Endings and Beginnings

2012 is just about at an end! That means I move into my 6th year of weaving with the beginning of 2013. The napkins are finished but were not given as presents this year. I gave a lot of scarves. So they will become part of my “stash”.

Both looms are bare. But not for long. I am preparing for my next project, the vest, and absorbing all I can about front to back warping. I have decided to use the Tools loom mostly because it has the right size reed – 10 inch. But also seems just more manageable for this first effort.

My brother gave me this book:

for Christmas. There are a lot of 4 shaft patterns but there’s a bit of adjustment in figuring out fiber and reed needs. I am figuring it out and have selected a project to do.

On the spinning front, I have just ordered a sliding hook double drive flyer with bobbins for my Ashford! The bobbins hold 30% more fiber. So I will wait until that arrives for me to start spinning again.

It is always nice to have one’s work appreciated. One of my co-workers “begged” me for one of my dishtowels (I had given one away at the Yankee Swap and she didn’t get it!) So I gave it to her and she was seriously pleased! She also said her mother really liked it and would pay for something like that! I am not ready to go into the business but it’s nice to know that my work is liked!

Napkins off loom today!

I managed to eke out 7 and they are within an inch, the same size, ranging from 16 inches to 18 inches in lenghth. I need to sew the two ends and then wash the whole fabric. Then I will sew each end and cut apart. Then i sew the hems and add my “Centerweave” label. They should be ready for Christmas giving! I intend to work on these next weekend which is for the moment free.

I am also finishing spinning the green fiber – plying right now and challenging my Ashford bobbin with how much I can fit on it! I think I can get it all on.

I think this will be it for 2012 projects. Next up is my front to back project, weaving cloth for a vest. And for me!

October update

October almost went by without a post! Well the reason for that is I haven’t been doing much. Life does get in the way sometimes. But then life begins to smooth out and I do look forward to some good weaving in November. I will finish the napkins probably in one more session. Then it’s dressing the loom with the new project: front to back!

I am still spinning here and there and that gives me so much comfort and serenity.

I do sense there is a lull for many of my weaver friends, at least in the blogosphere.

4th napkin done

On this Labor Day, I have “labored” on my weaving! I finished the 4th napkin, playing around with a plaid look.

I think I am going to get a fifth napkin out of the warp, maybe a twin to the one I just finished.

Then I have to think of my next project. I have a lot of handspun needing to be used. Scarves? Fabric? I like the idea of trying to do a vest.

Weaving continues…..

Just not at a great rate! I finished the third napkin today and began the fourth. So that project is progressing. Wouldn’t it be nice if I finished before the end of August!

Spinning away. I have quite a stash of handspun so I think my next project has got to be something with that. I would like to spin some material to make into a tunic and wonder if I have enough? That’s a project in of itself to figure out!

I did go to the Fiber Revival last weekend and purchased some more fiber. Some alpaca/wool mix from ParkerRiver Alpacas and a skein from Enchanted Knoll.