Home in Texas on the Drawloom
- By Karen
- September 15, 2020
- 25 Comments
The sky is the limit! That is my conclusion after weaving a few designs using the Myrehed combination drawloom. The shaft draw and the single unit draw systems are combined on this ingenious apparatus that is attached to an otherwise ordinary loom. The shaft draw system enables me to weave repeated patterns. The single unit system enables non-repeat patterns. This narrow warp is my playground to do both.
I use the computer to create designs. ”Home in Texas” shows the back of our house, with its massive stone chimney. The tree in the scene is a tracing of the oak tree that I pass as I walk up the hill to my drawloom studio. The airplane is a copy of the Mooney that our pilot friend took us in to fly over Enchanted Rock. I am delighted to discover that I can use a drawloom to bring features of personal meaning such as these to life.
The words of the Creator have life in them. It’s as if he puts his thoughts on the loom and weaves them into being. Let there be light! He speaks; and it is so. Listen closely. Hear the Grand Weaver say, Peace to you. And it is woven so. You are his workmanship, bringing his design to life.
May your life reveal the Creator’s design.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
25 Comments
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Tried and True: How Far Will Your Quill Go?
- By Karen
- September 8, 2020
- 12 Comments
Do not overfill your quills. It may seem efficient to load the quill as much as possible so you can weave as far as possible. Like me, you may have to learn this the hard way. A too-chubby quill that has to be coaxed through the shed takes more time and effort than winding a few extra quills. So much for efficiency.
It helps to have an idea of how far the thread on a quill will go. With this information, you can wind a few in advance without ending up with an excess of wound quills at the end of your project. I like to have the next quill ready to go when I am weaving so that I can put the new quill in my shuttle and keep weaving with very little interruption. This is especially helpful when the treadling sequence is tricky, like with the reverse twill in every other large color block on these cottolin bath towels. 3-2-1-6-5-4
How to Estimate Weaving Distance for Filled Quills
1 Start a new quill, leaving a 4 – 5 cm tail on the surface of the cloth. Or, start a new quill at the beginning of a color change.
2 Weave until the quill has emptied. Leave a 4-5 cm tail on the surface of the cloth.
3 Replace the empty quill in the shuttle with a new quill and continue weaving 1 – 2 cm further.
4 Measure the distance from the first weft tail, or line of color change, to the second weft tail. Place a straight pin, in line with the first weft tail, directly under the second weft tail. Measure from the pin to the second weft tail. This is the approximate weaving distance you can expect to cover with a new quill. Notate the quill’s estimated weaving distance on your project notes for future reference.
5 Trim the weft tails close to the surface.
6 Increase accuracy by repeating the process three times, and then use the average as your quill’s estimated weaving distance.
The large color blocks on this bath towel are 14 cm long. A single full quill will weave 5 1/2 – 6 cm; therefore, I make sure I have 2 full quills, plus at least another half-filled quill before I start a new color block section. It’s nice to be able to leave my foot on the treadle while I change out quills, so I don’t lose my place.
May your efforts prove to be efficient.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
12 Comments
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Beth says:
Oooo! I love these colors!
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Hi Beth, I am really pleased with these colors, too, and how they interact with each other.
Thanks!
Karen
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Good morning Karen,
I just noticed you work in metric measurements. I hadn’t before. Hmmm. Is that the side effect of transposing 2.54 cm per inch so many years? Metric does make the math easier.
Moving/estate sale in 5 weeks. The epiphany is textile projects will have to wait until the basement in Wausaukee is set up. The last visit I made up north the home made floor loom was to the point of hooking up the castle. I stopped after I put it on backwards.
Thank you for your reality touchpoints.
Nannette
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Hi Nannette, I started using metric measurements for weaving after going to Vavstuga Basics. It makes sense to me.
Blessings on all your transition events.
All the best,
Karen
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Joanna says:
You always give us such great tips! Thanks, Karen. And thanks for using metric measurements, I wish everyone did.
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Hi Joanna, I’m happy if a tip is helpful to you. As I mentioned to Nannette, metric measurements make sense to me for weaving. I am not a math whiz, so I like the simplicity of metric math.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Linda Adamson says:
I really like your colors as well. Did you set the cottolin at 24 epi? If so is it thick enough this way?
Linda-
Hi Linda, These really are comfort colors for me. I’m using a metric 50/10 reed, so my sett is 10 ends per cm, equivalent to 25.4 epi. So, 24 epi would also be a good sett for this twill. I wouldn’t call these towels thick, but they will be soft and absorbent. My experience with Bockens 22/2 Cottolin is that the cotton/linen blend makes great towels. They seem to get softer and more absorbent the more they are used and washed and dried.
I haven’t made cottolin bath towels before, so hopefully I can give you a good report when we start using them!
All the best,
Karen
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Maureen says:
Hi Karen,
May I ask, what are you using for a bobbin? It doesn’t seem to be the rolled piece of paper that is usually used for a quill. Where did you get them, is it from purchased yarn? I’ve found that some of the empty yarn spools don’t fit in my Glimakra quill shuttle.
Your weaving is always so inspiring, you have a wonderful colour sense and technique.
Maureen-
Hi Maureen, The quills that I use are narrow cardboard tubes made for this purpose. These cardboard quills function like the rolled piece of paper that you describe, and come in different sizes to fit the Glimakra quill shuttles. I purchase the cardboard quills from weaving suppliers in the USA, like GlimakraUSA.com or Vavstuga.com. If I need extra quills, I make them from rolled paper, too.
Your kind and encouraging words mean a lot to me.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Kristin Girod says:
That’s a wonderful tip, Karen! I’m definitely going to try that with my next project. And I’ve always trimmed my tails after washing. Do you trim to the fabric while on the loom no matter the size or type of yarn?
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Kristin,
Good, I’m glad you found this tip helpful!
I trim weft tails as I go–regardless of size or type of yarn. I like to trim as much as possible while it’s on the loom because I don’t want to have to go back and do it later. 🙂
I try to make sure to have my weft threads overlap enough in the shed to take into account shrinkage that will happen with washing and drying. If you trim before it’s washed, the added benefit is whatever bit of thread that is left on the surface will nicely disappear as it shrinks into the cloth.
Happy weaving!
Karen
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One More Swedish Art Weaves Bag
- By Karen
- September 1, 2020
- 14 Comments
A warp is finished when the woven cloth has been taken to completion. At that point, the loom is free for a new warp. That is the rule I’ve given myself. If I ignore the rule and put on a new warp before its time, the unfinished cloth has a way of staying unfinished for too long.
Thanks to that completion rule, I have a new bag. This fabric includes the various patterns that I wove in Joanne Hall’s workshop on Swedish Art Weaves several months ago. You will also see that I explored some patterns on my own at home. I gained two excellent outcomes from this finishing pursuit—a new bag to use, and a loom that is free for the next warp! (See the first bag here: Monksbelt Flowers on a Shoulder Bag)
Left to myself, I’d rather do what I want. I’d rather start a new project than bring an “old” one to completion. I’m glad my Lord is faithful with me. He completes the work that he began. The Good Shepherd tends his sheep. He leads us to the still waters of peaceful perseverance, saving us from the regret of going our own way. And we have his perfect outcome to look forward to.
May you resist doing what you’d rather do.
With you,
Karen
14 Comments
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Wow! You never cease to amaze me, Karen. It’s lovely!
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Karen says:
Absolutely lovely…so colorful and lively. I just love this!
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Hi Karen, I’m glad you like it. It is a lively fabric – I like that about it, too.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Joanne Hall says:
Hi Karen, what a great bag you have made. I think you will have fun using it. It is so colorful and playful. Thanks for sharing this. I have a few samplers that I could make into more bags.
Joanne-
Hi Joanne, I think this will become a favorite bag to use for special occasions. Every time I look at it I’m reminded of how much fun we had in that workshop! Making a bag is a great way to use a sampler.
Thanks so much,
Karen
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Denise Schryver says:
Very beautiful Karen!
Our guild had a Swedish art weaves workshop with Joanne scheduled but was cancelled due to covid. I may have to try on my own after seeing your lovely work!-
Hi Denise, I hope you do give these beautiful weaves a try. The Väv 2/2013 issue has very good instructions, as well as the book I mentioned in the post. Nothing beats being taught by Joanne in person; however, you can still do it on your own. And hopefully after things get back to normal, your guild will have Joanne come then.
Thank you,
Karen
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Good morning Karen,
Basis the condition of both our homes as we push through transition to retirement, I’ve been deaf to God’s direction for a long time.
One hour home repairs finally done.
Long forgotten ‘ must make ‘ textile projects rediscovered in a mystery bag stuffed in a basement box.
Projects started by beloved long gone, and never finished.
Love your posting.
Nannette
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Hello Nannette, Our lives are a work in progress, thank God. I appreciate your thoughtful comments.
Blessings,
Karen
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Love your “bag” which I would call a work of art. Thanks for sharing your posts. God Bless!!!
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Hi Linda, It is nice to be able to carry a work of art around with you. That’s one of the joys of being a weaver. Thank you!
God bless you,
Karen
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Elisabeth says:
Beautiful, and great use of the Swedish art weave fabric!
And I really like that rule, I don’t think we were meant to procrastinate 🙂-
Hi Elisabeth, Things go better if we don’t procrastinate. I’ve had to relearn that more than a few times. The Swedish art weaves are so beautiful, so it’s nice to have a way to show them off.
Thank you,
Karen
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Process Review: Christmas Tree Skirt Fabric
- By Karen
- August 25, 2020
- 16 Comments
This is a Christmas tree skirt in the making. The next stage of this special project will include appliqué and embroidery. The embellished tree skirt should be complete by the time Steve and I put up our Christmas tree this year. This luscious white-on-white wool cloth is just the beginning. Some colorful handwoven remnants will tell the rest of the story. I’ll let you know when that part is finished…
I thoroughly enjoyed the one-shuttle monotone weaving. It was a quiet stream amid my other rambunctious color-filled looms.
Here’s a view into the process of making this cloth.
May your days be merry and bright…
Happy early Christmas,
Karen
16 Comments
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Gorgeous, luscious cloth! Can’t wait to see what comes next.
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Thanks, Beth! I am pleased with the outcome of this cloth. I have already started on the appliqué design.
All the best,
Karen
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Wanda says:
Beautiful!
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Susie says:
This is beautiful,
Are you able to reveal the pattern?!
Susie-
Hi Susie, This is adapted from the draft for “Lightweight Wool Blankets,” in Väv Magazine, 1/2018, p.34. It’s a point twill on six shafts. I did not use floating selvedges, so the fabric has a nice “scallop” on the edges.
Thank you!
Karen
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Kevin says:
Beautifully elegant!
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Hi Kevin, I agree that the fabric looks elegant. I’m hopeful this will become an elegant addition to our Christmas season. Thanks!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Good morning Karen,
I noticed how even your edges are. Some how I did not notice scallop. Must be my bias from weaving rag rugs.
I love how the fiber fulled when washed. Are you sure you want to make a tree skirt instead of a chair throw? How are you going to keep your hands off it under the tree. 😉
Thank you for a taste of Winter during this late August heat wave.
Nannette
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Hi Nannette, Well, the scallop may be only discernible to this weaver’s eye, especially after washing.
The fulled cloth does have a good feel. Who says I have to keep my hands off?
Love,
Karen
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Ruth says:
What lovely fabric! Anticipating the finished skirt knowing it will be beautiful.
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Hi Ruth, The fabric did come out lovely! It always seems amazing to me what threads will do when they are woven. I am excited to get started on the appliqué pieces.
Thank you,
Karen
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Cynthia says:
That is gorgeous. I think in a light gray would make a beautiful shawl. Make sure you post when it’s completed
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Hi Cynthia, It would indeed make a nice shawl. I’m considering making some more of this fabric to make a simple jacket. I will post the completed project – probably close to Christmas!
Thanks,
Karen
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Ooooh! I want to pet it! It looks so lovely and elegant. It will surely be an heirloom.
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Hi Kristin, I know, it’s irresistible! The thought that it could become an heirloom warms my heart.
Blessings!
Karen
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Handwoven Detail Notes
- By Karen
- August 18, 2020
- 14 Comments
It is the smallest of details that set handwoven towels apart from ordinary towels. With that in mind, I am writing some detail notes in the margin of my project notes. Borders: Towel 1 – sea blue, apple green – contrast thread – ultramarine; Towel 2 – ultramarine, sea blue – contrast thread – maize; Towel 3 – apple green, ultramarine – contrast thread – sea blue; Towel 4 – dusty, sea blue – contrast thread – apple green.
There are seven colors of cottolin in the warp, and the same seven colors in the weft, just like the accompanying hand towels I completed in April. (See Process Review: Jubilation Hand Towels.) Narrow warp-wise and weft-wise stripes of broken twill produce interesting patterns in the cloth. The deep borders I am planning on the bath towels give me a chance to add simple details that only a handweaver can do.
Have you ever identified a master craftsman by the specific details that show up in the hand-crafted article? In the same way, we can recognize our Maker’s hand through the magnificence of the details we see in each other. You are his masterpiece. Hand-written instructions guide the details. When we come to the Lord as our Maker and Redeemer, we find his hand-written details woven into our hearts, something only the Grand Weaver can do.
May you attend to the details.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
14 Comments
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Joyce Lowder says:
These towels are so beautiful…and as always, your words of faith, reminding us of the blessings we have been given by God. Thank you for your inspiration! I know you give the credit for all you do to our Lord. God Bless you! 🙂
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Hi Joyce, The blessings from God are never ending. It’s always good to be reminded to look for them.
In Him,
Karen
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Beautiful color choices and details!
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Hi Beth, Color and detail – that’s what makes handweaving so invigorating, isn’t it?!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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So pretty. I hope one day to be able to make towels like this. Thank you for your help to the weaving world.
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Hi Brigitte, One step at a time, and before you know it, you’re weaving the very things you were hoping to do. This has been my story, and I’m sure it will be yours, too!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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It is the details between common chocolate cookies and Boston cream pie.
May we all enjoy Boston cream pie from a master craftsman.
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Hi Nannette, I’ll have a slice of that Boston cream pie, thank you! The details show what the baker can do.
All the best,
Karen
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Isn’t broken twill a blast to thread? I just love it. Your towels will be lovely.
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Hi Joanna, Yes, I do enjoy a threading pattern that requires thinking. The treadling is that way, too, with these towels. This is the kind of project that is very satisfying to do.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Anonymous says:
Always love your posts! I love the way you incorporate a story into each post. I hope to weave this well one day! I’m a super beginner.
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Hi super beginner, You have a kind way of expressing yourself. Thank you for the encouraging words! I have no doubt by you will reach excellence in weaving. All it takes is time, practice, and patience. Enjoy the journey!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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I look forward to seeing the finished towels. I’m sure they will be gorgeous! And I particularly enjoyed hearing about the memory of sailing with your family. Those must be precious memories!
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Hi Kristin, Those sailing memories are memories I cherish! I’m looking forward to putting these towels to use as soon as they’re finished.
Thanks so much!
Karen
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Copyright © 2020
Wow, that is amazing!
Hi Kelly, There are so many possibilities with the drawloom.
Thank you,
Karen
Mind blown! Wow!
Hi Beth, The drawloom attachment changes everything. At the root of it all, though, is normal weaving. The draw handles and cords turn it into a giant counted cross stitch machine. 🙂
Happy weaving,
Karen
Fabulous! I love seeing what you weave!
Hi Wanda, Thanks for letting me know! It’s a treat for me to have someone like you to show it to.
Have a great day,
Karen
I took a drawloom class at Vavstuga Studios in MA. I loved being able to create the designs. Would love to do more of it. Your work is wonderful
Hi Judy, That’s great that you had the drawloom experience at Vavstuga. I’m sure it was wonderful! Creating the designs on the computer has been quite a learning curve for me. I’m beginning to enjoy it. 🙂
Thank you,
Karen
Ah, so much to learn! As always your weaving is beautiful and very inspirational! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Kevin, The learning always stretches out in front of us, doesn’t it? Is your drawloom up and running?
Thank you,
Karen
Oh, wow!! Very cool.
Hi Betsy, Your gal is doing very well over here. She’s all dressed up to give loads of enjoyment – a perfect loom for this!
Best to you,
Karen
May I add, amen.
Nannette, Yes, literally, Amen – So be it.
Warmly,
Karen
There is a great deal more than the threads of fibre weaving through your blog posts and the story of your art. I catch a thread or two, sometimes in what you write; “May your life reveal the Creator’s design” and sometimes in the comments; “May I add, amen.”
Comparatively, I find my own weaving journey so intimidatingly small as I read about your journey, but then I remember the joy isn’t in comparison, the joy is in our created uniqueness.
It is fascinating – both in this created life God has given us and to share your unique contribution with you. Thank you for such detail in both photo and description. I thoroughly enjoy both.
Hi Charlene, The underlying threads you insightfully detect are at the heart of all my intentions. I’m pleased to have you join me in this little corner of the created life God has given us.
Your friend,
Karen
You have truly embraced weaving! So much to discover. When I was visiting my best friend Janet in Austin last October we went hiking at Enchanted Rock. Very special place. Be well.
Hi Shari, I’m so happy to know that my little mention of Enchanted Rock meant something to you. Having had hiked Enchanted Rock a few times, it was very exciting to get to see it from the air!
Be well to you and yours,
Karen
Lovely. How long does it take you to set up your loom? Where did you learn how?
Linda
Hi Linda, This warp took me a good 12 hours to set up. I was determined to get it done, so I spent about 3 hours, 4 days in a row. I enjoyed the process – it all seems so amazing how the systems work together. But this is why most drawloom weavers put on looooong warps. This current warp is only about 5-6 yards long because this is for planning out designs to use on larger pieces in the future. Besides, I still need the practice of dressing this loom often enough so that I don’t have to start from scratch with my memory.
I took a drawloom class from Joanne Hall at her studio in Montana. It was excellent!
All the best,
Karen
Thank you Karen.
I enjoy your posts and weaving inspirations! I hardly know what a draw loom is but it’s cool to see what you produce in it! Most particularly, your intertwining of faith through your weaving is mist inspiring. God continue to bless you!
Hi Linda, It wasn’t that long ago that I hardly knew what a drawloom was, either. It’s been an interesting learning journey.
I’m glad the intertwining of faith through my weaving experiences resonates with you.
Thank you,
Karen
All I can say is, WOW! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Connie, It’s great to share in this together! I’m pleased you like it.
All the best,
Karen