The Floor Loom

Well I was doing my usual manic search of the Internet for weaving information when I came across this used floor loom for sale. This took some doing because most ads I found were for the East side of the country. Anyway, this one was close by and I grabbed it. It's a 46" Schacht, 4 shaft loom.




This was a good find - all the pieces were there including the bench and the loom was in good working order. I had to use some Navel Jelly & a scrub brush on some of the parts but it really was in great shape.



I used two colors of sock weight wool for my first test warp and weaving. Also purchased
Learning to Weave, Chandler. This book is really excellent as it took me through the whole process step-by-step. I managed to weave a few feetof this:





It's really not very pretty but I practiced some twill and plain weave alternating between loosely and tightly packed weft.

It was actually a good way to begin because I was able to play with the loom, treadles, etc. without worrying about the particulars of a project. I saved it in two pieces, one washed and one left as it came off the loom.

I placed this in my weaving journal and started looking for a good first project - cotton kitchen towels.

Cancun

Just returned from a trip to Cancun. I live in Southern California but this was a whole new ocean experience. Have you ever seen anything so blue - and not just one color but many -

This got me thinking about a project that incorporates the sand and blues of the water. More on this after I've worked it out...

I also visited a Mayan archaeological site - Tulum which was fascinating

I think if I really give it some thought I could come up with something to symbolize this experience also. It's interesting to look at the world in terms of visual experiences and to see the ways colors and textures combine to create beautiful landscapes. Experience with fiber has opened up a new range of possibilities for creative expression that I was completely missing before.

Weaving 101

My weaving began when I found a Navajo weaving class at my local weaving shop (http://www.stick-and-stone.com/) This was a very interesting class which included an extensive slide presentation on the history of Navajo weaving presented by the instructor, Randall Hayden. The class project is shown here -



Unfortunately I haven't progressed much further yet but have high hopes that it will be finished soon.

You may detect an error in the top square of my cross symbols. Yes, an error in counting and I'm too much of a coward to take out my work to make it right. My instructor told me that the Navajo women usually made one mistake in their work (on purpose). Sounds good to me - I'm going with that.

This style of weaving is time consuming but there's also a real sense of involvement with each row as it is woven. This class sparked an interest in tapestry weaving which I plan to try soon. Unfortunately, I jumped right in to weaving on a floor loom shortly after taking this class due to a good opportunity to obtain a used floor loom.

It's interesting to consider the difference between these two styles. I really enjoy weaving on the floor loom - the speed and almost meditative quality to working the treadles and throwing the shuttle. With Navajo-style weaving there is consideration as each thread is placed, in creating the patterns and pounding the warp with comb.

Learning to Spin

Hello friends -

I'm a new fiber person who started with spinning on a spindle -

and later a Kromski wheel.

I really enjoy spinning, mostly on the spindle. I find the spindle to be much more relaxing and satisfying than the wheel which is still causing me some anxiety. Perhaps after I've had a chance to take a spinning workshop things will be different.

My family now has slippers made from handspun wool, one cap and a small shawl for Jessica.

Unfortunately I've now moved on to weaving - arrgh! This new interest is slowly taking over my house. I may resort to putting bells on the children so I can find them...