Last we chatted, I had measured the yarns for the project on the warping board, slipped them off the pegs, and moved them to the table. Thus, the stage is set to sley the reed – my favorite part of dressing the loom! (“Dressing the loom” is the the phrase used to describe the process of getting the loom ready to weave!)
Adding the lease sticks
First up, adding the lease sticks! Lease sticks are 2 sticks with holes drilled on each end. Not very glamorous, mind you, but critical!
Keeping it all in order!
Before the project came off the warping board, I tied the yarns such that I could keep track of their order. But, the ties are temporary – that’s where the lease sticks come in! Once the ties are cut, the sticks keep everyone in their spots! Weaving becomes much less fun if the lease sticks aren’t in place doing their job! (Check out the photo below where I haven’t cut the ties yet!)
Ready!
Once the lease sticks are in, I’m ready to sley the reed!
Into the reed, we go!
The reed is a metal frame with slots spaced the entire length. I’ll be using an 8-dent reed for this project – translation, there are 8 spaces in each inch of the reed.
Look Ma, I’m sleying!
Each yarn gets a dent!
For the most part, I’ll be laying in 1 yarn per dent or slot. The natural-colored yarn acts as a design element and will share a dent when it comes up in the order. But, that’s just a little something extra I threw in to keep it interesting!
Nice and neat!
Snuck in a little extra!
Depending on the project, I will either start in the middle or at an end (and really, what other options are there?). If the project width is narrower than the reed, starting in the middle is a great way to center it. But in this case, I’ll be using the entire width. So, I started at an end. What I found (and should have remembered from prior projects) is that this reed is about 1/2″ wider than the 36″ I planned for. In an effort to use every last bit, I went back over to the warping board and measured out a little extra – it’s the pale green colored group at the end!
Every slot is filled!
Knotting each inch
I like to knot each inch as a way to double check. (There’s a fine line between careful and anal, I know!)
All done!
It’s all sleyed! Next up, the reed, the lease sticks and the warp yarns will all take a little stroll over to the loom and climb right in! (Don’t let the anticipation keep you up at night!) Talk to you soon…
Another delightful description, Chris! Best wishes–
Lizz
Wishing you peace, love, light, and the joy living of an Inspired life!
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Thanks so much, Lizz! I appreciate it! chris
Very interesting. I am learning a lot in a fun way. Thanks!
Hey Rita! I hope to provide a few pretty pictures at the very least – a little weaving appreciation at best! Thanks for the comment! chris
What’s it going to be?!? 🙂 I use 8 dent reed almost all the time.
Nice colors.
Hey Sonja! Thanks so much! It’s going to fabric for handbags, although I’m not sure what kind. The verdict’s still out! You know, sometimes you start with the end goal and sometimes you find it along the way! We’ll see! Have a good one! chris
Thank you for this, Chris!
I’m just a beginner, attempting to assume the legacy of my sainted Mother. She do not take up weaving until long after I had left the house, so I don’t have the advantage of that early assimilation.
This fills in all those “Oh. Didn’t I mention that”” spaces of the several books I have!
You are so welcome! I’m very happy to fill in whatever blanks I can! Every weaver has their own process and there’s no telling if I do it like your lovely Mother! But, I have confidence that you can find your own way and enjoy weaving very much! Happy creating! chris