My project, you may remember, is a child's blanket for Project Linus. Since there was a request for larger blankets for boys, I tried to pick my colors accordingly. The blankets also have to be machine washable, so I chose good old Red Heart yarn.For some reason, I am always drawn to space dyed type yarns. I don't know why, but the color variations always intrigue me. I eventually chose the one on the right for my weft, because it was the only colorway for which I could find solids to match. Evidently, these yarns are expected to be used by themselves, but I did find orange, brown, and green yarns close enough to use for warp stripes.
Although awkward at this point, weaving is going well. I am learning how hold back the beater as I throw the shuttle. The narrow treadles hang loosely and close together, so it is difficult to keep track of my treadling, even though it is a simple straight pattern. Also I have to learn when to advance the beater as my weaving progresses, and then remember to do it!
I think it will be awhile before I get any sort of rhythm going, but tension is good, the fell is straight and my selvedges are acceptable.
Ironically, after all my fuss and worry over getting the treadles tied up correctly, (see duh#3) I discover that I am looking at weft faced zig-zags while I weave. They were supposed to be warp faced which are of course, on the bottom! Ah well, if that's the least of my problems, then I won't complain.
I realize that I still have things to learn about this loom and that further adjustments could be made. But I've gotten started and there's no stopping me now.
Ironically, after all my fuss and worry over getting the treadles tied up correctly, (see duh#3) I discover that I am looking at weft faced zig-zags while I weave. They were supposed to be warp faced which are of course, on the bottom! Ah well, if that's the least of my problems, then I won't complain.
I realize that I still have things to learn about this loom and that further adjustments could be made. But I've gotten started and there's no stopping me now.
© 2007 Leigh's Fiber Journal
14 comments:
I love the colors, very boyish. The blanket is great. I wouldn't have thought to have a striped warp and space dyed weft. The effect is amazing.
Very nice! You are right, there is no stopping you now :D
Wow! Who knew what you could do with a little Red Heart and the will to make it happen? Nicely done.
Very nice weaving and color selection! Thanks for sharing the process with us.
Wow, that is some *very* impressive Red Heart!
On man. I wish I would have decided on a eight-harness structure. I ended up having to remove heddles from the last four sheds because I used a four harness pattern and the heddles pushed the weave structure into a bunched position. I hate being a perpetual newbie.
Leigh, one thing I learned years ago that has always helped me is a very simple mantra...I was weaving on a friend 16h AVL and she taught me to "throw, beat, change your feet" meaning - throw the yarn, bring the beater towards you, then when the beater is close to you, change the treadles before you let the beater back...this clears the shed and makes it easy to remember when you've changed the treadles - something very helpful w/16h. Now I weave that way all the time...it works great!
Wonderful weaving! More close-ups! Yay!!!
Very nice indeed! I love your pictures!
Yay - you're weaving! Though seeing as it's now Saturday afternoon, I'm wondering if you're already done :) It looks great!
Leigh, you're lookin' good! Now that I see the way variegated yarn weaves up, I'm definitely going to use the Dazzleaire variegated (dk grn/sage/ivory) together with the coordinating solids from my stash. The plan so long ago was to crochet a throw, but weaving is now my passion. I have the hope of using the 48" cm cranbrook to weave a nice throw one day in the not to distant future.
Your progress is so fortifying to the rest of us! I ordered the Hall book, and a very nice lady from somewhere on the web sent me the old-time assembly instructions for this loom, so there if you hear footsteps behind you, it might be this reticent "twin" plodding along.
Keep it up, gal!
Wonderful progress. And I have to agree that it is kind of awkward to have all of those floating treadles hanging there.
The blanket looks like it's going to be fantastic and it sounds like you're learning a lot in the process!
Wow!
The blanket is handsome! What a wonderful contribution to project Linus! You will make some boy very happy!
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