Centerweave

New project – placemats

Susan Babb — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:33:34 +0000

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

Susan Babb — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:47:00 +0000

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!

Susan Babb — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:11:57 +0000

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

Susan Babb — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 23:52:25 +0000

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!

Susan Babb — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:00:02 +0000

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!

5th done, 6th begun!

Susan Babb — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 19:19:46 +0000

I am doing another plaid but with the birdseye pattern. I am intending to make it the same dimensions as the first napkin so that they will be a “pair”. A little more complex with the pattern and switching colors.

I also began to warp some homespun for a couple of scarves. I’m looking forward to weaving on the Tools. It’s been quite a while!

5th napkin begun

Susan Babb — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:59:17 +0000

Weaving with the dark green as weft and in a rosepath pattern. It is very delicate. I will add a picture later.

Meanwhile I am thinking about what I can weave next and I think it’s going to be a handspun scarf on the Tools!

4th napkin begun

Susan Babb — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:35:53 +0000

The weft is the light green. Of course, neither of the greens, dark or light, look green! Once washed, the green is supposed to intensify! I am almost 10 inches into the 4th. This project has taken a long time but it is moving along!

Third napkin done!

Susan Babb — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:49:43 +0000

This one is also in point twill but with the darker green as the weft. The second had the natural white as weft. I will use the light green as weft for the 4th napkin. I am so into matching!

Second napkin done!

Susan Babb — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 15:00:35 +0000

It’s been a long dry spell of non-weaving but I had a good session this morning! I finished the second napkin, woven in point twill.