In warp-faced weaves, like this band, the warp is what you notice. When the weft is placed correctly, it is not seen at all, except at the selvedges. And even then, when the weft is the same color as the outermost warp end, as it usually is, the weft thread blends in and is virtually invisible.
The weft is doing its best job when it remains out of view. You could say the weft’s purpose is to make the warp look good. Consistency is the hallmark of a high quality woven band. I aim for that by pulling the weft snug, but not too snug, on each pick. If the weft thread is visible between warp ends, it’s a sign that the weft is not properly placed.
Humility is the hidden weft that holds relationships together. Humility preserves relationships. We must never let selfish ambition or conceit be our motivation for anything. “Me first” has no place in healthy relationships any more than weft is meant to be seen in warp-faced weaves. We are at our best when we make those we love look good.
May you know when to stay out of view.
At your service,
Karen
Excellent, excellent analogy! I will be thinking of this often. Now a question. Since you sit at the side of this loom so you can’t see the tape from the end, how do you maintain an even width?
Colleen, That’s a great question! The first answer is practice, practice, practice. Secondly, some people advise measuring the width frequently, or using a template to measure as you go. I do neither. I strive to pull the weft just right, and get the “feel” of it. Not very scientific, but the more I practice, the more even my bands become.
Karen
Karen is a great weaver and has lots of the answers; may I recommend a book everyone who weaves should have. “A Key To Weaving” by Mary Black. anyone who strives to be a master weaver will quickly learn this is the book they will find ALL the requirement weaving patterns in. Like most masters level projects the weaving masters requires one to weave all the different weaves in a variety of colors, setts, materials, and sizes then a master piece ( something not written before). Mary Black’s book has all the basics for each weave structure, so it can be expanded upon. Karen’s site is WONDERFUL and insightful. Thank you Karen. LPJ, linda
Linda, Thank you for your kind words.
I think I’ll go pull that book off my shelf and thumb through it again…
Happy weaving,
Karen