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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Drawloom Cords and Handles
- By Karen
- June 18, 2019
- 15 Comments
My first drawloom warp used ten pattern shafts, which was plenty. I have now installed the cords and draw handles for all fifty pattern shafts, so the sky’s the limit! (See Process Review: First Drawloom Warp)
Adding all these draw cords and handles is a big job. It involves a cord threader and scissors and time—reaching, going back and forth, measuring, cutting, tying. Over and over. It’s not hard, but it seems endless. Yet for some strange reason this job is entirely enjoyable. I feel like an architect and builder, a dreamer and investor. It’s incredible to step back and see the structure that this effort has produced. And this is merely the set up. Can you imagine the weaving prospects?!
This is how we build good structures in our lives. Intentional, persistent, focused. Listen well. Over and over. The way we speak makes a difference in the way we listen. When we speak with grace, seasoned for the hearer, we ready ourselves to listen. Our cord threader is our unselfish attentiveness to pull someone else’s thoughts and questions toward our understanding. With this beautiful structure we are ready for anything. Accomplished through the grace of God, the sky’s the limit!
May your words be seasoned with grace.
Getting ready,
Karen
15 Comments
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Beth Mullins says:
Looks so complicated!
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Hi Beth, I know it looks complicated. That’s what I always thought. I’ve been surprised to learn that it’s actually a series of simple steps to set this up.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
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Oh, my goodness. The loom set up is a piece of sculpture. Precision. Symmetry one view. Asymmetrical from another direction. Soooo beautiful.
Function that is a finely tuned instrument.
Thankful for sharing.
Nannette-
Hi Nannette, Yes, It is a piece of sculpture. A fluid sculpture. You’ve given it a beautiful description.
All the best,
Karen-
At one o’clock this morning I finished weaving up the last of the rag on the overshot warp. The plan was to cut off the 3 rugs and re-tie the warp to use to explore tapestry as described in one of your more recent blogs.
Curmugeon66 uses a stick to stabilize the woven edge until it can be machine hemmed. So… I pulled out a stick. Put it on the beater bar while I pulled the 3 rugs from the loom.. You know where I am going with this.
By the time I heard the stick hit the treadles, hours of carpet warp had been pulled from the reed. It was hot and sticky and I was tired.
This morning’s Sound Bites daily devotional title was ‘Paying Attention’.
Today’s plan is to put a sewing machine hem on the rag rugs and pack them up to take to the future retirement home.There is nothing else to say… Well maybe “Praise God”
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Lynette says:
Please send more posts on how it works! Will be eager to see! Also, how wide of a Glimakra Standard Loom is needed to fit all 50 pattern shafts? (Minimum width) It looks like it will be fun.
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Hi Lynette, I will post my progress with this loom. My Glimåkra Standard is 120cm (47”), but I think this same draw frame fits on a smaller Standard or Ideal—maybe 100cm (39”). Someone who knows for sure can comment on this to verify.
It will certainly be fun! That I know.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
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Arlene Favreau-Pysher says:
I love the spiritual aspect of weaving and being that listener…. and incorporating the other person into our being …thank you for your post. Arlene
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Hi Arlene, Thanks for your thoughtful words!
I’m so grateful for the Lord’s grace to show us how to make others more important than ourselves.
All the best,
Karen
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Annie says:
That whole set up just boggles my mind! Nannette’s description is perfect!
Hopefully, I will have an opportunity to come see this in person one day, Karen.
In the mean time, I am looking forward to some videos of you weaving with this.50?! I really don’t know if I could keep that all straight!
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Hi Annie, It’s my hope to make some short videos of the drawloom. Thanks for the prompt.
Yes, 50 pattern shafts. That means 50 handles to pull. The more, the merrier!
All the best,
Karen
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Judy says:
Karen thank you for your posts on the drawloom. I have an old countermarche loom that I would love to build a drawloom for. I find this very interesting and can’t wait to see what you do with it. I have taken a basic drawloom course. You have inspired me to get started.
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Hi Judy, How wonderful that you are dreaming of building a drawloom for your countermarch! Dreams are where the action begins!
Happy Weaving,
Karen
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Keri Mae says:
Beautiful post!
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Tried and True: Designing with Fibonacci
- By Karen
- June 11, 2019
- 18 Comments
Before starting, I sketched out several versions of the finished blanket, showing different sizes and arrangements of the rectangle blocks. My favorite version is one with a random look. This twelve-shaft double weave has three blocks. Block 1 is a solid color across the warp. Block 2 has a narrow, vertical contrasting rectangle. Block 3 has a wide, horizontal contrasting rectangle. The warp threading determines the width of the rectangles. But the height of the rectangles is determined by the treadling pattern. I decided to use a Fibonacci sequence of numbers in random order to guide my treadling options as I weave.
Low-Tech Random Fibonacci Sequence
1 Determine the desired range of the Fibonacci sequence. 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13
2 Determine the number of repeat options for each block (one repeat is 4 picks per double-weave layer).
- Block 1, solid color – 2 repeats every time
- Block 2, narrow rectangle – 2, 3, 5, 8, or 13 repeats
- Block 3, wide rectangle – 1, 2, 3, or 5 repeats
3 Write each number of the sequence on individual squares of paper. Make three sets of these numbers. 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13
4 Fold each paper square in half and place in a container at the loom. Mix thoroughly.
5 Randomly select a paper square to reveal the number of repeats for the next narrow or wide rectangle block.
For this blanket I have a woven hem and border, and then two repeats of Block 1 (solid color) between alternating Block 2 (narrow) and Block 3 (wide) rectangles of varying heights.
Surprise is built in which makes it hard to leave the loom. “Just one more block,” I tell myself…
May you be greeted by random (happy) surprises.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
18 Comments
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What a fabulous piece of work!
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Hi Beth, I’m glad to have some success after such a rocky start with this Tuna wool. Thanks for your sweet compliment!
Happy threads,
Karen
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Maggie Ackerman says:
I love the controlled randomness and the fun of the unknown design.
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Hi Maggie, I’ve always been intrigued by random-looking designs. But the control part is important to keep some coherence. I appreciate your observations!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Betsy Greene says:
Love it! I can’t wait to see the whole blanket off the loom. This design would also make a great rug.
Weave on
Betsy-
Hi Betsy, You’re right. This would make an incredible rug design! Hmmm, I’ll have to give that some thought.
Thanks for the input,
Karen
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Charlotte says:
What a wonderful used of Fibonacci!!!!! And, you have fun finding out the next block to weave…always a surprise.
I hope to visit soon as there are so many of “our kind” of stories to share with you from the Navajo mothers and daughters….so, so many!!!!
Thank you, for being in my life…
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Hi Charlotte, Fibonacci sequence is a mathematical wonder when you consider how often it appears in creation. I like coming up with ways to use it in design.
Looking forward to hearing your stories.
All the best,
Karen
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Wende says:
Beautiful!
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How adventurous! I can’t wait to see how it turns out!
Love that shade of blue, Karen. -
Michele says:
I love this random use of Fibronacci. Your blanket is going to be fabulous. I try to use Fibronacci in my Mexican Tapestries, but have never tried picking a number at random. This sounds like so much fun and I am definitely going to try it.
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Hi Nannette, I’m glad you like it. If it comes out great, we can say it was God’s guidance; but if it turns out to be a flop, I better take the credit/blame.
Thanks,
Karen
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D’Anne says:
Lovely result, Karen. Love that beautiful blue!
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Hi D’Anne, Good to hear from you. This blue is the star of the show! Vavstuga calls it Lapis Lazuli.
Thanks,
Karen
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Pictorial Tapestry Weaving
- By Karen
- June 4, 2019
- 21 Comments
Inspired by some of Joanne Hall’s exquisite large tapestries, I have been taking steps to learn her techniques. This fascinating style that is unique to Joanne enables her to weave large tapestries at a comfortable pace. My Lizard tapestry last year was a step in this direction. (See Quiet Friday: Lizard Tapestry.) One thing that the lizard taught me is how much more I need to learn. So, you can imagine my delight in having the opportunity to take a Pictorial Tapestry Weaving workshop taught by Joanne Hall last week! (Contemporary Handweavers of Texas Conference in Fort Worth was the setting.)
Things to remember: Don’t beat hard. Bubble the weft more. Color theory is invaluable for adding depth and intensity. Simplify the cartoon. And countless more bits of insight and instruction! I am invigorated in my pursuit to develop these tapestry skills. Expect to see a tapestry on my 120cm Glimåkra Standard in coming days.
I find myself pondering how experiences fall into place in our lives. There are times when the stepping stones seem to be set out before us, showing the way, when we don’t know exactly where we are going. The Lord knows where I am going. He knows me. And he kindly sets out the next steps. Perhaps he smiles as he sees our delight when we figure out that we are the bundles of yarn in his tapestry.
May your joy in learning never cease.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
21 Comments
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Petrina says:
Thank you for sharing this. It is so interesting.
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Hi Petrina, I’m glad you find it interesting. There’s so much to discover!
All the best,
Karen
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Beautiful! Looking forward to seeing your progress. I don’t have the patience for tapestry.
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Hi Beth, You might be surprised. In some ways it is similar to the inlay I’ve seen you do, but on a larger scale.
In any case, I’m pleased that there are so many directions we can go with yarn and threads and a loom.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Wow! Karen, you are always doing something amazing! Thank you for sharing the workshop since I was unable to attend any this year.
I am curious as to how you were able to bring your loom. It doesn’t look very portable.
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Hi Annie, The whole conference was a great experience. Maybe you will be able to attend next time, 2021 in San Antonio.
These Swedish looms are easy to take apart and put back together. Think of it as large Lincoln Logs. The side gables are the biggest pieces. The rest —beams, crossbars, treadles, lamms— all fit into two large duffel bags. The gables and the duffel bags fit in the back seat of our Toyota Tacoma.
Karen
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Oh my darling Karen! It is wonderful, reading your blog, this morning. En route to the Navajo Nation, our vehicle died in Albuquerque. What a story I have to share…His goodness to us…to place His people in our path…each one learning of us and needing prayer for themselves and their families. What a miraculous day He had planned.
Thank you for being YOU! Thank you for taking such grand pictures from our workshop with Joanne. It passed by us all too quickly.-
Hi Charlotte, I love the accounts of God’s faithfulness.
Glad we got to share some learning time together.
All the best,
Karen
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Betsy says:
So fun to re-live the class through your pictures! Love your lily, that came out very well. I still haven’t put the Julia back together, I want to give it new dowels, so a trip to Lowe’s is on the list.
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Hi Betsy, I’m so glad my CM loom had a sister in the room! It was fun to get to weave side-by-side with you.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Vivian says:
It is so uplifting to learn from your heroes. It is a well of kindness that keeps on giving. Thank you for sharing. I appreciate the breakdown of technique and you were able to make tapestry seem just a little more approachable.
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Hi Vivian, “Hero” is a good word to describe Joanne. We are fortunate that she is so willing to share her expertise.
If tapestry weaving seems more approachable, then I’ve accomplished one of my goals. Thanks!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Joanna says:
Hi Karen, thanks for another great post. Joanne’s wildflower tapestry is a marvel. I’m wondering where she managed to find so many colors in what appears to be the same weight of yarn. Was it perhaps woven in the era of the famous Paternayan yarns (gone now and sadly missed)?
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Hi Joanna, That’s a great question about the yarn. If Joanne sees this maybe she will leave a comment.
In the workshop we used mostly 6/2 Tuna wool and 6/1 Fårö wool. We made butterflies with the equivalent of 4 strands of Tuna wool. Using several strands together introduces great ability for variety of color and shading.
I agree that Joanne’s tapestries are marvels.
Happy weaving,
Karen-
Back in the day I did a lot of needlepoint using Paternayan Persian wool yarn. The yarn came as 3 strands of 2-ply yarn and that put-up, combined with an incredible color range, enabled the stitcher to create the exact shade needed. It spoiled me. Do you know the date of JH’s wildflower tapestry?
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Joanna, I’m sure your needlepoint images were spectacular!
Joanne Hall’s Texas Wildflowers tapestry was installed the summer of 1995.
Karen
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Anonymous says:
Hi Joanna,
As Karen said, we used 2 ply Swedish wools, Tuna, 109 colors available from Glimakra. We can extend the color choices by also using the Faro yarn,an additional 74 colors, using two strands as one. I did some dyeing for the Texas Wildflowers tapestry, as it is hard to get clear pastel colors.
Joanne
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Amazing. Beautiful.
Right place. Right time. The rose path warp on my loom is exceeding my filler on some rag rugs. This technique has inspired me to weave the last rug as a tapestry in a simple design from stringers of red currants.
Always an inspiration. Always a blessing.
Thank you.
Nannette-
Hi Nannette, I would love to do some tapestry rag rugs at some point. I was thinking about that earlier this morning. Good for you!
All the best,
Karen
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Cindy says:
What a treat to open your blog for the first time since I signed up and see my little pear! I had so much to learn and Joanne stuffed as much as she could into my sponge of a brain. Not sure where it will lead, but such an intriguing path!
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Hi Cindy, Your pear deserved to be seen! It’s good to go as sponges. It will be interesting to see where all this leads!
All the best,
Karen
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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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It’s wonderful. I love the texture you’ve managed to build in. What a lovely way to remember your adventure!
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Marian says:
Love your tapestry and all the beautiful symbolism attached. What a treasure!
Thanks for sharing your dreamy retirement. -
It’s marvelous, Karen! May all of your adventures bring happiness. Thank you for sharing!
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It’s just marvelous!
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Karen
You really have nice depth of field in this tapestry. It’s terrific!
Betsy -
Oh, I really love this!
Thanks for sharing it.Greatings from Marga, from The Netherlands,
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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
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Hi Karen,
Love the clouds.
Nice…
May you have many travels in your Casita with loom at hand.Nannette
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Gail L Goodrick says:
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.
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How cute. You did a great Job. Almost looks like a photograph
Copyright © 2019
Love the drawloom project! I’m getting ready to dress my loom for retro-inspired kitchen towels. Enjoy July!
Hi Beth, Your towels sound like fun!
Happy Weaving,
Karen
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
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
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!!!!!
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
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!
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
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.
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
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!
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
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!