Category: throws

Critter Napkins Change of Outcome

Karen

Twelve different critters, designed and woven with checked borders. This is combination drawloom weaving at its best, to create fun napkins that our grandchildren will enjoy using. However, as I unroll the length of 6-shaft broken twill fabric from the drawloom’s cloth beam–critter after critter, a new idea emerges. I’ve been weaving these critter napkins for quite some time, and have never considered another use for these woven animals–all of which have been seen on our Texas Hill Country property at one time or another.

Time for cutting off!
As the critters roll off the cloth beam, a new idea starts rolling off my mind.

Then, as I lay the fabric out across the floor, the fresh idea crystallizes. This would make a spectacular throw!

Armadillo, Fox, Porcupine, Jackrabbit, Whitetail Buck, Wild Turkey, Roadrunner, Longhorn Steer, Texas Spiny Lizard, Ringtail, Raccoon, and Blackbuck Antelope. And then as extra, three dogs from our children’s families – Luna, Toby, and Comet.

Just like that, and the critter napkins go out the window (figuratively speaking). Now I am imagining three panels of four critters each, sewn together into one large piece.

Laying out the washed and dried panels in different configurations to find the most pleasing arrangement.
Three panels of different lengths are arranged strategically. Sample weaving from the beginning and end of the warp will fill in the spaces at the top and bottom of the shorter panels. I am trying to find a woven band (at far end of table) from my “band box” to use for covering seams of the pieced ends.

Yes, this is the best use of this woven treasure that I have had so much delight in designing and weaving! All the fascinating creatures can be seen at once, on the front or on the reverse side.

This is something we can enjoy together with our grandchildren when they are at our home!

I decide to create a couple handwoven bands from the linen and cottolin threads in the critter fabric. These bands will be the perfect complement with which to finish this project.

I am designing stripes to weave a narrow band on my Glimåkra Band Loom that I can use with the Critter Throw. The stripe pattern on the far right is the one I am choosing to use.
Band is black on one edge and midnight blue on the opposite edge. This beautiful band is a joy to weave.
I thought I would weave just part of this warp, and then start on a wider band that will also be used for assembling the Critter Throw. Once I got started on this band, I wanted to keep going. I sat in front of the fireplace fire a few evenings in a row and happily finished off this 9-meter warp.
This is more handwoven narrow band than I need for this project. Much of it will go into my box of handwoven bands. You never know when you’ll need another band for something.
Designing a wider band that corresponds to the narrower band.
This band is about 2 cm wide, which is just right for what I have in mind. When I finish this 5.5-meter warp I will be ready to assemble the Critter Throw!

Handwoven fabric has surprising lessons for us woven in! We might be certain that we know what we are doing. I knew I was weaving critter napkins, and never questioned it. One view of the bigger picture, though, changed everything. God has a bigger picture of our existence than we realize. He invites us to see life from his view through faith in Jesus Christ. In the moment we give him our heart, everything changes, and that’s when we see what we were really made for.

May your changes be for the better.

Happy Weaving,
Karen

Unroll the Cloth Beam of 2020 – Year in Review Video

Karen

Every year my weaving journey is peppered with notable highlights. Here are seven such highlights from 2020: 1. Siblings Tapestry, complete and hanging in our living room. 2. Joanne Hall (my weaving mentor and friend) visited our home in February (while in Texas for her Swedish Art Weaves workshop). 3. New 8-shaft Glimakra Julia countermarch loom. 4. My favorite fabric of the year, Jämtlandsdräll in 6/2 Tuna, woven on the brand-new Julia. 5. Rag rugs woven on the drawloom. 6. Studio tour on Zoom for the San Antonio Handweaver’s Guild In November. 7. Handwoven Christmas tree skirt with Nativity appliqué from handwoven remnants.

Pictorial 4-shaft tapestry.
Last year began with completion of this Siblings tapestry.
Jamtlandsdrall on the Julia with 4 shafts.
Favorite cloth of the year. Jämtlandsdräll on the new Julia.

2021 is beginning with the start of a new pictorial tapestry, an empty loom waiting for a new warp, and a drawloom warp that is near its finish line. Plus, two other looms that are mid-project. I am not expecting any dull moments around here. Thank you for joining me in this ongoing adventure.

Four-shaft pictorial tapestry weaving.
Tapestry for the new year. I am starting with practice weaving for certain sections of the planned tapestry. You can see a pair of eyes on the cartoon under the warp threads.

Unroll the cloth beam with me and go back through time to recall the Warped for Good projects of 2020:

God completes what he begins. My prayer for you is that his finishing work will secure any loose ends.

May you see how far you’ve come.

Happy New Year, friends,
Karen