As the cold weather moves along we have been finding more ways to utilize the plethora of wool that seems to consistently grow each year. Weaving has been a long standing endeavor that seemed a bit daunting and we never seemed to get to. Last September, at the Schafer Meadows Fiber Festival, we were intrigued and inspired when Lil' Miss got to try it for herself and we realized how simple the process was. We attempted to make our own tri-loom, even breaking out the power tools, but didn't have the nail numbers accurately varied. Either side of the loom has one quantity of nails, while the bottom has a different. Through our first fumbled weaving attempts, we learned!
To keep things moving, we ended up purchasing a variable size tri-loom and created some of our first weaving wearables in a 5' width shawl and a 7' - both utilizing our own creative batts spun into yarns. While Lil' Miss used singles, which ultimately required her to felt it; Mom used a skein of Navajo plied and 2 skeins of two-ply yarn which gave enough density for a bit fuller finish. Sometimes it pays to use the new tool second! LOL
Here are a few photos:
Here are a few photos:
We enjoy using the shawl to keep us warm worn as a bulky scarf, shawl, lap blanket, or hat/scarf combo. Mom is really glad she used the 100% angora yarn at the beginning her weaving process as it is worn closest to the skin. We have found the angora to add so much warmth compared to regular wool yarn - and it's also quite noticeable in our fine fiber blends. It makes such a significant difference that even the men of the family have tried it as a mini blanket and been surprised to keep warm!
Our experience has led us to recommend a bulkier weight yarn unless you plan to felt it, and we encourage you to be certain you're not keeping your yarn too tight. Mom actually found her tension was causing the loom to warp toward the end of her shawl and upon further study, we've found many notes by others saying it can be difficult to find that perfect tension through the project. Anyone who crochets or knits knows this is challenging with their work as well! Practice makes perfect!
Once again, this has been a fulfilling learning experience and now that we've completed a project, we're all the more willing to attempt something new in the future. We have been told by a more practiced tri-loom weaver, that a 6' shawl should take about 8 hours to complete, while the option of tassels will require at least another hour. Although Lil' Miss didn't opt for this addition, Mom can attest to the tedious and lengthy process of the tassels, even though she didn't tassel every space. It's also important to retain enough of your matching yarn to complete those tassels; it will undoubtedly require more than you anticipate! Ultimately, both ladies agree that your first experience weaving on a tri-loom will take some time to work through that learning curve; be certain you give yourself the freedom to work through it!
There are a number of interesting looms that can be made or purchased to create all kinds of beautiful and practical weaving wonders. We've enjoyed viewing shawls that have been embroidered after the weaving and further altered into jackets with big buttons, and gorgeous skirts! It's amazing how such simple tools can create so many variations; you're really only limited by your imagination. We think this is a much simpler start to weaving than a table or floor loom that will also give you a more prompt sense of accomplishment! Isn't it time for you to dig into some new wooly wonders?
Our experience has led us to recommend a bulkier weight yarn unless you plan to felt it, and we encourage you to be certain you're not keeping your yarn too tight. Mom actually found her tension was causing the loom to warp toward the end of her shawl and upon further study, we've found many notes by others saying it can be difficult to find that perfect tension through the project. Anyone who crochets or knits knows this is challenging with their work as well! Practice makes perfect!
Once again, this has been a fulfilling learning experience and now that we've completed a project, we're all the more willing to attempt something new in the future. We have been told by a more practiced tri-loom weaver, that a 6' shawl should take about 8 hours to complete, while the option of tassels will require at least another hour. Although Lil' Miss didn't opt for this addition, Mom can attest to the tedious and lengthy process of the tassels, even though she didn't tassel every space. It's also important to retain enough of your matching yarn to complete those tassels; it will undoubtedly require more than you anticipate! Ultimately, both ladies agree that your first experience weaving on a tri-loom will take some time to work through that learning curve; be certain you give yourself the freedom to work through it!
There are a number of interesting looms that can be made or purchased to create all kinds of beautiful and practical weaving wonders. We've enjoyed viewing shawls that have been embroidered after the weaving and further altered into jackets with big buttons, and gorgeous skirts! It's amazing how such simple tools can create so many variations; you're really only limited by your imagination. We think this is a much simpler start to weaving than a table or floor loom that will also give you a more prompt sense of accomplishment! Isn't it time for you to dig into some new wooly wonders?
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7