Snow in Springtime at the Drawloom

This Myrehed combination drawloom continually fascinates me. It’s all about raising and lowering threads in a purposeful way. Pulling pattern-shaft draw handles for the borders is the easy part. The single units in the body of the towel, however, capture my focused attention. Consistent precision—that’s the secret to completion.

Single units of threads are raised by placing draw cords on the hook bar. The black cords and white cords are arranged in groups of ten. I mentally split each group of ten so I am focusing on five single units at a time.w
Side borders use fifteen pattern shafts. Each pattern-shaft draw handle raises units of threads across the warp. That enables me to pull handles for the pattern that shows up on both the right and left borders.

This second towel in the Snowfake series continues the theme of softly falling snow. Meanwhile, Texas bluebonnets, wine cups, varied bright yellow daisy-type flowers, and mealy blue sage are springing up through hard ground all over our backyard. And Thursday morning I spotted the first gaillardia bloom—previewing the next wave of color.

Texas bluebonnets were the first flowers to burst into bloom.
Myrehed Combination drawloom enables me to combine pattern shafts (8 draw handles are pulled here) and single units (several draw cords are pulled in this picture) in a single project. I truly enjoy all the variables!

I am acutely aware that you may be experiencing a lingering cold season, and may even yet have snow on the ground. I’m not just referring to weather and flowers. Real-life struggles. Let me assure you that spring is coming. Have faith in the one who raised Jesus from the dead. Your faith captures the Lord’s attention. He brings new life out of hard ground. And the white of falling snowflakes remains a pleasant reminder of his grace. For all who call on the name of Jesus, the grace of his forgiveness falls over us to make us clean, as white as softly falling snow.

May you see signs of new life.

Happy spring weaving,
Karen

6 thoughts on “Snow in Springtime at the Drawloom

  1. Good morning Karen,
    From the landscape photo, it looks like Texas weather has a definite direction. Warmer and sunnier.
    Thursday, a gust of wind flipped the empty cold frame upside-down.
    Friday above 45°N, the chickens free ranged on the crocuses.
    Sunday, was a beautiful day to celebrate the risen Christ.
    Monday, was the perfect snow. Ground cover and wet pavement. The sun went down with snowflakes the size woven into your towel floating from the sky.
    Snow is much prettier when it doesn’t need to be plowed.
    The towel on your loom is stunning. Breaking down the code of progression is welcome. I never considered the detailed steps required to render beautiful fabrics.
    Thank you for sharing your weaving projects. Butterflies, snow flakes, rag rug. Each with it’s own methods of manipulating the warp, color and filler. Endless beautiful possibilities.
    Thank you for sharing what backyards look like without the ever other day snow.
    Kind regards,
    Nannette

    1. Hi Nannette, Every season has things we need, doesn’t it? Some snow would bring moisture to our dry ground right now.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
      Karen

  2. I am fascinated by the drawloom and how it is operated, Karen. One day I plan to go to Waco to experience using one.
    I think this towel has become my new favorite piece of yours! Although, each piece you weave always becomes my new favorite actually.

    1. Hi Annie, Be careful about going to Homestead to weave on their drawloom. That’s what sent me in this direction!

      I’m glad you like this towel. I’m always convinced that whatever is in front of me on the loom is my very favorite!

      Thank you for your generous words,
      Karen

  3. This is beautiful! I just took a class from Joanne in Eugene, bought them attachment for my Julia and can’t wait to set it up next week. I’m inspired by your work!

    1. Hi Renee, I’m so excited for you!! This is a marvelous journey to be on. I know you will enjoy your drawloom. If I can be of any help, let me know!

      Happy weaving,
      Karen

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