For my next project I would like to try a crackle weave, something I have never done.

I've seen two beautiful items with amazing color effects. The first had a great deal of irridescence, in tencel, a very subtle pattern and the effect was a sort of irridescent bronze. Would old gold and a dull purple get me there? I'm assuming the lustrousness of the tencel helped the irridescence along.

The other piece looked like wool in natural sheep's colors with a tweedy effect and a distinct pattern. I've never done crackle and don't have a clue how to achieve that tweedy color effect without losing the pattern. I'm pretty sure it was one of Susan's Wilson's in the Strickland book of 8-shaft patterns. Would a light and a dark do it or would it take three: light/dark/medium? It's hard to describe in words~ I'm guessing a wool like a Harrisville Shetland, with a bit of 'tooth' to it might help with the color blending and help with the tweed effect.

Am I on the right track here or completely off the rails? Suggestions would be appreciated.

Comments

Wed, 08/28/2013 - 21:00

sally orgren

Even a needle weaving to begin, to see how the targeted colors interact, and if you need two or three.

Usually complements care good candidates, but it also depends on the value of each color. I know "old gold" in tencel, but "purple" can be warm or cool, light or dark.

The specific crackle draft could also make a difference. Iridescence can or cannot be perceived at a certain viewing distances from the fabric. So that is also a consideration — a scarf seen up close, or a garment seen from across the room?

I am thinking a shiny yarn (silk, tencel, pearl cotton) will enhance your iridescence effects and be a better bet. A wool (dull yarn) not as much, but yes, I know you CAN get iridescence effects with wool.

Bobbie Irwin (CO, USA) has been exploring iridescence effects for a long time, she gives lectures about the topic. Also, Cross Country Weavers completed an iridescence sample exchange a few years ago. A copy of their sample book can be found in the Bertha Frey Library at the Handweaving Museum in Clayton, NY. (Sorry, it is not a lending library.)

I say go for it! Buy some small amounts of your targeted yarn, select your structure, and weave up a sample or two to explore the options & effects.

A possibly cheaper alternative is to use sewing thread purchased in small amounts to get in the ball park with your target colors, based on the color of the weaving yarns you are thinking of using in the final project.