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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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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Joanna says:
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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Hi Joanna, I tend to thrive on variety. Maybe you’re like me in that regard? I have changed the tie-up three times on this warp so far. With only four shafts, it’s an easy way to change things up. The instructions that came with the Vavstuga towel kit gave different tie-up options, so I thought – why not do them all? 🙂
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Kristin Martzall says:
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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Hi Kristin, Welcome!
The marked grosgrain ribbon came with the Vavstuga towel kit. I normally use twill tape for the same purpose – to pre-measure the desired length of what I am weaving. Here’s a blog post I wrote about it: Tools Day: Measured WeavingHappy weaving!
Karen
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Annie says:
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.-
Hi Annie, I made some good progress on my Big Bend tapestry while away. But my floor looms have a louder voice in calling me than the portable frame loom does. I guess I better set aside some quiet evening time to finish the tapestry.
Thanks!
Karen
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Linda Cornell says:
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.
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Tame the Wool
- By Karen
- April 23, 2019
- 10 Comments
I am in Germany this week, but before I left home I started the blue wool blanket. Twelve shafts and twelve treadles is challenge enough. Double weave with a sett of 5 EPC (12 EPI) per layer in 6/2 Tuna wool adds to the challenge. This wool stubbornly clings to itself in this sett. I don’t care to fight defiant wool to get a clean shed on every treadle! I could re-sley to a coarser sett. But I want to keep the sett as is, as written for this project in The Big Book of Weaving, by Laila Lundell. Cowboy Magic to the rescue! I discovered this horse mane detangler when I wove a mohair throw a few years ago. It rinses out nicely in the wet finishing. It worked magic for me at that time. Now, with a small amount of slick detangler on my fingers I can tame these blue wool fibers. Voila! No more fighting to get a clean shed.
Now I have something to look forward to when I get home.
May you eliminate unnecessary fighting.
Weave Happy,
Karen
10 Comments
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Beth says:
Beautiful! Cowboy Magic is a great solution. Hope you’re having a grand time on your trip!
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ellen says:
it is a great idea, but i don’t understand how you use it. you put it on your hands and wipe it on the warp? while you are warping or after? do you have to wait a while before you can use it? ellen
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Hi Ellen, So far, I have been putting it on my hands and wiping it on the warp behind the reed and in front of the heddles. I re-apply each time I advance the warp. I’m not very far yet, so as I progress, I may try applying it to the warp at the back of the loom and see if that works just as well. I haven’t been waiting. I just apply it and weave.
I’ll let you know if I change my methods as I go.
Karen
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Ruth says:
Wishing you a wonderful journey in Germany. Who would have thought the detangler I use on Reno, RD and Sitka would work at the loom? Love these cross overs from one aspect of my life to another weaving it all together. My one sure common thread is Christ!
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Hope you had a wonderful and safe Easter.
Just curious… Would any of the hair conditioners work?
Love the color combination
Nannette
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Hi Nannette, I have wondered the same thing–whether other hair conditioners or detanglers would work. I think they would, but I went with something I had heard from other weavers. I thought about trying a detangler for children’s hair, as it would probably be mild.
Karen
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Joan says:
Do you think that there would be less stickiness if one used 6/1 Fårö yarn rather than the 6/2 Tuna?
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Hi Joan, I think the sett makes the most difference. At this sett, 6/1 Fårö would probably give no problems, but the fabric would be a looser weave. At a denser sett, I think the Fårö would have the same stickiness issues. But it would be worth an experiment… Maybe next time? I do love that Fårö wool!
Karen
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[…] I made an embarrassing blunder. No wonder this Tuna wool resists all my efforts. It’s the wrong yarn! Tuna is 6/2 wool—twice as thick as the 6/1 wool I should be using. Cowboy Magic won’t solve this sticky problem. (I thought it would, as I expressed in this post: Tame the Wool.) […]
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All the Looms
- By Karen
- March 19, 2019
- 17 Comments
The plan to keep every loom dressed is easy when there is only one loom. Now that I have four floor looms, it’s a tough plan to follow. The drawloom—check. The Glimåkra Standard, dressed in Tuna wool—check. The two smaller looms are threaded, and just need tying on and tying up. So, I’m well on my way! The end of the first warp on the drawloom is in view, however. That means the drawloom will soon be back in the queue. And so it goes.
I like to stay a step ahead of my looms. I’m ready to wind a new warp as soon as I finish cutting off. It’s the cycle of weaving. But I have trouble staying ahead.
We have good plans for our lives. But often, it’s tough to follow those plans. Too many things happen at once, and we don’t know how to stay ahead of it all. The thing to remember is that our plans stem from our inner commitments. When we commit our ways to the Lord, trusting him, he leads us through our days. Trust turns plans into achievements. And those are the plans worth pursuing.
May your best plans succeed.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
17 Comments
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Robin says:
I love your posts. You are such an inspiration. And it is so evident you went to vavstuga, using the techniques she taught. Going there for the basics class was a little retirement gift to myself last year.
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Hi Robin, Going to Vavstuga Basics was one of my best moves. I learned things from Becky Ashenden that I use every day. I’m glad you’ve had the Vavstuga experience, too!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Robin is right, you are an inspiration! Your work is impeccable and motivating. I have only two looms and can’t seem to get them going at the same time.
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Hi Beth, The truth about multiple looms is that you can only weave on one loom at a time.
Now that all the looms are threaded I may focus on one loom at a time and weave it off. …unless I get distracted by another loom and decide to weave a little on it…
Thank you for your kind words,
Karen
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Good morning Karen,
About this time last year I warped up my homemade loom at the top of my skill set in rosepatth, then life got in the way. Last week I started a 6 week class at the Fiberwood studio near by. Chosen pattern is rosepath, to get my skills where they need to be (and girls night out with a friend).
Such joy to know you have also chosen rosepath to show on your blog.
God does provide to the ready student.
Nannette
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Hi Nannette, I’m happy to hear you are interested in rosepath. Rosepath rag rugs are at the top of my list of favorite things to weave. It’s been way too long since I’ve had them on the loom.
Happy weaving,
Karen
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I just finished my first “ throw” . It was 46 wide in the reed. I had a terrible time keeping the edges and the floater broke a few times. Not my best weaving to say the least. How wide do you do your blankets and do you have any tips for weaving wide pieces? I would love to try the Tuna wool- what epi do you use for it?
Thanks Karen!
Maria Navarra-
Hi Maria, I know what you mean about facing challenges with a wide weave. I don’t use floating selvedges, so I can’t answer to that. I do use a temple. I find the temple helps me get consistent selvedges with wider widths. The weaving width of my biggest loom is 47″, and I have woven nearly that full width. Getting just the right tension on the warp is necessary, so that it’s just tight enough. If it’s a bit too loose, my shuttle wants to fall through.
Here’s a page from Vavstuga’s website with a “recipe” for a Tuna wool blanket. I would go with that for a first time Tuna wool throw. It makes a terrific throw. http://store.vavstuga.com/product/yarn-borg-woo-tuna.html
The one I have on the loom right now is double weave, and the sett is pretty dense, so it takes some patience and practice to make the wool open up with a decent shed.
Happy weaving,
Karen-
Anonymous says:
Thanks Karen. I think a temple would have been helpful- Next time. Thanks for the link .
Maria
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Karen says:
The last time I got both of my looms warped at the same time I took a photo….so I could prove I did it and so I could remember it….ha. Thank you for your encouragemment and inspiration, including a journey of faith.
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Hi Karen, Don’t forget it has taken me about 3 months to finally get all the looms (almost) dressed. Haha. There’s never a chance to get bored around here.
All the best,
Karen
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Good morning, Karen. Thank you for the inspiration regarding best laid plans.
And the inspiration for weaving. I purchased a Megado recently and I am struggling with the follow through and putting it into use. Life does try to side track. However, I need to remember to hang onto the plan and trust in God.
Hopefully, I will get to the Hill Country one day to visit.
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Hi Annie, We would be delighted to have you come for a visit!
There are many things in life more important than dressing looms. I’m sure those are the things you are attending to.
I have found that I can make it a practice to go to the drawloom every morning after breakfast, even if for a short time. And, it surprises me how those minutes add up over time and now I’m almost at the end of the warp. I think, How did that happen?
All the best,
Karen
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Liz says:
I am so blown away with how prolific you are with weaving! It takes me all day to dress my little Schacht! I am inspired watching your work! Thank You!!
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Hi Liz, It’s all one step at a time, little by little, day after day. It adds up. I think you’re doing quite well to dress your loom in a day!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Charlotte Reid says:
Is it possible to do opphamta designs on a standard four harness loom (drawdown)? I’ve been trying to figure this out after being in Sweden and visiting some weavers. I have obtained what looks like two shed blades for my floor looms ( they came with the used looms). C. Reid
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Hi Charlotte, What an interesting visit to Sweden you must have had! It is most certainly possible to do opphamta designs on a regular four-shaft loom. One book with a good description, including pictures, of the process is “Damask and Opphämta,” by Lillemor Johansson. I was able to find a copy through a used book seller. You could also check with your local handweavers guild to see if they have a copy you could borrow.
Besides a pick-up stick and weaving sword, you will need long-eye heddles. And for repeating patterns, some sticks with holes in the ends and some regular heddles to use as half-heddle sticks.
I think you are going to have a wonderful time with this beautiful weaving technique!
Happy weaving,
Karen
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Weaving Plans on Paper
- By Karen
- December 18, 2018
- 14 Comments
I doubt myself when I start weaving something. But it’s a good time to question everything. The first twenty centimeters are designated for sampling. Is this the right sett? How is the weft density? What treadling order will I use? Which weft color(s) works best?
It helps to see it on the loom. I plan on paper, and get excited when I see a ready warp on the warp beam. But nothing is settled until I’ve passed the sampling tests. The plan on paper is what I think I want. And then, unanticipated adjustments and changes are necessary at the loom. In the end, I expect the actual weaving to be better than my original plan.
More sampling of treadling patterns.
Testing weft colors.
When we think we must have what we planned, we give up a better way. We lose our way when we insist on having our way. Jesus came to us as an infant (the Christmas message), leaving his rightful heavenly position. To follow Jesus is to deny myself like he did. Some of the testing means telling myself no. In return, I gain the life I could not see on my paper plan.
May you give up some of your favorite plans.
With Advent thoughts,
Karen
14 Comments
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Joyce Lowder says:
Beautifully said, Karen! Too often, I don’t want to deny myself, but when I follow Him, I am at peace, as I know He wishes, all the time. So there is much joy in giving up my plans. Thanks for sharing and reminding me. Thankfully, we have Him to follow, every day! His love is not measured by our standards, and it is everlasting! Merry Christmas to you and yours! 🙂
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Anneloes says:
Beautiful! Both the sample, as well as your message of encouragement. I hope to get better at letting go of my ‘paper plans’ in life.
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Hi Anneloes, I’m with you on that. Sometimes I really cherish my ‘paper plans’ and forget the Lord has a better way.
Happy letting go,
Karen
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Life is what happens while we are making plans is a favorite saying of a dear friend. Your reflections on paper plans and letting go to follow Christ’s example coincide with that statement and remind me to follow Christ’s path and not my own. Blessings to you and yours as we follow the light of Christ during the coming year.
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Ruth, Your friend’s saying rings true with me. How much better to willingly let go of how we thought things should be, than to hold tightly to our ‘paper plans’ and miss the joys of living life to the fullest. What a relief that we have Christ to follow!
Blessings to you,
Karen
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Beautiful weaving. Beautiful thoughts.
Merry Christmas from the great white north.
Nannette
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Thank yo Karen for sharing. I would have liked to have seen what your paper plans look like also, as they are part of the process. Your message is just what I needed.
Alison
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Hi Alison, I don’t think I have done a post on project planning. I’ll have to do that! My paper plans hold the calculations, yarns, draft, and other details. I always have that piece of paper close at hand as I dress the loom and weave.
I’m glad to hear that you gained something from today’s words.
All the best,
Karen
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Your reflections are such a blessing.
Thank you and may God continue to bless you.-
Hi Linda, My reflections result from things I’m learning. I’m glad they mean something to you, too.
Christmas blessings,
Karen
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Copyright © 2020
What a fabulous piece of work!
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
I love the controlled randomness and the fun of the unknown design.
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
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
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…
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
Beautiful!
Thanks so much!
How adventurous! I can’t wait to see how it turns out!
Love that shade of blue, Karen.
Hi Annie, This shade of blue is incredible!
Karen
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.
Hi Michele, It’s always fun to mix things up in unexpected ways.
Happy weaving,
Karen
Wow!! Great result using ‘random’ repeats…
Or.. Is it God’s guidance?
Nannette
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
Lovely result, Karen. Love that beautiful blue!
Hi D’Anne, Good to hear from you. This blue is the star of the show! Vavstuga calls it Lapis Lazuli.
Thanks,
Karen