Category: Rigid Heddle Loom

Ah, the Potential…

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image from www.flickr.com 
I'm not yet certain what this will be once it's off the loom. The easiest decision is a shawl. Knot those fringes and viola! It would be more difficult to turn it into a poncho or ruana, but that's what I've been wanting to try. The warp was 19" x 100", and it's shrinking down to 18" on the loom. We'll see how the length ends up, and that may decide it right there. I'm using the 8 dent heddle and some inexpensive yarn I had lying around (Caron Simply Soft in Heather Gray). I added some visual interest with the two stripes of maroon wool, and then decided to do a pickup stick pattern throughout. So far, I think it's pretty, and even the gray is turning out to be a nice choice.

For some reason, my husband and I have decided to celebrate Christmas early. (Could all the Christmas decorations going up in stores in October be having an effect??!! Heavens!) His present was purchased a few weeks back, and then it was my turn, but it took awhile to figure out what I wanted, which is strange, because normally I know exactly what I want, loom-wise.

I ended up purchasing an adorable mini inkle loom. It's so cute you'll probably not be able to stand it. Really! I also decided to outfit my beloved Emilia loom with some much-needed upgrades. I figured why should I daydream about a floor loom or a tabletop loom, when I spend nearly every free moment with Emilia? So, this week, I'll be getting a loom stand, a second heddle kit, an a second 10 dent heddle. I'll be ready for fancy patterns and gauzy fabrics, with the stand being an extra bonus. Look for pictures and details later this week.

Do you know what I should have added to that order? Pickup sticks! Take a look at what I'm using in that picture above… two paint stirrer thingies scotch-taped together. Well, it works, but really!

Little Green Scarf

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  • image from www.flickr.com
  • image from www.flickr.com
  • image from www.flickr.com
image from www.flickr.com

I used a variety of yarns and colors with a goal of creating a warp-faced scarf this time around. I used the 10 dent heddle on my Glimakra Emilia, warped about 5" wide with Paton's Country (green, red), Blue Heron Rayon (mossy), and a home-dyed, homespun wool (maroon) from a local shop. The weft was Sinofina mercerized cotton (olive).

I used the heddle to lift and lower the threads, but then used the inkle belt shuttle to do the beating. The scarf drew in over an inch. Off the loom, the scarf is 3.75" x 40" with 4" of fringe on either side. If I attempt another warp-faced scarf in order to get that striped look, I'll remember that the warp should be longer than I think, otherwise I'll end up with another short scarf. It's cute, though.

Next project: anything but a scarf!

What's coming in the mail??? A very early Christmas present… for me!

Red Table Runner

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  • image from www.flickr.com
  • image from www.flickr.com
  • image from www.flickr.com
image from www.flickr.com

 

I just finished this very red table runner for my mom, using white crochet cotton for the warp (J.P. Coats, size 10) and warped 14" wide. I was hoping for a weft-faced project with the bright red (Sugar 'n Cream) taking center stage. However, the white does have a presence, which I didn't mind so much once it was off the loom. I like leno lace and so wove one row on either end. The ends were simply tied and trimmed. 

The table runner started life as 14" wide, went down to 12" wide off the loom, and after washing, measured in at 11.5". The length shrunk from 30" long to, after washing, 27.5". So, let that be a lesson to you! Cotton shrinks, even without water.

Scarves in Trees

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  • image from www.flickr.com
  • image from www.flickr.com
image from www.flickr.com

 

It's true. Scarves have taken to the trees, and here are the pictures to prove it! 

The first, a bright orange mohair/merino scarf which was knitted on the blue Knifty Knitter loom with the garter stitch, literally jumped off the wearer's neck and wound itself around this branch. 

The second, a lovely rayon multicolored woven scarf, made on the Glimakra Emilia with a 10 dent heddle, scrambled away from the person attempting to photograph it and took refuge in a nearby Elm. 

Although the mohair scarf was captured and is now safely tucked into an arm of a jacket, the colorful rayon scarf is still a bit wild and will most likely be mailed out to a niece, who had recently requested a "blue, purple, red, yellow, white, and green" scarf. (Okay, there's not much blue or white, but it's close!) It is hoped she will be able to train the scarf to stay around her neck, which is where it belongs.