Process Review: Jubilation Hand Towels
- By Karen
- April 28, 2020
- 47 Comments
These towels make me think of my father. He was a brilliant architect. As an architect’s daughter, I learned to appreciate the interaction of structure, design, and color. This fabric has it all! These towels are also an expression of joy, a prominent aspect of my dad’s personality. If you could create a tangible article of jubilation, this would be it.
After weaving three towels, I eliminated the floating selvedges. Which one of the four towels do you think was woven without floating selvedges? Leave your answer in the comments. (1 – 4, with the towel on top as #1.)
Here’s a short slideshow video that shows the process from start to finish:
Jubilation bath towels are up next on the Glimåkra Standard!
May your jubilation rub off on your family and friends.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
47 Comments
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Stony Creek Drawloom Rag Rug
- By Karen
- April 21, 2020
- 31 Comments
I have woven umpteen rag rugs. But never one like this! Eight-shaft satin on the single-unit drawloom brings its own challenges, from managing draw cords to getting a decent shed. Add rag weaving to the mix and we have a whole new experience!
Finishing has its own set of new challenges. My go-to method of tying knots to secure warp ends is unwieldy in this instance because the threads are extremely dense. By quietly doing some detail studies on a sample, I find a way to finish this unusual rug: Secure the ends with the serger. Then, sew two rows of straight stitches on the sewing machine for added security. Sew a narrow bound hem using some of the fabric that was used as weft in the rug. Steam press to finish.
I have another rag rug to weave on this warp. It will still be a challenge. With what I’ve learned, though, I’m anticipating a satisfying weaving and finishing experience.
We know what to do in normal circumstances. It’s in unusual times that we fall into dismay. Private time with Jesus turns confidential fears to confident faith. He treats our challenges like personal detail studies, showing us the way forward. His grace enables us to conquer the next challenge with confident faith.
May your confidence grow.
With faith,
Karen
31 Comments
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Thank you for the beautiful description of a beautiful rug finish.
Hem finishes is something I’ve struggled with. My sister works in a medical rehab facility and asked for personal medical masks to be given to staff and residents.. Finished with.my least favorite finish….. binding. And God provided a beautifully done technique for my next rugs..
Now, onto the orchard in transit. The first nursery let me know fruit and nut trees/bushes are on their way to turn the retirement property into a perma-forest.
Will I reap the fruits of the all the trees? Only God knows. But God will make sure a hungry soul will find them. Your posting this morning fed my soul. .
Blessings to all.
Nannette
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Hi Nannette, Rugs can be finished in so many ways. I’m glad you have a use for this option of bound hems.
Thank you for your kind words.
Blessings to you,
Karen
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Geri Rickard says:
Oh Karen, what a wonderful rug! It looked perfect in your lovely home!
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Hi Geri, Who would think a drawloom could be used for this? It was a great learning experience.
Thank you!
Karen
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Beth Mullins says:
It’s beautiful, Karen! I really like the bound finishing. Bravo!
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Thanks so much, Beth! I like the bound finishing, too. It frames the rug just so.
All the best,
Karen
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Linda Miller says:
Love reading your posts. Thank you for reminding me to find God in everything.
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Hi Linda, The good news is that God is near to all who call on him!
Blessings to you,
Karen
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Betsy says:
It’s just gorgeous, Karen! Wonderful job!!
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Hi Betsy, Thank You! I couldn’t have done it without your beautiful loom.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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LJ Arndt says:
Such a beautiful rug. It makes me realize I need to start using the draw attachment on my loom and get to know it better. Your posts are so inspiring.
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Hi LJ, Oh I hope you do get familiar with your draw attachment! The possibilities are endless, and it is so much fun.
Thank you, thank you,
Karen
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Martha says:
Very beautiful rug, you worked hard on this one and it shows. Stunning! Job well done.
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Hi Martha, I won’t argue with you. It was a lot of work, but worth it! Thanks so much for your encouraging words.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Anonymous says:
Hi Karen!
What a nice rug!The colors, the neat finish…
I just admire the way you work.
Best regards
Eirini -
D'Anne says:
Beautiful rug! You do exquisite work, Karen!
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Hi D’Anne, It’s always a pleasure to hear from you. Thank you so much!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Gail Bird says:
Beautiful rug.
Enduring thoughts concerning confident faith.
Thank you. -
Elisabeth says:
What a beautiful rug! I’m impressed you could secure the warp threads like that, I really like how it opened up for that beautiful finish.
Do you think the warp ends could be secured like that when making a wowen hem for a regular rag rug, too? I struggled to secure warp ends without tying knots, I tried but wasn’t able to “catch” the warp threads with the sewing machine needle.-
Hi Elisabeth, Thank you!
I have had the same experience on other rugs with trying to secure warp ends with the sewing machine. The needle doesn’t catch all the ends. What made the difference with this one is that there are so many threads close together. The serger was able to catch most of the ends. I set a short stitch length on the sewing machine, too, to make even more certain that every warp end would be stitched, with two rows of stitching.
I will still tie knots on a usual rag rug, with the normal 3 epc sett. The sett on this one is 7 doubled ends per centimeter. A big difference.
Also, I’ve learned some things. For the next rug on this drawloom warp I will weave a longer header, instead of the 8-pick header I did on this one. Then, I will be able to secure the ends AND fold it under, which will help to secure them even more.
Long answer. 🙂 Thanks for asking.
Karen-
Thank you! This explains the difference. I have a problem with a few warp ends on one of my door mats which has a wowen hem. I have been able secure them on the back (not very pretty) and it has endured several rounds in the washer since 🙂
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Tercia says:
Beautiful and a great piece…saving that and need to give it a try!
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Hi Tercia, I am so glad you like it! It would be wonderful for you to give it a try yourself.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Janis Schiller says:
Having seen a small section of this rug up close and personal when it was on your draw loom, all I can say is WOW when I see the finished piece.
Fabulous job-
Hi Janis, I am thrilled that your hands had a part in this special rug.
Thank you,
Karen
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Leave a Reply
Tried and True: Something New from Something Old
- By Karen
- April 14, 2020
- 6 Comments
My grandma made a pattern on brown paper for a neck pillow. I suppose she found the pattern in a magazine or newspaper decades ago. I am using my copy of her pattern to make my own neck pillow. Maybe someday my pillow will be as worn and wobbly as Grandma’s well-loved neck pillow that I remember.
Looking through my pile of handwoven scraps I find the piece of fabric that had been hanging as a Roman shade on the back door of our previous home. This two-block twill in cotton and linen was my first 8-shaft project on my floor loom. Good memories! The fabric, softened and slightly faded through daily use, is perfect for the comfy neck pillow I’m imagining. (Unlike Grandma’s pillow, I’m making this one with a removable cover so it can be easily laundered.)
Instructions for Constructing a Handwoven Neck Pillow
Supplies:
- Cotton muslin, pre-washed
- Handwoven fabric, pre-washed
- Cluster Fluff, or other cluster fill or polyester fiberfill
- 7” invisible zipper
- Sewing machine
- Invisible zipper foot
- Sewing thread
- Hand-sewing needle
- Iron
- Sleeve board for pressing, optional
Steps:
- Cut four pillow pattern pieces from the muslin.
- Sew two of the muslin pieces together, right sides together. Press seams open.
- Sew the other two muslin pieces together, right sides together. Press seams open.
- Sew the two parts together, right sides together, leaving a 4-inch opening for turning and stuffing. Press seams open using a sleeve board.
- Turn the pillow right side out.
- Stuff with Cluster Fluff, starting at the furthest end from the opening. Fill to desired fullness.
- Hand stitch the opening closed.
- Cut four pillow pattern pieces from the handwoven fabric.
- Serge or zigzag the fabric edges. Press flat.
- Insert invisible zipper between two of the pieces.
- Complete the seams at both ends of the zipper. Press seams open.
- Sew the two other pieces together, right sides together. Press seams open.
- Open zipper, and sew the two parts together, right sides together. Press seams open using a sleeve board.
- Turn the pillow case right side out.
- Push the muslin pillow into the pillow case. Close the zipper.
- Take a nap in your favorite chair with the pillow behind your neck.
If you would like a pdf copy of my grandma’s neck pillow pattern, please click HERE to send me an email request. I will be happy to send the pattern to you.
May you see old treasures in new ways.
Rest and Be Well,
Karen
6 Comments
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This is wonderful! A lovely tribute to your Grandma!
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Hi Beth, My Grandma was very resourceful. She probably made her pillow from a leftover scrap from her sewing fabrics, or from a garment too worn to wear. I think she would be happy with my humble version.
Thank you!
Karen
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Nice demonstration of what to do with hand woven fabrics. A 2nd life for a beautiful fabric.
My Grandma left behind recipes and gingham cross stitched textiles. I cut up a skirt with her embroidery to add to a wedding memory quilt made for my daughter and husband.
You have a hug from your grandma every time you recline.
How wonderful.
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Linda Mesavage says:
My grandmother was not a Weaver but she was the seller and did a lot of things out of leftovers. What a lovely tribute to your grandmother! I love your project.
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Hi Linda, Isn’t it marvelous how much we learned from our grandmothers?
Thank you,
Karen
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Leave a Reply
Drawloom Rag Rug Color Transition
- By Karen
- April 7, 2020
- 6 Comments
This is a huge project. Four shades of blue from dark to light span the nearly one-and-a-half-meter-long rug. I have reached the final color-transition section. I am eagerly awaiting the day this rug will be rolled out!
My measuring ribbon shows me where to make the color changes. I alternate two weft colors (C and D) through the transition area to blend the hues. All the while, I stop after every half-unit of four picks to manage the draw cords. A graphed chart tells me exactly which of the 164 draw cords to pull or release. In this way the graphic designs are woven into the rug, row by row. I weave in quiet, allowing me to put full attention on each move.
We need hope in these unsettling times. Jesus invites us to admit our fears and failures, and put our trust in him, and follow him. And this is the message Jesus gives his followers: I am always with you. The Lord gives strength and courage. As our Grand Weaver, he has his full attention on us. So be strong and take courage.
May you have hope that lasts.
Love,
Karen
6 Comments
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Linda Cornell says:
Thank you for the words of encouragement today.
God bless you.
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Hi Linda, This is a time to encourage each other. Thank you for your part, too.
God bless you,
Karen
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Linda Adamson says:
Please send a photo when the rug is finished. Happy Easter! He is risen!
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Hi Linda, I will certainly show photos of the finished rug! I’m eager to see it rolled out myself.
He is risen indeed!
Karen
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Pretty colors. I noticed the pattern is reversed on the back. Or, is there an actual back once it is cut from the loom?
We now have a Palm Sunday grandson. He came quickly. 15 minutes from leaving the house.
In their hospital, dads were allowed in with admission, but have to stay the entire time. They are not allowed in if they leave. This is where modern technology comes to play. 31 seconds of video played over and over by the toddler who is fascinated by his baby brother.
We are watching the toddler and entertaining him with driveway chalk art. The neighbors are enjoying this as much are he is.
The stories to be told at future Thanksgiving tables…. none of which are relevant to your beautiful weaving. Except… the enjoyment of God’s gifts.
And of course. This is Wisconsin. The game playing with this year’s election. It makes my head hurt.
This is a remarkable Holy Week.
Thank you for making the world a better place.
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Hi Nannette, You are correct, the pattern is reversed on the back. Who knows, maybe I’ll use the back as the main side. Or, probably flip it over from time to time.
I’m glad your new grandson had a healthy entrance. Congratulations!
With resurrection in mind,
Karen
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Copyright © 2020
Number 4
Thanks for making a guess!
Karen
They are all beautiful!
I think it is number 4 that didn’t have a floating selvage. I know those edges anywhere! Ha ha
Hi Nancy, I’m glad you like the towels. Thanks for guessing. I will reveal the answer next week.
Happy weaving,
Karen
The towels are gorgeous ! I think I would have liked to have met your father…….
!
Hi Kristin, I’m sure you would have enjoyed my father. He was a very likable guy. Thank you for your compliment on the towels!
All the best,
Karen
The richness in color and design…goodness…gracious…such beauty have you created! I and going with #3, to be the one without a floating selvage.
Hi Charlotte, Your encouraging words mean a lot to me. Thanks for making a guess. Stay tuned… I will reveal the answer next week.
Happy weaving,
Karen
They are beautiful, Karen!
Hi Beth, Thank you! And I know your great success in weaving includes floating selvedges. I admire you for that.
Happy weaving,
Karen
I believe it is 4. My question is why? These towels are stunning. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Rachel, If your question is why would I eliminate the floating selvedges, I have a few reasons. Primarily, though, I can get a much better rhythm in weaving without them. And in most cases, I find they are unnecessary.
Happy weaving,
Karen
My guess is #2. Only because it looks a little different than the others. Did you start out without one and then decide it would be A little easier to use one?
Hi Jenny, I started out with the floating selvedges because I thought I needed them because of the reverse twill. After three towels I decided to chance it and cut the floating selvedges off. I was pleasantly surprised. It leaves only small floats at the selvedge (which are unnoticeable after wet finishing), and it was much easier for me to weave without them. I only had to toss and catch the shuttle, so my hands didn’t have to stay so close to the warp.
Thanks for making a guess. I’ll reveal the answer next week.
Happy weaving,
Karen
What a glorious video Karen… the loom, the threading, the weaving and the music brought me great joy this morning. Be safe and well! You are loved!
Bethany in Kingston, ON Canada
Hi Bethany, It warms my heart that you received the video with joy.
Love,
Karen
I’m guessing #2. These towels are gorgeous, Karen! The video with all of its loveliness brought a smile to my face this morning (and I needed it – I was feeling like a grump!) Your father sounds like such a wonderful man. Thank you for spreading joy today 🙂
Hi Kristin, Well, I’m glad this had that effect on you because the world needs your beautiful smile! You would have liked my father, and I know he would have liked you.
Thanks for your guess. Stayed tuned for next week….
Hugs,
Karen
Good morning Karen. Your craftsmanship is so precise I couldn’t pick out the missing salvage with a laser pointer and a flashing neon light.
Good morning, Nannette, You have a way with words. Thanks for bringing me a smile this morning. 🙂
Karen
The towels are lovely. Your colors are always so interesting. If I am not being too forward, your edge in the picture where the towel is still on the look looks so firm. Would you share how you did this? Thank you, Loyanne
Hi Loyanne, It’s good to hear from you.
While on the loom, the edges stay firm for two reasons. 1. I generally keep the tension fairly tight. This is especially possible with a countermarch loom. 2. I always use a temple. The temple helps me weave tight selvedges—the weft is very snug at the selvedge, which helps keep the outer warp ends firm.
I hope that makes sense.
Happy weaving,
Karen
Thank you.
These are lovely. Cam you share what yarn you used?
Hi Jane, Thank you for asking. The warp and weft is 22/2 Bockens Nialin (Cottolin). The cotton and linen blend is perfect for making absorbent towels.
Happy weaving,
Karen
Well, I LIKE the edge of number 2 the best. Where is the pattern from, how many shafts and what are the were and warp threads? Absolutely stunning!
Hi Kim, Thanks! I like knowing what you like the best.
I started with a draft for wool blankets from Favorite Scandinavian Projects to Weave, by Tina Ignell. I adjusted it for size and sett to make the towels, and chose my own colors. This uses 6 shafts and 6 treadles. Cottolin for warp and weft.
Thank you!
Karen
Your towels are beautiful! Beautiful colors and fabulous weaving! I’m guessing #4 is the one without the floating selvage.
Hi Kevin, I have enjoyed these colors immensely. It’s fun to find a set of colors to play around with. Thanks for making a guess! I’ll let you know the answer next week…
Thanks for your sweet encouragement.
Karen
I suspect you inherited your father’s precise workmanship and creativity as your work is always exquisite. He sounds like a delightful father. I think #2 is the one without the floating selvedge, but I look forward to your answer. 🙂
Hi D’Anne, Your cheerful encouragement means so much to me! If I inherited my dad’s workmanship and creativity that’s saying a lot. You have a keen eye. We’ll see if you’re right about the selvedges.
All the best,
Karen
Beautiful towels Karen. I think No 1 is the one without the floating selvedge.
Hi Jan, Thanks for putting in your vote! Thanks for your compliment, too.
All the best,
Karen
My guess is #4. I always use a FS with twill and it makes me laugh that I am having such a hard time seeing the difference! Beautiful towels!!!
Hi Linda, Floating selvedges are very common. I’m pleased to know that it is not easy to tell the difference. Weaving is far simpler for me without them. Thank you!!
Happy weaving,
Karen
My goodness! These towels are just stunning, color, pattern, all of it! My guess is number 2. It just looks different form the other three, and I prefer the look of that edge!
Hi Kat, Your descriptive words really warm my heart! I’m glad these towels look good to you.
Thanks for including your guess – and your reasons.
All the best,
Karen
Hi Karen,
Your towels are wonderful. I love the combination of reverse and broken twill.
Is this your original pattern or is it from another source?
The video was enjoyable to watch as well.
Can’t wait to see what your Jubilation towel project will be!
Regards, Janis
Hi Janis, I’m very happy with the reverse and broken twill combination. It puts a lot of action in the design.
I started with a pattern for wool blankets in Favorite Scandinavian Projects to Weave, by Tina Ignell, and made adjustments to turn it into towels.
The next Jubilation Towels will be very similar, only bigger! Bath size.
Happy weaving,
Karen
Your towels are beautiful! Nothing beats the feel of hand wowen towels, I am sure they will be wonderful as bath towels, too 🙂
My guess is # 2, for two reasons… the edge looks different, and I think I recognize the colors from the last towel you wove where you made this change.
Hi Elisabeth, Thanks for adding your thoughtful guess.
I agree, handwoven towels are a pleasure to feel and use!
Happy weaving,
Karen
Hi Karen-The towels are beautiful but I have a question about rag rugs. I cleaned out my linen closet and discovered I have too many sheets and think they will make very good rugs. I plan to cut them in strips and dye them. My question is how wide should I make these strips–1 inch/2 inches? These are older cotton sheets so are pretty soft. What do you think? And thanks for advice!
Hi Tobie, That’s great that you have cotton sheets that you can use for rag rugs. I recommend you test some different widths of strips after you get the loom warped before you cut all the strips. I use a sett of 8 epi (3 epc) with 12/6 cotton rug warp. Most of my fabric strips are 3/4″ wide. If the fabric is thin, I cut them a little wider, up to 1 inch. If you want thicker weft, 2 thinner weft strips will pack in and lay better than one wider strip. Most of the Swedish rag rug books I refer to use fabric cut to 2cm (about 3/4″), so that’s what I try to follow.
Happy weaving,
Karen
Thanks so much!
Number 2. Gorgeous towels.
Hi Lora, Thanks for giving your guess. I am glad you like the towels!
Thank you!
Karen
[…] PS Floating Selvedges. Last week I asked if you could tell which one of these four towels was woven without floating selvedges. (1 – 4, with the towel on top as #1.) See Process Review: Jubilation Hand Towels […]