Anyone have some ideas?  Here we have these great, portable, quick to warp and weave looms and we need to get a project going online that we can do together.

The backstrap weaving group has one going.  Join the group and take a look.  Perhaps it'll give us some ideas of some thing we can do.

I am fascinated by the idea of using up some of my thrums and got some ideas from the recent article in Handwoven which is also on their website.  I'd love to do a belt or two.  You could have two going at the same time if you are using the same warp, just have them side-by-side.

Claudia

Comments

Fri, 08/21/2009 - 17:41

francorios (not verified)

Can we have two weave alongs? A beginner and advanced project?

I could share how to make dishtowels with warp stripes and hand hemmed fringe as the beginner project. Dishtowels can be used as placemats too.

If you want to share how to make something with thrums as the advanced project, that would be fun.

Have a good day!

Franco Rios

Fri, 08/21/2009 - 19:51

bolivian warmi

If I can have about 3 weeks to finish off all the bits and pieces that I am into now I would love to participate. I bought a loom in May, happily put it together and then stuck it under the bed. This is the motivation to get it out but I will need a beginner project too.

Laverne

Fri, 08/21/2009 - 21:38

francorios (not verified)

I was going to take some pictures for a basic weavealong for rigid heddle. It's gonna take at least a week.

But I need to warp up the RH anyway to start weaving for holiday family gifts.

My dishtowel/placemats were a hit last year and now everybody wants them.

Have a good day!

Fri, 08/21/2009 - 23:16

Caroline (not verified)

I'm warped up for a scarf on the Knitters loom. The other loom is only half-warped, and is for a rag project. I'm interested but please not a dish cloth - Sugar n Cream is hideously expensive here in Australia, and its too thick for anything I do - I prefer working with 4 ply or less, and preferably with wool, as its easy and cheap to get hold of. I had to scour the local thrift shops to come up with the cotton for the backstrap WAL. We don't have LYS like you do.

Fri, 08/21/2009 - 23:50

francorios (not verified)

That's a serious consideration.

A wool scarf is always good too. I've actually been wondering about weaving up some scarves.

What dent heddle do you have Caroline?

Have a good day!

Franco Rios

Sat, 08/22/2009 - 00:42

Caroline (not verified)

Its 7.5 on the knitters loom, and 10 on the other loom. I have the double heddle set up on the knitters loom for finer yarns and fancy weaves

 

Sat, 08/22/2009 - 04:18

WeekendWeaver (not verified)

 

What about a project working on stripes instead of a specific kind of item?  This way those who would like to make towels/placemats in cotton can have at it as well as those who would prefer to work in wool (can I say how jealous I am about your ready available wool supply Down Under) and make scarves can be included too. Also working on how to hem projects is valuable regardless the material.

For a more advanced project perhaps experimenting with a more complicated weave structure that requires multiple pick up sticks? I don't have a double heddle kit and so would prefer a project that doesn't require one.

Great idea!  Just the motivation I need to get weaving again.

 

Thanks, Laura

Sat, 08/22/2009 - 04:41

Caroline (not verified)

Thats a good suggestion, Laura! So basically its the technique we would be concentrating on rather than all trying to weave exactly the same project in exactly the same yarn. For anyone interested in stripes, the latest Weavezine article would be relevent:

www.weavezine.com/content/color-gamps

and I know I'd love to transfer my new skills on the backstrap loom (WAL2) onto the RH loom - pick-ups etc. I certainly don't mind re-warping and setting up again, but like Laverne, I'd like to get the WAL on the backstrap finished before trying anything new, and I have a couple of other projects I'd like to get finished too - sometime.

Mon, 08/24/2009 - 22:54

djfiberarts (not verified)

I like the dish towel idea. I've wanted to try some of those. You've got info on your blog, right? I'm going on vacation for 2 weeks as of the 28th. Is there going to be a deadline and stuff? I hope I don't miss the weavealong!

DJ

Mon, 08/24/2009 - 23:46

francorios (not verified)

I don't think there will be a real deadline, I was thinking of setting up so anyone can jump in anytime.

It'll take little time to set up pics anyway so I wouldn't worry.

Have a good day!

Fri, 08/28/2009 - 01:39

claudia (not verified)

I also need about 3 weeks because we are leaving on Sept 5 for a much needed 2 week trip.  Actually, we've been planning it for about 10 months and I am so excited it's so close.

Laverne and others who are doing the backstrap WAL, let us know your progress and we'll plan on starting up when y'all are done.

I love the idea of focusing on the stripes and then whatever material you choose is fine.  Laura, would you like to take the lead on one project and it sounds like Franco would like to lead the other. 

I am really looking forward to weaving along.  I have been spending 8-10 hours/day working on Weavolution and it's time for a little weav-ing.

Thanks for all your great ideas and enthusiasm.  Let's continue with the planning and look to get started some time during the week of September 21-24.

How does that sound?

Claudia

Fri, 08/28/2009 - 01:48

francorios (not verified)

That's not a problem Claudia.

I'll be weaving on the RH for the next few weeks anyway. There's a craft show first week of Oct my lovely wife wants to have a table at. She'll have her knitted goods and I'll put up weaving.

So I've got a few things I can try out and take pictures as I do it.

Have a good day!

Fri, 08/28/2009 - 02:21

Caroline (not verified)

Sounds good for me! Gives us something to aim for, and I should be able to clear a loom by then. I'm just about to warp up for a new backstrap project, to re-enforce what I've just learned  in the WAL, so this will be a lovely contrast project.

Fri, 08/28/2009 - 11:50

bolivian warmi

I am actually interested in trying to make a warp-faced textile on the rigid heddle loom. I bought the heddle with the holes and slots closest together-excuse my lack of terminology!! My aim is to be able to teach Andean pick ups on a rigid heddle loom rather than on a backstrap as, let's face it, backstrap just isn't for everybody. i love my backstrap loom and most if my students do too but I would like to reach a bigger audience. I have been talking to a lady at the Knitting Daily forum who made a piece that was very nearly warp-faced.

I could just put a warp on the loom and use string heddles but i think I will give the rigid heddle a go.

So that is what I will be up to and will need tips on setting up the loom as this will be my very first time. i think I will try a placemat.

 

Laverne

Fri, 08/28/2009 - 12:08

debmcclintock

Laverne, think about using the rigid heddle to hold your warp tension and drop your string heddles inside of it INSIDE of using the rigid heddle beater.  You don't have to use ALL the equipment.  Folks need to learn how to make heddles anyway.  (good for the mental toolbag)  The string heddles allow you to adjust for your thread thickness and you guys already have a shuttle that allows you to beat your weft into place.  Really all you need is a mechanism to secure the warp tension instead of the back strap.

regards Deb

Fri, 08/28/2009 - 14:12

Caroline (not verified)

Laverne, which RH loom do you have? There is absolutely no reason why you can't use the RH, particularly if you have plenty of room between the front and back beam. Some looms have enough room in front of the RH fitting that you use the heddle for changing shed and spacing the warp, but use a pick-up stick for pattern weaving and beat it into place with a sword not the RH.

My knitters loom is warped up for a scarf, but I'm considering adding a second warp and changing it to warp-faced pick-up.  I have it warped up in pure wool for the scarf in the Ashford booklet that comes with the loom so there would be no major dramas in changing it.

I reckon I have enough space in front of the heddle to be able to manipulate the sheds with my hands, and I'm willing to experiment if you need a co-weaver.

I also have another generic RH loom with nearly 24 inches from the front beam to the heddle stand, which is more than ample room to play around with pick-up sticks.

As I understand it, pick-up is usually done from behind the RH, but for double weave pick-up you would need to do it in front of the RH to be able to manipulate the sheds and warps and see what you are doing.

Night everyone!

Sat, 08/29/2009 - 03:02

bolivian warmi

caroline,

I have an Ashford -80 cm wide. I got the biggest one as I also wanted to weave Andean pick up on pieces that were wider than the backstrap comfortably allows. Yes I think I wil just use the loom frame to put the warp on and then use my continuous string heddles and a shed rod. I am not sure how easy it would be to lift the heddles as I use A LOT OF tension in the warp.

i f I don't use the rigid heddle and go for string heddles and shed rod, does that mean I don't need to cut the warps to get it onto the loom? Please, please say yes!!

Sat, 08/29/2009 - 03:28

Caroline (not verified)

You should be able to attach your warps, UNCUT, onto the front and back beam as you would on a backstrap - well put it this way, it may not be how you normally do it but yes, I've done it, hehe! Basically the only difference is that you have a frame to work on instead if hitching up to a tree or whatever. I'll try and do a diagram of how to attach to the back beam, because you will need to roll the warp up, unless you have the Chandler book handy, in which case follow her instructions.

Its a modified Navajo tie up, and done both front and back means you have a nice straight warp.. If you are doing this on your own, a couple of tins of baked beans attached to the front end should be enough to hold the warp under tension as you wind it onto the back beam.

Wed, 09/02/2009 - 16:03

WeekendWeaver (not verified)

Okay, so WAL in a few weeks.... I'd be happy to take the lead on some of it as I need to kick start my weaving again. I'm waiting the delivery of some yarn (eagerly) that I want to experiment with, so I'm not interested in dictating materials at all.  

I would like to make a lacy scarf, so is anyone interested in experimenting with pickups and lace weaves? We can then talk about pick ups, repeats and the like. I was hoping to play with Bronson or Spot Bronson.

So what do y'all think?  Start up last week of the month? 

Claudia enjoy your vacation! 

BTW, has anyone played around with the loom in a tube I read about in Handwoven?  It looks really cool: www.loominatube.com

 

: ) Laura

Wed, 09/02/2009 - 20:02

claudia (not verified)

Count me in on the pick up and lace weaves.  I have never done Spot Bronson or Bronson but would definitely like to do that.

We'll set it for the last week of the month.  I am looking forward to it.

I promise pictures of Navajo weaving when I return.  Hoping to buy a Navajo spindle too.

Thanks for the vacation wishes.  I am planning to be more careful this time.  We went away for a week in May and in the first hour of vacation I fell and tore several ligaments in my ankle.  I spent the whole week at Colonial Williamsburg (a family favorite) in a borrowed wheelchair.  Ugh. 
Claudia

Thu, 09/03/2009 - 00:23

WeekendWeaver (not verified)

Y'all let me know if you need instructions of Bronson weave and the rigid heddle.  I haven't done much with it myself so it's terra incognita for me too.  However, I can point you to the resources you need for the pattern.

 

: ) Laura

Fri, 09/04/2009 - 01:46

claudia (not verified)

Hey Laura,

I will definitely need a pattern or directions of some type.  I figured we would cover that as part of the WAL though.  I shouldn't assume but the way I saw it was that the last week in September we would send out a reminder for people interested in the rigid heddlers WAL and we would focus on structure rather than materials.  People could choose the sett and yarn based on their heddle size and you would help with how to create the lace pattern.  Perhaps we can chat a little bit about structure and how it works with pick up, etc.

I'm off to the Land of the Anasazi!  See y'ull in 2 weeks.

Claudia, ready to vacation Weavolution co-founder

Fri, 09/04/2009 - 02:09

Caroline (not verified)

I've never done Bronson, so this all sounds really good to me!

Fri, 09/04/2009 - 04:05

WeekendWeaver (not verified)

I'm on board!  I'll be trolling the web for free resources on the RH and lace weaves!  I'll try to have a nice list of resources by the end of the month so that those who don't own or have access to Davenport's Textures and Patterns or the like won't be in the dark.  I'll see if I can come up with a set of guidelines for folks to adapt to their projects.  I'll also sample a bit and post pictures of the weave.

I too haven't done anything with this lace weave on my rigid heddle, so I'm pretty excited.  And yes, I absolutely think the WAL should be about experimenting with the structure and that the type of cloth produced would be up to the individual weaver.

Let's put heads and shuttles together in a few weeks when Claudia's back and the rest wanting in on the WAL have wrapped up the projects they have on their looms. 

I'll check back in a couple of weeks.  Enjoy life and looms all! 

 

Laura

 

Sat, 09/05/2009 - 21:49

source (not verified)

I love that 'Treasure' belt that is on the Handloom site and would have a go at making one (or two) but not sure how to approach what you do with the ends? as there's so many different weft threads will they cause a ridge along both sides? Any advice greatly appreciated... I love the idea of making something as a group and seeing how differently weavers use the idea. I'm a very new weaver and use a small Ashford Knitters loom...which I love for it's simplicity and portability.
Tue, 09/08/2009 - 08:42

Syne Mitchell (not verified)

WeaveZine has a lot of great RH projects that might make a good weave-a-long.  I recently added a page that groups them together all in one place and makes them easier to find: http://www.weavezine.com/rigid-heddle

Thu, 09/10/2009 - 16:02

WeekendWeaver (not verified)

Thank you Syne for making it so easy for us to find Weavezine content. : )

Hey guys, I found an interesting blog post by Ameila (aka Ask the Bell Weather) posted aobut pick up Swedish lace on the rigid heddle loom. Yay!

Here's the link:  http://askthebellwether.blogspot.com/2009/03/of-pickup-sticks-and-weaving-drafts.html

BTW, this is a great blog. 

Look for next week or week after for me to post pictures of samples.