Weaving 4
After rethreading the heddles and double checking them, resleying the reed and double checking it, weaving some fat (linen) warps and checking the web, and weaving some medium (cotton single) and checking that…we are finally able to get going on the real weaving.
Constance demonstrates the warp tensioned for weaving. If it is too loose, the shuttles snag in the warps.
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The weft goes in one thread at a time, and each thread is laid in with some slack in it. When you beat it down with the reed, it evens out along the spread, and if you don’t build in slack at this point the cloth will begin to draw in too tightly.
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At the edge you can see how the new colours are added…The ends are threaded around a warp edge and doubled back a short distance. The doubling-back distance varies so that you don’t get a predictable pattern at the end. The dangling weft ends are trimmed almost at the very end of the process…you don’t want to cut them at this point because the tension changes during weaving might cause them to pop out.
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Constance demonstrates how the warp tension is loosened after weaving for the day…neither the loom nor the cloth should sit under tension when the weaver is at rest.
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It is going to be lovely! Constance looks as if she enjoys lying down on the job. Restful and fun.
She is quite happy to demonstrate!
This is really so cool. Thanks for sharing this very fascinating process with us!
You are welcome! I am enjoying it too – I am finding the colours are very cheering in the chill and gloom of winter!
How comfortable is that?…lying on a bed of warps. What fun!
Constance is dreaming of hammocks.
It looks beautiful!
Thanks! Fortunately, since it is a plain weave I only have to count to two in the treadling!
Beautiful project!!!
Thanks, Constance and I really enjoy making cloth out of string.
Beautiful weaving!
Thanks, I find persuading string to become cloth a satisfying process. I admire spinsters who can persuade fluff into string!
How fascinating – Making cloth out of string – Looks tedious, but Constance demonstrates each step perfectly. Thanks Constance for showing us how this is done.
Thank you for encouraging words, it isn’t tedious if you don’t try and do too much at once.
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I love this series!
Thanks! Constance and I enjoyed explaining the process!
This is so pretty. I love the colors.
Thank you very much – we thought they were just beautiful too – sort of autumnal in flavour.