Hello! I just got a loom and am trying to figure out whether or not it can accomplish something I want to do.

It is a 4-shaft direct tie up (if any one has any recommendations for resources for direct tie ups that would be great!). I am getting used to weaving with two feet! :)

I want to create a pattern of irregular blocks (something like what you see below). However, I do not know if that is something that I can do on my 4 shaft loom. (The gray parts are just to separate the squares, not part of the pattern.) I was thinking it would be best in a warp-facing project like rep weave, although if anyone has a different idea, that would be great, too.

Basically, any thoughts you have would be appreciated!

Thank you!

Comments

Thu, 03/21/2013 - 03:04

Bonnie Inouye (not verified)

with a 4-shaft loom, you can weave any design (profile draft) with loom-controlled warp rep if it has no more than 4 blocks. Your design has more than 4 blocks. You could weave this design on an 8-shaft loom but not a 4-shaft loom unless you wanted to use pick-up or inlay.

With finger-manipulated methods, you can weave any design you want, but it takes longer than a loom-controlled design.

Can you simplify your logo? The first 3 columns on the left are simple strips which could be woven easily with warp colors. The next 5 columns change frequently.

It is fun to design your own fabrics and create new drafts from a profile draft. You can learn this from books or by taking a class or a workshop. Weaving software is extremely helpful but you can also learn with graph paper and pencils.

Bonnie

Thu, 03/21/2013 - 04:45

sarahnopp (not verified)

If you are interested in more research on block design, take a look at the new dvd by Madelyn van der Hoogt called "Block Weaves: Designing and weaving with blocks". It includes a nice print-out for working through the process of block design. And sje is very thorough and covers a lot of the questions you might have.

Tue, 03/26/2013 - 01:11

marmaladefiend

Sorry for the delay. This is very helpful. I will try to figure out how to get four blocks set up on my loom. Now that I have looked more closely, I can only imagine two! :) It might be easier for me to pick a design made by someone else instead of trying to start my own right off the block!