These photos are the only thing I had that was blog worthy this week. Fair warning - I goofed, so these photos are NOT really an accurate picture of the proper weaving technique. I have worked diligently on quite a few different knitting and sewing projects but they're all at (yawn) boring, non-picture-worthy stages. So you're going to settle for some "This is what NOT to do" photos.
The handmade loom was finally warped a couple of days ago. It took me about 4 hours to cut the yarn to length and warp it. A little time consuming and a bit arduous since I was sitting on the floor, with the board leaning against a wall, but bearable. According to Weaving Without a Loom, this hardboard "loom" works better standing on a easel but, since I don't own one, I'm laying this flat on top of a few stools to do the actual weaving process. It will probably become awkward to work this way, as I get closer to the middle of the board but the cost of an easel sturdy enough to hold this whooping 4' x 4' board just isn't in the budget right now.
I was so excited when I finished the warping, I started to weave a few strands. But before going any further, I double-checked the book and discovered I was not quite ready to weave yet. Turns out I should have doubled the diagonal yarn and and there is a knotting technique I need to do around the diagonal before weaving, to reinforce the bias edge. Oh, the temptation to leap into a project without verifying the steps has led me astray once again. I'm just thankful I hadn't gone any further before discovering my error.
Once I've corrected my errors, I will continue to release the left end of each strand (working from the top down) and weaving it down the entire length of the board. After the weaving is completed, the leftover ends will be knotted in small bundles and trimmed to make a fringe.
Do you think I can finish it before my 20th wedding anniversary in 3 weeks? I bought a new dress that needs a little added pizzazz and this shawl may be just the thing. Tick, tock, tick, tock . . .
4 comments:
I looks like it will be pretty awesome. You have much more patience than I.
Oooooh! I love a deadline. The excitement and tension as the weaver approaches the finish line...very fun for me. As an observer. I tend to not meet deadlines on my own projects. :(
You will, though. And it will be beautiful. I know this!
What a supercool triangle-weaving technique! Looks very similar to the weaving Leah has done on her tri-loom, which she actually forgot about for a while and just rediscovered a few days ago. She only made a few things on it before and was disappointed that they were small, so I suggested that this time she make 4 triangles and stitch them together into 1 big shawl. We have a good stash of multicolored handspun that Scott made this winter, so the girl has a gleam in her eye.
She also is planning to become a quiltaholic in the near future.
I know you'll be cheering her on!
I'm going to show her your weaving for inspiration for her own weaving project-to-be.
Wise move to start with the big strands. Of course you can do it in time for your ann'y -- you'll be down to those short little nuthin' rows!
Trust me on this one: do not count on VBS being three hours a day where you are alone to do whatever you want. Monday was deal with the water company and FedEx morning. Tuesday was mow the lawn until the machine ran out of gas morning. Wednesday was go to the grocery store morning. Today is get Number Guy's car towed and fixed before the end of the month inspection deadline. Tomorrow the parents are participating in Mass with the children and coming back early for the end of week celebration. Some rest, eh? So, don't count on the rest and you *might* actually get some.
Post a Comment