Tried and True: One Small Skein
- By Karen
- October 13, 2020
- 10 Comments
I have a single skein of colorful cotton/bamboo sock yarn that a sweet friend gave to me. I’m not a knitter. What can I do with a mere 50 grams of silky-soft yarn? My 13.5” Glimåkra Emilia rigid-heddle loom is perfect for the task. When I’m at home I weave on floor looms. When I travel I like to take Emilia along.
One skein of this yarn yields just enough to make the warp for a short scarf with fringe. I am using Xie Bamboo thread for the weft, left from the huck lace shawl I wove for myself to wear to my daughter’s wedding six years ago (See Quiet Friday: Coral Shawl for a Memorable Occasion). This thinner weft gives me a loose weave, and the color blends in a way that allows the changing color of the warp to take center stage.
Now that this scarf is finished, the only thing left to do is make sure I have a new warp ready for Emilia in time for our next travel adventure.
May you take your joys with you.
Happy travel weaving,
Karen
10 Comments
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Monksbelt Flowers on a Shoulder Bag
- By Karen
- June 30, 2020
- 20 Comments
Remember Joanne Hall’s Swedish Art Weaves workshop that I took a few months ago? With the warp that was left, I explored some of the art weaves in more depth.
I finished off the linen warp by making a front and back panel for a small shoulder bag. A monksbelt pattern is scattered like flowers on the front. The back has various stripe patterns in weft-faced plain weave. I wove a shoulder strap on my band loom using 6/2 Tuna wool for warp and 12/6 cotton for weft.
The bag has simple construction, mostly hand-stitched. In one of my remnant bins I found a piece of wool fabric that I wove several years ago. It’s perfect for the sides and bottom of the bag. The lining uses pieces from fabric that went into my latest rag rugs, and has pockets, of course.
This bag with Monksbelt Flowers is for carrying sweet memories, happy moments, and heavenly dreams.
Resources: Swedish Art Weaves workshop with Joanne Hall; Heirlooms of Skåne Weaving Techniques, by Gunvor Johansson; Väv Scandinavian Weaving Magazine, 2/2013.
This is the time for my annual pause for the month of July. I appreciate you joining me in this weaving journey!
I look forward to being back with you again Tuesday, August 4. In the meantime, joyfully draw living water from the source, Jesus Christ.
May you carry no more than necessary.
With love,
Karen
20 Comments
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NancyNancy Malcolm says:
Beautiful! As always.
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Beth says:
It’s wonderful! Love the playful flowers.
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This is absolutely marvelous! I am a new weaver and am truly impressed with all your projects. So much to learn so little time! Thank you for sharing your lovely work! I can only dream
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Hi Averyclaire, Welcome to the delightful world of weaving. No matter how much time we have, thankfully, there will always be more to learn.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Elisabeth says:
What a great way to use a class project! It’s such a happy bag 🙂 I think my favorite details are the asymmetrical flowers and the exposed fringe on top. I admire your creative use of remnants.
Enjoy your pause!
Love, Elisabeth-
Hi Elisabeth, I wanted to make asymmetrical flowers because that is possible only with the pick-up method, and not possible with standard monksbelt threading. The exposed fringe on top is one of my favorite details, too. It came about because it was simpler than trying to fold the edge under.
Thanks!
Love,
Karen
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Maria Slayman says:
I love how it all came together from your stash! Bet that felt good! Beautiful!
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Hi Maria, You are right, it feels good to put things to use that would otherwise be hidden away.
Thank you,
Karen
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Joanne Hall says:
I love how the light colored centers in your monksbelt flowers jump out and say,”look at me”. This is a great design. And I like how you have the knots and linen ends sticking out. That is very effective.
Joanne-
Hi Joanne, It was fun to try to make a monksbelt design that would show off the possibilities of this method. This was a fun “playtime” at the loom. The knots and linen ends sticking out was an afterthought, but I liked the idea to show off the light-hearted concept of the scattered flowers.
Thanks for your encouragement,
Karen
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LJ Arndt says:
I love the view thru the loom of seeing the weaving that you did at the workshop thru the loom and then the newest weaving still showing on top of the warp.
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Hi LJ, That’s my favorite view. There is something intriguing about looking through the warp to the previously-woven fabric.
Thanks for chiming in,
Karen
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Lyna says:
“May you carry no more than necessary.” A great reminder to cast our cares on Him!
Have a blessed July! -
Cynthia says:
Hey Karen. Lovely. I have gobs of scrap quilt fabric. Too bad we don’t live closer, you could be going through my scraps for linings to your things.
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Hi Cynthia, It’s fun to find ways to use scraps. It’s probably good that I don’t have access to your quilt fabric scraps. I have plenty of my own to use up. 🙂
All the best,
Karen
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Process Review: Jämtlandsdräll with Julia
- By Karen
- May 26, 2020
- 12 Comments
My intention is to weave fabric for a couple of cushy throw pillows. But after just one pattern repeat, I realize that this cloth on my brand new Glimåkra Julia is something I would like to wear! No pillows this time. Instead, here is my new autumn/winter shoulder wrap, embellished with frisky swinging fringes. Miss Julia has proven her worth on four-shaft Jämtlandsdräll (crackle) in 6/2 Tuna wool. Her next adventure will be something that explores all eight shafts. (See My New Glimåkra Julia Loom.)
This project starts with the draft for the Jämtlandsdräll Blanket on p.59 of Simple Weaves, by Birgitta Bengtsson Björk and Tina Ignell. Tuna yarn samples, along with Fiberworks Silver for Mac, help me jazz up the color. I settle on three colors for the warp, with burnt orange as the anchor. Six different colors are used for the pattern weft, plus dark teal for the tabby.
This is one of those times when the weaving is so satisfying that I truly don’t want the warp to come to an end. (…except that I’m excited to start on Julia’s second adventure!)
May your adventures never cease.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
12 Comments
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Bom dia! Ficou lindo essa peça.Sou brasileiro, professor aposentado e estou tecendo a pouco tempo em um tear de quatro eixos que eu mesmo fiz. Gostaria de saber qual é a medida do tecido pronto? E onde encontro esse padrão para quatro eixos. Muito obrigado por compartilhar seu trabalho
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Google Translate: Good Morning! This piece was beautiful. I am Brazilian, retired teacher and I am recently weaving on a four axis loom that I made myself. I would like to know what is the measure of the finished fabric? And where do I find this pattern for four axes. Thank you so much for sharing your work
Bom dia, Reinaldo!
Thank you very much. The finished piece is 47cm (18 1/2”) wide and 146cm (57 1/2”) long, plus 14cm (5 1/2”) fringe on each end.This pattern is in the book “Simple Weaves,” p.59 “Jämtlandsdräll (Crackle) Blanket,” by Birgitta Bengtsson Björk and Tina Ignell, published by Trafalgar Square Books, Vermont, 2012. I changed the colors in the pattern.
The weave structure is Jämtlandsdräll, also known as Crackle.
Thank you,
Karen
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Hi Nannette, It would have made a pretty throw cushion, but I already have plenty of those. This will be fun to wear!
Thanks!
Karen
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Betsy Greene says:
That’s a beautiful wrap! Thanks for sharing your design process.
Betsy-
Hi Betsy, I’m glad you enjoyed seeing a bit of my design process. I don’t usually use the weaving software, but this makes me want to put it to use more often. It helped to see different possibilities on the screen.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Cindy Bills says:
Simply lovely! I so enjoy following along with your projects. You inspire me to try new techniques/projects with my looms. 🙂
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Hi Cindy, When I got the Julia, I decided to use the loom to weave something I haven’t done before on my own. (I wove Jämtlandsdräll at Vavstuga once, and have wanted to weave it again ever since.)
It’s so exciting to try new things!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Nancy says:
Beautiful! Love your style!
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Gorgeous colors! And if not pillows, the wrap can double as a runner for a special holiday or something 🙂
I love that you have looms in several spaces, with your dedication it makes sense. And you get a glimpse of your projects as you move around, what a joyful experience!
Elisabeth-
Hi Elisabeth, I had the same thought that I could use this as a runner. The colors fit right in.
It is a joyful experience to have looms scattered around. Each one has its place and purpose, and I’m free to let them work or rest, as needed.
I always enjoy your thoughtful responses.Love,
Karen
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Handwoven Scarves Embellished with Flair
- By Karen
- March 31, 2020
- 25 Comments
You could say I finished these scarves too late. Winter in Texas has come and gone. But I prefer to think of it as considerably early. When cool weather comes back around in a few months, I’ll be ready. I began with the draft for the lovely Stardust scarf, designed by Mona Nielsen, published in Happy Weaving, from VävMagasinet, p.74. I simply substituted the yarn and colors in the book with what I had on hand.
The scarves are delightful, but the icing on the cake is the addition of fluffy, furry pompoms, an embellishment with youthful flair. And that is exactly what I will put on at the first sign of autumn chill.
Some things are certain. The sun will rise tomorrow. The seasons will follow their schedule. The faithfulness of the Lord our God will never end.
May you dress in youthful flair.
Warmly,
Karen
25 Comments
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Very pretty! I love the pompoms!
Take care!!
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Charlotte says:
So, so, so precious! And! Your scarf is pretty special, as well!!!
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Hi Charlotte, Thank you! We have so much to be thankful for, don’t we?
Be blessed with health and well-being,
Karen
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Marianne says:
It’s gorgeous! What a clever way to add Pom poms!
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Hi Marianne, Thank you so much! The idea for the pompoms came from the book Happy Weaving. That’s what drew me to this scarf pattern.
All the best,
Karen
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Annie Lancaster says:
Hi, Karen!
I love the colors and pattern of this scarf. And the pom poms are the perfect touch. Thank you telling us how they were made and attached. I always learn from you.
Please stay safe and healthy.
Annie
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Hi Annie, I’m glad you can learn something here. That’s always my hope.
Thank you,
Karen
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Janet says:
Love the addition of Pom Poms. I haven’t used tuna wool before but recently purchased many skeins for a throw. I know you’ve used quite often, what do you find the best sett for a lovely drape for a twill structure?
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Hi Janet, My favorite twill blanket from Tuna wool is the one I made at Vävstuga. You can see the info for the project here: Swedish Wool Blanket.
Tuna wool is an excellent choice for a throw. I think you will enjoy weaving with it, too!Happy weaving,
Karen
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What a beautiful and “happy” scarf I have never seen this pom pom maker before, a neat tool, thank you for showing us!
Elisabeth-
Hi Elisabeth, I happened upon the pompom maker while browsing at Hobby Lobby. I knew I wanted this embellishment for my scarves, so I was happy to find a helpful tool. It beats cutting out cardboard circles to wrap with yarn–one fluff ball at a time. It wouldn’t be hard to make a similar tool at home.
I, too, think of this as a “happy” scarf.
Thank you,
Karen
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Betsy says:
Such a fun scarf!
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Hi Betsy, I agree. It may be the funnest scarf I’ve ever made. 🙂
All the best to you,
Karen
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Hi Karen,
What a pretty scarf. With the early Spring in Wisconsin, it is too warm to wear it here until November. More time for anticipation.My looms were taken to the retirement home Friday. The chipper was brought back so my sister can dispatch the 5 mature trees she dropped.
Now I am going through my sewing room. Oh My, Why did I buy some of the things I am finding? Three piles. Donate, Sell, Take with me. Too many decisions. Where did I get all those cards of snaps from 1960?
Are any of your readers in health care? I am wondering if the cloth face masks being shown as projects are something that can be used in the medical system, or are they just fashion statements? When the other grandchildren were born I would take a home made treat to leave with the nurses. This year I could leave some cheerful cloth masks…
This latest grandson can come at any time.
Blessings to all.
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Hi Nannette, Congratulations on your coming grandson. Life is full of twists and turns. I’m glad you have a place for looms in your new home. That gives you something to look forward to.
Blessings to you,
Karen
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Betty Morrissey says:
Beautiful! May I ask, when weaving with a stretchy wool warp, do you tension it tightly so the stretch is maxed out?
The pom poms are a great use of ends. Thank you for your kindness, always.Betty
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Hi Betty, Great question! No, I don’t tension tightly to max out the stretch of the wool. I don’t want to over-stretch the wool. You have to find a happy medium so that it is tight enough that the shuttle doesn’t fall through, but not so tight that it will stretch the fibers out too far.
I’m always happy when I can find a good use for some of the thrums. Who knows, maybe I’ll start putting pompoms on everything. 🙂
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Jan says:
These are gorgeous. I am so inspired by your weaving and sharing.
Thank you -
Barbara Mitchell says:
Love these scarves and the pom-poms. I tried to put pom-poms on a scarf, but couldn’t get them tightly enough tied on to the end of the twisted fringe so they just ended up looking goofy and wishy-washy, so I cut them off again. Do you have a secret?
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Hi Barbara, Thanks for asking! I think what helps is stitching the pom pom to a group of 3 or 4 twisted fringes, and the individual fringes are fairly thick. The tapestry needle with 8/2 cotton for the stitching thread goes through the fringes just above the knots and then through the center loop of the pom pom. I take the thread back around 3 or 4 times and then secure it with several small (hidden) stitches in the fringe/knot.
Maybe you’ll have a chance to try it again. It does make a fun finishing for a scarf.
All the best,
Karen
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Danie says:
Very nice!
I would like to try this colorshifts, but i cannot figure out how .
Could you please explain this ?
Thanks
Danie-
Hi Danie, This is a two-block weave on 4 shafts. The color shift happens when two colors alternate in one of the blocks. You can find the draft for this in “Happy Weaving from VävMagasinet,” p.74-75.
Thank you,
Karen-
Oh ! Thanks
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Process Review: Comfy Throw With Fringe
- By Karen
- January 22, 2019
- 16 Comments
This throw has fringe. It seems appropriate for a homestyle cotton wrap. Fringe says comfortable, casual, and playful. I do not mind the time it takes to twist the threads to make this tactile edging. It’s a satifying close to a worthwhile project. After all, who can resist running their fingers through soft twisted fringes?
Reminisce with me through the start-to-finish process of making this eight-shaft undulating twill throw for my lovely daughter-in-law Lindsay.
May you have plenty of fringe benefits.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
16 Comments
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Hi Maria, Thanks! The hand and drape are just what I was hoping for.
This had a lot of weft-wise shrinkage. On the loom, 109.3 cm width x 166 cm length (43″ x 65″), not including fringe. Finished piece after wet finishing is 86 cm x 149.5 cm (34″ x 59″). That’s about 21% shrinkage in width and 10% in length. The fringe length before twisting was 20 cm (8″), and finished is 12 cm (4.75″).
All the best,
Karen
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Susan Gruen says:
Love the colors looks so soft
How did you wet finish?susan Gruen-
Hi Susan, The cotton does feel nice and soft, which I like.
I washed it in cool water on the delicate cycle, and no spin. I used Eucalan wash and included a couple Color Catcher sheets (which both turned dark blue). I squeezed water out of it with a large beach towel and then put it in the dryer on a medium heat setting, along with the beach towel. I pulled it out of the dryer while it was still a little damp.
I will tell my daughter-in-law that she can throw this in the washer and dryer without worry. It may shrink a little more, and it will be wise to use a Color Catcher for a couple more washes.
Thanks for asking,
Karen
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Marjorie says:
How big are your tie-on bundles? You are such an inspiration to me! Love your color choices!
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Hi Marjorie, I am honored that you would consider anything from my hand an inspiration for you!
I tie on in 1-inch bundles, and 1/2-inch bundles at the selvedges. These small bundles help evenly distribute the ends and make for an easy start to weaving.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Thank you for your inspiration. Love to see the progress pictures.
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Hi Nflood, I’m happy to know that you enjoy seeing the weaving progress. I enjoy looking back on the whole process, too.
All the best,
Karen
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Laura says:
Like your threading hook, what brand is it?
Your throw is beautiful! Thanks for all your inspiration. Where to you find the time?!-
Hi Laura, I use the Vavstuga Reed Hook. It fits really well in my hand. You can get it at Vavstuga.com.
I’m glad you like the throw. I tried wrapping up in it, and I like it, too! 🙂
Where do I find the time? Haha, I never feel like I spend enough time at the loom. I always wish I had more time for this!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Maggie Ackerman says:
This really beautiful. I love the colors. I noticed you had 2 knots in your twisted fringe. Could you tell me why?
Maggie-
Hi Maggie, You asked a great question!
I tie a preliminary knot on each group of fringe ends first. I do it for two reasons – 1. It’s easier for the alligator clip of the fringe twister to grasp a small knot than a group of threads. 2. After wet finishing I cut off the knot, which has all the fuzzy ends from going through the washer and dryer. And I’m left with clean-cut ends. I have a video about using the fringe twister that explains it a little more: How to Use a Fringe Twister. It’s part of this post – Quiet Friday: Cotton Scarves. And here’s another post about twisting fringe – Tools Day: Fringe Twister.
And one happy coincidence – Today, I happen to be wearing the cotton scarf that’s in the video.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Alice says:
This throw is gorgeous! I love the color and drape. Wow! It looks like the way you tie on to the loom allows you to get started weaving right away.
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Hi Alice, You make me smile with your enthusiasm!
Yes, two things make it easy to start weaving the warp right off. 1. Tie small bundles, as mentioned earlier. 2. Tie on a leveling string. This is really the magic. You can read about it in this post – Tools Day: Leveling String .
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Copyright © 2020
Beautiful. It looks like sunshine
Hi Nannette, A lot of sunshine went into this scarf. 🙂
Thank you,
Karen
Karen, you are making the most of each opportunity! An exquisite scarf from one skein of yard…and while traveling in God’s beautiful creation! Delightful! Blessings to you, Bev
Hi Bev, It’s great to hear from you! There’s something about seeing God’s beautiful creation that prompts us to be creative in our own simple way. Such a contrast, though, between the mountainous marvels and our little handwoven threads.
Blessings to you,
Karen
That’s a great way to use a single skein, you turned it into a beautiful and useful piece! And isn’t it the perfect statement in a challenging time; find light and happiness where possible
Love, Elisabeth
Hi Elisabeth, It took me a while to decide how to use that pretty skein. I’m looking forward to wearing the scarf. There’s usually a way to light and happiness even when there seems to be no way.
Love,
Karen
Beautiful and glad you are out camping. Have fun
Hi Cynthia, It’s good to be out and about enjoying the great outdoors.
Thank you,
Karen
What a perfect project for a special skein of yarn! I can’t help but smile when I see those cheerful colors And I always love to see the difference in the cloth once it is wet finished. It’s like a bit of magic ✨
Hi Kristin, This special scarf from that special skein will always remind me of that friend that wanted me to have it. Isn’t the magic of wet finishing wonderful? This one was already soft, but really softened up even more!
Happy weaving,
Karen