After lots of interruptions and other projects, the production fabric is finally on the loom and underway. I wanted to try weaving something nearly full-width on the Gilmore, mainly to get a feel for what it’s like to throw a shuttle that far. I needed to do some rigging to get a wider raddle in to place, but here’s the process:
I put all the sectional warp pegs back in and, again, used no packing material as I wound on. The warp is a mix of 10/2 and 20/2 cotton along with an end of 10/1 silk noil (as previous). I held all six strands together while winding the warp and threaded randomly. Oh, and Lynn? 864 ends is a lot of ends. A lot. The warp is 36″ wide and 24 epi. This was slow going.
Weaving is underway; I’ve got about the first 9″ done. It feels very open, but I remember that it was like this before and I simply can’t fret about it. The cotton shrinks mightily and that’ll make the Spot Bronson pop. I like the shots of somewhat darker stripes. I hope it translates well to the final garment, but we’ll see.
Now, for those with a sharp eye, you might ask, “What’s that dark stuff down there?” That, my friends, is the header row. Again with the tweedy wool single of which I have TONS. Here … look again …
I gotta say, I *really* like the look of that fabric. Depending on how much I’m able to weave off, I’ll try and save some at the end to get a big enough chunk to truly evaluate it. I think that’ll be back. It’d be trivial to warp up something narrow and just bang that off in plain weave. The contrast is just so striking. But that’s for later.
Here’s hoping I can make a big dent in this today as I don’t know when I’ll get back to it. Lots more rolling about in my brain. I’m hoping throwing a shuttle will help quiet things down.
Oh, just LOOK at that expanse of beautiful warp and beautiful cloth! And you’re right; that is a lot of ends to thread and sley. I hope weaving this brings you some peace of mind.
It’s been a tough day and this coming week will most likely be bloody awful. That said I’m trying to focus on things I *can* control, if only for a little while. The weaving is done – 3 1/3 yards worth – and it’s a relief. No additional deadlines or weight are currently welcome. I’ll cut it off and wash it when I get back.
OTOH, the yard continues to surprise me with a bright red poppy, two HUGE irises and the cala lilies are making an appearance. I’ll not get to see them as I’m headed home tomorrow but Chris promises to keep me up to date.
What’s next on your loom, Lynn?
Wow, that was quick! 3.3 yards is nothing to sneeze at, particularly at that width. Weaving that wide is always hard on my shoulders and upper arms.
I’m sorry this week is awful – be especially nice to yourself, if you can. Day dream about May flowers, if nothing else.
As for my loom, I’m torn – either the handspun I’ve been hoarding for a jacket, or an experimental warp to try a double-binding technique. Double binding is usually a rug-weaving technique, I think, but I want to scale it down for fabric for a sturdy bag.