One Handweaver
- By Karen
- February 28, 2017
- 24 Comments
This time, please permit me to share with you a short video that tells a little something about me as a handweaver. I suspect, if you are a weaver, you enjoy weaving for some of the same reasons I do. The process of turning threads into cloth never ceases to fascinate me! I weave on Glimåkra countermarch looms, with an emphasis on Swedish-style textiles. Even within that boundary, there are endless weaves to explore and techniques to try. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to sit at a loom and weave these threads together. Thank you to Eddie Fernandez for his kind manner behind the camera and for his masterful videography.
And I can’t tell you enough what a joy it is to walk through this process with friends like you.
May you enjoy the part of the process you are in.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
24 Comments
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Quiet Friday: Risky Way to Fix a Threading Error
- By Karen
- February 24, 2017
- 22 Comments
We all have threading errors from time to time. This time I completely transposed the threading on shafts one and two. I saw the error when I started weaving; the pattern in the cloth was not as it should be. After a few days of contemplating, arguing with myself, and studying the error, I decided on an ingenious and risky fix (I hinted at it in My Best Weaving Stunt to Date!). Switch the two mis-threaded shafts. Yikes! One slip up could bring the whole warp down–figuratively and literally. I caught myself holding my breath several times through the process. Gently hopeful, but not 100% sure that my plan would work. Thankfully, it did work.
The threading went from this…
Shafts 1 and 2 (counting from back to front) have been threaded incorrectly. Shaft 1 should be 2, and 2 should be 1.
to this…
Shaft bars 1 and 2, upper and lower, have been switched. The operation was similar to transferring lease sticks in the back-to-front warping process.
Here’s a short video that shows the maneuvers I did to correct the error. No re-threading needed! The kuvikas square within a square wins!
May you be brave enough to take appropriate risks when needed.
Happy Problem Solving,
Karen
22 Comments
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Beth Mullins says:
Whoa! That was some ingenious maneuvering!
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Brilliant! Of course in the video it looks completely smooth and safe! The dramatic music helps to relate some of the risk that was involved, however.
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Julia, It makes me smile that you mentioned the music. I was hoping the music would help convey that risk factor.
I did feel quite accomplished when I finished the operation and found it worked!Karen
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Marie says:
A quick thought, if shaft 1 and 2 are in the wrong threading sequence, why not change the tie-up. Risk factor very low.
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Marie, That may be what I should have done. But when I tried changing the tie-up on my weaving software, I got confused and couldn’t get it to work out. I could visualize the results of switching the shafts, so I went with that. On one occasion at Vavstuga, I watched Becky do a masterful switching of heddles from one shaft to another, so I think I was inspired to try something heroic. 🙂
Karen
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Marcia Cooke says:
Having actually dropped shafts (don’t ask), I am not brave enough to do it on purpose! Kudos!!
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Hi Marcia, I have *almost* dropped shafts before, so I know how it can happen! But this was not much different than transferring the lease sticks to the back of the reed. That always makes me nervous, too. Every step, I stopped, looked, and thought it out before making a move.
Karen
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My question was just like Marie’s. Seems like a much easier way to go. Maybe the fact that you were on a countermarche loom made this more complex????
But your fix was impressive!!
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Hi Peg, I don’t think the countermarch made a difference. My problem was I couldn’t quite figure out how to change the tie-up. Seems kind of simple now, but it stumped me at the time…
At least now we know this can be done…
Karen
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ellen santana says:
way over my head, but congratulations. maybe you should work for nasa. es
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Hi Ellen, I’m afraid NASA wouldn’t want me. My math skills are just strong enough to plan a weaving project, and not much more than that. But, if they need someone to move heddles around, they can call me.
Karen
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Karen says:
Now, that made me hold my breath! Well played…..
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Martha says:
Whew, I was holding my breath just watching the process. Well played!
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Martha, These Swedish countermarch looms are so adjustable and flexible, otherwise it wouldn’t be possible at all. I’m glad I have Texsolv heddles!
Karen
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Nanette says:
I don’t think this would work with a jack loom with solid frame shafts, do you? But maybe changing the tie up would be easier on that kind of loom, too. Anyway, I was proud that I thought of changing the tie up even before reading the comments! And, actually, couldn’t figure out even with the video just how you did it. I won’t even ask how you happened to make such an error…just thank you for sharing that you did!
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Hi Nanette, You’re right, this wouldn’t work with a jack loom with solid frame shafts, or with metal heddles. Hopefully, you’ll never make this kind of mistake, but changing the tie-up should work.
I don’t know how I made that mistake, either. My brain was just thinking in reverse for those two shafts. It took me quite a while to even see the error, because my brain kept seeing the two sets of heddles in reverse.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Joanna says:
I’m totally confused, not unusual. Was what you were doing was moving the heddles from S1 forward to S2’s position and S2’s heddles back to the S1 position by putting the heddles on a temporary stick and dragging them forward or backward and then re-inserting the shaft stick? Don’t the heddles and the temporary stick get hung up on the other heddles or the warp? I’m astounded! Very well done indeed.
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Joanna, You described it perfectly! That’s exactly what I did. I only had to put in a temporary stick (a warping slat) on the first shaft heddles. Then I could move the second shaft to the first shaft place. I then repeated the process under the warp. The only things that got in the way were the shaft bar cords that hold the upper shaft bars. I undid them and reconnected after the transfer. And the shaft-to-lamm cords under the warp had to be released, and then reconnected.
I decided to do it when I surveyed the situation and thought, if only I could just slide those heddles forward on the warp, and slide the others back. That got my wheels turning.
Karen
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Weaving Rugs Under Mugs
- By Karen
- February 21, 2017
- No Comments
I don’t mind slow weaving. The progress that is measured in hours, not minutes, is satisfying. I don’t mind fast weaving, either. It’s a chance to be productive. These mug rugs fall in the fast-weaving category. I can whip up a few of these in an afternoon.
Plain weave hems fill the space between rep weave mug rugs.
I hope to get 20 to 25 of these little mug rugs from this six-yard warp. I have to admit, it’s fun to weave something easy once in a while. Now, I can measure progress in minutes, instead of hours. We determine the value of things according to time and effort, don’t we? How long did it take, and how much effort? Some woven items are destined for elegance, and others are, simply, rugs under mugs.
Mug rugs begin to circle the cloth beam. Turquoise Cottolin weft thread alternates with black midi stringyarn. Block changes are made by weaving two thick picks in a row.
Grace doesn’t measure value that way. The Lord’s generous grace demonstrates true equality and fairness. His grace places equal value on people, not taking into account how “good” they are, or how much effort they extend to do “good” things. Grace is distributed equally. The Lord offers it to all, not because of who we are or what we have done, but because of who he is, and what he has done. That’s good news. The mug rugs may end up on an elegant table, after all.
May you receive and extend grace.
Happy weaving,
Karen
PS Plattväv Towel Kit update: Still in progress! You will be the first to know when the kits are ready.
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Skeleton Tie-Up on a Countermarch?
- By Karen
- February 17, 2017
- 11 Comments
I’ve been told that you cannot do a skeleton tie-up on a countermarch loom. That would require pressing two treadles at the same time, which is not feasible on a countermarch. Guess what? I have a skeleton tie-up, and I’m pressing two treadles at a time for the pattern blocks in this kuvikas structure. On my countermarch!
Trying to establish a consistent beat so that the squares are all the same size. Making the squares a little taller than they are wide will, hopefully, produce actual squares in the end. The fabric is expected to shrink more in length than in width when it is cut from the loom, and washed and dried.
It works because the tie-up is carefully planned to avoid conflicting treadle movements. I couldn’t be more thrilled with the square-within-a-square results. Isn’t it fascinating that a design such as this can be fashioned by hand, using a simple wooden loom and a bunch of strings, with a few simple tools? And a non-standard tie-up?
Pressing two treadles at the same time is surprisingly less cumbersome than I had imagined it would be. The whole series of motions feels like a slow majestic dance.
Have you seen the sky on a moonless night? Who made that starlit fabric? Who wove the pattern of the heavens? Who put the sun in place, and set the earth on its axis? How grand and glorious are these constant features of our existence! Our human hands can create no such thing. The heavens reveal the glorious nature of God. They shout the unmistakable truth that God is our Creator. Surely, the fabric we make with our hands serves to confirm that we belong in the hands of our Maker.
May the work of your hands be a reflection of you.
In awe,
Karen
11 Comments
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Betsy Greene says:
Hi Karen
This square pattern is really nice. Am I correct in thinking that kuvikas is similar to summer and winter? I have a countermarch loom also and would love to hear more details about your skeleton tie up.
Betsy-
Hi Betsy, You are correct, kuvikas is a Finnish term for what we commonly call summer and winter.
The double treadling is possible because of the tie-up. The pattern threads are on shafts 1 – 4, and the tie-down threads are on shafts 5 – 8. The trick is where to NOT tie up the treadles. You need two free-standing groups of shafts, so only the pattern shafts and only the tie-down shafts are tied to the treadles, besides the tabby shafts.
And then, the first 2 treadles produce the tabby for the background. Treadles 3 & 4 bind the pattern floats. Treadles 5 – 8 control the pattern’s various blocks.I’m afraid I did a poor job of explaining. You can find the draft in The Big Book of Weaving, by Laila Lundell, p. 164. She does a better job of describing how it works.:)
Happy weaving,
Karen-
Anonymous says:
Thanks. I have that book and never noticed that that project uses a skeleton tie up. I’ll have to add this to my to do list.
I always look forward to your posts.-
Whoops. I didn’t mean to be anonymous
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Hi Betsy, I hope you have a chance to try this project! I think you would enjoy it.
I so appreciate your sweet kind words.
Karen
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That is gorgeous, Karen! Thanks for sharing the source of the draft, too!
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Hi Marcia, I’m glad you like it. I like it a lot, too! I’m already thinking of using this draft to make some upholstery fabric for some chairs I want to cover.
All the best,
Karen
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Great idea, Jenny, Here’s a picture taken from the back of the loom.
From left to right, 2 treadles for tabby, 2 treadles for tie-down threads, 4 treadles for pattern. You can see that the tie-down and pattern shafts are independent of each other, which make double treadling possible.
Does that help?
Karen
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Carol says:
Hi Karen,
I really enjoy your blog. Thank you.
I also have a countermarch loom and am wondering how you get away with not tying up all eight shafts on every treadle. Do you know of a book that really explains countermarch ti-ups. I think I am missing something here. I must confess I am a new countermarch loom owner.-
Hi Carol, You ask some good questions!
How do I get away with not tying up all 8 shafts on every treadle? I don’t know. I’m learning as I go. Honestly, I have not found a lot of information about weaving with this type of tie-up on a countermarch loom. I have seen it mentioned a few places, but not explained. I tell myself that it is like weaving on two four-shaft looms that work together. 🙂 That may be way off!The thing to remember is that this is NOT a typical tie-up for a countermarch loom. I’ll have to say, it was a little finicky to get clean sheds, so I wouldn’t recommend this for someone until they have some serious weaving on eight shafts (with a “normal” tie-up) under their belt.
One helpful book that explains everything about a countermarch tie-up is Tying Up the Countermarch Loom, by Joanne Hall. But it doesn’t mention skeleton tie-ups. I guess I like to try things outside the norm…
I hope you enjoy your countermarch loom as much as I enjoy mine!
Karen
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Tools Day: Leveling String
- By Karen
- February 14, 2017
- 7 Comments
Thirty-five years ago, I took a beginner rigid heddle loom class. Our teacher taught us to use strips of toilet paper (or fat scrap yarn) as weft at the beginning of the weaving to space the warp. After several inches of weaving, the warp ends would fall into alignment. Unless fringe is planned, that beginning warp goes to waste, not to mention the unsightly aspect of the throwaway weft. Here comes the leveling string to the rescue! This piece of 12/6 cotton seine twine is just what we need to get off to a good start with every project we put on the loom. The leveling string levels out the warp ends, and delivers a nice, flat weaving surface. It is superb to be able to weave fabric right from the very beginning of the warp!
The use of a leveling string is also described in my three favorite books that detail how to warp a loom:
- The Big Book of Weaving, by Laila Lundell
- Learning to Warp Your Loom, by Joanne Hall
- Dress Your Loom the Vävstuga Way: A Benchside Photo Guide, by Becky Ashenden
Tools:
- Front tie-on bar with a hole at each end (Joanne Hall writes, “If there are no holes in your bar, replace the cord with a thin stick.” I have not tried this, but I trust anything Joanne says!)
- 12/6 cotton seine twine, the length of front tie-on bar, plus about 20 inches (I like to have plenty of string to tie the knots on the ends)
Steps:
1. Tie on warp in small bundles, about 1″ each, with half of the bundle’s ends going over, and half going under, the front tie-on bar (as seen in Step 3 pictures). Tie the ends together with a bow knot or other tie-on knot. (TIP – If you do not tie the knots too tight, it is easier to get even tension across the warp, and it is easier to tighten the leveling string in Step 4.)
2. Tie one end of the leveling string to one end of the front tie-on bar, using a slip knot with half bow.
3. Thread the leveling string over and under the tie-on bundles, going over the raised ends and under the lowered ends.
4. Tighten the leveling string while tapping it in with the beater.
5. Tie the end of the leveling string to the end of the front tie-on bar, using a slip knot with half bow, as before.
6. Weave to your heart’s content.
When you get to the end of the warp, and are ready for cutting off, simply tug the loose end of the string at one end of the bar to release the slip knot, and pull the leveling string out of the warp.
May you weave as soon as possible.
Happy Valentine’s Day,
Karen
7 Comments
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Ettenna says:
Will this work if I lash my yarn on? Does one have to tie the threads to the bar?
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Hi Ettenna, The only way I tie on is tying on to the tie-on bar. I don’t know if this works if you lash on. It’s worth a try! If you try it, please report back and let us know how it goes for you.
Great question!
Karen
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Hmm, sounds like we had the same beginning weaving teacher (minus the rigid heddle loom) My teacher of 31 years ago was incredible except for her way of spreading out the warp. It didn’t take me terribly long once weaving on my own to realize what a waste of warp using the toilet paper or rags were. I generally weave a few rows without beating, then beat, and repeat – the warp is spread out within an inch or less of weaving…….I use leftover yarn on bobbins around the same size as what I’ll be weaving with. I’ve seen your technique but never tried it – I’m definitely going to try it out on the next warp. Thanks!
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Hi Cindie, It wasn’t long for me, either, before I ditched the toilet paper routine. Ha ha, I guess that was a common “technique” for a while. Everything else for my teacher, too, was wonderful.
I’d love to hear back what you think of this method after you try it. How does it compare to what you are used to?
Happy Weaving!
Karen
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This looks great. I’m guessing you have made sure your tension is even and all of your knots are secure before putting in the leveling string. Is this correct? Do you use a particular knot when tying the warp bundles to the front bar? Surgeons knot or something?
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Ramona says:
Where did you purchase your tie-on bar? My weaving width is 40 inches, so a lease stick is too small and seems not as stout as yours. Thank you for such insightful information!
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Hi Ramona, The tie-on bar came with the loom. I’m sure one could be made to fit your loom. The wood needs to be good and solid, and straight.
Karen
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Copyright © 2019
Lovely video, Karen! I always enjoy your blogposts and, as a very new weaver, am constantly learning from you. Thank you so much for sharing your process.
I appreciate your kind thoughts, Sabine! It makes me very happy to know that you learn things here that are helpful to you.
Happy weaving,
Karen
That was lovely:). I do so enjoy your blog! What issue of handwoven were the towels in? The guild has them all to research! Very nice
Hi Meg, And I enjoy having you here!
The towels were in the Nov/Dec 2016 issue of Handwoven. Thank you for asking.
All the best,
Karen
You and your work are to be admired.
Sweet Beth, I feel touched by your kind compliment. I’ve only done what I know to do. I’m blessed to have this opportunity at the loom.
Love,
Karen
Very well done video, Karen! I like your scarf, too.
Thank you so much, D’Anne! I have another linen scarf just like it that I’m going to list on Etsy soon.
Happy weaving,
Karen
What a wonderful video!
Thanks, Cindie, I have a wonderful videographer! (Who happens to be my loving son-in-law.)
Karen
Great video, Karen! Your work is very inspiring to me!
Hi Marcia, Thank you! What a sweet compliment. I say the same about the work I’ve seen of yours.
All the best,
Karen
This is wonderful! I’m new to your blog. It’s just great! Thank you for taking the time to share your passion with all of us!
Hi Mary, It’s my pleasure! Thanks for joining in.
Karen
Karen,
I enjoyed seeing you and hearing about your weaving attitude. You make it all look easy and your work is beautiful !!
Linda
Hi Linda, I appreciate your thoughtful words so much! Most of it is easy. I just follow the necessary steps, one step at a time.
Happy weaving,
Karen
oh how lovely! well deserved attention 🙂
Thank you, Cat! Thank you so much! I feel blessed to be able to share what I enjoy doing.
Karen
Neato Karen! I’m really enjoying having you as my weaving friend on my computer in my weaving room. I so look forward to your blogs and it’s really enjoyable to see well made videos and great camera work. Excellent.
Alison
Dear Alison, What a treat to be friends with you! Your encouragement means so much to me.
Your weaving friend,
Karen
Thank you for letting us in to your world for a few minutes. I appreciate your artistry and your motivation to share it with others for good. 🙂
Dear Cindy, I love having you in “my world.” It is such a joy to have friends to share these things with. You have no idea how much your kind words have touched me. Bless you.
Love,
Karen
Love the video and hearing about your heart in your weaving and in your blog!
Hi Wende, It’s a blessing to be able to sit at the loom and have friends “come in” and visit! I appreciate your kind words.
Love,
Karen