Yarn Is My Paint
- By Karen
- October 15, 2019
- 4 Comments
The best thing about weaving a pictorial tapestry? Having a cartoon to follow, with row-by-row definition. This Siblings tapestry has its joys and challenges. It is a joy to weave Ari’s hair, as if I get to comb his locks into place. At the same time, it’s a challenge to see up close what can only be recognized at a distance. Lucia’s shirt is a joy to weave because of the bright colors and distinct shading. But what a challenge to get the right value of turquoise for the leg of the rabbit hutch in relation to the value of orange in Lucia’s left shoulder.
The yarn is my paint. I make decisions and adjustments as I see how the colors interact. Under the warp, of course, is my cartoon with all the details—outline, hues, value changes. That cartoon is constant, unchanging, and reassuring. It’s the key to this whole process.
In the joys and challenges we face, we make decisions based on what we see. Take a look below the surface. Look through the warp to see the cartoon. True love is in the details. Jesus instructs and guides through his love. Constant, unchanging, and reassuring. It makes perfect sense to follow the Maker’s cartoon.
May you grow in love.
With joy,
Karen
4 Comments
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Put the Linen Back to Use
- By Karen
- October 1, 2019
- 12 Comments
Almost in tears, I chained off the remaining linen warp, a handful of ends at a time. I had come to the end of the Lizard tapestry. There was still enough warp to weave another small tapestry, but because of our move, there wasn’t enough time. Oh, beautiful linen, what am I going to do with you? Too precious to hide or throw away. See Quiet Friday: Lizard Tapestry.
Linen washcloths, made completely from linen leftovers. Now, almost a year later, this is the answer for my precious linen warp—now weft. A single thread, or two or three bundled together. What a glorious way to put the beautiful linen back to work. See how these colors—blue, turquoise, and brown—influence the warp colors (also all leftovers)? It’s delightful.
Where have your dreams and hopes been cut short? We all have times when disappointments make us wonder about our purpose. The Lord isn’t finished with you. As the Grand Weaver, he knows how to put leftovers to use. The Lord weaves us into connections with people. Influence a few for good. Your kind touch makes a difference in those lives with whom you personally intersect. The outcome is delightful.
May your connections be worthwhile.
Love,
Karen
12 Comments
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Beth Mullins says:
What a great way to turn lemons into lemonade! The towels will be beautiful!
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Hi Beth, It’s rewarding to find a way to use up something that would have gone to waste.
Thanks!
Karen
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Joyce Lowder says:
Karen, your message is well taken.. I hope you will be taking your own words to heart…as they so reflect who you are! You do, indeed, influence others, in your witnessing!
I am totally amazed at your Beautiful Lizard; (he does deserve a name!) But even more, I am amazed at how you put the remaining warp to use, and at the same time, use left over threads, connected all along, for your weft.May God continue to bless you..and your husband, as he transitions into retirement and as you make adjustments, so both of you may enjoy time together.!
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Hi Joyce, Your thoughtfulness shines through in all your words! Thank you. I do aspire to be a positive influence when possible, so thank you for that affirmation.
A name for the Lizard? Haha. I think I named him once, but I can’t remember what the name is. To me, I think he will always be Lizard, with a capital L.
Steve’s retirement has been a blessing to both of us so far. We thoroughly enjoy the time we have together.
All the best,
Karen
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Tena Bell says:
I am a brand new weaver and my instructor recommended your blog. Thank you for weaving life’s lessons into all that you do. God bless you!
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Hi Tena, I’m so thankful you decided to check out Warped for Good! (And please tell your weaving instructor I said thanks to her.)
Feel free to ask questions as you wander into this weaving arena. You’re in for some great experiences at the loom!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Beautiful solution Barb… very impressed that the small chains are being used and the towels are really special!
bethany in Kingston ON-
Hi Bethany, I couldn’t throw them away. And I didn’t want to let those linen chains stay in the box too long. So I’m glad to have found a solution!
All the best,
Karen
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Karen, my waste not want not German grandma would be proud of you. Not only useful. Beautiful.
Nannette-
Hi Nannette, My German grandma was the same way! I must have it in me genes.
Thank you,
Karen
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Lyna says:
Waffle weave washcloths are a wonderful way to use those leftovers and bits! How big do you think they will be after wet finishing?
Your reflections on the ‘Grand Weaver’ are part of why I follow your blog, thank you! One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 31:13, “She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands [to develop it].” (Amplified Version) It is deeply satisfying to make-with our own hands-things that are not only beautiful but useful and necessary to our homes. Plus weaving lends itself to so many metaphors!-
Hi Lyna, I have never done waffle weave before, so I made my calculations based on an article in Väv Magazine for linen waffle weave. It said to expect 20% shrinkage. I have it at 44 cm on the loom, so hopefully, they will end up about 35.2 cm / 13-14″ wide. We’ll see… 🙂
Yes, the verse in Proverbs 31 means a lot to me, as well! It’s sweet to make a connection with you in this way. Thanks so much for sharing your heart.
In Him,
Karen
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What to Do with Linen Leftovers
- By Karen
- September 3, 2019
- 14 Comments
These waffle-weave washcloths are made out of my linen leftovers. For years, I’ve been saving linen scraps: the small amount left on the tube, quills that weren’t used up, thrums that I couldn’t bear to discard, and skinny warp chains from the times I accidentally wound a few extra warp ends.
The warp is 16/2 linen. I alternated two colors at a time in the warp, so there are interesting color-and-weave effects that outline the “waffles” in the weave.
The linen for the weft is everything from fine 16/1 line linen to coarse 8/1 tow linen. I am purposely leaving weft tails exposed. I expect significant shrinkage, so I will trim the tails shorter after wet finishing.
Ideas for this project originated with Clean with Linen, by Sanna Ignell in Väv 2016 No.2, p.6, and Handtowels made of linen, by Elisabet Jansson in Happy Weaving from Vävmagasinet, p.31.
Do you have precious leftovers you’ve saved from your journey through life? Memories we don’t want to lose. And memories we wish we could forget. All these leftover threads serve as reminders that we are meant for more than what we can produce on our own. Here’s the good news. Love invites us to hand over our collection of scraps. Listen to Love. His name is Jesus. He takes our linen discards, and, with nothing wasted, weaves his beautiful story of redemption in us.
May your leftovers be given new life.
Love,
Karen
14 Comments
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Beautifully said, Karen! And great idea! 🙂
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Hi Joyce, Thank you! This is an idea that has been brewing for quite some time. I’m glad to get it on the loom.
All the best,
Karen
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Robin says:
Fantastic idea!
Would love to see pix of the finished wash cloth. Perhaps a future post?-
Hi Robin, Thanks for giving your thoughts! I will be happy to show pictures of the wash cloths when they are finished! I’ll be as surprised as you at the results. I expect to get 10 wash cloths from this warp, so hang on, it may take a while.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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An album quilt I made for my daughter’s wedding was cobbled together of the obvious dress fabric from her childhood, but also needle work from her ancestors. Textiles too fragile to use as originally designed, but reinforced and added to the beauty of the quilt designed for the next generations to come.
One block included a piece of weaving done on a home made loom by my husband’s grandmother.
Leftovers from earlier generations kept to build something useful and beautiful.
Nothing goes to waste in God’s world.
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Hi Nannette, Your quilt sounds fantastic. What a wonderful gift, full of meaning.
“Nothing goes to waste in God’s world.” Amen!
All the best,
Karen
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Linda Cornell says:
Beautifully said!
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Hi Laurie, Yes, I am doing a plain weave hem. I am sure it will not contract the same as the waffle weave. I expect the hem to look a bit wavy. Since this is my first time to do waffle weave, I’m waiting to see what it does for sure. 🙂
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Charlotte says:
I cannot believe, yet I must! The timing of your post – waffleweave wash cloths to my drawdown for the next project – waffleweave wash cloths! Isn’t this fun?!?!?!
Mine will be 12/6 seine twine. The warp on the drawloom is nearly tweaked for a new run of Casita bath towels – Cottolin. The wash cloth warp will go on Julia once my Marines have come and gone. Also, for the Casita.The Inkle loom is warped for the hang loops…it’ll go to the mountains with us.
Oh how I love the direction of our path and sharing it, such a sweet gift!
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Hi Charlotte, How fun! And believe it or not, yesterday I finished the drawdown for my next project on the Standard – Cottolin bath towels! Wow, you and I are really in sync.
Love,
Karen
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Betty Morrissey says:
HI!
Can’t’ wait to see them. Love how everything finds its purpose.-
Hi Betty, With purpose there’s hope. And we all need hope. I’ll keep you posted on the progress and finishing of these washcloths. Stay tuned…
All the best,
Karen
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Tapestry Butterflies and Video Tutorial
- By Karen
- August 27, 2019
- 12 Comments
Wool butterflies are my crayons. I use them to color the spaces of my color-by-number cartoon that’s under the warp. I am using Borgs 6/2 Tuna wool and Borgs 6/1 Fårö wool in this tapestry, combining strands of various colors to get just the right hue, value, and intensity. Getting that right is the hard part. Winding butterflies is the easy part. Especially if you learned it from Joanne Hall, as I did.
It is essential to know how to make a good butterfly when you want to weave a tapestry on a big floor loom like this. A good butterfly is compact enough to easily pass through warp ends. And secure enough to stay intact through all those passes. It also needs to have a tail that is simple to extend. A good butterfly never ends up in a knot or a jumble of threads, but instead, gives your hands pure delight as it flows through your fingers to color your tapestry.
This video shows how I make my tapestry butterflies.
May your days be colored with delight.
From the crayon box,
Karen
12 Comments
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Beautiful colors! 🙂 Nice, simple video. 🙂
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Good morning, dearest! What a lovely way to start my day…a fresh cup of coffee and your sweet video. I am so thankful that we were able to take Joanne’s workshop. I finally finished my sample and realize how much I like the movement in the cloth. There isn’t a cartoon in mind, for me. But, I hope one day to dream up something and put it on the floor loom.
Thank you for blessing me with your faithful love and kindness…
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Hi Charlotte, I, too, am grateful for that pictorial tapestry workshop! Movement in the cloth is a good way to describe it. It’s such a satisfying way to do tapestry.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Well, isn’t that slick?! Thanks to you and Joanne for sharing this trick!
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Hi Beth, It is slick! Before I learned this simple method, my butterflies were nothing but trouble, coming undone and ending up in knots. Something so simple can make a huge difference.
Have a great day!
Karen
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Annie says:
Thank you for the video on butterflies, Karen! I have tried them from a book illustration and was thoroughly disappointed. They were loose and sloppy so I bought tapestry bobbins instead.
I am saving this video for a future planned project.May you have a blessed day. I am looking forward to seeing what you create with with these butterflies.
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Hi Annie, It’s nice to have butterflies that hold together. I had trouble with mine, too, before learning this method.
This tapestry will give me many hours of enjoyment! I’ll show it little by little.
All the best,
Karen
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Butterflies were used on a cardboard tapestry loom for a 1973 high school art project. The slick wrapping was not taught.
It would appear there is more to learn, even I areas I was confident..
Don’t know about West Texas, but after a humid, rainy and sunless Monday..Tuesday is dry and cloudless. Beautiful day! New skill! God is in the heavens today.
Nannette
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Hi Nannette, You have a great memory. It’s sweet that you remember these details from a high school art project.
In this part of Texas (not quite considered West Texas), sunshine and scattered clouds have been the norm. Every day is a good day!
Blessings,
Karen
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Allison Grove says:
Thanks for this video. I’ve struggled with using butterflies, but now realize I haven’t been winding the tail end tight enough and too few times. Allison
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Hi Allison, I’m thrilled that this video was a help to you. Now, you’ll have even more fun as you weave tapestries.
Happy weaving,
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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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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Copyright © 2019
I admire your patience…and very much so, your talent.
Hi Beth, Thank you so much for your thoughtful insights. You’re making me reflect on patience and talent. Patience doesn’t seem hard for me most of the time—at the loom, at least. I like the whole slow process, so I’m not in a hurry about it. Talent, on the other hand, seems elusive. I think patience and talent may be related. The more patient I am to practice what I know, the more talented I get. 🙂
Happy weaving,
Karen
Good morning Karen,
You are an artist nose to toes. To do the weaving that you do requires a working skill of the craft. No matter how much I tried, the skill to make music from the viola was not possible because the craft was beyond my physical ability. As much as the mind desires, without the craftsmanship foundation to describe creativity, nothing happens. Mathematics, so necessary with science and engineering and business. Color theory with the visual. Mechanical understanding of the instrument, viola or loom or CNC or human body.
You are constantly sharing as you explore the craft of weaving. Your craftsmanship is honed to the best it can be. With that, the blessing of being an artist occurred. It is like running barefoot in a field as a child with no cares… Just the freedom of no boundaries.
God has blessed you with being a textile artist and you have extended that to the world with your blog.
Praise God. Thank you Karen.
Nannette
Hi dear Nannette, What a beautiful thing for you to say! I will take it to heart.
Love,
Karen