As a little girl, I was fascinated with the puckered texture of seersucker. Remember pastel summer seersucker outfits? Thanks to Winnie Poulsen and her Linen-Cotton Crinkly Tablecloth (Väv Magasinet, Nr. 3, 2021), I now have a puckered fabric that reminds me of those seersucker days of summer.
This is a challenging project. Double width, two warps, fine sett, nylon fishing line for selvedge ends at the fold, and “sticky warp” the whole way. After repeated frustrations, I resign myself to the thought of repairing hundreds of skipped threads after this comes off the loom. I have doubts that I will even be able to unfold the cloth all the way.
Whew! Was I wrong! I had far fewer skipped-thread repairs than I expected (only about 15). And the finished tablecloth is a gleeful ending to a what-did-I-get-myself-into adventure.
Puckers are whimsical surprises from ordinary threads.
I hope you enjoy this video review of the process:
My friends, thank you for walking with me on this weaving journey! July is the month for Warped for Good’s annual pause. I’ll meet with you right back here the first Tuesday in August.
May you find a gleeful ending where you least expect it.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
It’s fabulous!
Thank you so much, Beth!
Enjoy your summer,
Karen
This is amazing! I am currently working on my first double weave and can’t wait to open it up. I am curious about the use of the fishing line and removal of it. Would the line have been in place of actual warp threads or added “floating” selvedge threads that help with draw in?
Thanks! Your newsletters are always inspiring!
Hi Melinda, This is the first time I have used nylon “threads” for the fold. It did provide an even-tensioned selvedge for the length of the cloth. There are 2 ends of nylon that are threaded into heddles, so they are act as part of the warp, not as a floating selvedge. I weighted the 2 nylon ends by placing a 2-lb weight on the floor under the back beam, and tied the nylon ends to the weight. As I advanced the warp, I tied a cord between the weight and the nylon ends. (When that length ran out, I tied on another cord, and then another, etc.) As it turns out, my nylon ends were just barely long enough to make it to the end of the warp. Haha. I guess I hadn’t figured enough take-up for the fishing line.
Honestly, I haven’t decided if the nylon ends were worth it, though the fold did turn out exceptionally well. I’m not a fan of having something hangin off the back of the loom, and having to adjust it every time I advance the warp. Not sure what I will do next time.
Great question! Thanks for asking. And thanks so much for the encouraging words!
Happy weaving,
Karen
How lovely! It is a real beauty, Karen. Have a special time off this month of July. Enjoy!
We will too as July 21st is our 50th Anniversary!! Boy, in a way, it doesn’t feel like 50 years. He is a special husband and father. Blessings
Hi Linda, Thank you very much!
Congratulations!! A well-matched marriage is life’s greatest blessing.
All God’s best to you,
Karen
Hi Karen,
I enjoyed your video while getting my oil changed. It has not been possible to open your videos from our back in the woods home due to unavailable internet. By your return from your annual explorations, starlink should be installed and your postings and videos will be enjoyed on a full screen. Not the screen of my cell phone.
16 months on the waiting list.
The thing I’ve observed about hand wovens is their multiple lives. Cotton/cottolin tablecloth this century. Chair covers of your great grandchildren the next century.
It is a beautiful piece.
Hi Nannette, I do like the idea of chair covers for my great grandchildren. Or, maybe some little girl pinafores. And, after that, pieces in a quilt or strips in a rag rug. 🙂
All the best,
Karen
Much better on full screen.
Enjoy your July.
Nannette
Terrific! Enjoy yours, too!
Karen
When I read your posts, I usually scroll down to the sentence that begins with “May your …” first. They mean a lot. Your weaving knowledge is far beyond what I understand but it is still interesting to read about what you do and see your beautiful work. Enjoy your “annual pause”. I am looking forward to your nest writing in August.
Take care
Ida
Thank you so much, Ida! The sentence that begins with “May your…” is what I call the blessing in my personal notes as I plan each post. I am grateful that you find it to be a blessing for you.
Sincerely,
Karen
Sorry; it should be “next writing ” not nest.