What's on the Loom
Featured
I’m working on a pattern right now that uses 2 pick-up sticks to create staggered weft floats in my work. This requires me to remove and re-insert the second pick-up stick each time I need it. In the case of this pattern, every 4 picks. That’s a lot of time spent re-inserting a pick-up stack and seems like the perfect time to introduce string heddles.
So why am I not using them? Because, for right now, I am enjoying the slower pace of adding that second stick! For the past few months I’ve been weaving on deadlines. Every project needed to be done quickly so I could move onto the next stage of development…the pattern, the video editing, the power point.
I started a new project this week. It’s a 2-heddle colour and weave project. I wanted something that felt spring-y after all the snow we’ve been getting, so I chose dark green, lime green, and golden yellow.
They looked great together.
I warped my loom and started weaving, and almost immediately realised I had made a serious mistake.
My eye had not accurately seen the value of the colours.
Last week I shared a little tale about a measuring mishap. This week, I’m happy to say the finished project is off the loom — six placemats, all woven slightly off-centred on my loom, yet all exactly the same size in the end. Yay me!
I thought about writing up the pattern, but it’s so simple, I wanted to just share with you what I did. Here’s a rough guide / pattern-style recipe. Feel free to choose your own colours. For mine, I used six colours, with a bright pop of red on the edges — the recipients love the beach and the ocean, so the palette was inspired by sun, sand, and sea.
I’m always trying for find ways to work comfortably for longer at my loom. If I can combine exercise with weaving, even better! I’ve tried weaving benches (which I love, particularly with the addition of a sheepskin!), office chairs with wheels (nope!), various kitchen chairs (meh) and even an exercise ball (it promised great things but just didn’t deliver.) Given the frequency of questions on Social Media about stools and benches, I think I’m not alone in the search for the perfect seat.
I recently got my hands on a wobble stool during an office clean out. Let me tell you a little about this stool.