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

Sat, 09/17/2016 - 04:57

10ashus

Today I designed a pouch. Started with a doodle of a rectangle. I kept adding things and drawing where they would go- the strap, a pocket on the back, the closure. Decided on a vertical stripe pattern. Elongated the flap for embellishment idea. Stuck my hand into several small bags to test for a comfortable opening width. Tonight I must calculate the length of the rectangle - flap, fold for back pocket, back panel, front panel.

Sat, 09/17/2016 - 20:10

Queezle

I am again in an airport.  I've done as much work as I can stand, and so am now my remaining wait time to go through the fiberworks manual (and look at weavo).  I finally bit the bullet and paid for my (silver) copy, which will entitle me to save and print drafts - hopefully a huge time saver. I'm usually in too much of a hurry to actually go through a manual, and so I think this is a good use of airport time.

I am in Edmonton, Alberta, and have had a great time.  This city is about the same size as Salt Lake, but has a very different feel.  It was a work trip, and very pleasurable as I was able to see my first PhD student (now chair of a biology department!) and talk science.  But I do long to get back to my looms, each of which has a problem that will get a bit of attention tomorrow. 

Sat, 09/17/2016 - 20:13

theresasc

but I do have the Glimakra mostly set up and a warp beamed on.  Just waiting for some heddles to arrive and also since I had to do all new tie-ups, I am braiding some cord as tie-on loops on the treadles so I do not have to pin under the treadle.  It should work, the game plan is to have each treadle hole a different colored loop - so I need 10 braids long enough for 10 loops.  I do not have the 10 treadles, yet, so this is something that can be done in time.  I have almost enough lenght braided for the 4 treadles that I am going to use for the first project.  Kind of fun braiding cord to be used on a weaving loom.

Sun, 09/18/2016 - 07:16

Erica J

Queezle, that does sound like a great use of airport time! I keep Fbierworks on my laptop, so I can design on the train/plane/car. :)

Theresasc, not having to pin the cords under the treadle sounds interesting. If you can, would you take photos when you do this, so we can see how it works?!

Sun, 09/18/2016 - 11:57

crofter

hi what fiber did you use for the mug rugs

thanks

chris

 

Sun, 09/18/2016 - 12:47

Erica J

Thanks crofter! My project notes are here. The warp is 16/2 organic cotton and for the weft I have used some 9/2 wool. I'm so glad you asked this as I need to go wind another bobbin for the one I hope to weave tomorrow! :)

Sun, 09/18/2016 - 18:44

10ashus

Taking a break. I am winding my yarn hanks into balls by hand. I have only done 3/4 of the first one. This activity is counting as physical therapy today. Next break, I will search the radio for music with the right rhythm. 

Sun, 09/18/2016 - 19:11

Erica J

I tested out the first naalbinding needle Oli J made for me today! It needs a bit of modification. I don't own a naalbinding needle, so we didn't have much to go on. I think I've decided to make some mittens ins Oslo stitch, based on the tutorials referenced in this blog post.

I did a bit more repp weaving today, and damask weaving. I'm still making adjustments to the damask weaving, hence the lack of photos. :)

Sun, 09/18/2016 - 19:13

Queezle

I'm back from my travels, and have spent the morning at the loom.  I finally got my boulevard weave warped up (Strickler 607), quite a few errors corrected, and woven my first three inches.  Its supposed to look like squares, but no matter how hard I beat, it looks like rectangles.  I could just live with it, but what I don't want is something that is almost, but not quite, a square (that is, if it misses, I want it to look intentional).  My warp is 8/2, my tabby weft is 12/2, and my pattern weft is 8/2. 

I know I should weave it with several different square sizes (3 repeats instead of four), and maybe swap out the tabby weft for something smaller (though I love this combination of white + birch).  Any suggestions?

Mon, 09/19/2016 - 13:52

theresasc

It's been a while since I wove something to square, Queezle.   How does your fabric look when you release the tension?  The patterns are a little elongated while weaving because of being woven under tension.  As much as I hate to say this, you might have to sample, cut off and wet finished to find what you are looking for.  I know that is the practice of a good weaver, but yeesh, it just makes me crazy to have to do that.

Erica - here is a picture of the first 2 braids, cut and looped on the treadles.  The game plan is to go through the loop and peg the cord that runs from the treadles to the lamms.  Now you have to keep in mind that I've never tied up this loom so I might be wasting a lot of time braiding cords:-)treadle loops

 

 

Mon, 09/19/2016 - 19:32

Erica J

Queezle, I think Theresa gave sage advice, it is the best way to be sure of the final product. I've been doing a lot of block weaving. At the beginning of the repp class, Rosalie had us start by weaving 3 sets of picks, measure and then add picks a few at a time if we needed to in order to square up our blocks.

Theresa, that loosk really cool! Your braid is stunning on it's own. I do like the idea of not having to place the peg below the treadle. This solution looks quite reasonable! 

I wove 2 more mug rugs today. I am sampling with Tromp As Writ for the moment, trying the different ways to treadle the tie down warps at the moment. Today's were 2,1,1,2 with azure pattern weft and 1,2,1,2 with wizard weft.

Tue, 09/20/2016 - 10:45

Sue in VT

It seems like a year since I last sat at my loomS or visited Weavolution! We've made a decision to sell our rural home with the pond and the acreage and move to the big city....aka Burlington.  This past month and a half have been a whirlwind of contracts, boxes, downsizing (way, way overdue) and mental adjustments, but we're 6 weeks away from "the big day".  Sometimes you make a decision and then try really hard to make it work.  Rural living just wasn't working for us.  So, our things (and floor loom) go into storage tomorrow to be delivered to our new, very populated neighborhood by Lake Champlain.  I'll keep Dorothy and my rigid heddle loom with me.  Still in limbo, but I can see the light!  Lots of catch- up browsing to do!  

Tue, 09/20/2016 - 16:07

Erica J

Sue,

So good to hear from you again!! We moved twice in 6 months one year that was interesting! I'm glad to hear things are working out for you and that you'll have a few looms around still. I look forward to seeing what you get up to, welcome back!!!

Tue, 09/20/2016 - 22:41

SusanBH

I've been thinking about you and hoping everything was ok since you seemed to be absent from here.  Glad to know it's temporary.  Good luck with the move!

Wed, 09/21/2016 - 04:38

10ashus

I was reading a novel tonight. It is not historical fiction, yet had an interesting tidbit about textiles that I had never heard mentioned nor thought about before. 

I didn't like the garb either, but it was at least made from wool, free of slave labor. We Quakers boycotted Southern cotton.

from The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

Wed, 09/21/2016 - 19:54

Erica J

I have 5 mug rus woven for this Friday, fringes knotted and one is in the washer wet finishing. Hopefully that will be a good option. :)

Next I'm gearing up for Halloweave!! I hope most of you will join Active Archnids, if not one of the other 2 great teams.

10ashus is leading Doctors Frankenstein to overcome fear of seams in weaving projects!

I'm leading Polo House for anyone who wants to focus on explorations in weaving, anything new to you, you want to explore. Check out the news on the front page for updates on the fantastic prizes!

Thu, 09/22/2016 - 14:01

endorph

I have been knitting the last couple of days but no weaving on the floor loom for a couple more weeks. I will get out the potholder loom to get in some weaving for the first week of Halloweave! I am going to try spinning tomorrow or Saturday. Not sure about sitting straight up for any length of time. :(

 

Thu, 09/22/2016 - 16:40

10ashus

Lecturing mySelf about dithering this morning. Decisions. What to make? What colors? Plain weave or pattern? Size? Make a decision, even if it is wrong. It will not go in history books.

Endorph, I raise my tea cup in honor of your warrior woman. Keep on shuttling.

Thu, 09/22/2016 - 19:08

Erica J

Best wishes for a swift recovery endorph!

I finished the 5 mug rugs for tomorrow's coffee morning. I also finished editing my first podcast! You can see it in the new created Weaver's Cottage Podcast.

I'll be away this weekend. I'm taking naalbinding and spinning to this weekend's medieval re-enactment event. All my weaving is too big to travel right now. :)

Fri, 09/23/2016 - 02:55

Queezle

Endorph - hope you are feeling better soon. 

I've had little time to weave, but did get my boulevard weave sample cut off and washed, and now have an idea on how to proceed.  My other loom patiently waits with a scarf warp for which I've not been thrilled with my tested wefts.  However, I got in some cashmere a month or so ago, and I am optimistic that I will like it better than the others.

Erica - I am looking forward to listening to your podcast.  I do not have wifi in the studio, though, which would be the best place for a listen.

Fri, 09/23/2016 - 18:45

sally orgren

All the obligations I deferred before Convergence are now coming due, plus a few more. Sigh.

This weekend, I am heading into New York City to say Hi to Ms. Thimble, CrosstownShuttler, and Tina B among others, as I am presenting a program to the New York Guild. I am bringing about ten pounds of shuttles for us to examine as part of the program, in a backpack, and I'll be heading south toward their new meeting location on the West Side from the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Let's hope I don't get stopped and frisked after the recent activity in Chelsea.

This is just a small sampling of the selection...

Next weekend I am doing an Adult Weave-In at the NPS, bordering New Jersey and Pennsylvania. We held the inaugural event last year about this time, and we reaped the benefits this year with at least 2 new adult weavers. One of our weavers came back to Millbrook Village last weekend to share her latest project, which was wonderful.

I guess if you can't be weaving, the next best thing is helping others weave.

Hill House volunteer Sue S with new weaver Claire and her latest handwoven piece.

Sat, 09/24/2016 - 03:09

10ashus

Uh, oh. I did it again. Broke the K.I.S.S.* rule. I have 6 never tried things in my Striped Wool Pouch. Design size, design stripes, wool fiber, thin and thick yarns in warp, neck strap, seams.

This morning I had a lesson on what wool can do in variable weights and beats. It pushes and pulls during wet finishing to spread into spaces. Some thicker threads bush out and squeeze the lesser weight threads over. Second guessed my stripe plan and made adjustments.

This evening I threaded my rigid heddle. Finally. The planning is done; the weaving begun.

=====================

* K.I.S.S.  acronym - Keep it simple, Stupid

 

Sat, 09/24/2016 - 04:38

laurafry

Sounds like you learned quite a lot with that warp!  :-/

not much weaving happening, although my friend started threading her workshop warp tonight.  Tomorrow we will go visit a weaver in Arkansas, then back on Sunday.  Monday the loom I'm borrowing will arrive so I can get my warp set up, then next Friday we will drive to Nashville to meet up with more friends, also taking the workshop with Bonnie Inouye.  looking forward to getting some knitting done during the road trips. ;)

Sat, 09/24/2016 - 06:22

10ashus

Laura, you are part of this project too. It was your ebook, Magic in the Water, about the fibers and how to wet finish that got me to try wool. I have lived always in warm climate. Wool is an alien substance to me.

Sat, 09/24/2016 - 10:22

Sue in VT

10ashus, I'm enjoying hearing about your pouch explorations.  And yes, so much learning about fibers and how they cooperate (or don't) and seam work, and as you finish, you'll get to visit your jewelry box.  Look at your "stuff" - the pieces you don't wear but are just too nice to get rid of, and you'll find the perfect accent to sew on!  Queezle, you've opened a new door by extending your stash to try new fibers.  I found that when I use new fibers, my rigid heddle helps me because I never weave from a pattern there, and I pull different fibers that satisfy me as I go along making shawls.  Endorph, I'm ending healing thoughts your way and hope you're at your loom again soon.  Sally, you are a busy woman!  Getting together with fellow weavers in person is something foreign to me, but maybe when I move I'll find weavers!  Erica, this "low tech" weaver will attempt to listen to your podcast this weekend. Nothing left in the house as we wait for our closing, except pillows propped against walls, our coffee pot, and an Aerobed! 

Sat, 09/24/2016 - 11:33

sally orgren

The Efficient Weaver, is going to be mentioned during my talk.

We need more than one shuttle, but perhaps not 10 pounds of them! ;-)

Sat, 09/24/2016 - 16:13

laurafry

Sally, where are you speaking and what is the topic?   Curious minds...

Sun, 09/25/2016 - 02:26

Queezle

I spent the morning at a guild meeting (playing with pin looms), made a trip to donate old building materials left over from our remodel, and located wood blinds that I think will be perfect for warp separators.  My old roll of corregated cardboard is about 25 years old, and definitely worn out.

I've also been weaving on my schacht standard (4h), and it annoys me that it is a bit higher than my mighty wolf, necessitating raising my bench about 2 inches.  Well, I started weaving on it while standing.  It seems to take a bit of getting used to, but there are things that I really like about it (better view of the developing cloth, and it engages my body better).  Are there looms designed to be woven while standing?  I think some rug looms work this way, but what about other looms?  I'm very curious.

Sun, 09/25/2016 - 05:23

10ashus

Today was the first time I actually controlled picks per inch. Before I just beat and kept weaving until the fabric reached the desired length. My usual way resulted in 12 ppi. I adjusted my beat to 8 ppi.

Wove 10" this evening on the pouch fabric. Even though I am experimenting, I decided to not sample. The pouch size is small.

I am enjoying weaving with the yarn and larger dent rigid heddle. The warping was easier for my hands to maneuver. It is easy to see mistakes in the weft immediately.

Queezle, I have no other hobby where the ergonomics are so important.  In movies with early 1900 fabric manufacturers, they show the ladies standing.

Sun, 09/25/2016 - 05:45

Gone

Things moving along after a slow start, several threading errors and a broken warp end. 8/2 towels for gifts. Color and weave. I have several weft color variations in mind.

Sun, 09/25/2016 - 18:15

sally orgren

...asked me to come and speak about shuttles. (Why you need more than one shuttle.) The flip side of this statement - as evidenced by the photo: You don't need 10 pounds of shuttles, either!

 

The point was to talk about the different kinds of shuttles available, and what kind of weaving they were appropriate for. It was the talk I wish I had heard as a new weaver - thinking about shuttle characteristics, what kind of loom I had, and what kind of weaving I was doing, so I didn't end up with a huge bunch of shuttles. (Oops.) We went from big to small; rag; stick; boat; EFS; speciality; and narrow belt-band-beveled shuttles. At the end, I did a winding demo for pirn and bobbin, and making a quill and then winding one.

 

One of my guilds has been doing a "Boost Your Weaving Skills" series. We have stations around the room and the group breaks into small subsets to visit each station round robin style. These stations break weaving skills down into smaller topics, so we can explore each topic in depth. Sometimes it's the little details, something we don't realize isn't obivious, like winding a bobbin under tension so it is hard, not "mushy". (I didn't realize that until someone wound a tight bobbin for me, and when I wove with it, I was amazed!)

 

It was a fun day, the NY guild is a great group! And perhaps only I would be the one crazy enough to bring a ton of shuttles into the city in a backpack.

 

Sun, 09/25/2016 - 18:29

sally orgren

Queezle,

I know some weavers stand while weaving at their Macombers.

 

One of the most delightful weaving experiences I have had so far was weaving on a Rio Grande Loom at Convergence Albuquerque 2010.

 

It was like being on an elliptical and weaving at the same time. Our instructor assured us if we pursued weaving on these looms long term, we would definitely improve our glutes.

 

To keep the warps in a neutral position (relaxed shed) you had to stand on the treadles and balance your weight evenly. To lift a shaft/open the shed, you would lean in the direction of that treadle. The looms were very simple construction, and the workshop was designed to weave a complete rug in 2 days.

 

Before taking the workshop, I visited the Espanola Valley Fiber Arts Center in New Mexico and took advantage of their "walk-in-and-weave" experience. That was all it took to persuade me to take the workshop!

Sun, 09/25/2016 - 18:36

sally orgren

It's not just thinking about shuttle characteristics and how the quill/bobbin/pirn was wound, but also the throwing technique, which is where The Efficient Weaver is really helpful.

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 03:21

10ashus

I almost had a catastrophe. I was hemstitching the end, when I realized I had forgotten to hemstitch at the beginning. I did the hemstitch after taking the cloth from loom. It is much harder that way.

Next step is the wet finish. I am eager to see if my final decisions produce the fabric I want.

 

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 13:29

Queezle

In preparation for halloweave, I am laying pattern pieces on my cannibalized dishtowels (2/2 twill in 8/2 cotton).  Other than fabric pattern considerations, is there any reason why I cannot turn a piece 90 degrees so the one piece aligns with the weft rather than the warp? 

Sally, thank you for the information about standing looms.  With the popularity of standing desks, I wonder if standing looms will become a thing.
 

Oh those shuttles! and the idea of a "boost your weaving skills" program sounds designed for me, a self-taught weaver.  And my thoughts are with Endorph, hoping for rapid recovery.

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 15:03

endorph

you should not have any problems with turning your fabric so you are using weft instead of warp for straight of grain.  As long as the pattern piece works

Still no weaving for me but I am feeling better. Just have to ermember not to lift or stretch on my right side. Being righ handed that is really difficult for me. I have been doing some knitting, and I have some weaving projects to try and get hemmed. That will be my weaverliness for the first week of Halloweave. Can't believe that starts on Saturday!

Sally, I loved the photo of all the shuttles. I love shuttles. . . . It's nice I can use my fiber crafts to feed my hoarding instincts!

Thanks to everyone for their well wishes. I am a bad patiuent - patience is not one of my virtues! I am, however, enjoying not being at work. 

Mon, 09/26/2016 - 16:31

10ashus

For apparel sewing, pattern pieces are most often laid with the length following  the selvedges. It is about drape and strength and holding shape. Depending on the fabric and the use, I would tug on my fabric to see if changing direction mattered. For your purse lining, you should be fine. It is not providing structure; it is covering seams.

Tue, 09/27/2016 - 22:47

10ashus

I wet finished my first wool fabric today. (Drum roll, if you please.) Success!

I washed it twice,; cool water, then slightly warm. I did not get the texture effect I planned. I did get the shrinkage to the size I planned.

Wed, 09/28/2016 - 03:05

Gone

10ashus: Congratulations!  I LOVE how wool finishes. I'm still pretty new at it all but I've done a few scarves in wool and from loom to neck it's a completely different textile!

Sally, I've heard of the standing looms. They call them "walking looms". Weaving Southwest sells them as well as a huge selection of beautiful yarns for weaving.  They also carry churro warp! Great for rugs.

http://www.weavingsouthwest.com/new-rio-grande-loom-assembly-instructions

 

Wed, 09/28/2016 - 04:20

Queezle

Dare I say that I am in bed with Laura Fry?  I've been wanting a copy of The Efficient Weaver, and today was the day that I finally pulled out my credit card.  I'm about 20 minutes into it, and feel so excited to put into place the many thoughtful suggestions.  I esp. like the advice about how to position your body.  Thank you, Laura!

I'm also continuing to gather my supplies for Halloweave.  My pattern strongly suggested YKK zippers, and I was pleased with their price ordering through Etsy.  

Wed, 09/28/2016 - 05:04

laurafry

I am tempted to say something risqué but better be 'good'!  ;).  

Wed, 09/28/2016 - 07:04

Thor (not verified)

 

I have actually been weaving every day...and for as long as 10 hrs on my day off this week. I am trying to build up an inventory for upcoming holiday sales & Christmas presents. My sister got a table at a Pre-Holiday Craft Fair in her town for this coming weekend. I am trying desperately to finish items to sell. (Proceeds to send my niece to Orlando for a soccer competition in 2017). My (good) problem is that I love to post progress pictures on Facebook and the items end up selling before they are off the loom. I honestly had to tell 2 people "No" today...they wanted the turquoise on black rayon chenille wrap pictured! I really need to have something to sell to justify the expense of the table. But, I did promise to warp one especially for each of them next week.

I have entered the world of Rayon Chenille and, for the most part, am happy with my results. Definitely need to improve my finishing techniques. I purchased Su Butlers e-book "Understanding Rayon Chenille" and if Windows 10 ever finishes updating, I will take a look to see what sage advice might help.

I am confirmed for Rhinebeck! Is anyone else going to be there? I am the shuckster for The Fold in Building B... Please, stop by to say hello. I usually get a couple hours off on Sunday afternoon to "do" the festival myself, but otherwise I'll be greeting shoppers and writing up sales tickets.

 

Wed, 09/28/2016 - 12:52

Queezle

That turquoise and black was just what my tired eyes needed this morning - no wonder your fans are begging you for it.  I had one bad experience with rayon chenile, and have avoided it ever since.  It was back in the pre-tenure days with young kids, and when I thought I could also weave - so not enough time to really research the projects well enough.  One day I will go back!

I'm amazed at what I can learn by reading my sewing machine manual.  Last night I discovered an overcast foot and stitch selection which does an awesome job of securing the cut edge of handwoven.  I've also played a bit with the iron-on interfacing.  Its a whole new world for me!

Thu, 09/29/2016 - 01:50

10ashus

...for Halloweave. So excited. Just a few more days to ready, set, go. Reading about my options to make a strap for the pouch and about fibers to make the hooded scarf.

What do you think about a Sign for the front door?

Danger. Keep moving after entering. Or, risk being stitched, seamed, and scarred.

=================

# of Seams

2 - Pouch (2) + maybe a pocket (3)

5 - Scarf hood (1), 2 pockets (4)

=================

Thor, that fabric is too gorgeous.  How wonderful to be an artist in demand. That takes many skills - creative, business, and people.

Queezle, brilliant. You are finding the resources to make your project easier.

 

Thu, 09/29/2016 - 04:53

Gone

Thor,  THAT is a beautiful piece! I guess I've been lucky with chenille so far. No horror stories. I like the stuff. And it feels so good.

10 ashus, I like the sign! Reminds me of my daughter walking thru my loom room at night (dark) where I was in the midst of warping a sectional. She went right thru the web from the spool rack. Hah!  Now she waves her hands, feeling for strings, as she walks very sloooowly. 

Thu, 09/29/2016 - 17:14

Erica J

Ya'll go!!!

Thor, I agree with everyone else, beautiful, great colors, great design!

10ashus, I'm glad you are excited about Halloweave, it looks like you are going to have a great house!

I'm back to learning a bit more code for Weavolution and my personal site, and because I'm teaching web design this year. Between this and gearing up for Spinzilla, as well as, Halloweave, I've not gotten any actual weaving done of late, which always makes checking in here a nice thing. If I can't weave it's great to see what you all are weaving! :)

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