Sock-A-Doodle-Do!

Here are some lovely socks that have come to live with me! Did I ever mention how much I love hand-knit socks? I don't know anything about these socks except they fit me perfectly and they were made by Erin. If you want to know the specs, pop over to her blog and give her an ask.

Click here to see the last pair of sock I received.

INSPIRED BY BONNIE

Theresa Davies recently bought a kit from me. These are her words:

Here is all 12 feet of the rug loosely based on the horoscope gamp. I had a lot of fun with this.

I did have to do some creative interpretation, as some colors I didn't have a lot of in my stash of quilt fabric, but I came close. I never would have guessed that true red was so lacking in my collection of fabrics. I had lots of good yellows and greens though and plenty of indigo.

Oh gosh, I couldn't imagine doing the rug exactly like the draft. I did find that with the rug and weft, it isn't the individual shots, it's the rug as a whole.

Worrying over each shot is, well, needless, but then again...maybe I'm not so much free as a bit lazy

My husband was so excited he hung it before I could get some close ups!

Take care and when I get that formal warp done I'll be sure to send you a pic.

For all those who have ordered kits from me, remember if you send me a picture and some words about your process and I post it here---I will send you a complimentary horoscope draft.

In case you already have, and I have not sent you a draft, please remind me. It is merely a senior moment.

Byways in Handweaving

There came a time back in 1969 I was living in Connecticut, and I didn't have a loom. Byways in Handweaving literally saved my life. I worked my way through the book cover to cover, and had a wonderful experience.

This was not the first time that Mary Meigs Atwater changed my life though. I first got this book in 1960 (although I only looked at the pictures then). It showed me another path---away from commercial weaving and industry for which I was being trained.

I know everybody has heard of and possibly tried inkle weaving, but I had never seen or heard or it back then. I taught myself from the book and created the piece you see below.


Yes, I was crazy even then. What I find most interesting about this vest is it shows the seeds of weavings to come in the following decades--piecing together smaller weaving--and bands of vivid color. I don't know what became of this vest. I sold it to someone now lost in time. I was thrilled to find these slides. In many ways it is better than having the actual weaving. You know it would look terrible on.


If you were alive back in the 60's, you know that fringe was very important.

On The Edge

Although my edges are often admired, I have struggled with them for...ummm...48 years. A recent wonderful post by Cally got me thinking about edges in addition to my recent foray into twill. I have to say I was really pleased with the edges on the twill scarf, so I thought I would tell you what I did.

I always use a floating selvedges, but recently I started using these clips to act as weights. The red one is heavier than the orange, so I added a film can with coins inside to match the two. The weight is 5.95 oz (or 169 g).

Something new is that I doubled the floating thread (since the warp yarn was already doubled, I actually quadrupled the floater). I also skipped a dent between the last warp thread and the floater. I neglected to take a picture of the front, but if someone requests it I will.

Have you ever noticed that if you change one little thing, it makes a huge difference?



And speaking of edges, these are the sample swatches I cut and included in the Inauguration Day Special. I didn't cut up the shawl. I wove an extra couple of feet, but they are all gone now.

OMG---My Second Blogaversary!

BAREFOOT WOMAN MAKING HER WAY CAREFULLY ACROSS THE CLARK FORK RIVER IN MONTANA STEPPING FROM ROCK TO ROCK

This day sort of crept up on me. I have been distracted with all of the events of the week. It took me a while to select the image to best describe my journey to date. This picture was taken in the mid 70's. I believe this characterizes my blogging adventure.

I had to try my hand at tapestry type weaving. Since I don't have any notes, I can't tell you anything about this piece. All I know is that I raffled it off. I decided how much I thought the weaving was worth ( didn't think anyone would pay that much), and sold just the number of chances that would equal the worth. I don't remember who won or anything else about the piece. It was the 70's after all (grin).

A Successful Day

Here is the picture of my completed Barack Obama Horoscope which accidently got erased from the last post. (Bambu 7 warp, sett 20 epi with recycled cashmere weft)

I received 9 orders! After substracting for paypal fees and mailing expenses, I am able to donate $225 to Weavolution. I can hardly wait for the roll-out!

Stay tuned for more unique weaving opportunities coming your way.

So What 's in an Inauguration Day Color Horoscope Weaving Kit?

Color Horoscope Weaving is a unique method of color blending. It is a perfect exercise for those who struggle with color in weaving.

It turns out if you "google" Barack Obama horoscope, it pops right up. (the good and bad part of being famous) Click here to see my completed shawl.

The kit contains a copy of the horoscope and a winding draft that translates the horoscope into color. Also included are complete directions for winding the warp and suggestions for fiber and color selection.

There are 360 ends in the horoscope warp, one end for each degree of the circle. I use 12 colors, the rainbow, but one could use any 12 colors or any fiber. If, for example, you used yarn that sett at 20 epi, you would end up with an 18" shawl. You can mirror image repeat the draft and end up with a 36" wide piece. I often add solid borders to my weaving if I want to add extra width. So really the "kit" is a customized color sequencing system that is adaptable to any weight fiber and can be woven as just about anything.

I always use a straight draw with 4 harnesses, but some of my students have threaded for a bird's eye twill. If you were to use 60/2 silk, it might be best to use 8 harnesses, and I think plain weave or a straight twill are the best structures since the color arrangement is so complex.

INTERESTING FACT: Whatever 12 colors are selected to use, these colors will combine to make over 5 billion color possibilities. The human eye can only determine about 8 million color variations. Like snowflakes, no two horoscope weavings are exactly alike.


The icing on the cake is a woven swatch (Bambu 7 warp, recycled cashmere weft). And to top that off, I offer email support throughout the process.