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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Process Review: Dressing the Drawloom the Second Time
- By Karen
- June 25, 2019
- 13 Comments
Dressing the drawloom the second time is easier than the first time. No slip ups or confusion. Just smoothly moving from one step to the next. (Read to the end to see what to expect for July.)
With my first drawloom warp the most challenging part was distributing the pattern shafts. (See Q and A with Joanne Hall and Drawloom Dressing.) This time something clicked and the light bulb turned on. Instead of blindly following steps, I now understand what I am doing, and why. And I am having fun in the process!
Friends, It’s that time again, when Warped for Good is put on pause for the month of July.
Thank you for sharing in this journey with me!
What’s on my looms: I am near the end of the blue double weave blanket on the Standard, and I am planning a new pictorial tapestry for that loom. The drawloom is dressed and in motion. And the Ideal loom is still sitting ready for rosepath rag rugs. Also, Steve and I have a Casita trip planned that will include some leisurely backstrap band weaving.
What’s on your loom right now? Share with us in the comments.
See you the first Tuesday of August! (In the meantime catch me over on Instagram @celloweaver.)
May your second times be better than your first times.
Keep on Weaving,
Karen
13 Comments
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Beth Mullins says:
Love the drawloom project! I’m getting ready to dress my loom for retro-inspired kitchen towels. Enjoy July!
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Enjoy your July.
I will be picking currants and black raspberries out of my backyard to sell at the farmer’s market.
The weaving on the drawloom looks so warm. Ready for the autumn.
Blessings
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Hi Nannette, I have fond childhood memories of picking black raspberries in our backyard, and eating them! Yum!
If all goes as planned, I will finish the drawloom weaving in time to make a simple vest that I can wear this autumn. …we’ll see.
All the best,
Karen
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Charlotte says:
Good morning, my sweet! Weaving has been suddenly interrupted. Father’s Day – 15 minutes before the close of service – my heart began racing. No pain. It being Father’s Day, I thought I needed food. While at the restaurant, pulse 158. Wayne wanted to head to the ER…light ache in jaw. They stopped my heart and thankfully, it started on its own. 3 drugs later, I was finally in my sinus rhythm. Orders to lay low. Sleep studies. Waiting. Terrible drug reaction. Waiting. Today…sleep study in near future. Home sleep study last Thursday. Waiting. Love you and thankful I remain on this side of heaven. HE has given me a new ministry with Semper Fi Fund. We should talk! I love you!!!!!
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Oh Charlotte, You’ve been through a lot! Hopefully, weaving will be back in rhythm for you. I’m thankful you’ve been given a way to bless others in the Semper Fi project.
I don’t want you to rush off to heaven when you still have a mission here!
Love,
Karen
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Geri Rickard says:
Hi Karen! My loom projects are a runner on the drawloom in 35/2 linen for warp snd 16/1 for weft. It’s on a 21 shaft setup. On the other standard loom I’m just starting an easy batch of M&O towels in 16/2 cotton. I’m enjoying seeing your drawloom progress! Enjoy your July!
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Hi Geri, Thanks for sharing! It’s great to hear what you have on your looms. I’m looking forward to putting linen on my drawloom–it may be the next warp! And more and more shafts each time. And M&O’s is one of my favorites, so pretty.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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P.S. Just wanted to say my drawloom is set up on the Glimakra I bought from your former weaving teacher. The one you learned on! I forgot her name but at the time I bought it she was in the Denver area and downsizing.
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Geri, how cool! You are weaving on the loom I learned on from Leigh? That’s a beautiful loom and such sweet memories for me. Oh, that was a special time with Leigh.
Thanks for letting me know!
Karen
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Maggie Ackerman says:
Hi Karen, we moved last month and after painting every room in our downsized house, I’m still at blacking boxes and trying to do something with the smaller yard. My loom room is a nice room in the basement and unpacking will be a winter thing. However, still on my baby wolf loom is a scarf from NZ possum merino that I kept on my much pared down look room to sell the previous house. Must’ve worked cuz it sold in 5 days! Somehow I’m looking forward to winter!
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Hi Maggie, I know how big a job moving is. You’ve got some restful times to look forward to after you get fully settled in. You will have so much fun setting up your new weaving space! No doubt that loom with lovely weaving was what sold the house! Congrats on your quick sell.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
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What a great idea, to use woven bands for loom tools! I’m not a fan of weaving just to weave. There has to be a plan! Now, spinning…that’s different.
Your drawloom weaving is going to be lovely. Enjoy!
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Cutting Off a Failure
- By Karen
- May 21, 2019
- 8 Comments
I made an embarrassing blunder. No wonder this Tuna wool resists all my efforts. It’s the wrong yarn! Tuna is 6/2 wool—twice as thick as the 6/1 wool I should be using. Cowboy Magic won’t solve this sticky problem. (I thought it would, as I expressed in this post: Tame the Wool.)
The yarn is gorgeous, but my frustration level is pushing me to throw in the towel. I tried hard to make this work. I was so convinced I had the right yarn that I missed it even when reader Joan left a gentle comment asking if 6/1 Fårö yarn would work (I’m sorry for not listening, Joan). There is nothing left but to cut off this failure.
In this lowest moment a thought occurs to me. Re-sley the reed. An ounce of hope rises.
I re-sley to a coarser reed and tie back on. I hold my breath and step on the treadles. It works. And it’s gorgeous!
Have you experienced great disappointment and loss of hope? Sometimes our own failure brings us to that point. The Lord makes things new. We come to Jesus with our failed attempts, and he exchanges our used rags of effort with his clean cloth of righteousness. In his forgiveness, the failure is cut off and removed. Our threads are re-sleyed and re-tied to make us gloriously new.
May you know when to cut off and start over.
Love,
Karen
8 Comments
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Where there’s a will, there’s a way! The “failure” would make lovely bolster pillows. We all make mistakes and move forward. The resleyed weaving is beautiful. I’m holding my breath about the project I’m about to start.
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Hi Beth, I thought about making a handbag out of the failed piece, but bolster pillows is another good idea!
I came perilously close to pulling all the yarn off the loom and calling it a total loss. What stopped me was the beauty of the yarn itself. I just had to find a way to make it work.
I’ll be looking for your brave project on IG.
Thanks for your sweet encouragement,
Karen
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Betsy says:
I’m glad you figured out what the problem was and got it fixed. The colors are so pretty!
Looking forward to seeing you next week!
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Hi Betsy, Fortunately, most weaving problems are fixable…when we calm down enough to think it through.
I’m looking forward to seeing you, too, at the CHT conference next week!
All the best,
Karen
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Hi Karen,
Very pretty lemonade.
Thank you for explaining how to make a correction when plans need a little help.Kind regards,
Nannette -
It’s not fun when it’s happening, but oh, how good it feels to get everything straightened out! Good for you for sticking with it!
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Hi Karen, Thanks! I came awfully close to giving up altogether. You’re right, it feels terrific to get everything straightened out. At loom everything (or almost everything) is fixable.
Karen
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All the Looms
- By Karen
- March 19, 2019
- 17 Comments
The plan to keep every loom dressed is easy when there is only one loom. Now that I have four floor looms, it’s a tough plan to follow. The drawloom—check. The Glimåkra Standard, dressed in Tuna wool—check. The two smaller looms are threaded, and just need tying on and tying up. So, I’m well on my way! The end of the first warp on the drawloom is in view, however. That means the drawloom will soon be back in the queue. And so it goes.
I like to stay a step ahead of my looms. I’m ready to wind a new warp as soon as I finish cutting off. It’s the cycle of weaving. But I have trouble staying ahead.
We have good plans for our lives. But often, it’s tough to follow those plans. Too many things happen at once, and we don’t know how to stay ahead of it all. The thing to remember is that our plans stem from our inner commitments. When we commit our ways to the Lord, trusting him, he leads us through our days. Trust turns plans into achievements. And those are the plans worth pursuing.
May your best plans succeed.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
17 Comments
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Robin says:
I love your posts. You are such an inspiration. And it is so evident you went to vavstuga, using the techniques she taught. Going there for the basics class was a little retirement gift to myself last year.
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Hi Robin, Going to Vavstuga Basics was one of my best moves. I learned things from Becky Ashenden that I use every day. I’m glad you’ve had the Vavstuga experience, too!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Robin is right, you are an inspiration! Your work is impeccable and motivating. I have only two looms and can’t seem to get them going at the same time.
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Hi Beth, The truth about multiple looms is that you can only weave on one loom at a time.
Now that all the looms are threaded I may focus on one loom at a time and weave it off. …unless I get distracted by another loom and decide to weave a little on it…
Thank you for your kind words,
Karen
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Good morning Karen,
About this time last year I warped up my homemade loom at the top of my skill set in rosepatth, then life got in the way. Last week I started a 6 week class at the Fiberwood studio near by. Chosen pattern is rosepath, to get my skills where they need to be (and girls night out with a friend).
Such joy to know you have also chosen rosepath to show on your blog.
God does provide to the ready student.
Nannette
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Hi Nannette, I’m happy to hear you are interested in rosepath. Rosepath rag rugs are at the top of my list of favorite things to weave. It’s been way too long since I’ve had them on the loom.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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I just finished my first “ throw” . It was 46 wide in the reed. I had a terrible time keeping the edges and the floater broke a few times. Not my best weaving to say the least. How wide do you do your blankets and do you have any tips for weaving wide pieces? I would love to try the Tuna wool- what epi do you use for it?
Thanks Karen!
Maria Navarra-
Hi Maria, I know what you mean about facing challenges with a wide weave. I don’t use floating selvedges, so I can’t answer to that. I do use a temple. I find the temple helps me get consistent selvedges with wider widths. The weaving width of my biggest loom is 47″, and I have woven nearly that full width. Getting just the right tension on the warp is necessary, so that it’s just tight enough. If it’s a bit too loose, my shuttle wants to fall through.
Here’s a page from Vavstuga’s website with a “recipe” for a Tuna wool blanket. I would go with that for a first time Tuna wool throw. It makes a terrific throw. http://store.vavstuga.com/product/yarn-borg-woo-tuna.html
The one I have on the loom right now is double weave, and the sett is pretty dense, so it takes some patience and practice to make the wool open up with a decent shed.
Happy weaving,
Karen-
Anonymous says:
Thanks Karen. I think a temple would have been helpful- Next time. Thanks for the link .
Maria
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Karen says:
The last time I got both of my looms warped at the same time I took a photo….so I could prove I did it and so I could remember it….ha. Thank you for your encouragemment and inspiration, including a journey of faith.
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Hi Karen, Don’t forget it has taken me about 3 months to finally get all the looms (almost) dressed. Haha. There’s never a chance to get bored around here.
All the best,
Karen
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Annie says:
Good morning, Karen. Thank you for the inspiration regarding best laid plans.
And the inspiration for weaving. I purchased a Megado recently and I am struggling with the follow through and putting it into use. Life does try to side track. However, I need to remember to hang onto the plan and trust in God.
Hopefully, I will get to the Hill Country one day to visit.
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Hi Annie, We would be delighted to have you come for a visit!
There are many things in life more important than dressing looms. I’m sure those are the things you are attending to.
I have found that I can make it a practice to go to the drawloom every morning after breakfast, even if for a short time. And, it surprises me how those minutes add up over time and now I’m almost at the end of the warp. I think, How did that happen?
All the best,
Karen
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I am so blown away with how prolific you are with weaving! It takes me all day to dress my little Schacht! I am inspired watching your work! Thank You!!
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Hi Liz, It’s all one step at a time, little by little, day after day. It adds up. I think you’re doing quite well to dress your loom in a day!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Charlotte Reid says:
Is it possible to do opphamta designs on a standard four harness loom (drawdown)? I’ve been trying to figure this out after being in Sweden and visiting some weavers. I have obtained what looks like two shed blades for my floor looms ( they came with the used looms). C. Reid
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Hi Charlotte, What an interesting visit to Sweden you must have had! It is most certainly possible to do opphamta designs on a regular four-shaft loom. One book with a good description, including pictures, of the process is “Damask and Opphämta,” by Lillemor Johansson. I was able to find a copy through a used book seller. You could also check with your local handweavers guild to see if they have a copy you could borrow.
Besides a pick-up stick and weaving sword, you will need long-eye heddles. And for repeating patterns, some sticks with holes in the ends and some regular heddles to use as half-heddle sticks.
I think you are going to have a wonderful time with this beautiful weaving technique!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Testing Color Surprises with My Little Helper
- By Karen
- August 28, 2018
- 12 Comments
Twelve shafts and twelve treadles are all tied up. I found and fixed one threading error. And I am still making some adjustments on the tie-ups to get clean sheds. But for the most part, the Standard is ready to go! I have a week with this loom, to weave towels for my daughter. This colorful double weave looks promising.
Arrangement of the heddles on the shafts give a clue to the three blocks in this twelve-shaft double weave.
Testing weft colors and patterns with granddaughter Lucia by my side.
Two-year-old Lucia helps manage the shuttles.
Design decisions for the towels will be made based on this beginning sample.
It’s surprising to see the array of colors produced by only four shades of cottolin thread.
When the loom is properly dressed and prepared, the weaving is delightful. Every pick of color is a pleasant surprise. Our Father knows our needs. He is the loom dresser. Everything is set up for the threads to make gorgeous cloth. Do we think prayer is all about asking God our Father for things? Yes, he does invite us to ask for the things we need. But let’s start with admiring his ways and works, with a heart of gratitude. Then, with the threads he puts in our hands, the future looks promising!
May your looms be ready for weaving.
Happy weaving,
Karen
12 Comments
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When God blesses us with variables your loom demonstrates I believe He not only wants to meet our needs but wants to bring joy to our souls. Some people weave tabby with their lives. Some people live their lives weaving lizards while exploring the subtle variations in the process. I believe God wants us to explore and enjoy all the good He has to offer and dresses our individual looms to do that..
Yesterday our second grandchild arrived. He is as perfect as his older sister. A day such as that makes it easy to forget all the threads that had to be re-sleighed along the way.
Blessings to all
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Hi Nannette, Congratulations on your new grandchild!
I’m grateful that God has given us so much to enjoy.
All the best,
Karen
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Laura says:
Love the pattern and colors….
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Lynette Glass says:
Can I weave something similar with four shafts? Do you have any four shaft doubleweave pattern ideas or books that you know about? I like your colors very much!
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Hi Lynette, You can certainly do double weave on four shafts. I don’t personally have much information on the topic, though. I do know that Jennifer Moore is known for her work in double weave and has a book and video about it, as well as workshops that she teaches.
I chose colors that were not in my usual palette, and I’m pleasantly surprised at how much I like them.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Susie redman says:
This looks stunning – the colours are so complementary. Are you managing this double weave on only one back beam?
Susie-
Hi Susie, I have only one back beam, and I don’t know the first thing about weaving with a second back beam. Is double weave like this something for which a second back beam is useful?
Thanks!
Karen-
Hi Karen,
I have only experienced double weave on a table loom and it was fitted with a second beam – one for each layer. My own loom is a Glimakra Standard too and I’m heartened to see that you can achieve double weave with one back beam. I had thought that it would be out of the question.
Many thanks,
Susie-
Hi Susie, You will have no trouble weaving double weave on your Glimakra Standard! I think this loom can do anything!
Karen
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Rebecca Neef says:
This is so beautiful and inspiring. What an adorable helper you have! I have a Glimakra Standard also, a 120cm model. Mine only came (used) with 8 shafts, although it has 12 treadles. Is yours a special model made for 12 shafts, or did you do anything special to accommodate the extra shafts? I’d sure love to be able to do some 12 shaft weaves on mine! Thanks.
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Hi Rebecca, I was surprised that my little helper would sit there as long as she did. There was a lot to keep her attention, I guess.
My loom (120cm) also came with 8 shafts. I wrote to Glimåkra USA and told them I wanted to upgrade to 12 shafts and they listed all the parts I would need to do that, and then I ordered the parts.
I don’t expect that I’ll use 12 shafts very often, but it’s nice to have them for a few special projects.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Copyright © 2020
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! 🙂
Joyce, God bless you and Merry Christmas!
Karen
Dear karen–God bless you also, and Merry Christmas, and thank you. ellen
Ellen, Hugs to you and Merry Christmas!
Karen
Merry Christmas! Your words are as beautiful as your weaving.
I’m grateful for your encouragement. Merry Christmas!
Karen
God Jul! May 2020 be truly Light filled.
Joanna, God Jul! and a blessed new year!
Karen
Merry Christmas, Karen!
Betsy, Merry Christmas to you!
Karen
Merry Christmas, Karen! May the season bring peace and joy to you and your loved ones.
Annie, Blessings to you and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Karen
A most merry and blessed Christmas….thank you for being part of our lives!
Karen, Thank you for being part of mine! Merry Christmas!
Karen
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
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!
Cindy, A very Merry Christmas to you! I count your kind words a blessing to me.
Karen