New project – placemats

I am preparing the warp of the new project – placemats. I am using 3/2 unmercerized cotton for the warp and the same plus some 3/2 mercerized cotton for the weft. The pattern comes from Handwoven, November-December 2009.

Before I can start that on the loom, I have to get the handspun scarves off. I have finished one and am half way done with the second. The weft of the second scarf is gray alpaca. I had toyed with the idea of mixing in some other yarn but I like the overall muted look of the gray. It looks cozy!

I’ll get some weaving done this morning but then I am off to cross-country ski with my niece!

A day in the life of Looms 2012

I had almost forgotten this yearly posting that Meg has encouraged and fostered in the weaving community.

I don’t see a whole lot of difference from my post of last year. I did complete the doubleweave project successfully and the blanket now keeps my mom cozy warm for her naps.

I have some handspun on my Tools of the Trade loom:

and my Norwood sits ready:

I am also still spinning out of control. Currently, I have superwash merino with tussah silk on my wheel:

I look forward to another doubleweave project and lots of handspun weaving too! I still have a lot of fiber stash for spinning. But I am going to purchase some more for weaving.

Competed napkins/towels and new project!

The napkins or towels are done! some are even packaged up into Christmas presents!

The next project is on the loom: using handspun for both weft and warp. My husband helped with the pattern! If I could sit down for an extended amount of time, I could get it done pretty quickly!

Happy Holidays to all!

“Napkins” off the loom

The “napkins” are finally off the loom (I began them in July!) I say “napkins” because I think they are really dish towels! I have washed all seven together and have cut them apart. Next I need to hem each and add my little label. I’ll be giving these as presents for sure. When they are all hemmed, I’ll take and post a picture, probably next weekend.

I am beginning to dress the Tools of the Trade with some handspun warp. I am thinking I’ll get two scarves out of this warp; the weft being more handspun. Most likely a plain weave.

And I finished spinning the Ashford wool roving. I had about a dozen different colors, about 4 oz in all. I mixed and meshed the colors. It spun really tight except for the last bunch which I really tried to spin loosely. Still tight. Not sure how it will weave.

A great way to end Thanksgiving.

6th done and a 7th can be added!

I finished the sixth napkin today – plaid bird’s eye. It was a bit of complex weaving with the plaid pattern and doing the correct number of ends in each color.

The 7th will be simple. I am thinking even of plain weave in the dark green.

I have just finished preparing the warp of the next project. It is going to be a scarf and I have use two different yarns for the warp, both handspun. One does seem a bit elastic so that will be interesting. I’ll dress the Tools of the Trade loom with this project.

I am spinning some Ashford 100% Corriedale top. My niece gave my sister and I a kit which we split. So I have lots of different colors to play with and blend. It will result in a very colorful yarn!