The Weaver Returned

20 months. That’s how long it took to figure out my weaver’s block. I’m really quite frustrated that it took that long. But I’m not going to fuss about it, it feels amazing to be back.

I had a request for a scarf with very specific colors. The pattern was left up to me. I think this is going to be gorgeous when it’s done.

The day before Thanksgiving, I stopped making excuses and feeling guilty (useless emotion). I trotted myself into my Studio and picked up the pattern notes and sat down at my Louet 24 shaft Magic loom. My hands just started moving like they knew what do do, so I went with it.

Started by sorting the heddles, making sure I had enough on each shaft. I didn’t, so I added more. It’s a lot easier to do that before anything gets threaded. I also decided to take advantage of a sale on Teksolv heddles in 5 different colors. I’ll upgrade this loom like I did my Glimakra, adding color heddles to every other row. it will cut down on mistakes.

I haven’t spent a lot of time on this loom so I watched a video and learned some cool features I hadn’t known about. This warp is very silky and went on like a charm. Got a new moveable, rechargeable light which is making working with black threads a lot easier.

285 threads. Crazy threading pattern. I need to find something a little more ergonomic when I thread. This required a lot of bending and reaching. And 2 direct light sources!

After threading heddles, each thread needs to be placed through the reed on the beater bar. This is what packs the threads together. This also helps set the width of the piece. 9.5”wide, 30 threads per inch.

Apparently, my powers of concentration need to be exercised. 3 threading errors. I ended up rechecking every thread to find them. Time consuming, but a great reminder to do it right the first time. That’s the design program I use, iWeaveIt.

I ran the pattern with a silver thread to make sure all my threading issues were resolved. This shows the structure of the weave. Finally ready to give the sample piece a go.

Working with groups of 4 threads, I hemstitched along the entire piece. This secures the weaving and helps define where the fringe will be. Almost ready to weave!!

And there it is! I’m finally weaving again and it feels fantastic. I really love the black on black, and the variation in the greens giving life to the stripe.

I can’t wait to get back at it tomorrow! I’ll be able to weave on the scarf itself.