Hi,
I'm wondering if it is possible to weave a structural collapse weave (i.e. something like waffle weave, where floats produce the collapse effect) on a four shaft straight draw threading? I know waffle weave can be done on a point threading on four shafts, but I don't think it can be done on a straight draw - or can it? I'm not looking for drastic collapse, just enough to provide some texture and maybe some widthwise shrinkage.
By way of explanation, I'm working with a 3-block doubleweave draft on 24 shafts, with 8 shafts per block (i.e. 4 shafts per layer). The profile draft is on Weavolution here: http://www.weavolution.com/node/9652 , and the first draft (which includes the expanded threading) is also on Weavolution, here: http://www.weavolution.com/node/9654 .
Now I'm trying to think what else could be done on this threading. I've always wanted to play with collapse weaves, and I like the three-dimensional effects you can get by using collapse in just one of two interchanging layers. But I can't figure out how to get a collapse using just four shafts, threaded up straight draw.
I could switch the threading to a point threading, but that would completely throw off my first draft, and I do want to use that one because I think it's pretty. (A simulation of what it will look like when completed is on my blog here: http://www.tienchiu.com/2010/06/sometimes-simpler-is-better/ (last image).)
Any thoughts on how, if at all, I can work collapse into this threading? Is it structurally possible? I don't mind re-sleying, and I just bought some interesting silk/lycra blend, so maybe the answer is to re-sley to a more open sett, and use one weft that shrinks?
Tien