It was six weeks ago that I began winding the warp for these towels. The thread for my next Glimåkra Standard project is due to arrive tomorrow. Just like I like it—revolving door weaving. I have no doubt that this set of towels will become family favorites. They are a feast for the eyes, and a tactile delight for the hands. Seeing the color on the reverse side takes my breath away. This whole experience has been the weaving satisfaction that I’ve come to cherish!
I did face difficulties near the end of the warp. The shed started deteriorating with some of the shafts, but I was determined to finish off the last towel to its full length. That meant coaxing the low profile shuttle through for a few inches. Consequently, I did have more errant floats to repair than usual. But, isn’t it wonderful that we can fix just about anything in this weaving adventure?
I made a warp from thread on leftover quills to weave up some hanging tabs on my band loom for three of the towels. And I found a linen piece in my “band stash” that is perfect for the red and white towel.
Enjoy the slideshow that I made for you with details of the process.
May you weave some family favorites.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
Oh, these are lovely! Both sides!
Hi Beth, Thanks! I’m pleased with how they turned out. I’m looking forward to putting them into use!
Karen
Karen, these are beautiful! Your color choices are wonderful.
Does your pattern have a balanced tie-up? I’m ready to try a ten shaft pattern on my ten shaft counterbalance loom, but it would have to be a balanced tie-up in order for me to use the dräll pulleys. Is the pattern readily available? Where would I look?
I enjoy reading your blog posts.
Jenny B
Hi Jenny, Thank you! Managing color choices is one of the things I enjoy most in my weaving space, so I really appreciate your compliment.
You can find this draft in The Big Book of Weaving, by Laila Lundell, p.172 (mine is “Sample 8”).
Joanne Hall tells me that it is possible to tie up the two block satin with a counterbalance tie-up. The tie-up on countermarch is a little easier than a counterbalance tie-up, but she has seen weavers able to weave this very fast on a counterbalance loom.
I’ll be interested in hearing if you try it.
Happy weaving,
Karen
I have the book. I’m excited to give this pattern a try. It has so many possibilities. My loom has been empty for over a month due to lack of inspiration and other life problems getting in the way. Hopefully I can get something on Julie in a few days.
Hopefully you won’t mind if some of mine end up similar to yours. I think it was the colors that attracted me to the weave first, and then seeing the reverse side made me love them even more.
Thanks for steering me to the pattern.
Jenny B
Hi Jenny, I would be thrilled to pieces and honored if you chose to weave something similar to mine! Oh I do hope your inspiration at the loom returns quickly, and that some of the weight you carry is lifted.
The reverse side is amazing!
In case it helps, here are the colors I used: (All Bockens)
Warp – 8/2 cotton #471 lt red (it’s coral to me)
Weft –
1. 8/2 cotton #557 slate with band of 22/2 cottolin #2003 silver
2. 8/2 cotton #470 beige with band of 22/2 cottolin #2004 gray
3. cottolin #2080 red with band of 16/2 linen #0005 golden bleached
4. cottolin #2017 rust with band of 8/2 cotton #470 beige (This one has the least contrast, and it is also my favorite.)
Very happy weaving to you,
Karen
They are just lovely! I look forward to seeing your next project.
Kay
Hi Kay, It won’t be long before you see my next project! I’m pretty excited about it…as always. 🙂
Thanks so much for your kind words!
All the best,
Karen
That was a great slide show. And yes, the two block satin is such a beautiful weave. And your colors are so nice. Thanks for taking the time to share what you are weaving.
Joanne
Hi Joanne, I appreciate your thoughtful words. That means so much to me! I’m accumulating a long list of things that I want to do more of, and this two block satin weave is one of them.
All the best,
Karen
Oh Karen, I love these, my favorite color! Thanks for the slide show, it’s fun to see your whole process!!
Hi Liberty, you have good taste in color! It was fun to put the slideshow together. I’m happy you enjoyed it.
Happy weaving,
Karen
Such beautiful work AGAIN! You are an inspiration and offer such an open and positive approach to fixing weaving issues. I recently finished an M’s and O’s table cloth with many floats over the last couple of inches of weaving due to a decreasing shed. Like you I was determined to have the whole length of that cloth. I thought I’d fixed all the floats but keep finding them as I use the cloth. Enjoy your new favorites.
Hi Ruth, Oh I have floats in cloth that I use, too. They do like to hide when we have that needle out. Haha! But really, it’s a mark of distinction because it proves our fabric is handmade.
Your kind words are a sweet encouragement to me. Thank you so much!
Happy weaving,
Karen
I’m new to weaving and discovered your blog. It has been very helpful. Thank you for all the good information especially your glossary. But what I have found most wonderful are the words of hope and encouragement to trust in our Lord. I really needed that right now. Blessings to you, Karen.
Hi Angela, Welcome! It’s so good to have you here. I appreciate your kind words. You are my encouragement today!
Blessings,
Karen