My very first weaving project is done! Just yesterday afternoon, I took a bit of time to put the finishing touches on my weaving project by braiding the ends and tying them off. Although my edges aren't quite even and there are a few flubs here and there, I have to say I am quite pleased with my first attempt at weaving with a rigid heddle loom. And the colors are simply stunning, I love the way there are bright pops of teal and lime green, but overall, the colors seem so well balanced.
I started out creating small braids with three pieces of yarn ends from the warp, but the braids ended up being very thin and small. Also - the thought of creating so many tiny braids was enough to make me change my mind, so I doubled them up by using a total of six pieces of the yarn ends together. For each braid, I finished each one off with a knot to create small, tassle-type ends.
I learned so much on this first project and it was so much fun to try out something new. I have to admit, my main fear of trying out something like weaving was due to the fact that I am so comfortable knitting. I was a bit intimidated to go into something else other than knitting where I was a complete beginner again. But in the end, it was wonderful to experiment, practice new techniques, and see the progress I was making. I even had my macbook right beside me where I could watch segments of Kelley's Rigid Heddle Weaving video class to make sure I was moving along in the right direction.
The first 10 - 15 inches of my project are where I notice the most of my little "flubs." In between keeping the tension of the beams right and making sure all of my warp yarns were moving as they were supposed to, I think I was having a bit too much fun beating down the weft strands with the heddle. This created a few inches where there is a noticeably blue section of woven fabric. And there is a long section of messy edges where I must not have pulled the weft yarn through at the correct tension.
Also - my biggest mistake was underestimating the length of the warp. I figured in an extra foot for either end in addition to the length of what I wanted my scarf to be. Looking back, I should probably have added at least 2 extra feet for either end. So all in all, my first weaving project is either a.) a short scarf or b.) a smaller table runner.
Either way, the speed at which I was able to complete this project from start to finish is what really has me hooked on weaving. I was able to do everything from warping and threading the heddle to weaving and taking my fabric off of the loom in one weekend. My warp took up 2 balls of Imagination in Frog Prince and my weft took up maybe half a skein of Blue Yonder in Stroll Tonal.
I already have my next weaving project warped and started - I can't wait to see how it turns out.
Are you working on any weaving projects right now?
Dec 28, 2011 at 6:30 AM Unsubscribe this email
Dec 27, 2011 at 7:32 PM This was a gorgeous first project...I may just get ahold of a friend and try our her loom. You can see the flaws, but we are always our own worst critics.... Beautiful piece.
Dec 27, 2011 at 7:10 PM Beautiful! I started weaving on the same loom & my 1st project (scarf) was too tight, too short, & the edges were off. I have now gotten much better since I am feeling comfortable with this new toy. I cannot knit/crochet any longer & this is a great way to use the beautiful yarns I have accumulated over time. Have fun w/your future projects. I am now working on kitchen curtains.
Dec 27, 2011 at 7:00 PM Wow is right! Very nice.. I just took the plunge in November. I too knit a lot, but I got an Ashford 24" rigid heddle loom for my birthday and I am hooked! Weaving creates fabric so fast and I look at yarn in a totally new way. Thanks for sharing!
Nov 9, 2011 at 7:28 AM Hi Jennie, I have been working on the Kromski Harp loom available through Knit Picks and I believe it is the 24" size. However, both of my projects are roughly 8" wide, and I don't see myself going too much wider - so I think the 16" size would work well. Also, the Kromski Harp loom folds, making it easy to store and portable. You should check out Kelley's Rigid Heddle class that is available through the Knit Picks tutorials to get a good overview, she even shows you how to use the loom without a stand.
Nov 8, 2011 at 5:20 PM That is incredibly beautiful. What size loom did you choose? 16"? 24"? I'd love to know which loom could create such a lovely object -- spending the least amount of money. Thanks!
Nov 8, 2011 at 12:54 PM DJ - I would definitely recommend the book Hands on Rigid Heddle Weaving by Betty Lynn Davenport, which you can find through Knit Picks. In addition to the book, I simply followed along with Kelley's Rigid Heddle Weaving video class (which I linked to right above the second image). Between those two resources, I felt pretty confident in going forward with my first weaving project. Good luck!
Nov 8, 2011 at 12:46 PM It is beautiful! I have been wanting to learn weaving for awhile now, and I'm getting pretty close to giving in, I think. This didn't help with the restraint any :)
Nov 8, 2011 at 12:36 PM For a first project, it looks amazing and the color combination is truly beautiful. I just started a job where there is a big loom sitting unused because no one that's here at the moment knows a thing about it. I'm dying to learn both for myself and for the Foundation. Being the resident expert would definitely not be a bad thing. Where would be the best place for me to start researching and learning?
Nov 8, 2011 at 12:00 PM It looks great! I weave, too, and I love using KnitPick stroll for great-looking scarves! Weaving is as addictive as knitting1
Nov 8, 2011 at 10:54 AM WOW!
Nov 8, 2011 at 8:07 AM Thanks, everyone! And Moxie - thanks for the great tip on twisted cords! I'll have to try it on my next project. I had a total of 58 warp strands across this project and it looks there are about 13 warp stands per inch. Love the way it turned out, just wish it were longer. Oh well, there's always next time :) And Kelley - thanks! I'm using the leftover blue from this project for the weft (again) and pairing it with Imagination in Sasquatch for the warp, and I'm loving the way it is turning out so far.
Nov 8, 2011 at 7:45 AM Amazing!!! It is absolutely stunning! I am so glad you are enjoying your weaving! Are you using stash yarns for your next project??
Nov 8, 2011 at 4:06 AM Very nice! I love it. It is so pretty
Nov 7, 2011 at 8:42 PM it is beautiful! i have had this loom on my wish list for every holiday for over a year now.... maybe for xmas, lol... though not holding breath! :)
Nov 7, 2011 at 4:34 PM It's beautiful!
Nov 7, 2011 at 4:14 PM Sweet! It's fun how the variegated yarns play with color in weaving. Next time, try twisted cords instead of braids - they are much faster & very pretty! Twist a group of yarns about 15-20 times & tape it down. Twist a second group of yarns the same way. Place them together, tie an overhand knot, & let it twist into a cord! How many ends did you use? What sett did you use?