You all probably saw that I have conquered my drawloom! In case you haven't seen it else where, I thought I'd share a few of my samples thus far with the group! Please feel free to give constructive criticism.

This was mostly just me playing around.

Here is the sample pattern I'm using from Complex Weavers Medieval Textile Study Group Samples 2003.

Comments

Wed, 02/26/2014 - 19:57

sea-kayaker (not verified)

Wonderful weaving! It feels great conquering the drawloom, doesn't it? I just finished my first project on my drawloom as well. And have the warp wound onto the back beam for the next damask project. Just need my MIL to leave so I don't feel guilty sitting down to do some threading in the middle of the day. ;)
Wed, 02/26/2014 - 20:14

Erica J

Thanks sea-kayaker. I saw your first project combination drawloom you really hit the ground running!

Wed, 02/26/2014 - 20:20

sea-kayaker (not verified)

Thanks! Before having my drawloom I did do some half-heddle damask so the process wasn't completely new.
Thu, 02/27/2014 - 05:49

Yvonne K

Congratulations, Erica

I'm glad you are enjoying your weaving and I like the design you have chosen. Have you got a long warp on? My second warp was 64cm wide and 5 metres long, but still too short. I wove three pieces from that. I'm just winding my third warp which I will attempt to tie on to the remainder of my previous warp, rather than doing all that threading again.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 07:39

Erica J

I think the current warp is 2-3 metres. I definitelt see the reason to put on much longer warps! The next warp will be much longer. I would appreciate advice on optimal warp length.

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 08:18

Yvonne K

I guess it depends on how much time you will spend at the drawloom. I have tended to treat my drawloom like chocolate, weaving a small amount at a time to make it last. I really am not in a hurry to thread it all up again! Because I'm new to damask weaving, I am still wanting to try different satins and different arrangements of pattern shafts, so I think 6 metres will be my maximum for a while. The warp I am making now, to tie on, is much finer so I will have to re sley the reed.

On a technical note, you can add a chequered border, requiring two extra pattern shafts, to stop the edges of the weaving from curling.

 

Thu, 02/27/2014 - 11:53

cottageweaver (not verified)

Wonderful - you're well on your way! I'd also suggest a longer warp.  I did the same thing with my first warp, running out of warp long before ideas.  I did a runner I loved, then could only manage a similar 'square' on what I had left.