Weaving update

A few developments to show you today on the weaving front.  First, I completed my first scarf using some handspun yarn:

I used a commercial yarn, Berocco Comfort DK for the warp, and handspun for the weft.  I learned a lot weaving this scarf, most importantly that Berocco DK is really not suitable for warping (it's just not dense enough); it was really difficult to get a decent tension with this yarn.  As a result, the scarf is a little off kilter, although not really obvious from the picture.  I finally figured out about half way through the scarf how to really adjust my weaving to make it more even.  I also learned, finally, that one must start and end the weaving with hem stitch, doh!  Better late than never though!

At the Cowichan Fiber Fest last weekend, I was able to purchase a Leclerc Fringe Twister.  I followed the instructions here to complete my fringe. 

It's not perfect, but as I said, this scarf is a real learning experience!

And now for the big weaving development that I hinted about in my last post.  While at the spinning retreat I attended a couple weeks ago, I happened to mention to someone that I now had a little rigid heddle loom and would like to get something bigger.  This person is a weaver, and she said “I know a family who might have some they don’t want,” meaning her family (her husband knits/spins/weaves, how awesome is that?). She said she would take a look around and get back to me. The day after the retreat, she phoned and said that she had checked with her sister about her loom and that I was welcome to have it. I asked her what her sister wanted for it, and she said “she wants you to have it!” I literally squeed when I hung up the phone! I will knit her a pair of socks, at the very least, in thanks. Isn’t that awesome?  The loom arrived already warped and with weaving already on it, as well as some pencilled instructions and the yarn to continue the project. This will become my practice piece.

Here's it is, a 20 inch Beka:

Isn't she pretty?  I have woven a bit on it already, and it quickly became obvious the larger size of this loom would require a different set up than I had been using to weave previously.  My wonderful husband to the rescue, he built a stand for it yesterday:

 

I'm really stoked about this loom, and the fact that someone was so nice to give it to me.  It makes me smile just looking at it.  Aren't fiber people the best?

Comments

[Uli]

Lucky you.... hubby built you a stand!!! Awesome. I thought it was a Flip...... but the Beka looks nice. I really need a stand for mine.

[Brenda]

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I was told it was aSchacht, but when I posted a picture on Ravelry found out it wasa Beka.

Im actually going to warp the Cricket today, need to finish the practice piece on the Beka before I start anything on it. And I need to get going on Christmas gifts!

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[melissa]

fiber people *are* the best!!

i love seeing your weaving projects, they're beautiful!

[Gillian]

Weaving is fun and the stand is perfect. Cheers

[Marissa]

I liked the simplicity of the scarf you did in those colors. My daughter (age 12) who I'm teaching to weave want to use your colors as a color palette for her next scarf. I'm at marissafrogscrafts.blogspot.com if you want to visit. It's new, so not many pictures yet.