I'd forgotten how much I love weaving. This summer I promised a set of Medieval garb as a wedding present to our best friend and her new hubby. Over Christmas they finally decided what kind of garb they wanted (Norse) and in what colors (pretty much blue and earth tones). Since I want it to be a really nice set of garb I'm going to weave all the trim. Last night I warped up my favorite inkle loom with the pattern I'd designed to use for their garb. (I'd forgotten how much I disliked working with wool). Since I need quite a few yards of trim for the outfits I'll be keeping this loom warped and weaving a couple hours a night while I watch TV until I have enough trim. There's something really relaxing about sitting in a cozy chair, passing a shuttle back and forth between the warp and watching cloth (really thin cloth in this case) appear.
(My favorite loom. It was my first loom that I picked up at a thrift store for $15 and I've never found one I liked better. I have looms that will take a longer warp but none that is so portable and easy to work with. I used to have an inkle loom with a 7yd warp but the Army movers broke it on the way to Alaska and I haven't been able to replace it yet)
(A bad picture of the design I charted out for this trim. I use an offset brick pattern for charting designs that best reproduces how the threads really line up. I get my graph paper from a free website that allows you to design your own.)
(The hopeful end product. Norse male and female garb. I usually wear Norse garb to medieval reenactment events. I know the male garb is not completely accurate but sometimes we have to make compromises to meet the needs of the recipient.)
I have always wanted to learn how to weave. Maybe one day soon!
ReplyDeleteIf you are serious about weaving I would recommend inkle weaving. It only takes a small loom so you don't have the monetary requirements of some of the other techniques (but it's easier than card weaving which doesn't need a loom at all). If you decide to learn let me know I think I still have the handkout from the inkle weaving class I taught last year somewhere on my computer. To bad you don't live up here I could teach you.
ReplyDeleteI am totally serious. I have read some about inkle weaving and tablet weaving(?). I need to find a loom. any suggestions on where I can buy a reasonably priced one? I would love to see the handout! Where are you located? Maine is sticking in my head but not sure if that is you or not.
ReplyDeleteIf you know someone with a little woodworking skill I'd recomend the Ashford Inklette. You'll need to make a new base as the one it comes with is crap but otherwise it's a great loom for short lengths. If you're not a tension fiend like me you could try the full size ashford. But a lot of tension helps make an even width throughout. Etsy has a lot of really nice looking looms too. Stay away from the little Finniwig loom. I had one for a while and hated it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice!! Now, I just need to make time to look at looms and then make time to actually learn.... LOL
ReplyDeletebtw... this is a different google account for my other blog but it is me (Tracy DeLuca)
I figured as much. I wish I was close enough to teach you. Want to fly to Alaska? :) I really liked Inkle Weaving by Helen Bress. Local libraries usually have books on inkle weaving too. In a couple weeks, when I get some time sensitive projects done, I'll post how to make a simple handheld band loom. It's a little harder to set up a weaving than with an inkle loom but you can make it with a couple $ of supplies from a craft store and it's really portable.
ReplyDeleteI would so totally fly to Alaska if I had the time and money! LOL If wishes were fishes.... Thanks for the book title.
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