Tried and True: Use a Boat Shuttle for Rag Weaving
- By Karen
- January 14, 2020
- 10 Comments
Wind very narrow fabric strips on quills and put them in a boat shuttle. It’s efficient. It’s faster to wind a quill than to load fabric on a ski shuttle. Plus, I like the advantage of sending a boat shuttle across rather than a ski shuttle. This rag rug on the drawloom has fabric strips that are only one centimeter (~3/8”) wide, instead of the usual two-centimeter-wide (~3/4”) strips for an ordinary rag rug. Grab your boat shuttle and pay attention to a few simple tips. Your very narrow fabric strips will be woven up in no time.
Tips for Using a Boat Shuttle to Weave Very Narrow Fabric Strips
- Use fabric that has minimal fraying at the edges. Trim off any long threads. Loose dangling threads that are long enough to wind themselves on the quill will make you wish you had used a ski shuttle.
- Wind the fabric with the right side down. Then, when the quill unrolls, the right side will be facing up.
- Handle the wound quill as little as possible to prevent fraying the fabric edges. Simply wrap the tail end of the fabric strip around the filled quill. Do not wrap the end into a slip knot around the quill because the fabric will fray as you release the knot.
- Unwind enough weft for the pick before you throw the shuttle. Pull the weft out straight from the quill. When a quill unwinds in the shed, the weft comes off at an angle. And as such, if there are any loose threads at the edges of the fabric strips, the threads will wind themselves on the quill and bind it up. And you will wish you had used a ski shuttle.
May your hands enjoy their work.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
10 Comments
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Weaving Ideas – Year in Review Video
- By Karen
- January 7, 2020
- 16 Comments
Everything starts with an idea. And some of those ideas become tangible expressions of dreams come true. Who knew that a simple idea in 2012 would lead to a seven-year exploration of weaving through The Big Book of Weaving? (See Weaving through The Big Book.) Who knew that weaving on a drawloom in 2016 at Homestead Fiber Crafts would plant the idea of weaving on a drawloom of my own? (see Quiet Friday: Day at the Drawloom.) And who knew that an idea in 2013 to write about my weaving journey, calling it Warped for Good, would bring friends like you to come and enjoy the journey with me? For these things and so much more, I am truly grateful.
Your ideas are priceless. That’s because you are priceless. You were made in God’s image, with the ability to imagine wonderful intricacies through creative thinking. In fact, you began as God’s idea. As we walk with him, we become the tangible expression of his dream come true.
Grab a cup of coffee or tea and sit here with me to reminisce over the past weaving year.
May this year bring your best ideas ever.
For you,
Karen
16 Comments
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Joyce Lowder says:
Karen: You are such an awesome servant and ambassador for God! Your comments have always captured my attention, but this one really spoke to me! I even wrote your words down to read to a friend who has a birthday today. I respect and admired your creativity and the effort you invest in sharing! It all takes time and effort, but I can see that your heart is in what you do…and your heart belongs to God. May God continue to bless you in this year of 2020! 🙂
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Hi Joyce, It’s a pleasure to be able to share what I enjoy. Thanks for your thoughtful words. I’m glad to have you along with me.
Happy weaving new year,
Karen
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It was fun to see all that you have done this past year. And I enjoyed seeing that photo of our winter drawloom class and the samplers on the drawlooms. You have done a lot of weaving already in your new home. I look forward to what you weave after our art weaves workshop next month. See you then.
Joanne-
Hi Joanne, That drawloom class was a highlight for the year. I’m thankful to be in a place and season of life that suits my weaving endeavors.
I am looking forward to the art weaves class. I still have so much to learn!
See you soon,
Karen
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Cynthia H. says:
Karen, what an amazing artist you are, beautiful work. Cant wait to see what you will be working on next. Say hi to Steve for me. Cynthia H.
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Hi, Cynthia, It’s so special to have you along on this journey. Thanks for your encouragement!
All the best,
Karen and Steve
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lanora dodson says:
This was inspiring on SO many levels! It brought a sense of peace, wonder, and excitement all at the same time. Thank you for sharing and cannot wait for the coming year to see what you’ll be creating!
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Lanora, I feel like I just received a big hug! Thank you so much.
Happy you are here,
Karen
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Karen,
Thank you for sharing!
I will need to watch the video a 4 or 8 or 10 more times to absorb everything you did in 2019.
The close ups are welcome.
Nannette-
Hi Nannette, You make me smile. Thanks for walking along with me all through the year.
Karen
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Beth Mullins says:
You’ve had a beautiful, productive year! You and your work are so inspiring, bringing excitement, curiosity, and clam all at the same time. I can’t wait to see the siblings completed and what’s to come in 2020.
Happy New Year, Karen!
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Hi Beth, It’s good to have a sense of accomplishment. I always enjoy seeing your beautiful woven creations on IG. We both had a year rich with weaving. I’m glad to have your friendship on this journey.
Happy New Weaving Year,
Karen
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Johanna McGuirk says:
Dear Karen
I am very keen to get the details for the electric bobbin winder as I am frustrated using the hand drill. Would it be possible to supply me with more details please? Hopefully my husband or son can put one together for me.
Kind regards
Johanna-
Hi Johanna, I am happy to share the details for the electric bobbin winder that Steve made for me.
I will send you an email with the information.
All the best,
Karen
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Karen, thank you so much for sharing your video. It was both inspiring and calming. A beautiful expression of pure creativity expressed through our traditional craft. Love your work.
Barbara-
Hi Barbara, I’m so glad the video meant something to you. It’s a treat to share these things among like-minded handcrafters.
Thank you,
Karen
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Single-Unit Boldness
- By Karen
- December 31, 2019
- 8 Comments
Doing something bold is a dramatic way to end the year. I have added 200 single-unit draw cords to the drawloom. The bold thing is that I am using lanyard clips. This changes the usual process of setting up the draw cords, so I’m making some of it up as I go.
First, I sleyed the cords through the single-unit reed (used for spacing the draw cords). Next, I put a one-inch lanyard clip on every lift heddle. Now, one at a time, in order, I attach a lift heddle to a pattern unit, and then clip the lift heddle to the draw cord. Repeat 200 times. (I picked up the clever tip about lanyard clips online from Su Butler, who has, admittedly, a different type of drawloom setup than what I have.)
When this drawloom rag rug project is finished, I should be able to unclip the draw cords from the pattern units, leave the draw cords in place on the loom, and start fresh for the next project. Progress through the new year will reveal whether this bold action is a good idea…or not.
Journey in Pictures:
May you take a bold step into the new year.
In with the new,
Karen
8 Comments
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Charlotte says:
Previously, I have used those extra large paper clips. But! Even I forgot that tip when setting up my single unit, this time. The lanyard clips are brilliant. I must find some and on the next warp…apply!!!!! Great move toward saving those single unit cords in a permanent place.
Staying connected…by His grace…my love to you…
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Hi Charlotte, I started out trying paper clips, but I was concerned that they might catch on the threads, so I switched to the lanyard clips. I got 200 lanyard clips on Amazon for less than $5. I’m excited to get started weaving on this!
Love,
Karen
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Nannette says:
WOW!
There is a lot to the draw loom. Your tutorials have brought me to comprehension of the basics.
Thank you.
Nannette-
Hi Nannette, I know it looks complicated, but it’s just a matter of taking a step at a time. I’m happy to have you following along!
Happy New Year,
Karen
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Marie Kulchinski says:
Karen
This is a lot to think about. I have an Oxaback combination loom. I have always used it a shaft draw. I want to convert it to a single unit. I have simple questions.
1. What are you using for draw cords. On my old Glimarka; I used replace cord for cloth blinds which I got from a upholster fabric store. What type of cord are you using.
2. You placed the lanyard clipson to a heddle. How did you connect the heddle to the long eye heddle units? I don’t see a knot. I have some idea.
3 How long are the single eyed heddles/?-
Hi Marie,
1. I am using the Texsolv draw cords that came with the Myrehed combination attachment. They come on a roll and are pre-measured. I cut them apart and seared the ends.
2. The lanyard clip is on the lift heddle, and the lift heddle goes through the top of the pattern heddles and loops through itself. No knot.
3. I’m not sure which heddles you are asking about. I’m away from home at the moment, but I can measure them Later and let you know.Weaving with the single unit capabilities is going to be so much fun!
Karen
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Kevin says:
Thank you for such great information and pictures! I recently acquired a new to me drawloom and am so excited to jump into this!
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Hi Kevin, How exciting! Drawloom weaving opens up a whole new world.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Looms Quietly Waiting
- By Karen
- December 24, 2019
- 17 Comments
Merry Christmas Eve to you. Looms are quietly waiting to resume their rhythm. Meanwhile, songs of joy and hope fill the air because the Savior of the world is born.
Pictorial tapestry, with only 6 centimeters of the cartoon remaining.
Second rosepath rag rug completed. Two short rugs yet to be woven on this warp.
First of two scarves is started. I am using the Stardust draft by Mona Nielsen, published in Happy Weaving, from Vävmagasinet, but with yarn and colors of my choosing.
Warp is threaded and tied-on. Single-unit draw cords have been prepared. Next step: Attaching draw cords to pattern units. And then, tie up treadles and start weaving!
May your night be silent and holy, calm and bright.
Happy Holy-days,
Karen
17 Comments
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Glad your looms are waiting and that you are too, to enjoy this sacred, special holiday! Enjoy the peace and love and joy that only this Savior of ours can offer! God Bless you in this new year and Happy Weaving! 🙂
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ellen b santana says:
Dear karen–God bless you also, and Merry Christmas, and thank you. ellen
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Anonymous says:
Merry Christmas! Your words are as beautiful as your weaving.
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Joanna says:
God Jul! May 2020 be truly Light filled.
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Betsy says:
Merry Christmas, Karen!
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Annie says:
Merry Christmas, Karen! May the season bring peace and joy to you and your loved ones.
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Karen Simpson says:
A most merry and blessed Christmas….thank you for being part of our lives!
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Merry Christmas Karen,
We celebrated my husband’s 1st annual birthday bonfire last night. Picture perfect snow cover in wausaukee. First time I was not able to blast up the snow covered driveway. A 4WD is in my future.
Today is a travel day back to our other home in time to spend Christmas day with grandchildren. The snow was gone by Green Bay. Small price for being loved on by little people.
My loom is silent. But, I am blessed to gorge on life this year.
May you enjoy life away from your looms.
Nannette
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Cindy Bills says:
Merry Christmas, Karen!
Thanks you for creating this inspirational weaving blog and delighting us all year with your projects. May the blessings of our Lord be with you this holiday season as we celebrate our Savior’s birth!
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Imagine Rag Rugs on the Drawloom
- By Karen
- December 3, 2019
- 16 Comments
Rag rug weaving on the drawloom! I can only imagine the delight. In the meantime, the drawloom is getting dressed. It takes time to group the pattern heddles into units, add lingos, thread pattern shafts, thread eight ground shafts, sley the reed, move the ground shafts and pattern shafts to their positions, and tie on. After I finish all that I can think about adding all the single-unit draw cords and finish tying up. Whew!
I became acquainted with the single-unit drawloom at Joanne Hall’s studio (see Drawlooms in Montana), but this is my first go at it on the drawloom in my studio. Because of the reward that awaits, I will gladly tackle all the tasks of dressing this loom. Weaving rag rugs on a drawloom will be phenomenal!
Joy sees hidden treasure. We go to great lengths to unearth high-value treasure. Jesus did this, seeing us as the reward. That’s what Christmas celebrates. Jesus left his splendor in heaven to come to earth as a baby. He entered this world and endured the worst because of the joy set before him. He did it all for the joy of having us in fellowship with God. We come to him and find that we are the Grand Weaver’s reward.
May your joy be full.
Joy to you,
Karen
16 Comments
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I must admit that I find this mind-boggling and will be sitting back, admiring your work on this one. 😉 Amazing!
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Hi Beth, It’s all part of the process, so it just means taking a step at a time. I enjoy the steps to get there, but I sure am looking forward to weaving this.
Thanks,
Karen
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Geri Rickard says:
Ooohhh, I can’t wait to see this!
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Janet giardina says:
Good morning Karen,
I’m just coming to the end of my first draw warp, 16/2, and I’m very curious to see the end result of using the drawloom to weave rag rugs and the 12/6 warp. Look forward to the process and end result.
Janet-
Hi Janet, Congratulations on completing your first drawloom warp! I have wondered about weaving rag rugs on the drawloom ever since I began to understand what can be done with a drawloom. I’m eager to jump in!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Ooooh, I can’t wait to see how this looks!!
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Bravo, yes, joy indeed. I have loved this type of project, but I have not put it on my loom. I look forward to seeing your photos as you progress through this warp and weave the rug.
Joanne-
Hi Joanne, Your encouragement means a lot to me. It’s comforting to know that you are looking over my shoulder. We’re going to have fun with this!
Joy indeed,
Karen
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Lyna says:
Looks fascinating! How long is your warp? As complicated as dressing the drawloom looks, I’d be inclined to put on a looooog warp!
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Hi Lyna, Yes, a long warp would make perfect sense. I’m still in the learning stages, though, so I want a lot of practice in dressing the drawloom. This warp is long enough to weave two large rugs.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Hi Karen,
I am eager to see the rag rugs you weave on your drawloom. What is the sett, using the 12/6 rug warp? and why have you chosen an 8-shaft ground weave? Your blog posts are a joy!
All the Best, Carol Berry-
Hi Carol, I’m using a 35/10 metric reed and the sett is 7 ends per cm. The ends are doubled. That’s close to 18 doubled ends per inch.
I’m using a draft by Kerstin Ålsling-Sundberg from “Damast,” edited by Lillemor Johansson. Her draft calls for the eight-shaft ground weave. When I have more experience I’ll be able to tell you why.Thanks for joining in!
Karen
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Sue MacLeod says:
I really enjoy reading your blog. It is so inspirational to see all that you do. I am looking forward to see the progression of this project.
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Hi Sue, Thank you so much! It’s a pleasure to share these weaving pursuits with like-minded people like you.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Copyright © 2020
Oh thus is so lovely! I cant wait to see it! Thanks for all the tips! Its wuite an impressive piece!
Hi Geri, This design is good for a single-unit beginner like me. Very simple. But I think the outcome will be quite impressive, as you say.
Happy weaving,
Karen
beautiful. does the weft not shed threads as it is walked on? happy new year.
Hi Ellen, As with any rag rug, yes, the weft will shed threads as it is walked on. My main concern about keeping the fabric edges from fraying is so the fabric strips will roll off the quill unhampered.
Happy New Year,
Karen
Beautiful! Love that blue.
Hi Betsy, The color is very pleasant, with subtle variations. I am also going to introduce some more shades along the length of the rug.
Thanks!
Karen
Very interesting even for a long time weaver. Excellent way! Kudos to you for sharing this information.
Hi Ladella, I’m glad this interested you. It’s always fun to learn new ways of doing things.
All the best,
Karen
Good morning Karen,
Beautiful.
About 5 years ago I bought a tabby woven rag rug with the warp deliberately saw cut at a craft show. The result was/is a shaggy rug. the first few washings freed the loose ends. Now it has settled.
Your post is on the other end of the spectrum of rag rug weaving. I love it.
Thank you.
Hi Nannette, There are many different styles of rag rugs. I’m having a good time with this one.
Thanks,
Karen