Process Review: Casita Tapestry
- By Karen
- May 28, 2019
- 20 Comments
This little Casita travel trailer is a good symbol of the retirement phase for Steve and me. I started the tapestry a few months before our move to Texas hill country, in anticipation of our new adventures. And then, the day after Steve retired we went to Rice, Texas and drove away with our new Casita La Perlita (Little Pearl), as if to say, “Let the adventure begin!”

Enjoy the Casita tapestry review.
May your adventures come at just the right time.
Happy journeying,
Karen
20 Comments
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Tried and True: Another Use for Thrums
- By Karen
- May 14, 2019
- 9 Comments
Handwoven towels need handwoven hanging tabs. I finished the Vavstuga cottolin towel warp, so now it’s time to put my band loom to use. Why not use the warp thrums to make the woven band? The length of the thrums is too short for the band loom, so I am knotting two ends together for each strand.


Everything is starting out just fine, but my inexperience with the “weaver’s knot” proves problematic. One by one, the knots are working themselves loose. I re-tie each failed knot into a confident square knot. Finally, after three weaver’s knot failures, I decided to advance the warp far enough to get past the knots altogether. Smooth sailing after that, and I still ended up with plenty of woven band for the six woven towels.


I like finding another good use for the thrums. So, I will do this again. But next time, I’ll do a refresher on knot tying before I begin.
May your knots hold tight.
All the best,
Karen
9 Comments
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What a great idea!
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It is great to find a use for the thrums. I cringe when the work of the spinner is cut away. My last thrums were set aside for raspberry tie ups. Someone else I know uses hers for pillow stuffing.
I am not familiar with a weaver’s knot. Would you have time in a future posting describe?
Kind regards,
Nannette
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I know the people in the weaving industry can tie the weaver’s knot very quickly, but unless I need the tiny knot, I find it is quicker to put the two ends together and tie an overhand knot.
I did find some instructions quite a few years ago that I was actually able to remember without looking up instructions, and made a pictorial blog post here: https://jennybellairs.blogspot.com/search?q=Weaver’s+knot
It doesn’t seem to work well on all weights of yarn though, especially thick firm yarns.
Karen, I enjoy your blog posts and look forward to learning something new, especially since getting my Glimakra Standard 10 shaft loom last summer.
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Thank you Jenny,
The knot looks so easy to be such a challenge. Thank you for sharing your blog. Besides Karen’s blog I have been binging on the vlog Curmudeon66 out of DePere Wisconsin. Content driven by a retired guy with the heart of a teacher.
My Blog is all over the place. The latest weaving posting is linked below. My work is primitive at best. Hoping to improve with each project.
http://piasinitimes.blogspot.com/2018/04/plarn-mat-for-homeless.htmlWhen I have time I will have to put in a few more posts of my spring projects.
Kind regards,
Nannette
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Maybe take the trums and tie together and knit or crochet a washcloth?
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Weaving Some Simple Borders
- By Karen
- May 7, 2019
- 9 Comments
I need to free up this little loom in order to put on a different warp that has a deadline. So, now that I have returned from my travels, my attention is going to these towels. My friend is letting me weave this lovely cottolin warp that she got at Vavstuga.



Straight twill, point twill, broken twill, and now “rick-rack.” And after that, a couple towels in plain weave. Everyone who weaves this Vavstuga towel kit and follows the instructions will end up with the same six towels. True? Not necessarily. I like to step off the expected path. That is why I vary the weft and include some type of simple border design on each towel.




There is a wide path that is crowded with many people. It’s the common and expected way of life. It’s where you stay if you want to fit in with everyone else. But if you search for it, you’ll find an uncommon path. It’s narrow; and few find it. It’s the path of life that is found in Jesus Christ. Stand in the narrow path. That is where your unique features will show up as border designs that set you apart as a cherished child of God.
May you be set apart.
Happy weaving,
Karen
9 Comments
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What a timely post this is! I have a long striped towel warp on that I was getting seriously bored with after only two towels. Right now it’s 4S/2T in a straight draw, but I was mulling over putting more treadles on and fiddling with the tie-up. Thanks for helping me decide (I’m prone to dithering). Bless you, Karen.
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Your posts are so inspiring! How do you use the grosgrain ribbon? as a measuring device? Like a cash register tape bit not as bulky and fragile.?
Thanks ,in advance ,for your help in explaining that process!Kris
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Welcome home, Karen! I am sure that you missed your looms! Were you able to finish the tapestry from Big Bend?
I also like to try different tie ups or striping when I make towels. I like the combination of striping and pattern you have with those colors. -
Five sentences, so precious, choose the narrow path!
Thank you and Blessings.
Linda
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Thank you, Karen, for such wise words. I had been questioning my decision to simplify my life. While simplification is good for contemplation it can be a bit lonely. Weaving provides those moments for contemplation and it is encouraging to hear from someone who is like-minded. To know Christ’s narrow path is well worth it. Then I realize I’m not so lonely after all. Indeed, thank you for the encouraging words.
Love it!
Thanks!
Karen
It’s wonderful. I love the texture you’ve managed to build in. What a lovely way to remember your adventure!
Hi Petrina, It was fun to give it some texture. I’m glad you like it.
Thanks,
Karen
Love your tapestry and all the beautiful symbolism attached. What a treasure!
Thanks for sharing your dreamy retirement.
Hi Marian! We are certainly enjoying this retirement phase.
Thank you!
Karen
It’s marvelous, Karen! May all of your adventures bring happiness. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much, Beth!
Karen
It’s just marvelous!
Hi Betsy, I’m glad you like it!
Thanks,
Karen
Karen
You really have nice depth of field in this tapestry. It’s terrific!
Betsy
Hi Betsy, What a great compliment. Thank you very much!
Karen
Oh, I really love this!
Thanks for sharing it.
Greatings from Marga, from The Netherlands,
Hi Marga, I’m excited to have someone from The Netherlands pay a visit here. Thank you for leaving such a kind thought.
All the best,
Karen
Hi Karen,
Love the clouds.
Nice…
May you have many travels in your Casita with loom at hand.
Nannette
Hi Nannette, Can I give you a hug? You are such an encourager.
Karen
Your tapestry is great and I love your little casita. It is so cute. What fun to explore as you are able to do with it.
Hi Gail, We do enjoy our fun times with the Casita!
Thanks,
Karen
How cute. You did a great Job. Almost looks like a photograph
Hi Cynthia, Thanks so much! It was a lot of fun to work on.
Karen