I have about 2000 yards of 3/2 perle cotton that I bought to do a sampler many years ago.  I am used to and prefer finer threads, was not fond of the sample, and got rid of it.  Now I'm making the decision whether or not to use what I have left.  I calculated that I have enough for a piece of fabric that is 2 yards by 22 inches when woven as a twill.  (The idea that if this stuff is to have any drape, twill would be the ticket.)

I do not want table runners or place mats - the predominant color is white.  I considered a bath towel but don't know if it would be pleasant to the skin or absorbant enough.  Has anybody made anything interesting out of this stuff?  I'd love to hear peoples thoughts and ideas.

Alison

Comments

Sat, 02/09/2013 - 01:17

Sara von Tresckow

We occasionally put a warp of this on the table loom for shows - 8-10" wide in a spot pattern - end use is either bath mitts of potholders (put a layer of batting in the center) and they look rather nice.

You are right - no drape, dries slowly if used as a towel, not really for weaving real cloth.

Sat, 02/09/2013 - 01:21

mneligh

The most interesting thing I made using 3/2 cotton was a doubleweave rag rug.  One layer was a rag rug with 3/2 cotton warp, the other a 3/2 cotton (warp & weft) "floating" layer that passed over, under, thru the rag rug base.  To do this I used a second back beam at a different sett & tension.  It was quite successful, and really a very fun piece to do.  I would send pictures but I returned it to the friend who gave me the rag strips -- she just wanted them woven up, and didn't have a heavy enough loom.  She's quite fond of the piece.

I also use this yarn frequently for upholstery, pillows & throws.  If you're doing towels or clothing, you can make it every nth (8th, 5th, etc) thread in conjunction with finer threads.

If you really hate it, you can use it for warp on a krokbragd rug!

Sat, 02/09/2013 - 01:27

Alison (not verified)

Good starts ladies.  Thanks.  I was afraid when I posted that I would sound like a yarn snob.  I'm not really!

I had considered interspersing it with finer yarns, but the idea of rug warps had passed me by.  And bath mitts or potholders would make great small projects.

Sat, 02/09/2013 - 03:20

Claudia Segal (not verified)

I have used it for bread cloths in a point twill and its quite nice. If you really hate it please send it to me. I use if for samples when teaching on rigid heddle looms. Claudia
Sat, 02/09/2013 - 04:47

Alison (not verified)

Hi Claudia,

I always use cloth napkins for breadcloths.  Didn't know anyone actually made them.  Bad upbringing, I expect.

Let's talk.  Sunday?

Sat, 02/09/2013 - 15:37

patweaves

I'm a novice weaver with some 3/2 perle I purchased to learn/play with.  Although you mentioned you did not want to do placemats (but that you had mostly white 3/2) - I did want to mention my success with some lovely white huck placemats that Suzie Liles published in Handwoven Nov/Dec 2009.  These made a wonderful gift for a family member.

I see that it is now a free project (part of a free downloadable e-book for beginner projects) on weavingtoday.  Here's the link and a quick view of the image on that page:  http://www.weavingtoday.com/weaving-projects/?a={Field:StoreCode}  The project uses 1,040 for 4 placemats.

Sat, 02/09/2013 - 18:55

Alison (not verified)

Hmmm.  Those are nice.  You might have me sold.  I might overdye the mats once done with tea to mute the bright white.

Thanks!

Sat, 02/09/2013 - 22:59

patweaves

I did the bright white for my mother, which looked lovely with her antique Dresden china.  But I'll bet the overdye with tea - done dark enough - would give a nice umber tone.  Would love to see a photo when you're finished!

Sat, 02/09/2013 - 23:27

Alison (not verified)

In this house, bright white would last approximately 15 minutes into their first use.  I will definitely post if I make them.