My guild (Chautauqua County Weavers Guild) program tomorrow is Rigid Heddle Shibori. I have mine on a LeClerc Penelope Tapestry loom. We're using wool to make mug rugs. I've always felt mug rugs were a waste of time (although perhaps a nice area to experiment in) so I'm weaving a scarf. Plus I just have a 6 dent heddle.

Has anyone else done this? I remember an article somewhere on RH Shibori, but can't remember where. I'll let you know how it went.

Comments

jemwork (not verified)

That's where the article is. Thanks for posting the link.

I found out that my Penelope Loom is not a RH loom. I knew it was a tapestry loom, but it has a RH heddle/beater. I've woven since 1971 (not continuously) & not seen a RH loom operate. My friend has an Ashford on a stand - lovely loom.

I can post some before pictures & I'll also write up a project sheet to keep updated. I've got plans to dye wool in August. I have a natural dye class at Convergence & might apply some of that to my dye day.

We had a great meeting. Dar handed out Koolaid packets for this project. I've not done that before either. I have woven shibori before. I should post that as well!

jemwork (not verified)

Here are a couple pics of the RH loom set up for the mug rugs, and the weaving. The dark lines are the pattern shots that will be pulled & tied before dyeing

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Caroline (not verified)

Thank you for showing that. How do you work out the pattern? I don't know anyone who has tried this method, or who teaches it, but it has always intrigued me, and I would like to know more.

jemwork (not verified)

Since we're using heavier wool, the pattern is quite simple - Start out with 12 shots plain weave, 1 shot pattern A, 2 shots plain, repeat 4x. Then 1 shot pattern B, 2 shots plain, 4x.

I haven't quite got the B pattern to show on my loom (have to pick it up separately, unlike the RH) Pattern A is picked up: 2 threads down, 3 threads up across the warp, ending with 2 threads down. The long thread is on top. Pattern B is opposite, I think, which sounds wrong to me. It would look the same when pulled, wouldn't it? Don't have the instructions right to hand...

Caroline (not verified)

If you are going in and out at the same points over the fabric, it might look the same when dyed. I would have thought the pattern rows should be staggered if the patterns were to be different.

Do you have Woven Shibori by Catherine Ellis? I will have a look in my copy and get back to you in a few hours - I'm in Australia and only up because of a sleepless night, so need a bit more shut-eye to be able to read (and understand what I read!)!

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