Decided I had better get this going tonight so I don't forget in the morning. Recovery from surgery is going well, this past week I have been fighting a wicked sinus infections. I do not recommend sneexing and coughing the week following abdominal surgery. I hope everyone is participating in Halloweave. There are some wicked prizes to win! So if you haven't done so already, I encourage you to go and join one or more of the Halloweave houses. Active Archnids is back this year,  plus two other houses that sound like they will be lots of fun. Weave on everyone!

Comments

10ashus

I calculated the yarn I want for a hooded scarf. It is a long, long scarf.  It would be stretching my budget like a guitar string. Boing! I need to think about it a few days.

Queezle

I got up early to face the sewing maching, and faltered.  So I decided I needed a throw-away project, something that wouldn't matter if it didn't work.  Well, I found an old handwoven sample, some commercial fabric for a liner, and an extra zipper.  Its not perfect, but I'm pretty happy with it!Zippered pouch

theresasc

not to like?  It turned out sweet!

Queezle

It now holds my favorite tape measure and zipper foot collection, so its even useful.  Yea, I'm pretty happy with it.  Will prob try to crank out another one this weekend.

Gone

Than't great Queezle!   I've been thinking about things to do with my samples too. But I don't have the sewing knowhow. Anything beyond a zigzag straight line is rocket science to me!

10ashus

My friends say, I must have the multi-word gene in my dna. They write a text message. I write a letter. Today I wrote too many words to create a Project page. I could have woven the neck band in the same time. To be fair, I hit a wrong button and started over twice. Tongue Out

Endorph, ouch. Sinus infections are bad enough without surgery too. I would recommend renting a comedy movie to distract you, but it probably hurts to laugh also. 

Thor (not verified)

I am sitting in the living room in the pre-dawn hours, readying myself for a 24-hour On Call shift today, October 1st. October brings the cooler weather that I love and my annual pilgrimage to Rhinebeck for the NY State Sheep & Wool Festival. This year I am also challenging myself to weave "inventory" to have on hand for any upcoming shows. I am even thinking about having a "trunk sale" here at the house in mid-November for those that want to shop. This past week O was seriously over-committed without anything much to show for it. Hoping to be better about that in October and schedule some "me time" and time for finishing end!!

sally orgren

...with less than ideal weather for our second annual Adult Weave In.

We had 18 new weavers who wove on 3 floor looms or 2 table looms for an hour, each with a weaving "mentor" at their side. When we cut off the warps at the end of the day, the visitors wove about 6.3 yards total from the 5 looms. (P.S. We had 3 men at the looms yesterday. Yay!) They averaged just over a foot in an hour, and our fastest newbie wove about 18". We had the looms set up for a variety of treadlings, so they could progress from plain weave and twill to a point and fancy twill.

The samples will get mailed out Monday, along with a photo of each person at their loom.

It was really fun! As always, I think we all learned a lot.

Today, I am facing my looms. I keep staring at the warps. I know there is more potential in the projects currently warped, I just can't figure out what it IS.

Gone

Wow Sally, that's great to hear about more men into weaving. I was beginning to think there was no hope.

Regarding the ? warps, I guess that's the difference between newbies and pros. I put on a warp with a specific project in mind. Then I get bored and play with the tieups and treadling. In the last 2 projects though,  I have looked ahead to see what options are available because I don't like short warps. Time and experience may change that tho. 

Queezle

My guild meeting a couple weeks ago also had a man who then - actually - paid dues and joined! 

I also get bored with long warps.  That is when its important to have a good stash -  to try out new ideas.  

10ashus

Warped for a strap on my rigid heddle. Followed instructions from a book.

Thinking about men weavers. Men historically have been portrayed as the crafters -silversmiths, woodworkers, jewelers. Was this also true in weaving? Was weaving considered a household chore or a craft (a money maker)?

Queezle

Boulevard weaveI

It has taken me a while to decide the box size/pattern to use; I will go with this one for towel #1, but I finally ordered some 20/2 for the tabby weft, and look forward to testing that for the subsequent projects. 

sally orgren

Queezle,

Now that you have figured out the ideal box size, have you considered trying an isolated area of pattern, vs. all over? For example, make one patterned towel with a plain weave area on each side, then make the companion towel in plain weave over all with a patterned area on each side. So they are a pair, but not exactly the same. Change the weft color for each pair, and one long warp can become a variety of towels.

Gone

Only what I've read 10ashus but men wwere historically the weavers for a couple of reasons.

1. The women did the carding, spinning, dyeing and skeining. Men did the weaving and it took 4 women to keep one weaver busy. the 'why' as to men being the weavers is likely because of #2.

2. Men were the weavers because they had to break down and haul their looms to other towns to weave for customers who had already prepared the warp and weft yarns for whatever items they needed/wanted woven. It was dangerous for women to travel alone in the early days, also the grunt work of hauling the looms around was something that would have been difficult for ladies.

It sounds logical but again it's only what I've read.

With the industrial revolution all that changed and weavers didn't have to travel as much. Dry goods were more readily available. Weaving became a household chore/skill, and this is likely when the 'barn loom' came into use. Having one rustic loom on the property to allow whoever the weaver was in the household to create cloth when/if needed. Weavers were held in high regard until the industrial revolution put the damper on the trade.

Queezle

Lets see if I can understand you, Sally.  First, I have never tried putting a pattern weft only part way.  But what I guess that is how I put pattern weft only in a central region, and leave plain weave on the sides.  And by extension, I would need two pattern weft shuttles to apply pattern wefts to the edges, and keep the center the same color.

These are interesting ideas, and I think it would extend me.  I also think it would be fun to have a patch of a different color, e.g. in the center.  Someone suggested that on my gothic cross - maybe you?  It has made me think about it. 

There is also a different treadling pattern I want to try; it will put long squiggly columns of solid colors. 

sally orgren

Assuming plain weave and pattern is possible on this threading, and thinking in terms of weaving a 30" long towel:

 

For the first 3", weave plain weave, blue or white weft.

 

Then weave the pattern for 3" with the blue weft.

 

Weave the body of the towel (18") in plain weave. Weave your stripe, 3" pattern, stripe.

 

Finish with 3" plain weave.

 

For the next towel, do the opposite. Weave pattern 3", a plain weave area 3", then the body of the towel in pattern, and reverse to finish the towel.

 

I see a lot of weavers weave the same pattern throughout the whole piece of cloth, but changing it up really makes the pattern area stand out more than all-over, and makes it a little less tedious to do a long run of towels.

 

With a white warp and a cool treadling like you have, each set of towels could have a different weft color and minor variations to make them all unique.

Queezle

I have enough trouble dealing with two shuttles! 

I do like changing up each towel.  These are great ideas.  I will probably get 5 1/2 towels out of the warp, so lots of room for fun!

10ashus

My Halloweave goal is seams, joining 2 pieces of fabric. I had to remind myself of that goal today. My band for the pouch strap is not as good as I would like. I wanted to make another one. Stop. Remember the goal is to get over my fear of seams, not bands.

This is a time to learn, to experiment. Expect mistakes and mediocrity. The rate of measurement is in improvement. Even the greatest crafts persons have made a lot of ugly objects.

p.s. Thank you to whoever posted about the PBS documentary on Teachers, weaving and other crafts. I had watched other episodes, but missed that one.

sally orgren

Queezle,

What would happen if, instead of using a light and dark blue weft, you used two whites? So there would be a band on the towel that would be all white: a texture difference, but not a color difference, with the warp.

Or, what if you took the opportunity to do plain weave with just the light blue weft, or a white weft for 3", then resumed with the dark/light shuttle order and float pattern?

Maybe take that "1/2 towel" and sample, so you have some ideas for variations in the future...

I think this pattern is great and has lots of potential!

Queezle

Sally, you make me wish I had put a very long warp on this.  I agree with the white-on-white, and purchased some "oyster" white to try with the "white white" of the warp.  And a few other colors of 20/2.  Thanks for the encouragement to play!

Gone

Sally! You're such an enabler!  You're making Queezle buy stuff!  LOL

That's a great draft. One of these days I gotta sit down and go over Bateman. Someday when I get all my books and fiber and looms in one place.

My c&w towels are off the loom and washed. Now to hem. An interesting textile certainly. A littls rustic but nice.  I discovered that one thread out of place and it shows. I'll have to post a pic of the boo-boo.All in all, a nice towel, an interesting pattern/structure and good 2 shuttle experience. First warp on the Mac and it performed beautifully. I like it a lot!

Now I have to plan a man scarf. Someone from the club here asked for one. I'm thinking lambswool in a houndstooth. I downloaded a pattern from Webs. (feather scarf by B. Elkins)

https://yarn-cdn-weblinc.netdna-ssl.com/product_images/valley-yarns-80-feathers-scarf-pdf/579f959b69702d366f01028f/zoom.jpg?c=1471562621

It's gender neutral but it requires a pre-dyed warp - which I didn't realize and I ain't buying. I suppose I could try it with single w&w colors and see how it works out.

I don't like a naked loom. It's means pressure to start planning something! ;-)

SusanBH

I posted a few days ago with a link to a diary written by a 16 year old girl from central Massachusetts.  Oddly my post has been deleted, but thinking back on it I realize it was a two sentence post with a one word link at the end, just like all the spam that we see here.  So, trying again.  I was astonished to see how productive this girl was with her spinning and weaving.  It makes me feel like I could be doing so much more!

http://resources.osv.org/school/lesson_plans/ShowLessons.php?PageID=P&LessonID=29&DocID=33&UnitID=

10ashus

The pocket for my Halloweave Pouch project was woven last night. Today it will be hemmed and wet finished. (Teeth chattering. Knees knocking.) It is time to start joining all the pieces.

I read the diary. Wow. I feel excited to weave 15 inches each day. The young lady often recorded 3 yards per day. I need to raise my expectations.

Queezle

I read the diary, too.  Lots fewer distractions in those days (no texts, email, phone calls or weavolution posts to check on).  I wonder if all that time for contemplation made them happier or less happy.

10ashus - you are tenacious - you can do this.  And its un-doable, too.  I don't show the group the times I need to deploy my seam ripper. 

I am working on "transitioning" my schacht standard to a walking loom.  Its slowly coming together, as is the organization for my studio.  Today DH will install hooks to my warping board can be stored up and out of the way.

endorph

on my part yet, but I have been shopping for cotton for my color challenge project. I really need to get something on the RH loom - maybe a couple of scarves for Christmas presents. Useful items and a good way to get through some of my yarn sash. Maybe even utilize some of my handspun.

I am loving reading about all the projects you are working on. Very inspiring!

Gone

That's a beautiful diary! So productive to make cloth in those quantities and at that speed. I wish I had the time. Problem is, my job gets in the way of my interests. Undecided

Tenashus, relax!  You'll get through it, and it'll be beautiful! One stitch at a time!

Queezle!  Pics please!!!  Sounds really cool!

No halloweave for me. Just finished the chenille scarf-type-thing. I think It'll be okay. It was just an experiment anyway. Chenille is a little trying at times, but is covers a multitide of sins! Not especially difficult but it can tend to stick a bit.

I decided on a draft for that guys scarf, and it's going to be another color and weave. I kinda like these! You don't see a lot of it done. Crossing my fingers it'll look as interesting as the draft. Just a 6 yd warp for 2. Definitely wool although I'm leaning toward buying some superwash merino for ease of care. We'll see.

theresasc

weaving, one pirn on the towels on the Cranbrook.   It is a bit different going from the Glimåkra to the Cranbrook.  Once the Glimåkra is back in service I am going to have to weave on both within the same time span so I can do a better comparison. 

I also have been working on my core braiding stand.  Now that is a piece of equipment that I am enjoying. 

Queezle, you will have to post pictures of your loom modifications, it really sounds interesting.

ShawnC

Finally have the drawloom warped. Need to fix some threading errors but am distracted by home projects right now. I did buy the wood and bolts in order to add a single unit system, so hope to have that up and running this winter. Found a friend with a drill press, but the wood needs much sanding to make it loom worthy.

laurafry

I got home yesterday hoping the worst of the reno work would be over by the time I got here.  Of course it isn't.  So the studio will have to remain topsy turvy with goat trails through it.  I've asked for help getting the Leclerc back into it's place so I can toss a couple of place mat warps on and get them woven in time for our first show of the season (last weekend in Oct).  But it's a mess and will remain so for the forseeable future.  I am NOT happy.  :(

theresasc

I just cannot get away from multi-harness teasers!  Shawn, really lovely weaving and a great warp.

laurafry

Well, DH is still in his jammies - you'd think it was a holiday or something!  Anyway, I need to go wind a warp and at least get that part done.  What I'm going to do with all the crap on my work table...  :(

Dawn McCarthy

I am working on what should have been a relatively simple towel project, against my better judgement I mixed yarns including cottolin and very wiry linen singles, despite starching the singles are problematic, so is the placement of the woven additional braid.  So far not a pleaser.  Hoping this will turn into one of those experiment/sample that turns out something useful.

Dawn

 

Queezle

Breathtaking Shawn.  Just amazing.

Is there a good reference that could explain multiharness weaving? 

Laura and Dawn, I relate to your challenges.  And, just saying, in my experience a dishtowel can be repurposed into a zippered pouch!

theresasc

I have Sara von Tresckow's When a Single Harness Simply Isn't Enough.   I also just ordered Kati Meeks A Flaxen Past which is supposed to have more information.   There is another book that is supposed to have good information but it is out of print and crazy prices are being asked for it.  I am just starting to learn but one thing I do know is you need a cm or cb loom to do it and my new Glimåkra will work well.  I just see this huge learning curve ahead of me.  Louiseinoz just posted a nice post on the work she is doing on her loom.

theresasc

I have Sara von Tresckow's When a Single Harness Simply Isn't Enough.   I also just ordered Kati Meeks A Flaxen Past which is supposed to have more information.   There is another book that is supposed to have good information but it is out of print and crazy prices are being asked for it.  I am just starting to learn but one thing I do know is you need a cm or cb loom to do it and my new Glimåkra will work well.  I just see this huge learning curve ahead of me.  Louiseinoz just posted a nice post on the work she is doing on her loom.

10ashus

The pouch pocket needed one more step. I wove the fringe ends back into the fabric. A bonus. It gave me an excuse to sit outside in the middle of the day. I was not goofing off I was doing a task on my list.

I updated my Project page with notes for the pocket and strap.

I measured and listed items I want in preparation for our upcoming annual trip to Ikea. 

This morning I reviewed the resources the Doctors Frankenstein group has collected on how to join seams. There was a book that sounded interesting. Looked up title, compared prices, added to cart. Wait. Stop. Do I really need a book to do this? No. There are two simple graphics linked that show 2 easy stitches. (I requested the book from my library. I could not resist the urge. But, I won't wait. I will do my seams.)

Was my time well spent? I would give it 3 stars.

10ashus

Francine, I wish I had thought of that. I could have woven the pocket dimensions so the fringe ends would form the sides and threaded them into the bag. I will add it to our group's joining methods list.

sally orgren

I went into NYC on Saturday and saw two exhibits that were very fun.

Crochet Coral Reef: Toxic Seas was at the MAD Museum on Columbus Circle. The reef forms were beautifully made from all kinds of refuse. It was magical. I could easily return to study all the forms in more detail. I was with someone who crochets, and her first response was "I need to up my crochet game!"

The second exhibit was at the newly reopened Cooper Hewitt Museum, Scraps: Fashion, Textiles and Creative Reuse. The museum has interactive "wands" that can record each display you view. When you return home, you can call up the collection of images you "curated" during your visit on a special website, along with additional images that would be of related interest. Pretty cool! And you can share the link with friends.

Of course I "collected" every textile I was exposed to. I am a big fan of the NUNO Corporation textiles since Convergence Vancouver 2002, and there were several spectacular ones to see in this exhibition.

Sigh. When will I get a chance to return to my looms ????

Thor (not verified)

Packing up for my pilgrimage to Rhinebeck!  Best part of the long drive is getting to sit in the passenger seat & do some finishing work on the stoles I recently had come off the loom!

If you're going to Rhinebeck, please stop by The Fold just inside Building B and say Hello!!

ShawnC

Sorry. Just getting back here from doing some fixing and weatherizing around the house. Thank you folks! So excited to play with this lovely warp. Have some funky ideas after I weave a couple promised towels. Yes, Sara's book is wonderful. Damask and Oophamta is the other book, out of print, but the prices seem to have gone down a bit. I bought it and carted it around for years before finally getting my drawloom. Found it used here on Weavo!! Another amazing resource is the Drawloom weaving video from Vavstuga. She also goes over smalandsvav/skillbragd. That was my first try at double harness weaving. It is just so much fun. As soon as the other warp is off that loom, it will get the skillbragd treatment ;-) There is a FB group-Drawloom Dreams-if you're interested in following along. Some incredible double harness weavers there.

10ashus

I pinned my Halloweave pouch in preparation for sewing. The woven band stripe was okay, but something was off. I cannot even say what or how. Tonight with needle poised, I hesitated. Jumped up and made a twisted yarn strap. Waiting for it to dry.

It is a design issue. Could be the bag size, my size, the strap color, the texture. Tomorrow evening I will choose one and mover forward.

Thor, enjoy your journey and the show. 

Gone

Must be the chilly weather driving everyone back inside to weave!

Just beamed the warp for those scarves. I ordered a couple cones from Lofty Fibers. I figure I'll have plenty, if these work out, to make more in a different treadling pattern.

 

Queezle

Everyone is so busy weaving - except Sally.  Hope things are looking up soon.  I've been pushing my sewing-with-handwoven project, and the outer parts of my bag are now assembled!

handwoven twill purse

[email protected]

So inspiring. I have never woven a towel. Osma always provided a plan for finishing a project into a product. Perhaps towel is weaver speak for a piece of cloth that is big enough to make into something or be part of something. A bit like a quilter's fat quarter?

SInce I am not keen on weaving wide rugs, I don't lust for a wider loom. If you think about laying out pattern pieces on 44-45 in wide fabric folded in half, 22 in width provides plenty of options for clothing.  Scaling down for dolls might also open up a whole new world of towels as full width cloth.

I also confess to liking and collecting tote bags. I have sewn moderately complicated ones from commercial fabrics and bought several made of handwoven fabric.  

You have rocked it out of the park!

endorph

your bag is very nice. I am impressed!

Queezle

Thanks, everybody.  Hopefully I finish strong, too.

I'm so excited about today's announcement of Bob Dylan's Nobel prize for literature.  In high school, I wrote a report on Dylan for a poetry class.  And I've always loved his lyrics. 

theresasc

I LOVE bags off all kinds, so I lo e seeing a new interpretation of one.  Queezle, yours is looking great!

ShawnC

Also loving the bag! And Dylan's prize. I read he's a great metal artist as well. Unsuprising, as so many artists are multi-talented.

 

Shawn

SusanBH

I love the green stripe and the variation in the weave.  Can't wait to see it finished!

Group Audience