tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54516839577948829152024-02-19T00:22:40.488-06:00GrammaKnitsMy adventures with fiber -
from sheep to sweaterGrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-10193877872655899682022-01-31T13:27:00.002-06:002022-01-31T13:27:36.993-06:00You gotta be warped to weave<p> It's been ages since did a blog post, but this seemed to be the most logical spot to share how I put a long, wide warp on my loom by myself. I didn't want to blow up everyone's phone with a ton of photos, and also wanted for them to be able to find it later when needed. There are lots of different methods of warping a loom, and are usually contingent upon the type of loom, the fiber content of the warp, the weave structure, the length and width, etc. I'm going to be documenting my baby blanket project that's going on my Louet David loom. So here goes!</p><p>First, it's really important to wind a nice warp. Since I'm going to be filling the entire width of my loom, I broke it up into five sections. This makes it a little easier to keep good tension on the warp without tangling. I like to warp by myself because I like to be in control of the tension. Another weaver can be a good helper, but husbands and friends usually aren't able to mind the tension as well as watching and feeling for tangles.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWE5_XakJyHaAJ3bKakuqHa67nAVzpcJtTJCiSeT0JU9NdiFNYrUN2GpNbHO2MeciFrRygkgbIUQy3Req-Fz1GGlbGFplzChpVqMQsYmKJ2XbWNjFQTHUkZYzCF_L1O6uUeVeYUtUyotXja6LJaRGAl_NGQMIocYadttJkZ5kSFSr214wGtdN_mByb=s2419" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2419" data-original-width="1814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWE5_XakJyHaAJ3bKakuqHa67nAVzpcJtTJCiSeT0JU9NdiFNYrUN2GpNbHO2MeciFrRygkgbIUQy3Req-Fz1GGlbGFplzChpVqMQsYmKJ2XbWNjFQTHUkZYzCF_L1O6uUeVeYUtUyotXja6LJaRGAl_NGQMIocYadttJkZ5kSFSr214wGtdN_mByb=s320" width="240" /></a></div>As I wind each section, I put it onto the lease sticks which are hanging off the back of the loom. This is a good chance to check to be sure any color sequences are correct. Getting a middle bout loaded in the wrong direction is a pain in the neck to fix! Keeping your cross is one of the most important elements. I use metal book rings to secure the sticks together and hang them.<br /><p>Once all the warp chains are loaded onto the lease sticks, I insert a bar into the end of the chains and velcro it to my warp bar. This allows you to be able to slide the threads into position without having to deal with the cords that connect the warp bar to the beam. Then I use long shoestrings to tie the lease sticks into position and hold them still.</p><p>Next, it's time to load the raddle. My Louet looms all have a built in raddle on top that is approximately 5 sections to the inch. Since it's metric, I just have to leave a space every 4 inches or so to keep the width as planned in inches. Since I'm right handed, I pull threads off the cross for the raddle from right to left. I untie one warp section at a time and let it hang off the front of the loom to give it a little tension, which makes it easier to see the threads in the cross. I have stick-on ruler tape on my loom next to the raddle so that I can see where I am. It also makes it easy to find your starting point when loading the raddle.</p><p></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEig15x7gkTnjJ6KSolwU4vMNuWOy-KedZ7FPh4R62ihDYmhvcWxHDUJSp2J_HeC6cDy-BjxarnGcY9A0jKZLvQh56GoiQqQYsEqBk6LSOoPQBByGzu_8KBAZKob4-Yr7znXCYP-H_rrBj9M6JoN2IBp0ajGqoOD0f9qGVmkTC50yZCW3b4aIHQP0WNo=s2419" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1814" data-original-width="2419" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEig15x7gkTnjJ6KSolwU4vMNuWOy-KedZ7FPh4R62ihDYmhvcWxHDUJSp2J_HeC6cDy-BjxarnGcY9A0jKZLvQh56GoiQqQYsEqBk6LSOoPQBByGzu_8KBAZKob4-Yr7znXCYP-H_rrBj9M6JoN2IBp0ajGqoOD0f9qGVmkTC50yZCW3b4aIHQP0WNo=s320" width="320" /></a>Once the entire warp is spread in the raddle, put a little tension on it to even out the threads. When it's nice and neat, lash the bar holding the warp to the warp bar. I use 16/2 linen, but any strong thread will work, and I lash every inch. The second photo shows the warp spread in the raddle and the warp bar secured. Notice that the cords holding the lease sticks are tied as far out as possible to keep from being in the way as you wind on.</p><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR9berDMic0dKm7imEzGkhdeETAF8EvxL0mSPNh1nGqxhrmkawermtxHgamHrcXQ6PEWpkvM5N55CRDESaZMQlUUGEt4Bh6WxkaZ_PwlL82Z_VATGAFg-hQ2WlG1KBxaIZA5iwSHp9AQ_pmFsTqu3YdUaX0SHKweGMnZbuq2-NK2CKkZakOHCn20_9=s2419" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2419" data-original-width="1814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR9berDMic0dKm7imEzGkhdeETAF8EvxL0mSPNh1nGqxhrmkawermtxHgamHrcXQ6PEWpkvM5N55CRDESaZMQlUUGEt4Bh6WxkaZ_PwlL82Z_VATGAFg-hQ2WlG1KBxaIZA5iwSHp9AQ_pmFsTqu3YdUaX0SHKweGMnZbuq2-NK2CKkZakOHCn20_9=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br />Next, it's time to get ready to wind. Since this is a wide warp, I'm going to put in a layer of stick spacers when I begin to wind on. This keeps my threads from being deflected by bumps on the warp beam. <p></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEji8_mgddXo2T0a1CKuNj0gtOpE5a3C6jVjh7uCg6oXhn82b62-mLNvHj2-DRf3f_ci7UHlNZqCenJJIh_kkvMw_wNCAKsfWgUAREdIt-e9TRgnQnoVnyhjFOVmmgWXb9-DkaLi8WrOMTBZc4z4HMUftWoP64ys6clc5KsaGNvciMRzc7Elt60W1LNp=s2419" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1814" data-original-width="2419" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEji8_mgddXo2T0a1CKuNj0gtOpE5a3C6jVjh7uCg6oXhn82b62-mLNvHj2-DRf3f_ci7UHlNZqCenJJIh_kkvMw_wNCAKsfWgUAREdIt-e9TRgnQnoVnyhjFOVmmgWXb9-DkaLi8WrOMTBZc4z4HMUftWoP64ys6clc5KsaGNvciMRzc7Elt60W1LNp=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />I also use Angel Wings to help keep the warp chains in position with some tension. They aren't totally necessary, but are very handy. My son made these for me, but you can buy them online. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcKF0EaTST_GPhzNG6AYl4GhRGxkIJtFI3yA7Zyb_ISH_a4eN4SicejJfCS4y_zTn9ShIdywx7-TqNe48mjxA81MgeEVqz6RQi8Veu_1sQGFlYSdEYjedPPJ3AYs7iPWMEYFKfW5rY0RN5SbjCWYyMgEF6eyZH2uXnv8YiVEo2IwKeeTw-ErkYCu7v=s2419" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1814" data-original-width="2419" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcKF0EaTST_GPhzNG6AYl4GhRGxkIJtFI3yA7Zyb_ISH_a4eN4SicejJfCS4y_zTn9ShIdywx7-TqNe48mjxA81MgeEVqz6RQi8Veu_1sQGFlYSdEYjedPPJ3AYs7iPWMEYFKfW5rY0RN5SbjCWYyMgEF6eyZH2uXnv8YiVEo2IwKeeTw-ErkYCu7v=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNNlV_ohEYe0CWI-kMLx6Hp03W3n78tRfgwyjidKx7ihFrrFA02DSuty2zTv8o5FCtNoGF7JLFJsDk0pMTmG7EKzBvyjOezLZzeTBCN4yFBXuXdyeE3rtZXbgVSibbZn89iCGVI1q1yRK_QQspm_W8De8oyQik1Rl_5O-STLP0LLhF0nxAo2P8GEaI=s2419" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2419" data-original-width="1814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNNlV_ohEYe0CWI-kMLx6Hp03W3n78tRfgwyjidKx7ihFrrFA02DSuty2zTv8o5FCtNoGF7JLFJsDk0pMTmG7EKzBvyjOezLZzeTBCN4yFBXuXdyeE3rtZXbgVSibbZn89iCGVI1q1yRK_QQspm_W8De8oyQik1Rl_5O-STLP0LLhF0nxAo2P8GEaI=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br />To keep tension on the warp while I'm winding, I stretch the chains across the room and put a weight on them. If you have a carpeted room, books work fine for this. Since I have a hard floor that doesn't get mopped often, I sandwich the chains between cardboard and place weights on top. Be creative!</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEaIMdtx9k0v3rORjiNmCeQFQse5xftfX4Sk7iTdfRvI57gmu-7dA8BchMWBEjIMl_GN2A0pmeCSUOWtqSjs-oygVqbvtrAh5Qwmc4taYpwbDTSBSQ3M3NxyakKfqzMdPMpJ9aaHsSiNJT2AUwqN0wmTMZS7wb8YK_d9TGR_bBzgJsjTIDwFXf6VFU=s2419" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2419" data-original-width="1814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEaIMdtx9k0v3rORjiNmCeQFQse5xftfX4Sk7iTdfRvI57gmu-7dA8BchMWBEjIMl_GN2A0pmeCSUOWtqSjs-oygVqbvtrAh5Qwmc4taYpwbDTSBSQ3M3NxyakKfqzMdPMpJ9aaHsSiNJT2AUwqN0wmTMZS7wb8YK_d9TGR_bBzgJsjTIDwFXf6VFU=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWkq1r-4oN92i7KFMrcCKgFvIdcAZnTeqd_dhJTPWt8F7dRunbZfEquJY0TbHecDRdGIJEIurNm4LSYPixGM1Hyg65ElxsJ7g-gXinw3Ptcx5TwurHZcMf2TmgcbFBne9hIRADoxS9Ea0IvftJMgUewwhGCdrvEG-hdZKdY2Y0WuBnQSI6u1NQK3ue=s2419" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2419" data-original-width="1814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWkq1r-4oN92i7KFMrcCKgFvIdcAZnTeqd_dhJTPWt8F7dRunbZfEquJY0TbHecDRdGIJEIurNm4LSYPixGM1Hyg65ElxsJ7g-gXinw3Ptcx5TwurHZcMf2TmgcbFBne9hIRADoxS9Ea0IvftJMgUewwhGCdrvEG-hdZKdY2Y0WuBnQSI6u1NQK3ue=s320" width="240" /></a></div>This is a good time to add a couple of c-clamps onto the back beam to keep your warp from spreading out farther than you want.</div><span style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT9T77sFhJZpt4-Salt60p1mb8SRhkx1nYj4ZTzNuq5JQrlAxK3EHttlLjlKHyMsxTLfXQufOmtZP1f-9nZYaLNepdce_edldue0PoDRKqw8lDdaaJcdLDPHSj5ug2OPDF1SAibJWtnHGLUQ302OoyU8WvDFq6XwpPY4u7r96LLkNBsIjFl6HeRjjh=s2419" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2419" data-original-width="1814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT9T77sFhJZpt4-Salt60p1mb8SRhkx1nYj4ZTzNuq5JQrlAxK3EHttlLjlKHyMsxTLfXQufOmtZP1f-9nZYaLNepdce_edldue0PoDRKqw8lDdaaJcdLDPHSj5ug2OPDF1SAibJWtnHGLUQ302OoyU8WvDFq6XwpPY4u7r96LLkNBsIjFl6HeRjjh=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Once you get the first turn wound on and the beam is evenly covered with sticks, it's time to add separator paper. I usually work with sections that aren't more than a couple of yards long. Turn one end down about 3-4" and make sure that the side edges match, then insert a stick into the fold. This will give you a straight fold which is easier to line up when inserting the paper. And it gives you a firm edge which is easier to keep straight.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiG5mTLrrcTFS-G4LOeegmBKP43SaZD6TN9OGqN7ZLhUy3l7VEXZrWY8C1RDx8srtLbUwFqJtD1FUgSO5kHGz2ZS1HcS7vHm1r-N1OdBlQcfNaoj4WwDUaInIjlxLgaM1Gb6qT3JTq0CD6fm9RPv2QvQ4LfVP-95bE_KRyMkcV13xnq5BILSaDfxNth=s2419" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2419" data-original-width="1814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiG5mTLrrcTFS-G4LOeegmBKP43SaZD6TN9OGqN7ZLhUy3l7VEXZrWY8C1RDx8srtLbUwFqJtD1FUgSO5kHGz2ZS1HcS7vHm1r-N1OdBlQcfNaoj4WwDUaInIjlxLgaM1Gb6qT3JTq0CD6fm9RPv2QvQ4LfVP-95bE_KRyMkcV13xnq5BILSaDfxNth=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgI8BMdAKopPrCjArsnuX4xgeebw2dUVVITPI-8tC4lbZOQfSSuhgkHLBK1eGehayp31u0P7ZC9hECYZPLtECAsGp_geh84-59nL781zB89qKa5jw0thVZPDH-rpZLkollP8Wm_YLVWQKK6AI733ISCVjUxlp9C_6s2ydW5TM-AcH87LIlVq_qoclw=s2419" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2419" data-original-width="1814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgI8BMdAKopPrCjArsnuX4xgeebw2dUVVITPI-8tC4lbZOQfSSuhgkHLBK1eGehayp31u0P7ZC9hECYZPLtECAsGp_geh84-59nL781zB89qKa5jw0thVZPDH-rpZLkollP8Wm_YLVWQKK6AI733ISCVjUxlp9C_6s2ydW5TM-AcH87LIlVq_qoclw=s320" width="240" /></a></div>As you start winding on, keep an eye on the raddle and the cross to be sure you don't get any tangles. Wind until the weights start getting close to the front of the loom. At that point, stop, unwind more warp, and move the weights back as far as you can. Continue in this manner, adding separator paper as needed and watching for tangles. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyePL-DKbGMgEO1woufs_JRAmKpBtbDP6XkRM12rkWZETTN0yXIPRmnuUmHI5D62ET8mHgQRcC6UTzy1DaUdtSMp2pwD8ydWErGFjX7_S5pjrYZ1JsO3BG0xEnGm3qqJVS-bvKRLk-VBfFVUo0h9nUtw09K4VwE8q_LyweBJWjfPBEoLJuD_RahnkP=s2419" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2419" data-original-width="1814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyePL-DKbGMgEO1woufs_JRAmKpBtbDP6XkRM12rkWZETTN0yXIPRmnuUmHI5D62ET8mHgQRcC6UTzy1DaUdtSMp2pwD8ydWErGFjX7_S5pjrYZ1JsO3BG0xEnGm3qqJVS-bvKRLk-VBfFVUo0h9nUtw09K4VwE8q_LyweBJWjfPBEoLJuD_RahnkP=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Once I'm within a couple yards of the loom, I change to the "crank and yank" method of tensioning. Turn the back beam one full turn (crank), stop, put some strong tension on each hank individually (yank), then repeat. You can wind on an entire warp like this. It just takes a little longer. But the tension will be fine. You can leave the Angle Wings for another yard, or just take them out now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Continue winding until the ends are near the top of the loom but still in the raddle. Stop winding. Cut the ends to even the bouts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid0sbBpyMkC0digN1GLsXSgtZOe8noWggARmriO92K9fFZ1LuvvlKaWaGmLIbqPPJtTKU_ac0xHsqmj1hJI1bG3oIHi4vjN9EFOypzqR0Q8neIcMsjD05pIbGwpwbz0sxG5h6EocVZ75P1mFd-QKYwJSufneuvbNJVBLr9cWXvvRLE1FUXg0k6E797=s2419" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2419" data-original-width="1814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid0sbBpyMkC0digN1GLsXSgtZOe8noWggARmriO92K9fFZ1LuvvlKaWaGmLIbqPPJtTKU_ac0xHsqmj1hJI1bG3oIHi4vjN9EFOypzqR0Q8neIcMsjD05pIbGwpwbz0sxG5h6EocVZ75P1mFd-QKYwJSufneuvbNJVBLr9cWXvvRLE1FUXg0k6E797=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgq3Qe6hgRNFkmXYX4heLaHAar7fg39swF17CDTsC5kAc0n5uJPZ4PPpaqevdsEbY-3BgAjuLx5ghK-GmWgRCV8DYk-QAOlJyMH9xvvMWxjkRm_dCGoClw94V0BW2yfmPLaBYn_62nmMkkRJ-dg01dh0FFAomWkg7PU0Q3dK6kIMYUCKQXHayVOiSzE=s2419" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2419" data-original-width="1814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgq3Qe6hgRNFkmXYX4heLaHAar7fg39swF17CDTsC5kAc0n5uJPZ4PPpaqevdsEbY-3BgAjuLx5ghK-GmWgRCV8DYk-QAOlJyMH9xvvMWxjkRm_dCGoClw94V0BW2yfmPLaBYn_62nmMkkRJ-dg01dh0FFAomWkg7PU0Q3dK6kIMYUCKQXHayVOiSzE=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, make a slip knot in each section to keep the treads from slipping off the lease sticks. Once those are secure, move the lease sticks down to a height that you can see easily when threading. I screwed a little eye hook into the castle to hold the sticks at a height that I like.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6PAMAltxTQKMD1ZKDdno1-rF9h811aKscZUMrU6ZFbichIdLsXNm_J2FaVTg3PomaXoa1eJvm1SS8DWtkObvAsV1AYu9lGFFij32blG0DpdTNQyB80pFdJ3N5u8YH3EWm21NvqvGlwxQzL4ghsX6lyyyPkO1HZUBhqMvYFUd-ln4gvl9uNg7JpAK4=s2419" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2419" data-original-width="1814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6PAMAltxTQKMD1ZKDdno1-rF9h811aKscZUMrU6ZFbichIdLsXNm_J2FaVTg3PomaXoa1eJvm1SS8DWtkObvAsV1AYu9lGFFij32blG0DpdTNQyB80pFdJ3N5u8YH3EWm21NvqvGlwxQzL4ghsX6lyyyPkO1HZUBhqMvYFUd-ln4gvl9uNg7JpAK4=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjkBX_Xy_jk-M0xQ7Lots5NAdPpmDm0yrIR95M0kpkPtlg3tE1_IwG8fG6-ZgZ-yObR4r4GDqESW9qH1v9FyU_r2Oqpuwwj2IR2orlTc0PZwek031cezm88ny3oDZfq5ZrJ3Sm3XjN2YgUHomRw8ZWv-aAaxV8t00fgfSwiqTrYyI7QSx6ZmFFGTAE=s2419" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2419" data-original-width="1814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjkBX_Xy_jk-M0xQ7Lots5NAdPpmDm0yrIR95M0kpkPtlg3tE1_IwG8fG6-ZgZ-yObR4r4GDqESW9qH1v9FyU_r2Oqpuwwj2IR2orlTc0PZwek031cezm88ny3oDZfq5ZrJ3Sm3XjN2YgUHomRw8ZWv-aAaxV8t00fgfSwiqTrYyI7QSx6ZmFFGTAE=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now you're ready to thread. Be sure to count heddles on each shaft before starting. Especially if you have a loom that won't let you add heddles on the fly!</div><br />GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-2148110430884949112017-01-25T13:19:00.000-06:002017-01-25T13:19:48.997-06:002016 Recap2016 was a crazy busy year! James scheduled more vintage races than ever, so there were lots of trips. First off was Amelia Island, Florida in March. It was pretty low key and we stayed right on the beach, so there was plenty of time for walks. It wasn't a huge race, but there were some interesting cars. We always see lots of "Rileys", but this time there was a "Tucker Special".<br />
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April was the annual "girls trip". Since our usual retreat didn't make this year, we decided to just head out for San Antonio and Fredericksburg on our own. We missed getting together with out-of-town friends, but Roddie, Sam, and I managed to have a fun time on our own. If you're ever in Fredericksburg and want to visit wineries, the wine bus is worth every penny. $20 and you can hop on and off all day. The only catch is that you can't back-track so you have to visit them in the order the bus runs. By the end of the day we were best friends with the whole bus! Way better than driving.</div>
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In May, we celebrate all of our grandchildren's birthdays. They're spaced about a week apart, so it can be a challenge logistically. Especially when you throw in Mother's Day too. This year I managed to squeeze in a trip to Arkansas with my mom so we could visit Aunt Robbie who was 102! We also wandered around old cemeteries looking for ancestors, and visited my great-grandparents old farm. Mom's cousin still lives there, but the old house is long gone. Only thing left is part of the barn and smokehouse. But the house in Ashdown where my mom lived (and later Aunt Robbie's family), is still there are beautiful.</div>
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June began with James in Norwich at the Lotus Factory. While he was gone, I picked up the boys after school let out. Riley spends most of the summer with us, and Tucker is here when we're taking trips. Since James' god-son was graduating from medical school in NYC, we started off the summer with the boy's first plane ride. They were pretty nervous, but made it through ok.</div>
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It was kind of a whirlwind trip, but we did manage to squeeze in Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Central Park. I think Riley and Tucker enjoyed the park more than anything, and we walked our legs off every day. After the graduation ceremony, we ate dinner at Patsy's, which was some of the best Italian food I've ever had. It was exactly what I would have expected from an old New York restaurant - tiny, busy, lots of old photos of movie stars on the walls.</div>
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When we got home, we had a few weeks off before our next adventure, so it was finally time to get started on my weaving studio. After tossing around lots of ideas, we decided to build a Tuff Shed and finish it the inside. It has about 800 sq ft, so there should be plenty of room for looms and spinning wheels. And it looks so cute sitting next to the house!</div>
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A few days after the Tuff Shed was up, we left on our next big trip. It was kind of a celebration of Tucker having successfully finishing chemo, so we brought Chris and Shelly along too and took off for Mont Tremblant in Canada. It was a crazy long drive, but once we got there it was absolutely beautiful. Since we were entering Canada late in the afternoon, we stayed near the border and took a daytrip to Fort Henry the next morning. It's a beautiful old fort with lots of reenactors, shops, and a nice restaurant. Very interesting to see what life would be like when it was active. Everything you needed was inside the fort. Chris showed the boys how to roll a barrel hoop and explained that it was something kids used to do to entertain themselves. I don't think they can even imagine what life would be like without phones, tablets, and video games!<br />
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Once at the track, they put our Texas group in our own paddock area. It was a little tricky getting around to take photos, but everything else was so convenient.<br />
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We had seven cars entered in the event, and everyone was still running at the end which is always a successful event. Not to say there weren't issues, but since some of us were heading to the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix on our way home, we were glad that all the cars and drivers were still in one piece! <br />
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On our way to Pittsburgh, we managed to talk James into stopping in Niagra Falls. After all, who knows when we'll ever be back up here again. Especially after our run in at a Canadian truck inspection station! But that's a whole 'nuther story! So after squeezing "Big Red" through a tunnel in the dead of night, we made it to our hotel mostly unscathed. The next morning, we walked over to the falls, donned our rain ponchos and water sandals, and braved the Cave of the Winds. Even with the ponchos, we were pretty wet!<br />
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Pittsburgh wasn't as kind to us this year. They let people in early, so we had quite a challenge getting the car haulers parked. Thankfully, it didn't rain or we would have probably been there for weeks. And the race took it's toll on cars. James had a fire, which put him out of the running, then Doc got hit in the final. Plus everyone was tired from being on the road so long, so it was good to get home again. <br />
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August found the boys back in school, so James and I were off to Wales for the Fun Cup. What a wonderful trip! Since James and Andy were co-driving and they had someone else preparing the car, there was plenty of time for sight-seeing. Andy and Merrie were kind enough to give us their guest room for the trip, which was so relaxing. They live in Swansea near the university, but it's also within walking distance of town. We slept in every day, walked to town for lunch and sight-seeing, and enjoyed getting to visit with friends. I'm sure they were probably more than ready to have their home back to themselves, but we had a great time. We only rented a car for a week to hit some of the outlying areas. Wales is so small that you can get just about anywhere in a few hours. In addition to the racing, I was able to attend a workshop at the Swansea Festival of Stitch, we visited the Dr. Who Experience and Stonehenge, explored several woolen mills, and had a fun at-home wine tasting on our last night.<br />
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After being on the road for most of July and August, it was nice to have a break in September. James still had lots going on, but I took the month off since I knew October was going to be busy again. I had signed up for Spinzilla again, which is an entire week where you spin as much yarn as you can. By the time it ended, I could hardly even hold onto the yarn. Good old carpal tunnel! But I did win a couple of nice prizes for coming in 3rd place in our group and having the photo with the most "likes".<br />
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The week after Spinzilla, I went to the New York Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY. The weather was perfect and the leaves were turning. Absolutely beautiful! It's a great festival with loads of vendors, sheep, fiber, and yarn. I do have to admit that I just don't get quite as excited about yarn since I spin. The booths were filled with lots of stuff from indie dyers, but it all just started looking the same. It didn't stop me from buying anything, but I mostly focus on breeds that I don't have, or yarns that aren't available locally. We are very blessed to have so many great yarn shops nearby. One of the highlights of the festival was running into a lady that I had bought a favorite fleece from several years ago. I had only talked to her online, so it was nice to get to meet her in person. It was a great venue, but if I could only do one wool fest, it would be the Black Sheep Gathering in Oregon.</div>
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When I got home it was time to leave for another vintage race in Savannah. This is one of our annual trips and always fun. This year we stayed at the Westin on the island, which made it very easy to get around with just a golf cart. And we could sleep in! I love hotel living. Doc trophied, but James and the girls weren't so lucky. We were just glad Serena was ok after hitting the wall.</div>
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Once we got home, it was time to start working on my studio in ernest. But I'll save that for it's own post!</div>
GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-16779223736940768812016-09-28T19:43:00.000-06:002016-09-28T19:44:25.908-06:00Independence Farmstead FibersI finally got the call that my roving was ready, so I took advantage of the beautiful day to drive up to <a href="http://www.independencefarmsteadfibers.com/" target="_blank">Independence Farmstead Fibers</a>, which is just outside of Brenham. They have only been in business since 2014, but are fast becoming overwhelmed by fleece since there just aren't any other mills around that will process small amounts. They will process your fleece into roving or yarn, so a lot of the local sheep ranchers have been sending them fleece, too. They are currently not accepting any more fleece, so I was very happy I took mine in when I did! You can see in the photos below that they've got a big stash to get through. It was really interesting to see the machinery and the steps the fiber goes through.<br />
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I had given them a Romney fleece and a Polworth fleece that had been languishing in my stash for a few years. I had purchased Princess (the Romney) from Skylines Farm in Idaho. It was a beautiful fleece weighing in at a whopping 9 pounds. I cleaned it in a fermented suint vat (FSV), with one additional wash in Dawn. It had a little bit of lanolin left, but not enough to need another wash. After washing and processing into roving, I still had 6 pounds. Here's the fleece as it came from the farm.<br />
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The Polworth fleece is one from Jane Sheppard's stash, that was given to me by her friend Denise. I don't remember her owning any Polworth sheep, so I'm pretty sure it was one she bought. It had already been washed when I got it, and weighed 4.6 pounds. I used a few ounces of it during the 2014 Tour de Fleece on Ravelry, so I was happily surprised to end up with 4.1 pounds of finished roving! Especially since it had to have another wash at the mill.<br />
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So now I have 10 pounds of fluffy, fresh roving. Ready to start spinning for Spinzilla 2016. I'll probably just spin a lot of boring singles, then I can decide how much to make into 2-ply for lace knitting, and 3-ply for a sweater.<br />
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<br />GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-88050304918846940022016-09-26T17:14:00.001-06:002016-09-26T17:23:58.003-06:00Down the Rabbit Hole...againA month or so ago, our weaving guild webmaster received an email from a woman wanting to donate a knitting machine to a local group. She had purchased it in the mid '80s and never learned to use it. Now, she and her husband are long retired and downsizing, so she was looking for a group that would put it to use. So the email was forwarded to me (a knitter). Although it sounded like something intersting, I've got enough "stuff" of my own. I forwarded the email to a machine knitter friend who belongs to a local guild. No interest there either. In the meantime, I got a wild hair to knit some sock blanks to play with dyeing, and it would be perfect for the knitting guild to use for charity knitting. So I sent a note to see if the machine was still there. It was, and in fact they were in the middle of moving. All of the knitting machines I've ever seen were small enough to fit in my car, and pretty easy to move, so I was kind of skeptical when Mr. G said I should bring help to get it downstairs and in my vehicle (I hadn't seen any photos). But my sweet hubby was free and volunteered to help. OMG! The knitting machine turned out to be a Swiss made Passap Duomatic 80 with Electra 3000a motor, Deco attachment (which does motifs from punchcards), and Form Computer. And this thing was massively heavy! I was trying to pretend like it wasn't so bad as we struggled to get it down a spiral staircase, but I doubt I fooled anyone. Eventually we got it in the back of my KIA with the front seat pushed all the way forward, which made for a long ride home.<br />
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I set it up in the guest room, since the light it good there, until the studio is finished (not discussing that at the moment). After sitting for almost 30 years, the old Beladore oil had everything pretty much immobile, so I started perusing the internet looking for YouTube videos, instruction manuals, Yahoo and Facebook groups, etc. It took a couple of days just to learn enough vocabulary to ask a semi-intelligent question. But I connected with a couple of good groups who suggested I talk to a lady from Leander, TX who has a whole series of YouTube videos on working with this particular model of machine. So I hunted down Barbara, who turned out to be a wonderful resource and so much help. She and her husband actually drove down, brought me some yarn to get started (turns out you need special yarn for machine knitting), and took a look at the machine to see what I needed to do. So I spent an entire day taking things apart, removing all the needles and pins, cleaning, oiling, etc. And now it's back together. And it works!<br />
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Since the original manual was lost, I downloaded a copy onto my tablet and have started working my way through the sample exercises. I had some issues with the edges at the beginning of the first one, but it's not too bad.<br />
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Hopefully by the time I get to the end, I can start working on some knitted blanks to play with. Not that I don't have anything to do. I'm supposed to be knitting a baby blanket for a baby due in November; I've been tying shibori squares to make placemats for the CHT conference next June; teaching a weaving class for Park Avenue Yarns; making some more dishtowels for the CHH sale in November; and endlessly mowing. Good thing I'm retired and don't have anything to do!GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-2032849555999782662016-07-26T08:10:00.001-06:002016-07-26T08:10:23.758-06:00Happy Anniversary KANGThis August marks the 20th Anniversary of the Knit at Night Guild. It was formed when two best friends, Denise Winter and Jane Sheppard, saw a need for a knitting group which met at night so that working people could attend. They put a small notice in the paper and spread the word at Turrentine's, a local yarn shop (which later became Nancy's Knits). To their surprise, that first meeting was packed and they moved the meeting location to the Tracy Gee Community Center in the same room where the Chix with Stix chapter meets now. I wasn't at that first meeting (I was pretty intimidated having learned to knit only a few months earlier), but my friends Ann Cole and Roddie Shelly got me there asap (we met when we took knitting lessons at Turrentines). And I am so glad they did! I have made so many new friends that I probably wouldn't have met otherwise, and my knitting improved in a hurry with so many talented mentors, classes, and workshops. In those early years, we had a Saturday workshop once a month, featuring a new technique that was used to make squares for community service afghans. Plus we brought in a nationally recognized instructor twice a year for weekend workshop, and supplemented with member-led 1 day workshops at various times throughout the year. The guild's mission was education, and we certainly nailed it! The year that Roddie and I attended Stitches West, we took goodie bags made up by the guild for every instructor there, and made sure that we met them all personally (usually in the bar). It definitely made it easy to find people who wanted to come here to teach! Here are a few of us from the trip to <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/theresaknits/albums/72157668637969203" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival</a> in 2006. (l to r: Virgina Martinez, Roddie, me, Anne Sasko, Ann Cole, Jan Clark)<br />
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Over the years, KANG grew to over 350 members. We threw our own "mini-Stitches" event at the Hotel Sofitel for our 10th anniversary, with a market, meet and greet with chocolate fountain, banquet and style show, judged knitting competition, an anniversary tote bag full of goodies, and classes featuring local teachers and teachers from across the country.<br />
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It was a huge undertaking, and took the cooperation of the entire membership to pull it off. You can check out some of my pictures <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/theresaknits/albums/72157670656970122" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. The market was about the size of Yellow Rose now, and featured mostly local vendors, in addition to kits and yarns from teachers and member booths. The whole event was a huge success thanks to the vision and energy from our then President, Vicki Katz. I have never met anyone who was so organized and could get people to do anything she needed. Here's Vicki celebrating after the conference.<br />
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By our 15th anniversary in 2011, the guild had decided to split up into chapters (boo!) to make it more convenient for members to attend meetings. At that time, there was the KNOT chapter in Spring, the KNOW chapter in Katy, and KANG (the mother guild) in central Houston. This made planning a big event more logistically challenging, so we went with a luncheon and speaker, Adrienne Martini, for this event.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCLI3-NNBOgvL9ImkDf2S4FAa2E8NDfgmclTb-u8vqJA-uBvInjKs5q_CF0QZrf_i1CeWqxtrMZvyjqDreY0tlozFgGi4zmIe4jeKPg_6nHItXVMHXfcvi_JO-nlEqodGCyDosUpaObs/s1600/Adrienne.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCLI3-NNBOgvL9ImkDf2S4FAa2E8NDfgmclTb-u8vqJA-uBvInjKs5q_CF0QZrf_i1CeWqxtrMZvyjqDreY0tlozFgGi4zmIe4jeKPg_6nHItXVMHXfcvi_JO-nlEqodGCyDosUpaObs/s320/Adrienne.jpg" width="320" /></a> We introduced Adrienne to watermelon margaritas at dinner. For our party favor, we had a special yarn colorway, "Jane", commissioned by Mama Llama (Catherine Kerth) just for us, in memory of Jane Sheppard. It was a fun event, but also bittersweet, in that it highlighted the fact that there were so many people that we didn't get to see on a monthly basis now that everyone met in chapters. You can see luncheon photos <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/theresaknits/albums/72157668513501373" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Now here we are in August 2016, with six chapters, celebrating our 20th anniversary. Jane passed away before our 10th anniversary, but I know that Denise is happy to see their legacy continue. A few of you may have run into her at Fiber Fest on Friday. As the chapters seem to be celebrating the milestone individually, I'll just be getting together with my BKB (best knitting buddy), Roddie, and we'll offer a toast to friends past and present, remembering the great times we've had over the years. I really miss having the guild meet as one group. We've lost a lot of the cohesiveness and comraderie that comes with having all the members gathered together. Maybe I can talk some young, energetic person into planning a guild-wide Christmas party?<br />
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So here's to another 20 years KANG. Hope I'm still alive to celebrate! <br />
This is Roddie and me with Denise at the 10th anniversary conference.<br />
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<br />GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-9485550416738732622016-06-01T21:00:00.000-06:002016-06-01T21:00:49.864-06:00I SurrenderOne of many things on my weaving bucket list <strike>is</strike> was to do the overshot pattern "Lee's Surrender"/. Since I can't stand to have a naked loom sitting around and I had the thread I needed, I decided to tackle this milestone in my weaving journey. Overshot is an impressive looking weave structure, but not especially difficult. The issues arise because of the complex threading pattern, which involved lots of counting and re-counting, and the long treadling sequence. I should have realized that this was going to be a challenge when I wound off the incorrect number of warp threads and had to add 36 more to each side after the warp was already on the loom. Thankfully I noticed the error before threading or I probably would have just thrown in the towel before I ever got started. But being not one to back down from a challenge, I pulled the first warp out, added the new threads to each side, and re-wound it back on. This was reminiscent of the infamous Texas Bluebonnet Tartan warp which took over 40 hours to get on the loom. 10/2 mercerized cotton has a good amount of twist, which makes it really strong; but also makes it tend to wrap around itself like a rope when you have a long bunch of threads that are not under tension. Thankfully I was able to utilize the tips and pitfalls I learned during the Tartan Debacle to get this warp back on in just an afternoon. But it definitely required a certain amount of alcohol at the end.<br />
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I was really careful during the threading because the Baby Mac has stainless steel heddles, and shafts that are really close together because of it's compact size. A threading error could mean hours of work making the correction. So after much counting and re-counting I began weaving. I used 10/2 mercerized cotton for the warp and tabby weft, and 5/2 mercerized cotton for the pattern weft. After a slow start (it really took some concentration to throw pattern weft, tabby weft, pattern weft, tabby weft...) I was about halfway through when I noticed an odd blank area in Block B.<br />
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After posting to the 4-Shaft Facebook group and getting lots of input and advice, I determined that I needed to be more consistent in how I was beating it, and to leave more of an angle in the pattern weft. But in addition, I noticed the dreaded THREADING ERROR! If you look 1 block up and two blocks to the right of the red arrow, there is a tan thread running down the middle of the green bar. Arrrrggggghhhh! Since I was already halfway through the first table runner, I just cut it off to be able to fix the error. Since you can't just add in a metal heddle once everything is threaded, I made a string heddle, which was not an easy feat working in tight quarters on a threaded loom. I actually make two string heddles because the first one I accidently tied to the wrong shaft (again). Once everything was tied and re-tensioned, it was time to start weaving again. By this time, I'm working really hard on beating consistently. I get to Block B, and get the same wierd space again. And then I realize - I'm looking at the wrong side of the fabric!! The Baby Mac is a jack loom (the shafts lift when you press on the treadles), and the draft was written for a sinking shed loom (shafts go down when you press the heddles). So I pull out the sample I had cut off, turn it over, and voila - no error at all.<br />
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At this point, the body is looking pretty decent, but my selvedges are horrendously ugly. One of the benefits of belonging to a weaving guild with an extensive library is that you can check out books on just about any weaving topic you can imagine. Donna Sullivan's book "Weaving Overshot" provided lots of good information and also suggested using floating selvedges. I normally do this anyway, but had read somewhere else that they weren't necessary since you have a tabby weft anchoring the pattern weft in overshot. Well let me say this, "I will never do another overshot pattern without a floating selvedge." I added one in for the next table runner, and it helped immensely. I also tried out a wool pattern weft. The pattern is a little more subtle in the wool after wet finishing, and it doesn't need quite as hard a beat (since it's squishy) as the cotton. Although happy with how both of these came out, they both have errors where I pressed a pattern treadle instead of a tabby treadle a couple of times. That means they won't be going in the CHH sale, but staying with me. I'd like to do them again on the David loom, now that I know what I need to do differently. But that's probably not going to happen for a while. In the meantime, here are pictures of the finished runners.<br />
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My first project was a scarf using some 5/2 rayon slub that I found in the clearance section of a weaving shop in Comfort. I figured that if things didn't go well, I at least would be out much if I had to cut it off! Turned out pretty nice, even if I do say so myself. So nice, that I put it in my Etsy shop (in case anyone is interested in a gift.)<br />
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Now for the loom review. Pros: It's portable. I can get it in and out of the car by myself. And it will fold up with the warp on and the treadles tied (if you're using Texsolv). Cons: This loom is made for someone of average to below average height. It's not too bad to weave on, but getting the warp on and threading heddles and reed are a pain. Literally! I really like warping back to front, but I'm afraid that I'm going to have to give that up and go front to back just to save my back. Even with the loom up on blocks and sitting on a low stool, it's too low to thread comfortably. Then tying up the treadles required laying flat on my back in the floor to be able to see the bottom of the harnesses and hook up the treadles. But the little cushion I bought for yoga works great as a pillow! There is no way I could use this loom for a workshop that required changing the tie-up during class. But once you get all that done, it weaves nicely (even though it's pretty tight getting my legs to fit).<br />
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Now that it had been 9 months since we moved, I found the deadline for "swatch swap" fast approacing. And the David was still in storage. The topic for this year was 10/2, so I had decided I wanted to do doubleweave using 10/2 cotton. If I'm going to do samples, I may as well be learning something too, and I had never quite been able to wrap my head around how to weave two layers at once. The nice thing is that you have a nice pattern on the front and back, and the fabric is really sturdy (would make great upholstery fabric). The bad thing is that you have double the number of threads that you would normally be using for the same width cloth, which takes a long time to thread (oh, my aching back). But it was worth the effort, as I was really pleased with how they came out. In fact, once David is out of storage I may do some fabric for pillows or a jacket or a bag. The pictures below are the front and back of my swatches.<br />
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GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-24170806470877483892016-02-28T07:53:00.000-06:002016-02-28T07:53:01.417-06:00New Year, New LeafOk, I was definitely a slacker on blogging last year! Maybe because it was just so crazy! We've moved from the suburbs to 50 acres about 45 minutes from Houston. Spring 2015 was spent finalizing the house deal and packing; then we moved over the summer in two stages. Wild! Thank goodness Riley spent the summer with us. He was a lifesaver and a great help getting the new place ready. We took out all the old venetian blinds and painted the entire interior of the house - the walls at least. I have to admit that I still haven't done the baseboards and trim, though hopefully soon. <br />
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I have to admit that I really didn't think that I would enjoy this "country living". But it is growing on me. It is wonderful to sit out on the porch with a nice glass of wine, watch the boys fish, relax. <br />
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And we have lots of bunnies! I found these adorable babies while cleaning up a pile of brush. Then I had to try and remake the house so mamma wouldn't be unhappy when she got home.<br />
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So welcome to our little slice of country, and stay tuned for the next adventure.GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-69811209253865858342015-01-26T16:37:00.001-06:002015-01-26T16:37:34.009-06:00The Incredible Shrinking ReedWhen I bought the David floor loom, I ordered two extra reeds in addition to the one that came with it. This entire year I have, by coincidence, managed to only weave projects that used the original reed. So it was a huge surprise to learn when I opened up the reeds, that they are for a 36" loom and not my 90cm loom (about 35"). Panic time! I went back and checked my original invoice, and Susan had indeed ordered the correct size. But whoever packed the shipment, put in the wrong ones. What to do? Is this something I can fix? The reeds only need to be about 1/8" smaller to fit in the beater.<br />
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I emailed Susan, and she emailed Dave at Louet. Sure, he says. Reeds are easy to trim. I am, however, very intimidated by things I know nothing about. Especially when a boo-boo will cost me $120. Do I go to the trouble of finding a box and mailing them back to him to fix? Finding a box to fit two metal objects that measure 36" long x 5" high x 1" deep is going to be a big hassle. Not to mention the fact that the good old USPS will probably charge me a fortune to mail such a wierd sized package. So I finally summon up the courage to at least pop the caps off to see what I have to work with.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/theresaknits/16188181838" title="End of reed after removing two dents. by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/16188181838_d13d2734aa.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="End of reed after removing two dents."></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/theresaknits/15753378004" title="End of reed after removing two dents. by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8635/15753378004_27f22901d1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="End of reed after removing two dents."></a><br />
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What a brilliantly simple design! The rail, which holds the metal dents, is merely two half-round pieces of wood. The dents are spaced by a tightly wrapped black tarry cord. The 12 dent reed had one wrap of cord between each wire; and the 8 dent reed had three wraps. I'm going to go out on a limb and surmise that the 10 dent reed has two wraps, but I'm not going to take it apart to verify that. All I had to do was unwind the cord far enough to remove two dents with a pair of needle nose pliers, then get out my trusty little hand saw and lightly trim the ends by 1/8". Pop the plastic end cap back on, and it's good as new!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/theresaknits/16349841526" title="End of reed after removing two dents. by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8658/16349841526_2e8e59a17a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="End of reed after removing two dents."></a><br />
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So not only was I able to trim both reeds all by myself, it was very interesting to learn how they are constructed. I also have a new appreciation for why they are so expensive. I'm going to have to do some digging to find out if someone actually does it by hand, or if there's some kind of machine.GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-63992233024963922662014-11-12T11:53:00.001-06:002014-11-12T11:53:07.643-06:00Linen Table RunnerOk, so I've got a new loom and I need something for a first project to break it in and get familiar with the loom. I find some linen yarn in my stash that I bought a long time ago when the <a href="http://www.nordicstudio.com/proddetail.php?prod=TL-6-Unbl">Lone Star Loom Room</a> closed it's storefront. Now I've never woven with linen for the warp and weft, but I do know that it is pretty unruly unless it's damp. No problem. I have my trusty spray bottle to keep it damp. But I had no idea how stiff it is when dry, and that it has absolutely no stretch. One thing to be mindful of is to not pull it off the top of the cone when winding the warp! It adds twist FAST and will quickly become unmanageable. Thankfully, I'm fairly consistent in winding the warp, so when I beam it on, it's nice and even. I used Jane Stafford's warping method that we learned at weaving boot camp and it was fine. I sett it at 20 epi, which in retrospect I would make a little tighter at 24.
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Here it is as I'm starting to weave...
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And here's a closeup of the fabric after it's off the loom.
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My biggest issue is that it's really stiff! Like plastic! So I get online and see what I can learn about wet finishing. Everyone talks about needing to use a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangle_(machine)">"mangle"</a>. I saw one of these when I was at the Guild House for a workshop. It's REALLY heavy! But wow does it make a difference! The fabric is now more supple and has a beautiful sheen. Here's me doing the mangle thing.
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It took me a while to decide on how I wanted to finish the edges. I settled on a simple hemmed edge with a knotted fringe. I've put one on my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GrammaKnits">Etsy shop</a> for sale, and have saved the other for me.
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Right now my shop is stocked with a lot of extra items that I've made this year. I need to get busy and make some baskets since I've had some special requests. Plus, Easter will be here before you know it and there's something about a handwoven basket that makes that candy taste extra good!
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GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-67209221124320321962014-06-23T17:19:00.000-06:002014-06-23T17:19:26.819-06:00New Addition!Wow! I can't believe it's been since January that I last blogged! And I thought you had more time after you retired! Well, a lot has been going on but I'm not going to try and catch up on everything in order. I'm going to jump in and give you the fun stuff first. I have a new floor loom, as in brand new! Back in April Roddie and I made a quick road trip up to <a href="http://www.yarnorama.com/">Yarnorama</a> so that she could look at looms (she's finally come over to the dark side). Susan has several there, and Roddie had been looking at the <a href="http://www.schachtspindle.com/our_products/baby_wolf.php">Baby Wolf</a> online. The moment we saw it, we immediately knew that it was going to be too short. But there sitting next to it was the new 8-shaft Louet David. The weaving height is a bit taller and Roddie could sit at it comfortably. So after she decided that it was the one, I sat down to play with it a little. I swear it had sparkles all around it. Louet has brilliantly re-engineered this loom to fix all the things I don't like about my other looms. Long story short, I ordered one too! I told myself that I would sell the Ashford table loom and the Tools of the Trade loom to make room and partially fund this new one. It would take about 6 weeks to get here, so I had plenty of time. Sure! Eight weeks have now come and gone, and I still have all the looms (along with the spinning wheels). I still have the two up for sale, but so far no takers. And I'm not going to just give them away.<BR><BR>
The 95lb box arrived on June 13th, but I had to drive up to Longview for the weekend, so I didn't get to unpack it until late Sunday afternoon. It comes partially assembled, but it still took about 5 hours to get it up and running and that included time watching their video. Since I already had a project picked out, I went ahead and tied up the treadles while putting the loom together. As you can see from the photos below, there is not a lot of room left. The great room that seemed so cavernous when we moved in 15 years ago is now overrun with fiber tools!
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and by June 19th I was weaving! Woo-hoo!<BR><BR>
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You can see how the horizontal stripes are wider on one side than the other. Unfortunately, it would have been a nightmare to try and unweave that much, so I very carefully cut out the mistake, fixed the bracket, and soldiered on. Now that the weaving is off the loom, I'm going to take that bracket off and turn it the other direction so that it can't fall out of place. Apparently when someone put the loom together, they put them on backwards. Just look at how much I'm learning though!</br></br>
Once that was taken care of, things finished very smoothly. Got the fabric off the loom, clipped all the little ends, washed and dried, and it's ready for cutting!</br></br>
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Since we live in such a warm climate I decided to make a sling wrap for our niece, instead of 6yds of fabric to wind around her body. I bought two sets of rings since I hadn't done this before and wasn't sure of what size I needed. It was a good thing. Turns out that this fabric is a bit on the heavy side for a sling wrap. It looks beautiful, but is hard to adjust. I may have to make her another one in something lighter. If you're interested in making your own wrap, I found some great instructions on <a href="http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/sling.html">Jan Andrea's site</a>. I bought the rings online at <a href="http://www.slingrings.com/">Sling Rings</a>. Here I am modeling with my teddy bear in the sling.</br></br>
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I still have about 3 yards of fabric left and it's going to go to reupholster my sewing rocker. Someone heavy sat it in and that old fabric finally gave way. This should be pretty AND durable! One of my patients gave me the name of a man that they use, so hopefully it won't be too expensive. I miss having my rocker to spin in.GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-88500779776904712682013-12-27T12:30:00.001-06:002013-12-27T12:30:52.590-06:00Argggh! What's This?<iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/theresaknits/11588428883/player/165922b6f8" height="500" width="375" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe></br></br>
I'm getting ready to start a new color block, and notice one thread bubbling up like it doesn't have any tension on it. Normally a broken thread is no big deal, but as I go to the back of the loom to see where it broke, I find a whole section that looks like it's been cut!! OMG! It was hidden under the separating paper, which was probably the only reason it didn't show up sooner.</br></br>
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Now what? Generally when you have a broken warp thread it is a simple matter to tie in a new one and hide the ends. But I've never had this many stop at the same place. This is going to be a pain in the "you know what"! Somehow I'm going to have to stagger the new ends without the overlaps being too close together or they'll show on the surface of the fabric. I'm crushed. I'm already about 1-1/2 yards into the project, and really don't want to have to cut it off and start again. So I guess I'll muddle on, crossing my fingers that I can get past the break and that there aren't any more surprises waiting for me in the next 5-1/2 yards!!</br></br>
But the bigger question is how the threads were cut in the first place...GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-47523517340694667142013-12-22T16:39:00.000-06:002013-12-22T16:39:21.716-06:00Granny's Peanut BrittleEvery Christmas, for as long as I can remember, my grandmother made all the men in our family their own batch of peanut brittle. And as we all got married, that turned into a LOT of peanut brittle. The first Christmas after she had to move to assisted living, my husband commented on how much he was going to miss that peanut brittle. So I got her "special" recipe and made it for him. A few years later, I was comparing her recipe to the one on the back of the peanut bag. OMG! They stole my grandmother's recipe! I'm sure it was the other way around, but my mom and I had a good laugh over it.<br /><br />
Now I make the peanut brittle for James and Chris, and this year have added my gem of a son-in-law, Shaun. Since several people have asked how to make it, I'll share the recipe with you. I slightly changed it to make measuring easier (no one I know has a 1/3 tsp measure). Before starting, measure all ingredients and have them ready to use. Silicone is the peanut brittle maker's best friend! I use a silicone spatula for cooking, and two buttered silicone baking sheets to pour the peanut brittle onto. Makes it really easy to pick up. Traditionally, my grandmother, mom, and I all had big wooden bread boards that had been seasoned really well, which were used when pouring out the molten brittle. Most of the time this worked fine, but occasionally you'd get a batch that stuck to the board and that was NOT fun! I also use a candy thermometer so that I get really consistent results.<br /><br />
<b>Sophie's Peanut Brittle</b><br /><br />
2 cups white sugar<br />
1/3 cup water<br />
2/3 cup white Karo (do not use generic brands if they list water in the ingredients)<br />
2 cups raw peanuts<br />
2 Tbl butter<br />
1-1/2 tsp soda<br />
1 tsp salt<br /><br />
In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, bring to a boil sugar, water, and Karo. When the mixture reaches 280º add the peanuts. Stir constantly until mixture turns amber (about 305º to 310º).<br />
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Remove from heat. Stir in butter until melted. Add soda and salt, stirring briefly until creamy. Immediately turn out onto prepared surface.<br />
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Use silicone spatula to spread mixture to thickness of single peanut, and allow to cool.<br />
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Once cool, break into pieces and place in foil-lined tin. I don't know why it has to be foil, but that's the way Gran did it so I do too.<br />
<a href="http://s208.photobucket.com/user/grammaknits/media/2013-12-22155704.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb47/grammaknits/2013-12-22155704.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 2013-12-22155704.jpg"/></a><br /><br />GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-31880928700817860772013-12-13T20:51:00.001-06:002013-12-13T20:53:03.201-06:00One door closes...Another opens.I've been planning my retirement for too many years to count, and finally that day has arrived. A long time ago I imagined it would be a special day, filled with fireworks and festivities to herald a new beginning. What I've found is the reality of a quiet transition to a new phase of my life. The day began and ended with the same exasperating drive to and from work. And in between, I saw the same patients that I do every day. They were so sweet and encouraging, as they are at that point in their lives that they know the importance on living each day to it's fullest. Spend time with those you love, doing what you love, because we never know how many days we have to take advantage.<br /><br />
When I changed careers ten years ago, I never would have imagined how many special people I would meet and get to know, and how much I would learn from each of them. I was granted an opportunity to give of myself, but received so much more. I learned what is important, and what to let fall away. The experience prepared me in so many ways to make the most of this new journey.<br /><br />
Now I'm taking that scary leap into the next phase of my life. There are so many things I still have left to accomplish, and I hope I'm blessed with the time to make them happen. I'm so looking forward to being able to spend more time with family. Not necessarily in flamboyant ways, but to cherish those everyday moments that I felt like I missed with the phrase, "Sorry, but I have to work." It's time to give back to family and friends for supporting me and understanding when I was giving to others.<br /><br />
So stay tuned. One of my goals is to blog once a week. Not that anyone really reads it, but I enjoy so much being able to go back and revisit projects and experiences. I'm going to have to learn now how to balance knitting, spinning, and weaving with housework and family. I have really missed having a clutter-free home, so that's going to be the first project to tackle! That and completing my current weaving project that has a fast approaching due date!GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-55923681051766525782013-09-25T21:23:00.002-06:002013-09-25T21:23:32.822-06:00Summer Vacation - Part 1For a long time I've wanted to go visit my sister, Tina, in Washington. It was so wonderful for the few years she was living nearby, and was difficult to imagine why anyone would not want to live in Texas. We're eight years apart in age, so growing up we were not that close as sisters. Then as we got married and out on our own, we were miles apart - literally! So this year, mom and I decided to make the trek to Sedro-Wooley, Washington to surprise her (sort of) for her birthday in June. At this stage of my life, to be able to take a trip with my mom is a blessing. I have so many friends who would give anything just to be able to see their mothers, much less to be able to travel and do something fun. So we began planning our trip many months before.<br /><br />
There is actually a LOT to do in the area where Tina lives with her husband, Steve, and their two dogs Turbo and Glitz. They live in the Skagit River Valley, which is ripe with lush farmlands. We arrived just in time to have missed the Berry Dairy Days in Burlington - darn! But there were still plenty of ripe strawberries to be had at the local roadside stands! Visiting an agricultural area certainly makes it easy to eat healthy on vacation! It was fun to hit the local farmer's markets each day to pick up fresh veggies for dinner. So in exchange for room and board, I taught Tina a couple of my favorite WW recipes.<br /><br />
We didn't have a set itinerary, so we just planned each day by the weather forecast. Wherever it was going to rain, we went the other direction! And it worked out pretty well! We started our sightseeing by heading for <a href="http://www.bloedelreserve.org/">Bloedel Reserve</a> via Deception Pass. The bridge is spectacular and provides a great view of the Skagit Bay.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresaknits/9231058493/" title="IMG_0042 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/9231058493_462792fa78.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0042"></a><br /><br />
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It turns out that Tina in afraid of heights, which I didn't know. So here she is trying to look cool, calm, and collected standing on the bridge!<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresaknits/9484014336/" title="100_3228 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/9484014336_f4beb51ae8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="100_3228"></a><br /><br />
It was a beautiful drive across Bainbridge Island, but it turned out that the Bloedel Reserve was closed on Monday! Darn! But we did get to take a couple of ferry rides, which was fun. Here's Mom enjoying the beautiful scenery.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresaknits/9481224537/" title="100_3242 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/9481224537_acfc7dcefa.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="100_3242"></a><br /><br />
While waiting for the ferry across to Seattle, we stumbled upon the most awesome ice cream shop! If you are ever on Bainbridge Island, don't miss <a href="http://moraicecream.com/mora-ice-cream-locations-2/mora-ice-cream-bainbridge-island/">Mora Ice Cream</a>! I had the most unbelievable Marsala custard! Now if I could just figure out how to make it at home!<br /><br />
Here is Mom and Tina finishing their's off before we board the ferry.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresaknits/9484381972/" title="100_3250 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2865/9484381972_f840ce607c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="100_3250"></a><br /><br />
GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-2071765161254079942013-08-15T19:45:00.001-06:002013-08-15T20:05:55.560-06:00The Latest Addition to the Wheel GarageI've browsed antique shops for years and rarely even found a great wheel, much less one that had all it's pieces and an unwarped wheel. But when I was least expecting it, a beautiful wheel found it's way to me! Since almost all of my patients are in the 80+ category, I often find myself chatting about things in the past. I love listening to their stories about how things were when they were growing up, and all about their families. And frequently my hobbies find their way into the conversation as there are just not that many people around who spin or weave these days.<br /><br />
So one day, I'm talking with a very nice lady and she tells me that she has a great wheel that has been in her family for a long time. They had tried to sell it at one time, but it was going to cost almost as much to ship as what they had it priced. And with the hassle of having it professionally crated, it managed to keep it's place in the living room for many more years. She was wondering, since I belong to most of the big guilds here in town, would I know of someone who would like to have it and that would actually use it. I said I would help her find someone, not really thinking that I would keep it. After all, it has a pretty big footprint! But the more I researched the wheels to see what they were selling for, the more I wanted to take it home with me! Kind of like when you foster that cute abandoned puppy, then he never leaves. So we settled on a fair price, plus a little extra since I knew it was probably in good shape.<br /><br />
Saturday came, and I picked up my mom for the big adventure to look at the wheel. It was supposed to be stormy all day, but we were just dying to see it. We were rewarded with a beautiful great wheel sitting in their living room. I looked it over with my inexperienced eye, and it looked like all the parts were there and that it would spin. So I took a bunch of photos before dis-assembly, then loaded it up in the car.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresaknits/9487449373/" title="GW-001 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3805/9487449373_1c29f06061.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GW-001"></a><br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresaknits/9490247330/" title="GW-002 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3793/9490247330_26477f777e.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="GW-002"></a><br /><br />
Our other project for Saturday was to get Mom (and me) up and running on our new Nook HD's. So after a quick drive through Burger King, we were ready to spend the afternoon loading apps, downloading books, and a general tutorial so she'd be ready for book club this week. It definitely helped being able to go through the steps together. Usually we just run over and fix things for her, so it was fun to let her experience the process. And I haven't had even one "tech support" question this week! Way to go Mom! And I'm loving my Nook. Just the right size to carry around in my purse.<br /><br />
Sunday was spent on cleaning, waxing, and re-assembly. During the cleaning process, I found a maker's mark on the end of the bench - "SR AL". I've since learned from the folks in the "Spindle Wheel" group on Ravelry, that it was made in Alfred, Maine around the period when Samuel Ring was Trustee of the Shaker colony there from 1809-1814. However, wheels continued to be made with that mark after 1814. The tensioning system on my wheel wasn't used until after 1823. But even at that, the wheel is around 190 years old! It is absolutely amazing to me that something so delicate could survive that long. Definitely shows how important a tool the spinning was to people of that period.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresaknits/9490247024/" title="GW-010 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3739/9490247024_b8477cd117.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GW-010"></a><br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresaknits/9490246388/" title="GW-013 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7443/9490246388_67c2316520.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GW-013"></a>
The only thing missing from the wheel, is the little rectangular block on the bottom right post of the miner's head.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresaknits/9487448507/" title="GW-025 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3726/9487448507_2a353a4cd5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GW-025"></a><br /><br />
And here I am. Working hard on my long draw to make my first yarn on the wheel. I'm kind of in that "park and draft" phase, but improving. I had some merino top laying around that I decided to try out first, but I think it would have been a little easier if I had carded some wool to work from rolags. It helped a lot that I understand the principles of spinning off a spindle from spinning on my book charkha. I do think that the great wheel is easier though. The charkha has a really fast drive ratio to spin cotton and other fine fibers. The great wheel is a bit slower and geared more to spinning wool, although you could spin cotton as well.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresaknits/9490247392/" title="GW-029 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5480/9490247392_8256f87607.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GW-029"></a><br /><br />
I'm practicing a little each day and my spinning is definitely improving! Here's where I stopped this afternoon. And I'm wasting less and less. While I was out on Sunday looking for a cotter pin for the wheel hub, I stopped by the storage unit and picked up a big bag of white Polworth to card. That will be my first real test after I finish the merino. So stay tuned! If you'd like to see more photos, I've got them all up on my Flickr page <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresaknits/sets/72157635025878599/">here</a>.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theresaknits/9520693972/" title="GW-030 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/9520693972_7b1025df39.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GW-030"></a><br /><br />GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-68240828558112651942013-04-05T06:09:00.001-06:002013-04-05T11:36:42.178-06:00Veggie YarnOne of the best things that happens after retreat is that you come back inspired to create, and that you see more of the possibilities around you. For instance, the other night I was making one of my favorite dishes, kale with canallini beans. Kale is fast becoming one of my favorite vegetables, and it is delicious in beans.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8620875449/" title="dinner by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8255/8620875449_0e1d534729.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="dinner"></a> <br /><br />
In this recipe, you cook the kale first and use a bit of the cooking water in the beans. As I removed all the kale from the pot, I was left with this fabulous green water! Mind racing, I grab a test skein of BFL lamb (see previous retreat post) and throw it in the pot. It is a beautiful celery color but doesn't look like it's going to be colorfast.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8614189931/" title="20130402_182234 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8120/8614189931_7d75f05071.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="20130402_182234"></a> <br /><br />
So while dinner is simmering, I google dyeing with kale and find a reference that says it may need a mordant to be color and lightfast. So I dig through my dye supplies and get out some alum. Out with the yarn, in with the alum. Put the yarn back, and now it's purple.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8614185631/" title="20130402_183714 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8614185631_4d38342fe3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="20130402_183714"></a> <br /><br />
I let that simmer for a while, and when I come back to get the yarn out before bed, the yarn and water look a dark silvery gray. I'm sort of disappointed not to have green or purple, but the gray is pretty. I dump the water down the sink, and as I'm rinsing the kale bits out of the yarn, all the gray goes away and the yarn is back to a beautiful celery green! Yea! Kind of a roundabout way to get back to the beginning. It looks a lot nicer in person than in this photo. The color seems almost impossible to photograph.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8618016680/" title="BFL yarn by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8537/8618016680_b16fb6f1b2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="BFL yarn"></a> <br /><br />
The moral to the story is to keep your eyes open to the beauty of the world that surrounds you, and don't forget to take time to play! You never know where it might lead.GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-55046043710218967262013-03-30T15:51:00.002-06:002013-03-30T18:38:12.772-06:00Hill Country Spinning Retreat 2013Ahhh! The smell of wool drying in the bathroom! Our third retreat has come and gone, and as always, has left me exhausted but filled with inspriation. Hence, the bathroom full of wet yarn. There are always a million little samples to finish before I forget what they are. Thankfully, I am much more organized this year! I put together a binder with cards where I can attach and label each yarn sample that we spun. And everything that needs to be finished is in baggies labeled with the fiber name. This year's topic was "Blends". What to blend with what, and how to do it to get the final product that you want. So there are lots of little bits of wool, cotton, flax, silk, etc. There were also fun break out groups in the afternoons, which provided other fiber diversions. <br /><br />
My vacation began early by picking up Sam at the airport so that she could ride up with me. Unfortunately, Roddie was going to have to leave on Saturday before retreat ended to go to her nephew's wedding, so we had to take two cars this year. It was very strange not riding together! It's not very often that we don't travel together. So we caravanned to San Antonio for our annual lunch at <a href="http://www.mitierracafe.com/">Mi Tierra</a> where we met up with Jo and Maxine. Just can't to go <a href="http://www.moranch.com/">Mo Ranch</a> without first stopping for Mexican food and margaritas! And we made a little time for shopping at El Mercado where I picked up a good deal on two cute tie-dyed dresses and a fuffy red ribboned top. Since the weather turned out to be a little warmer than expected, they came in handy. Now it was time to high tail it to the ranch to be sure we got our usual seats in the fireplace corner. I would have hated to have to embarrass myself by asking someone to move. It is the perfect roomy spot for me with all my junk!<br /><br />
It was wonderful to see Judith again. She is truly a treasure trove of information on everything fibery! And she brought us fiber again! A beautiful hand dyed 86% Polworth / 15% Silk roving. When it was my turn, I chose an interesting orange and purple. Not quite sure what I'm going to do with it yet, but am looking forward to spinning it. The challenge is to come up with a finished product by next year's retreat. <br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8603569572/" title="Judith by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8395/8603569572_ca3879b67c.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Judith"></a>
Judith MacKenzie<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8603191333/" title="Judith Fiber by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img alt="Judith Fiber" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8538/8603191333_84719fd22c.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br /><br />
*****
So many of the old crew was back again, along with some new faces. It never ceases to amaze me how we can have such a large group of women get along so well for an entire week. Don't get me wrong, there are occasional tense moments, but Mo Ranch and the Guest House are large enough that you can always get some space when you need it. And I've made some wonderful friends that I hope will be around for a long time. In fact, a bunch of us will be meeting up at the <a href="http://www.blacksheepgathering.org/">Black Sheep Gathering</a> in Eugene, Oregon in June. Mom and I are going out to Washington to visit my sister for her birthday and it just so happens that BSG is the following weekend. <br /><br />
*****
Mornings began with Katie leading a yoga class. She'd do her morning meditations by the river, then guide us through some great stretches. Definitely helped counteract all the sitting we do!<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8602467497/" title="YogaKatie by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8405/8602467497_d0397663e4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="YogaKatie"></a> < br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8602467307/" title="Please make our spinning beautiful by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8249/8602467307_476df5250d.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Please make our spinning beautiful"></a> <br /><br />
*****
Our first spinning day was on cotton and cotton blends. Definitely a challenge! And not my favorite thing to spin on my wheel. Much more fun on the charkha! Judith gave us some of her brown seeds, which will be going in my little back yard garden as soon as they're ready. In the evening, we had a little lesson on spinning using a supported spindle. A bunch of us had made a group purchase from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MalcolmFielding">Malcolm Fielding</a> of Tasmania, Australia earlier in the year and they arrived just in time for retreat. I am definitely much better at using the top whorl spindle, but my spinning on the dervish is getting better. Click on Malcolm's name for a link to his Etsy shop. He is a brilliant woodworker and creates some of the best balanced spindles ever. I love mine! He also has a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/spindles-shawl-pins-and-lace-bobbins">group on Ravelry </a>if you want to see more photos.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8604486772/" title="Spindling lesson by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8537/8604486772_49534d80dd.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Spindling lesson"></a> <br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8604292314/" title="Tiger Eye Dervish and Bowl by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img alt="Tiger Eye Dervish and Bowl" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8253/8604292314_20998a8c4e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br />
After getting severe cramps in my adductors for doing the "park and draft" method of spindling, Roddie and I bought this handy tool from <a href="http://www.carolinahomespun.com/">Carolina Homespun</a> to use as a support bowl with the dervishes. <br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8604292286/" title="Support Bowl by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8109/8604292286_f6cebb12d8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Support Bowl"></a><br /><br />
*****
One of my favorite fibers from this year was flax, which surprised me. I took a flax spinning class at WC Mercantile a while back and didn't enjoy it at all. Could be that this lovely lilac top was just an easier to spin preparation. But it sure takes a lot of spit! I'll probably just go with a wet sponge to finish it all. Judith gifted me with the leftovers from class, so I'll be making something beautiful out of it. <br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8603569290/" title="Flax01 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img alt="Flax01" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8119/8603569290_f7446340ef.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8603569306/" title="Flax02 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img alt="Flax02" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8113/8603569306_6f045a903c.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br /><br />
But my very favorite blend that we tried was from <a href="http://www.tayloredfibers.com/">Taylored Fibers</a>. It was a blend of alpaca and cotton with silk noil. Nothing special to look at, but spun up into a very interesting yarn. The little sample below was dyed in the lichen pot on dye day. Roddie and I are going to go in together and order more to play with. <br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8604347082/" title="TayloredFibers by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img alt="TayloredFibers" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8241/8604347082_686f645e31.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br /><br />
*****
While trying to decide what to pack for this trip, Sam suggested that I bring along my BFL lamb fleeces that needed to be combed. I bought these early on in my spinning career and the ends are a bit felted together so you have to separate it out lock by lock in order to comb it in preparation for spinning. Quite a chore! So I tossed it in as cushioning for the Ott lights, and lo and behold, Jude was looking for something to comb with her beautiful new mini combs! Yea! It's not all done, but she made a big dent in it so I can start spinning it. And yes I did reward her with locks from the fleece! Both parties came away happy.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8604486782/" title="Carded and uncarded by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8249/8604486782_86d244b869.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Carded and uncarded"></a><br /><br />
*****
Roddie finally jumped down the weaving rabbit hole! She brought her brand new Cricket, which we warped at retreat. And after receiving too many opinions on tension, selveges, etc., she tuned all of us out except Judith and was weaving away in no time! <br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8602464073/" title="RoddieWeaving1 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8539/8602464073_dc00d00c86.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="RoddieWeaving1"></a> <br /><br />
*****
As always, one of the highlights of the week is dye day on Friday and Saturday! This year we had an indigo vat, a lichen pot, one cochineal, and two with Mother MacKenzie Dyes. I had decided earlier this year that instead of doing the usual skeins of yarn, that this year I'd bring silk scarves to dye. So I brought four, all gathered up and tied, and ready for the dye pot. And we got an extra one in our goodie bag, which made five! I did break down and buy two additional skeins of yarn, and we all got a skein of bison from Judith. So I had quite a stash to play with. The bison went into the indigo pot which was really strong this year. It came a out a beautiful blue/black which is almost impossible to photograph, so you'll just have to take my word on how lucious it is. My mini skein of alpaca/cotton/silk went into the lichen pot along with one scarf. Two scarves and a skein of yarn went into the cochineal. The yarn came out a really deep pink. The scarves were very pale, so I put one back in to cook some more. That and another tightly wound scarf went into the Mother MacKenzie red. When I opened it up, there was a LOT of white! This one now got tossed into the purple dye. It now looks like something to wear to Red Hatters! The second that had been in the cochineal had a lot more patterning, so I left it alone. But my favorite scarf was the one that went into the indigo pot. I had tied pony beads on one end and pleated the other, which made for a very interesting design.! My last skein of yarn went into the acid dye pot, and after a few color additions, came out a beautiful blue-green.<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8602465583/" title="DyeDay13 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8602465583_6afcdb76b6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DyeDay13"></a>
Judith crushing dried cochineal bugs for the dye pot. <br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8603569718/" title="OurScarves01 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8401/8603569718_24be8bf1e7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="OurScarves01"></a> <br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8603569488/" title="In the wind by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8603569488_4406f791ca.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="In the wind"></a> <br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8603568862/" title="DyeDay30 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8603568862_3bf21ddc52.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DyeDay30"></a> <br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8602466261/" title="DyeDay31 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8525/8602466261_a364dee52e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DyeDay31"></a>
That's my dark blue bison and green skein on the right tree limb.> <br /><br />
On the last night we hung all the silk scarves along the upstairs railing. Absolutely beautiful! <br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8603566466/" title="Scarves6 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8257/8603566466_de51af93e7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Scarves6"></a><br /><br />
*****
Too soon it was time to say goodbye until next year! A huge thank you to Karen and her crew for taking on the task of organizing such a great event and saying, "How hard can it be?" See you all in 2014!<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/8603566788/" title="RoddieAndT2013 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8385/8603566788_fdcc969681.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="RoddieAndT2013"></a><br /><br />
If you're interested in more photos, check out my Flickr set <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/sets/72157633125710638/">Hill Country Spinning Retreat 2013</a>.GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-50267333268434442902013-02-21T20:01:00.002-06:002013-02-21T20:12:23.870-06:00Almost that time again!The anticipation of attending our THIRD spinning retreat with Judith MacKenzie is building fast. And once again I've had some requests for Roddie's and my spreadsheet that we use to make sure we don't forget anything. This list is by no means 100% complete, and we don't always pack everything on it, but it is a great place to start. Doing a week-long fiber retreat requires a LOT of "stuff". So here's a <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8B32do-SxFMTzdlcW0zTXdGMEU/edit?usp=sharing">link</a> if you'd like to check it out.
GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-79099711094216472152012-04-20T20:49:00.002-06:002012-04-20T21:13:38.995-06:00Hill Country Spinning Retreat 2012Well, it didn't start off very well but it was still a great week spent spinning and dyeing with friends. Who would have thought when I signed up last year, that I would have made so many wonderful friends? It was such a shot in the dark. I couldn't believe that I was sending such a big check to someone I didn't even know just because they said they were organizing a retreat with Judith MacKenzie. Now I can't imagine spring without this retreat!<br /><br />This year's topic, "Three Bags Full". We explored so many different fleeces, their characteristics, fiber prep, optimal spinning technique. Unfortunately, I was sick the first three days, so there are not many photos. A special thank you to my DH who shared his abominable cold with me. Thankfully, he also shared his dr. friend who called me in antibiotics and cough pearls in San Antonio! I managed to make it through the week and had a wonderful time! You can get the photo experience <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/sets/72157629691336103/">here</a> on my Flickr photos. I've managed to organize a notebook with all the fleece samples and hopefully will have those spun soon. But like last year, the dyeing was tremendous fun! This time we dyed with cocheneal and indigo. I made a cool indigo tie dye yarn that will be turned into a pair of socks. My cochineal (red/pink) yarn is going into a beaded shawl. Just have to decide on what color beads to use. Like last year, I was so inspired that it's hard to know just where to start! I really need more free time!<br /><br />As a sneak peak, here are a few of the week's highlights!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/6879297586/" title="TheresaRoddieJudith by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6054/6879297586_9c33e4679e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="TheresaRoddieJudith"></a><br />Me, Judith, and Roddie<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/7025398717/" title="Group01 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6101/7025398717_779787d6b4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Group01"></a><br />Our group photo in front of the yarn tree<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/6879297680/" title="MeAndYarn by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/6879297680_e4031108f5.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="MeAndYarn"></a><br />My indigo and cochineal yarns<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/7025398875/" title="MeSpinningTeeswater by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6041/7025398875_cb1b72fa95.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="MeSpinningTeeswater"></a><br />Me spinning Teeswater curls<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/6879302196/" title="100_2145 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/6879302196_d880394957.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="100_2145"></a><br />The yarn tree<br /><br />It's just barely over and I can hardly wait for next year!GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-71662363823482800452012-03-11T08:22:00.002-06:002012-03-11T08:32:44.441-06:00Hill Country Spinning Retreat 2012It's only a week until the 2nd Annual Hill Country Spinning Retreat 2012. Spinning goddess Judith MacKenzie will again be returning to explode our minds with all things fiber. Last year the focus was on color and we cooked up some delicious rovings and yarns.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/5708296217/" title="100_0607 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2061/5708296217_7ec59ebf46.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="100_0607"></a><br /><br />This year our topic is fleece. And knowing Judith, it will be everything from sheep fleece to angora bunny to musk ox down! We've all been spinning like mad women all year, inspired by all the techniques we learned last May. It's going to be really fun to see everyone's "show and tell". More than likely there won't be any updates until I get back since we'll be outside of Hunt, which only has wifi at the registration office, and cell service under a particular tree near the office. Except for one meal a day, we'll be at the guest lodge on the river.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/5708295357/" title="100_0560 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2407/5708295357_924a5e7a1a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="100_0560"></a><br /><br />Stay tuned!GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451683957794882915.post-31090034875114208232012-01-16T19:55:00.003-06:002012-01-16T20:25:53.467-06:00Bluebonnet Tartan Dishtowels - Finished!!I know I should have been posting on this all along, but what can I say? 2011 was a crazy year! So in order to start 2012 off on a better footing, I'll catch you up on the infamous Texas Bluebonnet Tartan Dishtowels. After spending about 40 hours just getting the warp on the loom, I let it sit a little while to gather up the courage to start weaving. I was terrified to think that the actual weaving might be just as torturous as the warping had been! I knew that there would be tension problems, just not how bad they might be. So finally one weekend I started weaving and it actually went along fairly smoothly. After the first towel I started to get loose spots in the warp, so I used some soft pieces of foam to take up the slack.<br /> <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/6711843461/" title="Foam to take up slack in warp by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6711843461_154fc2f947.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Foam to take up slack in warp"></a><br /><br />That went along ok but by the time I had finished the third towel, I knew that they would have to be cut off and the warp re-tentioned. Since I needed at least 3 for Christmas gifts, that worked out ok. At some point in my quest for weaving books, I had bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Warping-All-Yourself-Cay-Garrett/dp/0930670019/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326766408&sr=1-1">"Warping All By Yourself"</a> by Cay Garrett. So I cut the finished towels off ala Peggy Osterkamp, unwound the warp off the back beam, and my grandson Riley put the warp spacers in as I wound it back on. My last three towels have been fairly uneventful, except for the fact that the warp is still just a little loose just inside the selveges. Nothing that my little foam wedges can't take care of.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/6692466471/" title="100_1851 by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6692466471_0662e129e7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="100_1851"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/6692466597/" title="close-up by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6692466597_09a88d3b31.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="close-up"></a><br /><br />And here's a photo of one of the finished towels:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645718@N02/6692466841/" title="The finished dishtowel by theresaknits, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6692466841_c92c6c414b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The finished dishtowel"></a><br /><br />Overall I'm pretty happy with how they turned out, except for the fact that the tartan pattern isn't square/balanced. In retrospect, I should have just changed the number of picks in the big squares. I think if I had been doing this in wool that I would have been able to beat it in a little more evenly. But that is just one of the MANY lessons I've learned on this project. And if you happen to be one of the lucky people who receive one of the five I'm giving away, there are not going to be any more down the line! This is a one-time project!GrammaKnitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012771448346897681noreply@blogger.com1