels great. 

And I'm thinking the band loom needs to be my christmas/birthday wish.  Its really not that expensive.

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it is not difficult to spend on yarn the same amount of money as to buy a new band loom.  A great stash for a band loom costs very little and lasts a very long time. The tools for it do not multiple.  Pleasure to pain ratio can't be beat.  Rare to see ad for used band loom and unlikely to save significant money.  

The older wood only version of the Glimakra band loom looks more beautiful in pictures than the metal ratchets on my loom.  Joanne Hall would best understand the experiential difference.  

 

Queezle

Yes, those aesthetics are important, but I think finding one of your vintage would make this too high a hurdle. 

In my remodeled kitchen, we do not have a good spot for damp dishtowels.  I think I've finally figured out a spot for some hooks, meaning I now need loops on my dish towels Smile 

Madly threading heddles each early morning and night, closing in on the Blvd weave warp!

10ashus

 Preparing for October. Today I created my Halloweave Team, Doctors Frankenstein, for those weavers who fear weaving a project with hand sewn seams. I enjoyed the searching and starting the posts for discussion topics.

Queezle joined 2 seconds after I finished the post. Such a brave little queezle.

Erica J

Well it really is weaverly to unweave and that's what I've spent the week doing.  The second day of the warp repp workshop I git so caight up in the design possibilities of 4 block weaves that I mixed up my background and pattern colours. So I have spent this week unweaving the mistake, whuch I didn't realize until I had woven an entire motif! 

It is worth it though as this table runner will last fir decades. There is no way I can spend all those years staring at a mistake that will only take a but to correct. Unweaving repp is as eady as weaving it! :)

Erica J

I love the sage advice on stash building! It is true, but also remember do not be ashamed of your stash it is part of the tools of our art! :)

I have finished the unweaving, started winding a new warp for some summer and winter exploration, and even managed some time to read on through the Weaver's Journal magazines! I love the Weaver's Journals they are practically books in and of themselves. I have learned so much of my studies of them and I've only just made it to issue 10!

I also started adding in projects from my last few years of concentrated study. I will start scanning in the samples this weekend, to add photos to the project pages. I hope you all look forward to finally seeing all that weaving I had to keep secret. :)

theresasc

I am so looking forward to seeing your samples, Erica.  You have been teasing us for ages about them!

I agree that stash building takes time.  I like most of what is in mine, but there are a few regrets.  I am going to look at those "regrets" as a challenge to my abilities and my creativity.  Finding ways to use an off-color or texture, which I do have a few.  I have also changed and/or expanded the type of weaving that I now do so I should be able to start sliding some of those yarns into projects.  One thing that I have done, actually still do is have this goofy mindset that if I use up a yarn, then it is gone.  I really need to get over that!

As for new fiber pursuits, look what came this week!Core stand

It is a core stand that my marudai sits in.  Really fun learning a new technique.

 

 

 

Queezle

Theresa - I think I know what you mean.  I buy yarn, and then feel afraid to use my nicest colors, or nicest yarns.  I, too, am trying to get over that (but notice that my newest project uses 8/2...).  Mostly I'm doing it by having enough really nice fibers that there is always some more.  Also reminding myself that I am no longer a graduate student - haha - that ended 25 years ago - and its OK to spend some $ on myself. 

I will be away to beautiful areas in central Utah, near the San Rafael swell, so very little weaving will get done.  That boulevard warp will wait though, won't it? 

laurafry

Not much weaving happening here.  Much gnashing of teeth trying to get the computer that runs my loom upgraded to Win 10 (because Win 8 was pissing me off, royally).  Well, that got 'fixed' today - sans wifi.  Back to 'old school' - copying files to a cd or flash drive and physically carrying the file from the desktop upstairs to the loom downstairs.  #firstworldproblems

However, I did get a sample warp woven.  A spinner and I are working on some samples using handspun for weaving.  We each want something a bit different out of the samples, so it's been fun.

I also got the warp wound for the workshop I'm taking next month with Bonnie Inouye.  Been ages since I have *taken* a workshop so I'm really looking forward to it.  :)

Also got the loan of an e-spinner.  I'm a little hesitant to set it up and give it a go!  Will I be able to keep up to it?  Will I like it?  If I do, will I feel the unquenchable need to buy the new e-spinner from Abby Franquemont's dh? 

So many questions!

Erica J

Laura,

I look forward to reading your thoughts on the e-spinner. One part of me thinks that could be the ultimate luxury. Tge other part of me wonders if it isn't too much a move toward mill spinning. I know many people love them, but am still hesitant about them. :)

Erica J

It's nearly lunchtime and I have made a huge amout of progress today! I've wound the warp for my next exploration, profile drafting, which will be executed in Summer and Winter. I have started drafting my next Samitum lotuses in roundels, and I've updated my study samples here through the weft faced weaving. 

For all those who have been anxiously awaiting seeing the results of my studies, you can see about 2/3rds of the samples on my project page.

I almost forgot I woven in the ends of what was meant to be a new small kitchen rug. The "rug" turned out the size I intended, but the size I intended is rather small for the intended purpose, so we have another hot pad, which we actually need more than a rug for in front of the cooker. :) This can also be seen on my project pages.

Erica J

I started weaving my next samitum samples 24 picks in I have 1/4 of an inch. I'll share photos when there is more yo see.

I am doing the final edge finishing on my taquete color and block sample.

Queezle

The colors on that taquete are wonderful!

I am nearly done threading the reed for my boulevard weave structure exploration, but have to switch to making oatmeal scones for 16.  My daughter loves them so much she wanted me to prepare at least 100.  Then pack for being away for the weekend. 

Laura - that will be quite a workshop, with Bonnie Inouye teaching, and you as a participant - sounds like my dream weaving experience... 

laurafry

It's just another tool.  If we are happy using an electric mixer when cooking  instead of doing it by hand, we should not worry about using an e-spinner.  My CPW isn't portable.  It's an actual antique - built in the late 1800's early 1900's and 'fragile'.  The e-spinner is portable.  It's just another tool in the toolbox.  :)

Erica J

That is a lot of scones Queezle!! Wish I could come over. :) Thank you for your compliments, that was one of my favorite samples.

Laura you are so right it is just a tool, but I dolove the romantacism of my wheels. I do have drop spindles for portability, but the e-spinner is still quite intriguing for when we travel to non-re-enactment events. :)

theresasc

I had to laugh when I saw scones.  I made a batch of almond-cherry scones for my brother yesterday because today I borrowed his truck to go pick up a new loom.  It is now in my garage, completely apart.  I have to finish a scarf on the loom that is sitting where I want to put the new one.  I knew I should have been weaving on that!  LOLGlimakra 110 cm

This is my new to me Glimakra, or it will be once it is cleaned, moved upstairs to the 3rd floor, the Kessenich moved (and hopefully sold), and put back together.

 

Erica J

Yeah!! Glimakras are my favorited looms. I love all looms really, but Glimakras are the silk of looms in my opinion!!!

Thanks to everyone here who has popped over and perused my newly added projects. It is soo fun to have projects shared here and be interacting with you all through my work!! :)

Erica J

I am on a roll this weekend. I think all the travel made me crave my studio more than I realised!!

I completed the edge finish on my taquete sample, which is now a lovely mug rug. :)

I got out 2 other samples that needed finishing, since they'll make good towels. The hems are pinned and one is sewn.

I started sampling for the wedding gift damask, 24 epi was not going to cut it, so I cut off and resleighed at 32 epi.

I also made the decision to turn my loom in my studio to get better light. I realized some time ago that I should at the very least turn it 90 degrees to get the natural light coming in from the side. I had not done that yet, because Oli J had already made and installed a warping valet where the loom was originally positioned. I did not want to ask him to move it. Since then he has made me a trapeze, which can be used on any of my looms. I was looking around at the baskets of spinning fibre and realized 3 of those could be hung from the valet, thus keeping it in use, and allowing me to turn the loom guilt free! Now I just need probably 2 more bars to hang my other baskets of fibre. Yeah I may have an extensive fibre stash. Stash equals art supplies though, so it's OK. :)

Erica J

I just wanted to share a photo of being back on track with the warp repp. :)

theresasc

I like the colors and the block arrangement on your rep weave, really nice.

I did some studio rearranging today as well.  When I got home from WI Sheep & Wool, I started cleaning all the Glimakra parts.  I had to get in the house because I couldn't get my car in the garage with the loom piled in the bay.  Up in the loft I folded the 24" loom and dragged it in tomthe stash room, dragged the 30" over to where the 24" used to be, and brought up all the pieces for the Glimakra and put it together.  That was a lot of work, up 2 flights of steps with all that stuff.  Still it was a little easier than bringing the beastly Cranbrook up, that on is so much bigger & heavier.  I just put the loom together with the braces, warp and cloth beam.  I have to see if I like it there.Glimakra 110cm

While cleaning everything I took a good look at the reeds and right there on the end the length was stamped - 110.  So now I know it is a 110cm loom.

 

laurafry

Didn't get much done today.  I did finally finish the current crop of edits.  Now to wait for the rest to come in and see what people think.  So I guess I was weaving words today.  :)

Gone

I just got a warp ready for beaming on the new-to-me Mac. Still have to wind it, but that's for tomorrow. Looking forward to trying out this beast.

 

Queezle

But I did get down to the red rock country in Utah, and saw this amazing petroglyph - headless deer!  And sadly, lots of grafitti. 

Erica J

Great progress everyone! Theresasc, the Glimakra looks great! You have great lighting in your studio!

I wove a few more picks on the runner tonight and wound the summer and winter warp onto the loom. I can't wait to start exploring the ideas rolling around in my head and hopefully help raise some money for McMillan nurses. :) I found some of my notes, including and idea of making a profile draft based on morse code! Blew my own mind again.

ShawnC

Loving everyone's posts! I finally am making a bit of progress on getting ready to weave. I moved about 6 weeks ago, from a larger house to smaller, so only found space for the drawloom so far ;-) Always will find room for it. I beam this beautiful warp from Fairview Treasures. It's the first time I've ever used a warp I didn't wind myself. It's gorgeous! I am now working on getting the lingos on the pattern units and will then finally be able to start threading. Weaving is still a week away, at least. But much nearer than it was!

laurafry

I'm 'stuck' on the never-ending warp.  However, I'm nearing the 40% completion mark.  I had hoped to hit 50% before I leave on Saturday, but that's maybe not actually achievable.  Because I still have to pack, etc.

 

theresasc

Speaking of never-ending warps, I finished weaving the scarf and cut it off the 30" loom and promptly put the loom up for sale:-)  I have to make room for the Glimakra and everything that I am planning on keeping.  Now to do all the finishing touches to the scarf.

Shawn, that is a beautiful warp!  I would probably spend more time just looking at it then threading it:-)  I am really looking forward to seeing that one up and weaving.

ShawnC

Congrats on your Glimakra, Theresac!! You'll have so much fun. Making room for the big looms can be challenging but so worth it. I think my other 2 will live in the basement-at least for the winter. Then next summer insulate the garage and put in a wood stove for a studio space.

I looked at the warp for the longest time before beaming. Nervous that I was going to mess it up. We've decided it looks like the northern lights. I can hardly wait to play with it. I just hope my pattern choices do it justice. Then will try Sara's method of putting on a new warp on the drawloom-beam it, then tie to old warp behind heddles. Don't want to waste an inch!

10ashus

Every time I see petroglyphs it makes me want to weave, even in my pre-crafts era. Ancient art? Craft? Primitive figures? I do not know what the connection is in my brain.

A rigid heddle loom was the most suitable loom for me. Yet I see me weaving rugs in my dreams. Primitive art rugs. Also, I am a goat herder. Now why wouldn't I dream big? Something like, I am a wealthy woman with a ranch breeding exotic goats, and a collector of ethnic rugs, and a philanthropist supporting a museum dedicated to weaving.

p.s. I am still staring at the empty road waiting for the postal person to deliver my yarn back order. Getting desperate and despondant. If I knew how to shear and spin, the kitty cats would be without fur.

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Petroglyphs are a long standing interest for me.  Your post, 10ashus, connected immediately to the origin in my guildmate's Bolivian Highland band weaving on her toe loom. Very easy to set up narrow warp with string heddles, tensioned by your own body. It is related to backstrap loom like inkle to larger looms as I think about it now. 

sally orgren

Someone was working their 3-D printer overtime. Captured at the Garden State Sheep Breeders Festival this past weekend. (They even had blue Tardis spindles!)

ShawnC's warp inspired me to post!

Erica J

I've heard about these 3D printed spindles Sally. I've resisted looking them up, because I knew they were going to be super cool! :)

Thanks for sharing this fantastic photo!!

Erica J

I started threading my summer and winter warp, which will become mug rugs for my school's World's Biggest Coffee Morning and my tied weves study group samples for this year. Fortunately I found my calculation error when I was only 32 threads in and I only needed to pull out about half of those!

ShawnC

Oh, love the photo, Sally! Are these some of Akerworks? I have two of their lovely spindles and they spin quite well. A bouquet like this would be, oh....

sally orgren

This weekend is "Millbrook Days", held in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Millbrook Village is on the New Jersey side.

 

Life skills of the 1800's will be demonstrated, and of course that includes spinning and weaving. I'll be bringing my 1830's handspun and handwoven door panel for visitors to see. If you are in the region, come out and say Hi! The event is free, and the weather is supposed to be perfect.

 

The flock of Yarn Birds was created to say thanks to the spinners and weavers who come out to the village to demonstrate over the summer months. We'll have an "awards" ceremony at the guild meeting in October, but it was fun to gather them all together for a photo. (Only seven were captured resting on the rail, but there are a baker's dozen in the flock.) This is a great way to use up leftover yarn, or thrums.

10ashus

How creative. I need a bird to gift to W. G. Jones State Forest where I volunteered. Several of the projects I worked on benefited the bluebirds and the red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered species.  Is there any basic directions; or, did the creators just bunch, stuff, twist, and tie? 

Erica J

Fundraiser Mug Rig #1 finished.

I did weave the second hem. I just didn't get a photo after it was woven. :)

sally orgren

And general instructions will come up. I made one, then modified and made notes for myself.

Group Audience