I used to believe the best part of weaving was "having woven". With this piece, I never wanted it to end. I wove as slow as I could.
But with all things, the end finally happened.
This isn't the best picture, but it is hot off the loom. The threads are still warm. I just wrote to Just Our Yarn to see if they have any hints and tips connected to laundering tencel. I have never washed tencel, but I have heard a few "stories". I wasn't paying close attention to the tales because I wasn't using tencel at the time. I am not in a hurry to wash this because I plan to twist the fringe first.
5 comments:
This is just absolutely stunning. It was on the loom too. I can see why you took your time.
Beautiful piece. I wonder if Laura Fry has anything about finishing Tencel in her book. I will check and see, if she does I'll let you know.
I have woven extensively with Web's 8/2 tencel. I always finish (based upon their recommendation) with a hand wash in warm water with mild detergent, rinse, then roll in a towel and hang to air dry. Once dry, I steam iron the piece with a moderate plate temp (lower end of the steam zone). I have had excellent results, never any bleeding or puckering, and absolutely no loss of its beautiful light catching sheen. Barbara Elkins (of Webs) also says that Tencel tolerates very hot water well, and recommends washing in the hottest tap water you have if you have had problems with pulled threads during wear you are trying to coax back into position, or a slightly looser sett than ideal. This will cause some shrinkage, but it is even, and causes no damage to the actual fiber. I have also tumbled my already dry Tencel pieces in a warm dryer with a sheet of fabric softener to further soften the drape with very good results. Dry cleaning is also an option if you want NO CHANGE whatsoever in your finished piece, but I have never tried it. I LOVE YOUR BEAUTIFUL PIECE...IT IS HIGH ART IN MY HUMBLE OPINION. Thank you for sharing with us!
It's so pretty! I do believe wash in warm is right.
Thanks for all of your kind words. Every time I look at this weaving, I can't believe I wove it. And thanks for the laundering tips. I just received Just Our Yarn's washing instructions and will post it along with bjgvet's (from Webs)and Laura Fry's method as well.
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