Tools Day: Mirror Mirror
- By Karen
- January 10, 2017
- 2 Comments
When the front side of the fabric is on the underside, it helps to have a mirror. This is one of those times. A transparency can be woven with the weft turns on the front or on the back. I’m weaving this transparency with the weft turns on the front. The underside, therefore, has the crisper lines, and will (probably) be the right side of the finished transparency.
Weaving from the back, the inlay weft turns look like scallops along the edge of the pattern area. The pattern on the underneath side of the cloth has smoother edges.
You can think of other weaves, as well, that have a different appearance on the back than on the front. That’s when a little mirror comes in handy. You can use a larger hand mirror, of course; but these are two little mirrors that I keep in the cart by my loom.
Top drawer in the cart beside the loom holds small tools that are used during weaving.
- A little wooden mirror with mother-of-pearl inlay that I picked up on one of my international travels.
Small hand mirror is used for a quick glimpse of the underside pattern.
- A lighted extended little mirror that I picked up on one of my wanderings at Home Depot while my husband was shopping for tools. A Husky Round Lighted Inspection Mirror, “…for inspection of hidden, unlit areas in applications ranging from industrial maintenance and automotive repair to general homeowner DIY applications.” They forgot to add, “…and for handweaver inspections of the reverse side of the cloth.”
Lighted mirror extends to inspect the underneath side of the woven cloth. The telescoping handle makes it possible to view underneath a wide warp.
May you find tools that serve you well.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
2 Comments
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Transparent Linen
- By Karen
- January 6, 2017
- 6 Comments
Ten centimeters of plain weave are for the casing at the top of this transparency. My aim is five picks per centimeter. What a challenge! It’s not a good idea to be fussy about it, pulling out and repositioning the weft. Linen can’t take that. So, carefully I go, restraining the beater in my hands, to be as precise as possible. Packing in the weft for a few picks at the beginning and end of the section takes a stronger beat, …with much less effort.
Close to five picks per centimeter! More practice needed.
Woven section at the top of the transparency will be folded over and sewn down to make a casing. A rod will be inserted in the casing for hanging the finished transparency. A few tighter-packed picks begin and end the casing section.
Restraint is not easy. The easy path is to do what’s popular, familiar, and people-approved. We falsely think our ease at the moment is the most important thing. Don’t entertain false notions. Walk in the right way, even when it takes restraint. Blessings come to those who avoid the temptation of easier paths. The warp and weft are aligned, imperfectly, as we learn how to restrain the beater.
Cotton chenille yarn is wound into butterflies to use as weft inlay.
Linen background serves as a transparent backdrop for the inlay pattern.
The linen web becomes a successful backdrop for the chenille inlay. That’s when the purpose for the linen becomes evident. It’s an almost-invisible (transparent) framework for the visible inlay pattern. The hard work of restraint is at its best, like this, when it draws little attention to itself.
May you succeed in your practice of restraint.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
6 Comments
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question. when this is completed will the linen background be stable enough to support the inlay? seems like it would sag and distort some.
maggie-
Maggie, That’s a great question. Since this is my first attempt at this type of inlay transparency, we shall see… I have seen other, more detailed transparency weavings that appear to be very stable, and hang beautifully. I’m hopeful this will not become distorted when off the loom. Linen is a good fiber for this since it has natural rigidity, and has very little elasticity.
Thanks for asking!
Karen
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Looks gorgeous Karen. I like the ’embracing restraint’ notion. With weaving one gets to learn so much more about self. Embrace the lessons!
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Can’t wait to see this finished piece. A transparency is something I must try one of these days.
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Hi Peg, I’m just barely getting my feet wet with this project. It’s making me want to do more.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Now This Year
- By Karen
- January 3, 2017
- 20 Comments
New year 2017 is beginning! It’s time again to take account of where we stand in our life’s dreams and goals. What can we check off the list? And, what is still in progress? And, maybe there’s something new to add. But first, let me count my blessings. I’m filled with gratitude, thankful for you! What a JOY it is to have friends like you to walk through this weaving journey with me.
Here’s what you’ll find on my looms right now:
Glimåkra Ideal loom: Striped warp for the sample kit is all set! Winding quills is next. Then, weaving! If all goes well, a few pre-warped plattväv towel kits will show up in my Etsy shop.
Glimåkra Standard loom: Weaving a transparency. 16/2 linen warp and background weft. The weft pattern inlay is cotton chenille.
Hokett loom has the start of a simple stripes tapestry practice piece. 12/6 cotton warp, 6/1 Fåro wool weft.
Thank you for joining me through 2016!
May you have joy in the journey.
Happy Weaving New Year,
Karen
20 Comments
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Beth says:
I love the “Year in Review” and see so many favorites. Your work is simply beautiful and inspiring. You are brimming with talent!
Happy New Year, Karen!
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Hi Beth, There are several projects here that I want to do again! Especially the monksbelt.
Happy New Year to you,
Karen
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Hi Jennifer, Everything is better in the company of friends. Thanks for joining in!
Karen
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Loyanne says:
Thanks for sharing. Seeing the Faro piece bring to mind a question. I am working on a Whig Rose scarf. Trying to weave according to tradition and the warp is 8/2, weft is Faro and 16/2 for tabby. Just wondered if you had used cotton and wool and how you wet fingers she’d it ? Thanks
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Hi Loyanne, I’m sure your scarf is beautiful! The monksbelt does use 16/2 cotton for tabby, and Faro wool for pattern weft. I’m not sure of your question… I have a feeling that spellcheck gremlins took over. Could you try asking again?
Karen
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Loyanne says:
Boy did the gremlins take over. I wondered how you wet finish a piece out of cotton and wool?
Thanks.-
Ok, now that question makes sense. 🙂 That’s a great question! I did not wet finish my piece because I am going to use it for a hanging, so I wanted it to soften up or get distorted through washing. I did steam press it, though, which helped to tighten everything up and straighten it out.
I think if I were going to wet finish this cotton and wool combination I would gently hand wash in cool water with mild soap, like Eucalan, with as little agitation as possible. And then hang or lay flat to dry. If I had a sample piece, I would try washing that first, before submerging the main article.
I wish I could give you a better answer…
Thanks for asking,
Karen
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Fran says:
A year of accomplishing lots! You do black and white especially well. I enjoy your posts.
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Hi Fran, The black and white was a new experience for me. It was a surprise to me to find out how much I enjoyed working with it! Thanks for stopping by!
Happy New Year,
Karen
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Cindy says:
I just joined in on your posts! It’s part of my goals for 2017 to surround myself with others who love weaving, and to be inspired and motivated to continue learning from them. Thanks for having this blog!
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Hi Cindy, A big welcome to you! I do love weaving, and you will find many who comment here are the same way. I love it that we can all learn from each other.
Happy weaving new year!
Karen
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Hi Karen,
I enjoyed seeing your transparency, because I have used the same 16/2 linen to weave pictorial transparencies for the last 10 years or so. Is your sett 12 epi? How many selvedge warps are doubled on each side? I have never tried using chenille for the inlay, but this gives me a new idea to try!
Happy New Year, and God bless you and your family!-
Hi Lynette, I’m excited to hear that you weave pictorial transparencies! This is my first attempt, and I’m enjoying it very much. I would love to see some of your work. Can you send me pictures?
I am using a metric 50/10 reed, which is just a little more dense than 12 epi, but pretty close. I doubled 4 selvedge warps on each side, as instructed in The Big Book of Weaving.
Happy weaving new year!
Karen
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Liberty Stickney says:
Hi Karen, Happy New Year! Thank you so much for all the work you do for us, your posts are always beautiful and informative. I have been sick for a bit but I can’t wait to get back to my loom soon.
Happy weaving,
Liberty-
Hi Liberty, It’s no fun to be under the weather. I hope you’re all better very soon!
I always appreciate your sweet encouragement.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Tom Z says:
The year in review is so Inspiring Karen!
Sometimes we don’t look back to view where we’ve come from. We just keep plowing forward. The past gives us a much needed perspective on where we’re going. Your video reminded me of that simple face. And the music was perfect for that reflection.
Thank you Karen. Keep up the ‘good’ work.
Happy weaving new year!
Tom Z in IL-
Hi Tom,
I completely agree! Perspective can make a world of difference.
I appreciate your thoughtful words so much!Happy weaving new year to you!
Karen
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Another Small Tapestry Loom
- By Karen
- December 30, 2016
- 8 Comments
One more little tapestry loom? I signed up for Rebecca Mezoff’s Weaving Tapestry on Little Looms online class, and ordered a Hokett loom to go with it. This petite 7″ x 8″ loom is made by Jim Hokett, who uses exotic woods for the looms. Mine is made of bubinga and chechen woods. Very pretty and nice to the touch! This is a 6-dent loom, and I have warped it double, to have 12 ends per inch.
Hokett 6-dent loom is warped 12 ends per inch by warping 2 ends per dent. I am not accustomed to using a tapestry beater or a shed stick. It will be fascinating to try some new things!
I did some weaving while riding in the car. I finished the header, a short hem, and a row of special knots for the hem’s turned edge.
In this course, I am practicing some basic small loom tapestry techniques. Rebecca has a very organized, clear teaching style, so it’s a joy to learn from her. As I practice, I am reviewing things I have learned previously; and I am picking up great tips that are new to me. And, for once, lo and behold, I am weaving tapestry from the front!
May your new year start with learning something new.
Happy Year End,
Karen
8 Comments
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I almost bought one of those little hokett looms once for sampling. They are so cute. What would you do with such a little tapestry? I can’t wait to see.
Have a wonderful New Year.
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Hi Leigh, The little Hokett looms would be great for sampling for larger tapestries. I don’t have a specific end in mind. Sometimes I mount the small tapestry and put it in a frame. Most of the time, though, it’s an exercise for my fingers and my mind. I’m not at the point where I’m making masterpieces yet.
Karen
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I followed Rebecca and her time spent in the Petrified Forest. I love her work and would one day like to take a class from her. The online class sounds like a great way to begin. I’m looking forward to seeing your progress.
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Beth, I follow Rebecca on Instagram. Her small tapestries from the Petrified Forest were very interesting. After seeing other students’ work on IG, I decided to go for it myself!
Karen
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Betsy says:
I have put that class on my personal wish list. I got a Lost Pond hand-held loom for Christmas and I’ve never done tapestry. I will be visiting the person who gave it to me next summer; it would be nice to show her I’m using it! 🙂
On that same trip I’m taking Basics at Vavstuga!!! :happy dance:
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Hi Betsy, Rebecca shows a Lost Pond loom in her class. It looks like a good frame loom! Vavstuga Basics!! WooHoo! You’ll love it.
Happy Weaving!
Karen
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Louise Yale says:
Also just bought a Hockett loom – in red zebra wood !! Same size as yours.
Just experimenting with the loom now with traditional tapestry techniques and soumak which I really enjoy, Soumak stitches provide a 3 demensional accent or frame to the other stitches.
Currently working with cotton perle but want to try silk.
Planning to make a small flat purse for frequently used credit cards for my purse. I may add a braided necklace and wear it as a piece of textile jewelry.-
Louise, I love the wood. There is something special about holding wood in your hands that makes the tapestry work that much more interesting and special.
I have done a little bit of soumak on this loom, too. It’s something I’d like to explore some more.
I’d love to see what you’re making! The purse and textile jewelry sound fascinating!Happy weaving,
Karen
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Alpaca Warmth
- By Karen
- December 27, 2016
- 4 Comments
Now that the fringe is finished, and the scarf has been washed, it is ready to be worn! The textural detail of this scarf is striking. An observer may not be aware that the woven pattern is that of an eight-shaft wavy (undulating) twill. But they are sure to notice the gentle drape of the long, warm scarf. The unique curvy ribbed surface is secondary.
I can’t think of anything more rewarding than spending time with beloved family! It’s been super sweet to be surrounded with such special adults and little children the last few days to celebrate Christmas together.
Wavy twill gives the scarf a distinct textural element.
Celebrating Christmas joys in Texas hill country.
My daughter Melody models the alpaca scarf. Her husband, Eddie, is the photographer.
You are set apart to be a blessing. Let that blessing begin at home, and reach out from there. As alpaca fiber is known for its warmth and wearability, this scarf is perfect comfort for a cold winter day. May our homes, also, be known for the warmth and comfort that comes from being a place of blessing.
May you stay warm.
Merry Christmas, still,
Karen
4 Comments
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The scarf is beautiful and looks so soft! I hope you had a wonderful time with all your family!
Liberty-
Hi Liberty, Thanks! The scarf is fun to wear. It’s long enough to wrap around once or twice, but it’s not heavy.
We really had a great time with family. I hope you did, too!Karen
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Stunning !~! The undulating pattern mesmerizes as I look at it. And alpaca’s incredible lightness creates a jewel of a scarf. Wow. Does it get cold enough where you live for this ?
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Hi, Lynda,
😉 It doesn’t get cold enough here very often. On those few days that it is cold enough, 2 or 3 days in the last couple weeks, I’m glad to have it around my neck.
Karen
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Copyright © 2017
I recently heard this song being sung and I thought of you right away. You are a beautiful reflection of the Divine.
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.
Take my every thought, to use
In the way that Thou shalt choose.
Take my love; O Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
I am Thine, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.
Sweet Julia,
I learned that song as a child, and it remains deeply meaningful to me! It does describe a life that reflects Christ, and that is certainly the type of mirror I want to be.
Thanks for sharing!
Karen