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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Process Review: From Drawloom to Garment
- By Karen
- January 28, 2020
- 35 Comments
I warped the drawloom with gray 6/2 Tuna wool several months ago with the goal to make fabric for a reversible vest. The beautiful drawloom fabric turned into dreamy garment-worthy fabric after washing! (See Process Review: Drawloom Jewels)
And then I hit two huge hurdles.
Hurdle 1. Fit.
In order to cut into handwoven drawloom fabric, I need assurance that the end result will fit me. My sewing assistant helped me refine a commercial pattern.
After umpteen muslins and two or three mock-ups, I finally got the fit I was after. Confidence to cut!
Hurdle 2. Garment Construction Uncertainties.
Do some detail studies, my dear friend Elisabeth said to me. Her advice got me over the insecurity hurdle. A detail study is making a small sample to test a hypothesis or answer a question. I made a list of everything I wanted to know about constructing a vest from this type of handwoven wool fabric. And then, using some of the extra fabric from the sampling at the beginning of the warp, I did a detail study for each point on the list. Twelve detail studies in all.
(If you are interested in seeing my complete list of 12 detail studies for this project, click HERE to send me an email and ask for my “Detail studies”.)
Here are a few examples of my findings:
- Zigzag before or after cutting? // Zigzag before cutting, stitch width 3, stitch length 2 1/2
- Lapped seams? 3/8”, 1/2”, 5/8”? // Yes, lapped seams, overlap 1/2”, stitch basted line to guide placement
- Neck and armhole curves – staystitch with hand running stitches or machine stitching? 1 row or 2? // Hand running stitches, 2 rows
From the results of the detail studies I was able to compile a step-by-step garment construction plan. Confidence to sew!
Follow my process pictures of the garment construction to see the results:
May you find ways to leap over your hurdles.
Love,
Karen
35 Comments
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Geri Rickard says:
Oh My! It turned out so well, though there was never any doubt in my mind! You must be so proud! I love how it looks on you. You are so inspiring!
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Hi Geri, Thank you! This was one big learning experience for me.
Thanks for following along,
Karen
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Tena says:
This is so stunning! As a beginner weaver, I hope to aspire to constructing woven garments someday!
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Hi Tena, Constructing woven garments is something I have wanted to do for a long time. I’m glad to see you’re on the same quest!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Marianne says:
I’ve been peeking at your website for years and have always found it so inspiring! Your creativity seems to be boundless! Your vest turned out beautifully! Thanks for so generously sharing your process in making your projects. I have found so many tips and helpful instruction from you about weaving and also life!
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Marianne, Thank you for your heart-warming comment. It is my delight that someone like you comes along on this journey with me!
Thank you, thank you,
Karen
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Bev Romans says:
An absolutely beautiful result, Karen! And you have taken such care in each step along the way.
Blessings to you!
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Hi Bev! It’s taking time to mind the details that brings about good results, as you know very well in your beautiful quilting projects.
Blessings to you, too!
Karen
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Betsy says:
It’s gorgeous, Karen! I am in awe of your patience, as well as your weaving and sewing skills.
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Hi Betsy, It’s this gorgeous loom of yours that made it possible. I have the pleasure of sitting at the drawloom and making things from it. Yes, it did take an extra degree of patience to push this project to completion.
Thank you, friend,
Karen
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Joanne Hall says:
I really need to get my Tuna yarn drawloom fabric made into a vest. Thanks for showing us yours. I started to think that I needed to make it a pullover to avoid all the hand stitching in the front. Hmmm. I am still thinking.
Joanne-
Hi Joanne, I’m eager to see what you do with your beautiful Tuna yarn drawloom fabric! The hand stitching was very pleasant to do. I enjoyed it. I’d sure like to see a picture of your vest when you complete it.
Happy thinking,
Karen
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LJ Arndt says:
Awesome. Love the pattern and colors.
Question. Was the back done in 1 piece or 2, if 2 could it have been one piece or to fit properly did it have to have a center seam?-
Hi LJ, Thank you!
Great question. I intended the back to be one piece, and the sides to each be a single piece. But I was able to get a better fit by putting in a back seam, and making a seam down the sides. This was part of my fit dilemma. I wove the fabric with those single pieces in mind, but the outcome of the mock-ups was just too boxy for my petite frame. Someone with more fitting experience may be able to make the single back piece work.
Thanks for asking,
Karen
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Annie says:
I can’t decide which side I like best! Both look great on you, Karen.
I am going to download your steps because I hope to get the courage to try sewing with my handwoven fabric someday soon. As I am just a beginning level sewer, I was surprised at all the consideration needed; such as the width of seams, length of stitches, etc.. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Oh, and I recently purchased the book you recommended to me, Karen. The Big Book of Weaving by Laila Lundell. My plan is to do as you recommended and follow through from the beginning.
Looking forward to your future posts.
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Hi Annie, I’ve always been partial to reversible garments. It’s fun to have two garments in one!
Happy weaving journey to you!
Karen
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Shari says:
You are truly amazing and so capable! How timely to talk about embracing your hurdles! Can’t imagine KI would have hurdles! You and your vest look lovely! There is a woman sheep farmer, weaver environmentalist in CA who has raised the sheep and wove the fiber into yardage and sold the yardage on a limited basis. I bought a small amount and have been thinking about what to make with it. It’s a beautiful white, unused fabric! Your experience and blog posting here will be immensely useful for my sewing project. Thanks!
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Hi Shari, Me and hurdles? oh yes, more than you’ll ever know!
Your undyed wool yardage sounds lovely! I know you’ll make it into something memorable. I’d love to see pictures when you’re done.
Thanks for all your kind words,
Karen
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The above posting has a typo. The yardage is natural, undyed yardage. I think the weave structure is twill.
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D'Anne says:
Beautiful work, Karen! I wish you were here to model it for us at WOW. We miss you!
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Mary Still says:
Wow! Beautiful!
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Allison Grove says:
Gorgeous fabric! Thanks for sharing your process and how you worked through it.
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Nancy Martin says:
Dear Karen, what a find to have found you in cyber space! So enjoy your website and your talents and your sharing and blogs etc. Wow, your work is an inspiration and the vest is beautiful. What a wonderful experience it must be to have totally created this wearable garment from simple thread to weaving to designing and cutting and sewing. Amazing!! God bless you and so glad I “tuned” in. Best regards, Nancy
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Hi Nancy, You have touched my heart. You so perfectly captured my sentiments! – It is extremely satisfying to start with thread and design actual fabric, and end up with a wearable garment. It feels like a dream come true.
God bless you,
Karen
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Kristin Girod says:
Your vest is beautiful and looks so lovely on you! Thank you for your generosity in sharing your project experience with us. Your blog is a treasure!
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Hi Kristin, Your kind words are a treasure to me. I’m so happy to have like-minded friends to share these things with.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Lovely work, it’s nice to see someone doing woven garments rather than tea towels or scarves; much as I love those things I started weaving in order to make my own fabric for sewing.
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Hi Rachelle, How fascinating that you started weaving so you could make garment fabric. It’s something I’ve been interested in for quite a while, too. It’s tricky to get all those skills to work together, but it’s fun to keep learning.
Thanks for chiming in!
Karen
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Karen,
You are such a detail person.
BEAUTIFUL vest!!!!
Perfect to go over a sequined gown or jeans.
I hope you wear it often.Nanette
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Hi Nannette, You’re right, I do enjoy paying attention to detail.
I don’t have a sequined gown, so mostly it will go with jeans or a simple skirt.
Thank you so much!
Karen
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Ladella Williams says:
Very interesting to see this view. I recognize many of the responders names. In awe as I only weave on an 8 shaft Bergman. I have woven on others drawlooms though! So am familiar with the process. At least four projects or more. I can enumerate many including one that is in one magazine.
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Hi Ladella, Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Drawlooms are very interesting looms to weave on. There are projects in some Väv Magazine issues that I would like to try.
All the best,
Karen
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Copyright © 2020
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
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
Oh Karen, what a wonderful rug! It looked perfect in your lovely home!
Hi Geri, Who would think a drawloom could be used for this? It was a great learning experience.
Thank you!
Karen
Absolutely lovely. You have inspired me to do a rag rug in the near future.
Hi Kay, I hope you find rag-rug weaving as enjoyable as I do!
Happy weaving,
Karen
It’s beautiful, Karen! I really like the bound finishing. Bravo!
Thanks so much, Beth! I like the bound finishing, too. It frames the rug just so.
All the best,
Karen
Love reading your posts. Thank you for reminding me to find God in everything.
Hi Linda, The good news is that God is near to all who call on him!
Blessings to you,
Karen
It’s just gorgeous, Karen! Wonderful job!!
Hi Betsy, Thank You! I couldn’t have done it without your beautiful loom.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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.
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
Very beautiful rug, you worked hard on this one and it shows. Stunning! Job well done.
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
Hi Karen!
What a nice rug!The colors, the neat finish…
I just admire the way you work.
Best regards
Eirini
Hi Eirini, I am very happy that you like the rug!
Warm regards,
Karen
Beautiful rug! You do exquisite work, Karen!
Hi D’Anne, It’s always a pleasure to hear from you. Thank you so much!
Happy weaving,
Karen
Beautiful rug.
Enduring thoughts concerning confident faith.
Thank you.
Hi Gail, Thank you for your input. I appreciate it!
Hugs,
Karen
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 🙂
Beautiful and a great piece…saving that and need to give it a try!
Hi Tercia, I am so glad you like it! It would be wonderful for you to give it a try yourself.
Happy weaving,
Karen
It’s stunning!
Hi Karen, It’s a pleasure to know you enjoy this work.
Thank you,
Karen
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