It’s that magical time when the yarns converge and transform into something delicious! Let’s go!
A little TP to fill in the spaces!
To start the weaving process, there will be a handful of rows where the warp yarns (yarns running through the loom) need to even out and become equally spaced. Some folks use old yarn, strips of fabric, or just start with the yarn specified for the project! For me, I like good ‘ole toilet paper! It’s easy to remove because of the perforation. Plus, it’s a cheap resource. And there you go!
5-6 rows usually does the trick!
When I begin weaving a project, I go into my shelves of yarn (and there are MANY at this point!) and pull out everything that I may remotely want. This typically results in a 5′ x 2′ patch of carpet slammed full of cones and tubes of yarn! Visually, it’s fantastic! And for me, seeing everything in one place works better than constantly trying to recall what’s available and then searching for that specific color. Everyone at my house knows when the weaving has officially started because of the massive amounts of yarn crowding the loom!
Let’s meet the players…
I’m thinking some browns to start. So predictable, I know…
Off we go! Whee!!!
Close-up of the shed space
So, the beauty in using a loom lies in the options it provides you, the artist, once it’s been dressed. (“Dressing the loom” is the phrase weavers use when they describe the set-up process.) At any given point, I can completely change the pattern by lifting and lowering different yarns. I could have a spontaneous twill or basket weave break out at any time! I have a 4-shaft loom (meaning each yarn could go into 4 different positions) which provides a large number of options. But, looms can be found with 8, 12, 24+ shafts, giving the weaver enough choices to really make her head spin! Kind of makes me dizzy just thinking about it…
Go, shafts, go!
Just waiting for the shuttle!
I love incorporating black and white into my projects. But, for this one, the plan is to only use colors related to the warp yarns – yellow, orange, red, brown. It’s a challenge, but I like the rich colors in the fabric! So, I’ll take a big breath, put down the black, and select a chocolate yarn instead. (It’s tough sticking to the rules you make, isn’t it? Even if it’s for your own good!)
Right out of the gates!
Rag shuttle, please!
Isn’t this fun? There will be much more weaving coming up! Much, MUCH more! Talk to you soon…
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Art, Dressing the Loom, From the studio, Planning a Project, Weaving, Weaving Terms
