Confessions of a Novice Weaver--Week Two

This is the next installment of Melissa Ludden's experiences learning to weave.

After finishing my first sample, I had the basic concept of weaving under my belt. I decided that a scarf would be a good first project, so I consulted Deborah Chandler’s book “Learning to Weave” for pattern reading instruction. Then I found a nifty pattern in my brand new copy of “The Handweaver’s Pattern Directory” and set to measuring my warp.

Confession #4

I cut my warp in half. I know that usually the method used in measuring a warp is to cut it in two places, once at the end and the other at the cross end. Since I was using warping pegs set at one and a half yards apart I decided to use them as set to measure a three yard warp with the thought that I could cut just once to achieve my three yards.

Confession #5

I’m not much for following the rules. I haven’t figured out if this method of measuring a warp is unorthodox or not, but it seemed like a good idea as my warp was only one color, it wasn’t very long, nor did it consist of many warp threads (my teacher would probably disapprove of this method).

What went through my brain next remains a mystery. I finished measuring my warp threads, and out came the scissors. But rather than making a single cut at the start of the warp chain as planned, they found their way elsewhere. As soon as my scissors began to slice through the threads at the half-way point, I had that horrible, sinking feeling that my brain couldn’t tell my body to stop in time to prevent the ruin of my warp. I now could weave a lovely length of undulating twill that might serve as a short runner (unless I can find someone with a very small neck). Mental note: check twice before cutting.

This week our class topic turned to basic patterns. Judy showed us several examples of the use of stripes, checks and plaid, and we were sent home with instructions to come back with a sample that demonstrated one of these techniques. I decided that there was no sense in not challenging myself a bit, so I gathered up some 3/2 perle cotton in various colors, and set to work on weaving a bit of plaid.

I really enjoyed this project. It wove up quickly, and I am quite happy with the end result. The layout of my final piece is asymmetrical, which I find appealing, and the plaid is quite large. I am now mad about plaid, and once my class is over and I actually have time to weave whatever I like, I’ve got some grand project ideas: bags, scarves, skirts, pillows…

Dye Day Socks Progress Report

As promised, I’m updating you on my knitting project. I’ve only started over once, changing from size 3 needles to size 2. All along the way I’ve been tutored by my dear friend Louise (Weezie) Bradley. She tells me to cast on 48 stitches. I cast on 48. She tells me to knit 7 inches and I do it. Last Sunday after our weekly hike she showed me how to start knitting the heel and in the process she discovered that I had been purling incorrectly—that would be for about 35 years. (I learned to knit in Iceland and therefore I’m a continental knitter.) I was so impressed with my friend’s ability to see what was wrong, fix it, and then show me how to correct my ways even though she herself is not a continental knitter. It’s good to have a seasoned mentor to show me the way.

Confessions of a Novice Weaver--Week One

This is the second installment written by Melissa Ludden of her experiences of learning to weave. --J.

The long and painful countdown was finally over, and I was ready to get weaving. I showed up at Shuttles barely able to contain my excitement. My classmates, who span several generations, seemed to share my enthusiasm, and Judy wasted no time starting the program.

The next four hours would be spent taking us from ground zero to actually weaving. This was a lot of information to take in over the course of four hours. I would highly recommend heading to your local weaving shop to check out their selection of books and looms just to familiarize yourself with the basic concepts of weaving and the anatomy of the loom before you start taking a class. Working here at Schacht definitely gave me an information advantage, and I was still zapped by the end of the evening.

Confession # 3

I kinda like warping the loom. This probably won’t come as a surprise to anyone who knows me well. The general impression I had of warping going into this class was that it was a big drag. One would spend a great deal of time trudging through the preparation, and then the actual weaving would be like zipping down the highway with the top down on a sunny day.

What I found is that I actually enjoy the preparation. It is a finite period of time during which you get closer and closer to the excitement of creating something real. And when the loom is warped, it’s a thing of beauty – the moment of anticipation before the party starts. A clean shed is a bit of a thrill.

Two basic things to keep in mind when you’re warping the loom: use enough light and take your time. You’re dealing with lots of fiber and some very tiny spaces. Set time aside to really focus on the task at hand. Put on some music and create your own little world. Rushing the process = icky shed. And icky shed = unthreading and rethreading and perhaps the utterance of a few not-so-savory words.

Next week…mad about plaid.

Weaving Goes On-Line

On February 14th Weavezine was launched by Syne Mitchell of Weavecast fame. Weavezine is an on-line weaving magazine and includes projects, book reviews, tips, and techniques. Weaving ergonomics, designing with turned-weft ikat, and three projects with complete instructions are some of what you’ll find in this first issue. Congratulations to Syne for providing the weaving world with another way to learn, be inspired, and get connected. Check it out at www.weavecast.com

Confessions of a Novice Weaver – Introduction

Over the next weeks, Melissa Ludden, from our marketing deptment here at Schacht, will share her reflections, thoughts, and...confessions about learning to weave. Here's her first installment.

Confession #1

I am not really a new weaver. Back in the late 70’s, I made some really rockin’ potholders on one of those square, plastic looms that came with loops of colorful, stretchy nylon. I’m quite certain they were not safe to use, but were cherished by my mother nonetheless…I think.

Working here at Schacht, it’s impossible not to get caught up in the enthusiasm when it comes to weaving and spinning. We are all here because of our love for these crafts, and while I am a decent spinner, I decided that it was high time that I learned to weave. So I signed myself up for an eight week course at Shuttles, Spindles & Skeins, my local knitting/spinning/weaving establishment, and began counting the days until class started.

Confession #2

Before I started working at Schacht, I didn’t think that weaving was very hip, though I did have an interest in the craft from a historical perspective. This might not sound so nice, but I hadn’t seen many examples of modern weaving that I found inspiring. I have since discovered that this is really due to poor observation skills on my part and a general lack of exposure to the craft. Now I find myself looking at every bit of fabric around me, marveling at the construction and translating what is most likely a brief term of exertion by a machine into the hours and detail and material required for a human to create the same item.

Over the next eight weeks, I plan to share my experiences as a new weaver, and hopefully inspire some of you to pick up your shuttles and start creating. Next week…warping the loom.

--Melissa Ludden

Record Keeping

You think you will remember. But you won’t. I’ve learned this the hard way. I go back and look at a piece of fabric I just took off the loom and I say out loud to myself, “What WAS it I was doing there?”

So this is what I do. I use a cast off spiral notebook and write as I work, recording warp and weft, epi and ppi. I staple the yarns to the first page and identify them if I know what they are. I record everything as I weave. I keep the notebook and pen close by and stop every time I make a change. I number each pattern so that later I can mark these on my sampler if desired. It is especially useful to use hang tags at the edges if the sample will be used for teaching purposes.

Tunes
I can’t help myself but Jim Croce’s “I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song” still just sends me—think of playing this for your honey on Valentine’s Day.

Christy's Scarf

I wanted to share with you the scarf Christy wove during my Weave-A-Scarf-in-a-Day class at my LYS, Shuttles, Spindles, and Skeins. Christy works in our accounting department at Schacht and took the class I was teaching at Shuttles. For some weaving newbies, their selvedges and beat are even from the start. Christy is just this kind of new weaver. She’s getting her first rigid heddle loom (the Schacht Flip Folding Loom) and I’m looking forward to where she goes from here. Her enthusiasm reminds me of the excitement I felt when I first started weaving. Can you still remember the thrill of it all?
You’ll find the instructions for this woven and felted scarf in the Schacht Winter 2008 on-line newsletter. Just go to www.schachtspindle.com and click on “Recent Issue”. It’s easy to subscribe.