Elaine's weaving shed

potholders

2011-04-14T14:54:00.001-05:00

potholders
Originally uploaded by NcTxweaver

Here are the finished potholders. The black one is the free-motion embroidered one. It is red on the backside.

quilted potholder

2011-04-14T14:53:00.001-05:00

quilted potholder
Originally uploaded by NcTxweaver

Thought I would share my latest endeavor - free motion embroidery/quilting.

Loving it.

How-To: Simple Quilted Potholder : Daily source of DIY craft projects and inspiration, patterns, how-tos | Craftzine.com

2011-04-01T10:45:00.000-05:00

How-To: Simple Quilted Potholder : Daily source of DIY craft projects and inspiration, patterns, how-tos | Craftzine.com

Soap and chairs, newest projects to show off ...

2010-07-19T19:28:00.003-05:00

Here is a picture of the old caned chair with the honeycomb patterning and what appears to be someone's foot had gone through it. The second picture is the chair after having recained it. You cant see it in this picture, but I ended up with a herringbone pattern, don't ask me how.

I still have to add the binding cane around the edge, but was so excited that I had to share.

Also, I've recently found my old recipes for making lye soaps which I loved to do a few years ago. I thought I'd try a different process. I started making soaps using the double boiler hot process method, however; I felt that I was loosing too much of the glycerine in the process. After making the base I would then rebatch into several different scents and herbals.

Now I've tried the Crock pot method and I'm sold on it. I found an old crock-pot and give it a go. It takes about an hour from start to finish and I have a dozen 4oz bars when done. This picture shows three different soaps each one batch.

L to R: Goats Milk, Lemon zingers, Oatmeal-honey-goat's milk.

I'm so glad to have had a few hours to play. Yahooooo!!!!

HAPPY July 4th !! What happened to the fore fathers?

2010-07-04T22:07:00.002-05:00

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men

who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors,
and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army;
another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or
hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes,
and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.
Eleven were merchants,
nine were farmers and large plantation owners;
men of means, well educated,
but they signed the Declaration of Independence
knowing full well that the penalty would be death if
they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and
trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the
British Navy. He sold his home and properties to
pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British
that he was forced to move his family almost constantly.
He served in the Congress without pay, and his family
was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him,
and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer,
Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown , Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that
the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson
home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General
George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed,
and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed.
The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying.
Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill
were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests
and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his
children vanished.

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and
silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

Remember: freedom is never free!

I hope you will show your support by sending this to as many
people as you can, please. It's time we get the word out that patriotism
is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more to it than beer,
picnics and baseball games.

(sent to me by the mother of a serviceman).

on vacation and what did I see ....?????

2010-06-12T21:52:00.002-05:00

While winding down for the last of the looooonnnnggg drive home, I was flipping the channels on the hotel tv and came across a very informative PBS documentary. Food, Inc. by Robert Kenner Director/Producer.

Wow, what an eye opener. I agree that we are in a commercially driven state of mind --"sheep". It is up to us to make choices, just like we would morally (good vs. evil/bad).

Holidays, Birthdays, Vacations are other forms of commercialism. Why is everything so complicated anymore? When did life become so "complex" and why do we have to make an effort to make the right choice? Because, if we don't we become "the sheep".

I work for Walmart, I love my job and the people that I work with and for. They are given a good review by organic farmers in this PBS documentary - their effort to supply the demand for better options.

Take a look: PBS "Food, Inc." documentaries with a point of view.

CSM ......progress finally :-)

2010-05-13T20:49:00.005-05:00

I've been trying for what seems like eons to get a completed pair of socks from this cantankerous sock machine, and voila finally a completed pair of socks!! Eureka it all came together.

The tension is a little loose, but all in all they are comfy, hopefully they will shrink a little bit when washed.

This is a sock that I actually had done ribbing on and was all the way done, but the last row after shortrowing the toe, I dropped a stitch and didn't even realize it till I was done with the waste yarn, so had to undo the whole thing. Darn it!!!!

I have to say tho, that the ribbing part was super easy, just have to keep practicing and it'll become easier much like the shortrowing is.

I am going to look for an old booklet I had which had a pattern for a gusset heel that I did on a flat bed knitter with ribber using circular knitting. Turned out to be real easy and the heel looked hand knit, plus I hear they are better all the way around. I figure if I can do it on a flat bed I should be able to do it on the CSM. right????

Just for fun .... longevity quiz

2010-05-10T11:07:00.002-05:00

I was surfing the net and was reading an article about how you can double your Social Security benefits. In this article was a link to a site that estimates your life expectancy in age, calculated from a 40 question quiz..

I took it and it says I'll have a long...long.......long life to the ripe old age of 92!!! I knew longevity ran in the family as most of my relatives have reached the age of 90 or higher, my greatgrandmother lived to 104!!!!

Of course, there are all the admonishments that we know about and realize will play a big role in the final calculation: like weight, eating habits, overall health, etc.

Pretty interesting stuff. So, go take the quiz and find out how long you might need that Social Security and whether you should collect early or wait til after retirement age.

http://www.livingto100.com

Video -- CSM Ribber use

2010-04-30T22:15:00.000-05:00

Time flies .......

2010-04-30T21:58:00.002-05:00

So it's been a while since my last post. Didn't realize that this much time had passed.

I've been learning to use the sock knitting machine for the past month or so. I've made lots of progress and have made a few prototypes of what I want to make for socks. I should be producing wearable socks here pretty soon (fingers crossed). I am wanting to spend a day or so on the ribber and then I'll be up and running for sure.

No pictures - not by choice. I've lost my camera and don't know where I left it. I'm sure I took it with me to my hubby's shop, but haven't been there to look for it. I hope to have pics to share of my progress on the CSM.

Be back soon.

Shattered lives ......

2010-03-21T11:27:00.002-05:00

These past 2 weeks have been very trying on our family. Our 13 yr. old son lost a dear friend to a careless drunk driver who didn't even know he'd hit the boy. Kendrick Owens died from his injuries from the hit-n-run. It was very hard on the community and especially the kids.

Midweek the high school participated in a program called "shattered lives" which is a full on reenactment of a fatal collision involving drunk drivers. The students, parents and emergency personell are all involved in the reenactment which is very realistic.

Needless to say that this was an especially difficult time for the community, and I honestly thought that it should be postponed a couple of weeks because the tragedy of losing such a young child was so fresh in our minds. I did not participate as I had originally planned to, I don't think I would have been able to.

If you would like to see a video of the shattered lives program in progress visit the following link. Be aware that it is very graphic, and does hit home, it sends a very strong message. http://www.shatteredlivesmc.com/

If you have teenagers or young adults in your home and can sit with them and allow them to view, please do so.

Elaine.

This is how easy it's supposed to be

2010-03-20T19:20:00.000-05:00

circular sock knitting ............troubles

2010-03-20T18:41:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I got the CSM and set her up. All was well and we were a crankin. that is until I tried to knit a sock. It all went well until I actually started to try and short row for the heel. I am having a heck of a time getting the tension right. Keep dropping stitches and skipping needles. Of course as always after going at this for a few days you loose your cool. I am so frustrated, it's maddening.

I'll get back to it of course :-). If I am correct and I've gathered this from videos and the manual, you don't add the tension or weights until the second half of the short rowing, right? Also, I tried wrapping which wasn't working.

So, I'll try working with it again maybe later or tomorrow. I won't wrap the short rows and just knit straight through with a hem of course, maybe a rolled edge would be better on second thought.

Funny how you can work everything out on paper and in your head, but actually making it work is another matter.

CSM ....circular sock knitting machinel

2010-03-02T14:37:00.003-06:00

This is it. She arrived very well packed and in very good condition. There is a learning curve. I have her set up and am preparing to knit the first pair of socks on her.

I have knit a few pairs on a double bed knitting machine and it wasn't too terribly complicated. I can already apply many of the same principles here, the difference being that I am not dealing with the 2nd bed.

I also set up my knitting machine and made a few sock blanks for custom dyeing. They are knit rectangles that can be dyed and create an exact second sock if you double the knit. The theory is that you dye the two strands and knit from the blank as you deknit the yarn from the blank.

I'll post pictures as soon as I can.

I've been working nights and my hours are all turned around. I'll be back on days by the end of the week.

About the sock knitting machine post .....

2010-02-21T12:03:00.003-06:00

I've been looking for one since a friend of mine showed me a couple she had. I was feeding the need for knitting on flat beds at the time. Now that I look back I should have paid more attention to it.

This lady had owned a knitting machine business and was a reseller of the machines, also made repairs and taught on them. She told me about her store "Knitting Machines of NY" I think was the name. Her name was Edith Siano, and I was blessed to have known her. In the short time I knew her, she taught me lots. Edith died after a terrible accident during one of her cross -country drives from CA to PA.

I think of myself as her protege. I learn how to fix and maintain knitting machines. I helped her sell many of the items she had from her business stock.

Anyhow, when I think of circular sock knitting machines it brings back memories of her.

I recently came across one that seemed fairly priced and looked like it was complete. Lots of accessories included, a couple of cylinders and ribbers. So, I dove in and bought it. I was hoping it would arrive for me to play with this weekend, but alas it didn't arrive yet. I can say that I am very anxious for it's arrival.

So stay tuned for further updates on the progress I make with it.

How the sock knitting machine saved WWI.....

2010-02-20T05:41:00.002-06:00

I have a recent interest in circular sock machines and found this video very interesting. These machines are now very expensive. Hard to believe they were given away at one time. Although, before the war effort women would buy the machines and submit a pair of socks to the sock companies and if they passed inspection they would buy the socks that they produced.

Just some interesting trivia on the sock machines. ;=)

found this informational "lens" on squidoo about craft shows

2010-02-06T09:18:00.000-06:00

http://www.squidoo.com/art_festival?utm_campaign=search-discovery&utm_medium=greet4&utm_source=yahoo

Recycling sweaters for yarn........

2010-01-16T11:56:00.005-06:00

I have actually done one cotton sweater and was surprised at the speed at which I got it done. It was a designer men's sweater as I figured I'd get the most yardage from a men's size item. I started with cotton. Looked at seams and labels before commiting to any sweaters. Shopped my local Goodwill. There are a few charity thrifts around that offer a one day sale of $5 for a paper bag full of whatever you want. I haven't been to one, but know they do it.

It isn't hard once you figure it out. It took me a couple of nights a couple of hours while watching my tv shows. Great yarn for 2.99 and a few hours of unraveling the sweater.

1.

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2.

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3. Yet another clever use of recycled sweaters.

warp float patterning

2010-01-01T08:13:00.001-06:00

warp float patterning
Originally uploaded by Verny2

Great video on float patterning.

Merry Christmas ....one and all !!!!

2009-12-24T18:53:00.002-06:00

Yup, I am now officially in the Christmas mood. Finally the retail world has had it's fill and we can now regain some normality in life yet again. Thanks to all the people that shop for gifts for it is they that pay my wages. God Bless every last one of them.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, everyone !!!!!!

work and no time for play... makes me a bored girl

2009-12-13T21:04:00.002-06:00

I work in retail and this is the busiest time of the year for us. All year long it's business as usuall, but Thanksgiving weekend and Christmas Holidays are tense. Sales are trending down and so they are working us harder than any other time. Can't hire extra help so we have to make it work.

I have towels on my jack loom, rugs on the Union, and runners on the counter-balance loom. I have not really had time to work on much of it though. When I am home, I'm so tired I have no energy to work on my looms.

I suppose that's why I can't wait for the holidays to be over. We get extra time off after the new year. It makes it hard on the kids and hubby, but we make up for it.

All work and no play make me a boring girl indeed. :-(

Recycling cloth and clothes ..India........

2009-10-08T13:06:00.002-05:00

Planning for next Spring ........

2009-09-23T16:35:00.002-05:00

I have been contemplating whether I want to grow a micro crop of fibers, plant fibers that is. I have decided to go ahead and do it. I have ordered both cotton seeds and flax seeds. I am in the process of planning out where I will stake my ground for such.

I have searched the net and found very little information on building tools for the flax processing. In short I think I may have to create my own gizmos to make do. The flax basically needs to be beaten once it has been retted (made to loose it's harder outer core, I believe). Then scouched (again, beaten with a sword type of wooden tool) to finish removing the harder outer core.

We'll see. Necessity is the mother of all invention ( I hope I got that right). I will be sure to post my trials and errors as we go. It'll be a while yet. Just getting the planning stage started.

If you have any resources or information for building a flax-brake, and the hackle/hatchel, please let me know.

Hemstitching video... sooooo easy

2009-09-13T08:20:00.002-05:00

Pulled this off the Weavezine site. If you haven't tried it because it sounds complicated, it's not. Syne Mitchell makes it looks as easy as 1 2 3. Here it is .....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwNske7f8SI&feature=player_embedded

Another Vintage sewing machine.....

2009-09-12T21:08:00.004-05:00

This is a Domestic Rotary sewing machine. Probably a 40's or so model. I picked this up from an estate sale a long time ago, about 15 yrs ago maybe. I have had it serviced once to get it running and then just put it away and used it as a desk, and a tv stand or some other use all this time.

I wish I had taken the time and tried to use it all these years. I've got it set up and running now. I sews like "butta". Love it ! It came with loads of attachments. I have it out and ready for use. My Kenmore and the treadle are out in the weaving shed, this baby stays in the house.

wet flax spinning video....

2009-09-06T11:39:00.003-05:00

You tube video: I found this wonderful video on flaxspinning, she uses' the wet spinning method. I'd never seen it and thought I would share.

Back to school .... book bags ....

2009-08-30T08:54:00.007-05:00

HAPPY DAYS !!!! The kids are back in school - Happy dance :-)

I was searching for a tote pattern online and came across these types of bags. There are patterns for crocheting and knitting these, and also weave and sew.

Well, I was suddenly inspired to try old jeans for a stronger type of bag. My girl carries some heavy books at times and goes through a couple of store bought book bags a year.

I used the leggs for the sides and used the left over pieces for the body and added length. I am very happy with the result. Went fairly fast once I figured out the size and length needed. I didn't give it the finished touches yet - lining and pockets; haven't quite figured out how I am going to do that :D.

This one is another version of a book tote. I just took this off the Union loom. It's made from left over scraps of cut up jeans.

Here are the finished results: I machine sewed up the sides and trimmed up the edges. I used the legs from the jeans for the straps as I had seen on a sew project before.

I used a square and criss cross sewing to add extra stability. Made a cute tote bag.

RECYCLE, REUSE, UPCYCLE.....

2009-08-13T19:54:00.002-05:00

I found this You tube video while looking for an upcycle idea. I love the ideas that these ladies were inspired to create. food for thought.

GardenGirltv and you tube....... 3 parts

2009-06-20T08:41:00.003-05:00

I was surfing you tube videos last night and came across this video. I watched her spinning and was utterly captivated by her spinning and presentation. I thought she was fantastic. Great tips and techniques for spinning.

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cutting chenille

2009-06-01T19:53:00.001-05:00

cutting chenille
Originally uploaded by wovenflame

Here is what the chenille strips look like once you've woven up the strips and are ready to cut the strips of chenille.

twice woven rugs

2009-06-01T19:52:00.001-05:00

the end
Originally uploaded by wovenflame

I have a great set of yarns that I can't use and will be able to make use of them by using this method. Can't wait to do this.

Newest project, treadle sewing machine to restore

2009-04-18T19:12:00.002-05:00

This treadle sewing machine came from the same lady I bought the Union loom from. I am waiting for the treadle belt and manual to arrive. I am looking for information on handling the restoration. Don't want to ruin it or damage the decals in trying to clean it/restore. I really want to refinish the cabinet, I think it would look nicer if I sanded and refinished it.

I love the idea of having a sewing machine that is human powered and not electric dependent. I guess it falls in line with the weaving process. All powered by ME!!!! :P

Newest addition to my Studio Union 36 loom

2009-03-29T19:56:00.005-05:00

I just bought this Union 36 rug loom, bonus is it has lots of warp already on it. I took off about 10 yds of this warp and decided it was good enough to put to use. I've already made 3 rugs and am planning to continue working off this warp.

It is really good shape. It was kept in a large house as a decorative item according to the seller.

I also bought an antique treadle sewing machine from her. It's a Minnesota Model A, really nice machine. It too is in pristine condition, oiled and well cared for.

I am now ready to start selling some of the stuff I make. It's time to make a little of the money back that I've put into all this equipment. So, I opened an Etsy store. I haven't listed anything today, but am getting together a small inventory to do so.

What model Rigby cutter is this ?????

2009-03-21T11:21:00.003-05:00

Top view down onto it:

So, do you know what model Rigby this is? I found it at a thrift store and was wondering if I can change the blades for 1/2- 2" strip cutting for rug weaving???

If you know, please let me know.

Spot bronson sample weave

2009-03-01T18:30:00.004-06:00

Here is the spot bronson weave. Or one of them. I like the look and it's soooooo easy to work it up. I'll post pics after I finish and wet finish the sample. I'm using my 12H Purrington Table loom that I've recently acquired. I did have to make a couple of minor repairs to get it working, but considering the price I got it for, it was well worth the effort.

Towels, new loom Purrington

2009-02-15T12:06:00.003-06:00

I've been busy lately, kiddos being sick, bad weather, the repairs to the home. Lot's going on. Anyhow, I finally sat at the loom and finished the towels I had warped on it before Christmas I think. It went pretty fast since I had already woven two towels, only had to finish the next two. Got them off the loom and finished them off. I was working in opposites and tried different color on the last one. Turned out pretty, good for my kitchen.

The green and white towels are from the Weavers Craft issue focusing on Ginghams. The pink/salmon and dk blue are the Fiesta towels from a different issue of the same magazine. There are endless combinations for these two patterns. I love the texture of both.

Here I'm showing how I tied up the new warp to the old warp. Makes the warping progress go faster since I'm using the same tie-up.

And in this picture I show you how I've resleyed the red and the warp is tied on and ready to weave.

This here is my new baby, I've been on the hunt for one of these beauties. Finally, found one I could actually afford. 12 H Purrington Loom. It does have it's issues which I have already begun to fix. The knuckle part of the wood which holds the levers was split straight across right above the knuckle part. I figured it out when I found the levers wouldn't stay down allowing the harnesses to remain up to weave. I cleaned it off and applied Gorilla Glue and clamped it down for 24 hrs. Now it works like a charm. It has a couple of other splits in the wood, but with a little bit of glue and applying the clamps it'll be just like new.

Next project is to start a set of placmats that my hubby has requested. I made a dish towel out of Peaches n Cream cotton 4/4 and it turned out a bit on the heavy side, but he liked the look and feel in general. He asked that I make the same thing but only half as long for placemats. I will post pictures when it's warped and weaving up.

silk scarf dyeing

2008-11-15T13:43:00.004-06:00

I recently attended the Quilt Show at the convention center and while there I saw a few vendors had handpainted silk scarves. Needless to say that I just had to try it myself since I already dye other fibers.

I did a search and found little information, but ran across the dharma trading company website. I've bought supplies from them before, but had not been interested in their silk painting supplies, until now.

So, I ordered their silk stretcher frame and extensions for scarves. Also, a few scarves to try out this technique. The scarf "blanks" are very reasonable, the paints (Dye-na-Flow) aren't much more than the acid dyes - which can also be used [the same technique as hankies]. I also bought silk salt (Sea Salt-can be used in it's place), and water based resist for design.

Here is a picture of my first ever handdyed silk attempt. It's a gift for a friend who recently discovered silk scarves are a fashion trend in New York. Hope she likes it.

Dye weekend

2008-11-15T07:48:00.003-06:00

Last weekend I talked the kids into helping me dye some roving. I cleared off the outdoor furniture and set up a dye kitchen with the coleman propane stove. I set up for kool aid, acid dyes, and wilton cake icing. I let the kids pick the colors and let them lose. WOW !! they came up with some really good color combinations. Here are some pictures I took as we created. I ended up with a variety of colors. It should be lots of fun to spin these beauties.

Here is the pot with the kool-aid colors.

Here we used wilton colors.Drying the dyed rovings on an old screen.

The finished products. The brown and green blob is dyed silk hankies.

The holidays are coming......

2008-11-03T18:10:00.003-06:00

It's been a very busy month. I work in the retail world and this time of year is busy. I feel overworked everyday, and no time to play.

This past weekend, a friend invited me to go with her to the Houston Quilt Show. I'm glad I went, it was very educational. I don't quilt myself, but I have made a couple of small table or decorative quilts. I understand how much work and thought goes into one. The main attraction was an exhibition of the DAR Quilts. WOW !!! They were beautiful. It's hard to imagine how much handwork went into each design or it's top stitching. So many of them were from the early 1800's and some from the mid to late 1800's.

I did visit the PRO Chemical booth, a few yarn booths, and also stopped at the Jacquard paints booth. Couldn't help but bring home a few of their goodies. Oh yeah I also bought a felting needle tool.

I saw many using felting, and dyeing methods in their quilts and other designs. It's interesting how fibers are used in quilting and some art methods done on sewing machines-though I think these are more of a specialty machine than just any sewing machine. I saw marbled silk, shibori, kumihimo, many different methods of dyeing and techniques used for the fabrics for the quilts. There were a couple of vendors even showing how to do twining rugs, and toothbrush rugs. Lots of information, I think I was overloaded. This is definately a two day event at least. We walked for what seemed hours and we barely made it through the vendors and then over to the exhibits.

My personal progress: Plans to make some felted art pieces is in the works, and dyeing some wool for felting and spinning also. I have made a couple of scarves and plans for making a few more on the rigid heddle looms. On the Floor looms I have towels on the jack loom and am contemplating what will go on the counterbalance next.

Hurricane Ike....... and the aftermath

2008-09-24T16:27:00.003-05:00

We survived Ike !!!!!

I have to say that it was pretty awful, I don't plan on staying through another ever again. I'll be on my way out of town with the rest of the sane people. We moved here when Rita came through, but it was nothing compared to a direct hit. Ike was scarry for sure. Our biggest problem was the trees, the really old oaks that have been here for at least a 100 years or more. They just toppled over or snapped, very sad indeed. We lost 6 to Ike, one hit the corner of the house and it's branches went through the roof, the other landed on the truck, boat, and utility trailer. These are a few pics.

On a positive note, it could've been worse. I work at a very big retail business and I know of a handful of co-workers that lost everything. My heart goes out all the people of Galveston and the surrounding areas that got the worst of it.

Texas Oaks, and free time.....

2008-08-31T11:33:00.004-05:00

As of late I've had a promotion at work and the learning curve has kept me very busy. That and the fact that there are staffing issues, which translates into no time for r & r. Not much free time anyway. I have been able to spin in blocks of an hour or so at a time, and also I have finished a weaving.

I have a project that I'm working on for each of the 3 girls in the family. A tote and a matching scarf for each in their favorite colors (of their choosing). I've made the first tote and have spun the wool for the matching scarf. I used old sweatshirt material for the weft and rug wool for the warp on the tote/bag.

I'm very pleased with the results, so far.

I am dyeing some wool for one of the bags, but am having trouble with color mixing for the right color. I'll post when I get that down.

Trees, very big Oak trees - -

A couple of weeks ago, we in the east Texas area suffered a tremendous downpour in a very short time. I think the estimates were about 8 inches in two hours, something like that; anyway, we lost our oldest and biggest oak tree. It fell directly in front of the porch and doorway, but luckily just grazed the front of the house. No major damage, but the homeowner's did come out and are going to fix a few minor cracks and dings.

Spinning ..moments ....time....

2008-06-29T15:55:00.004-05:00

Here is a picture of my new Fricke Spinning wheel, single treadle, folding base; I love it.

The third pic is the fiber that was included from the vendor that I bought the wheel from. It was "Art Club" on Etsy. big bonus, that wasn't in the sale description.

Lately I've been under a great deal of pressure on the work front. Good news is that I have gotten a promotion, this means a routine schedule, a small raise, and weekends off. Wanting to get my mind off of things meant total meltdown this weekend. I've done nothing really; that is, IF painting my bathroom walls, putting together my NEW Fricke spinning wheel, and playing with my charkha constitutes down time. To me it does. All the while watching chick flicks on Lifetime. Yes, It's been a day of laughter, joy, and tears. Gotta have one every now and then.

I spotted a picture of a Fricke charkha on a web site and can't seem to find one anywhere else. Wonder if they still make them at all.

Spinning and weaving thoughts......longish

2008-06-08T06:53:00.009-05:00

I recently bought a few spindles . I wanted to try a bought spindle, as the only ones I've ever tried were homemade ones. While catching up on the group emails I read a thread about the Spindolyn and how well it's liked by it's owners.
So I bought one, so far I'm working on getting the drafting going, I tried a cotton ball and it just didn't go well, although I didn't card it first. I am going to give it a go with some punis I bought for the charkha (that's another story).
Also, bought some of the Jan Ford spindles: the trixie and the Little Joe and the Little Meggie, both the spindles are well balanced and good spinners thou they are on the larger heavier side, good for plying. The little meggie is pretty neat, great for the heavier fancy yarns and probably some bulky ones.
I went on to read the postings about the butterflygirldesign spindles and how beautiful they are. Needless to say I bought one of her spindles, too. I bought the white daisies and butterflies millefiore whorl: May I say I LOVE IT!!
While digging through stuff that was still packed away after our move -3 years ago- I found a spindle that I had bought off of eBay (can't remember who I bought it from or when), it's a metal shaft with interchangeable stone whorls. I toyed with it back then, but didn't have a chance to use it, til now.

On Spinning: I've learned to draft and keep my spinning consistent, not quite at the point where I am spinning standing up yet. Park and Draft is where I am at. I see the difference in spindle spinning as compared to wheel spinning. I think that right now, I tend to like spindling much more than wheel spinning.

Years ago a very lovely woman on the spin list offered me a chance to spin a fleece that she thought she'd never get to. I still have it, and I'm now learning to spin with it. It's taken some time to get around to it and now I'm doing it. I wish I could remember who it was, because I now realize the extent of her gift.

On weaving: I took the finished Fiesta towels off the loom just last week and need to wet finish and hem them. I'll post pics as soon as that's done. Quite nice looking, not too difficult, but time consuming patterning for sure.

I posted earlier that I had ordered the sock looms from Decor Accents and Markman Farms. I ordered both because they are made different and I wanted to compare. The price was the same for both, the shipping charge the same, too. I emailed both companies to ask for an ETA a few weeks into the order process, and received a timely answer from da looms. I tried several times to contact the Markman Farms and 7 weeks into the order I finally received an email telling me that their computer had crashed and that my order would be shipped shortly.

The most obvious difference in the looms is the pegs are made of different materials. The DA loom employs a type of plastic peg, and the markman loom employs cotter pins. The second noticeable difference is the number of pegs. The DA loom is a much finer gauge; smaller pegs, more pegs-therefore a much finer gauge. The Markman loom is heavier, the cotter pins are larger, less pegs and therefore makes for a larger gauge - BUT it will last. That said, I think it was money well spent.

Spinning wheels, spindles, and groups.....

2008-04-30T12:38:00.004-05:00

On Spinning:
I was catching up on reading old group emails and was following a thread on bead spindles. I remembered I had a gazillion beads that an I inherited from a "macrame" artist-aunt. I filtered through them and found a few I liked. This is what I came up with for a support spindle for cotton or fine thread spinning. Anybody can make one of these. I used bamboo skewers (like used in K-bobs), and used different beads to create the whorls. This was just something I tried, they get a pretty good spin going. They aren't glued yet.

On the subject of creating and toying with, I don't own a lazy kate for my bobbins or spindles. So was poking around the house and trying to figure out a nice way to make a lazy kate that I can use for both. Here's what I came up with, not bad. It's functional, although I think the bigger sized container might work a little better. I would replace the bobbin with tp rolls for the spindle plying of course.

I've only spun, but am reaching a point where I am going to ply my fiber and set the twist soon. I ordered both a markman farm sock loom and a decor accents efg sock loom. I want to make socks with my spun fiber. I am keeping myself busy while I await the delivery of the looms.

On Weaving:
I have nothing. Sad but true. I sometimes have to drop projects because I get so bogged down with the processes that I loose my creative drive. I know it happens to others, but it "bites" when it happens to me. I have so much planned to make and need to do, that I become overwhelmed. The sad part is that I do it to myself; instead of enjoying the processes I start feeling like I'm on a deadline and loose the drive , almost like I rebel and figure "who's gonna make me". NOBODY!!! Not even me. Dumb, I know. So I got away from the towels that are sitting on my CB staring at me, calling to me, finish me....... instead I got back on my spinning wheel and spindles. I'm spinning, that's what I'm doing. I love that I can carry my spindle with me and spin to my little heart's desire. Everyone wants to know what I'm doing. Lot's of fun.

Blog Template Update

2008-04-18T21:45:00.004-05:00

New blog template. Hmmm. . . . . not sure if I like the working in html. It makes me have to think. . I suppose most computer work "is" html. I'm just not fluent in it and have to work at it, so it seems difficult. I'm just not interested in using it, but I will give it a go since I really like the look of the template. We'll see, I can always got back to the old look. Testing, testing, 1..2...3

Goodies shopping @ my LYS

2008-04-15T17:43:00.004-05:00

Took my sister out for the day. We went out hunting a few locations I found in yahoo for knitting/yarn stores. Sadly there aren't but a few and they really aren't that close to home.

We visited "Twisted Yarns" in Spring. Very nice group of ladies, love the yarn selections. I did lots of drooling, my sister kept telling me to close my mouth . I picked up some fiber, which I missed on my initial walkthrough. Also picked up an "octo" spindle for my bag. I of course had to make a few stops of my own on my way home.

Hobby Lobby, Michaels, JoAnn's ---mostly only found clearance yarns that seemed to have followed me home.

Picked up some plastic (read "cheap" here) knitting needles, they were marked down and I've been wanting to try my hand at knitting again. I don't have the concentration to follow through on a project that requires more than repeating the same stitch. Although, I suppose if I can crochet a dishcloth I should be able to knit one too. Right?? hello, can anyone hear me??? Hello...echo......

Wish List item:
I want to make socks, can't knit, my Mk machines are in disrepair. So....... I want a sock knitting loom - - you know the round ones which come in a finer gauge for adult socks. I really want one of those. Soon, real soon......

Happenings

2008-04-14T20:04:00.003-05:00

This is the current finished project. I decided to go back to basics and play with my inkle loom. I made a few bookmarks and plan on making a series of them. I feel uninspired and as though I should be more productive.

I can get frustrated with the logistics of making stuff and forget about why I'm making it. I do it because it's relaxing and also because it's a great feeling to make something and look at the finished product knowing that I put in every ounce of myself into it's creation; in essence I have created something that is part of me, an expression of me. Simple as it may be at times, but truly a part of me comes out in every product. Well, maybe that's what the "frustrated artist" cliche means. I have so many ideas and fleeting thoughts that I can't figure out where to begin at times.

Anyhow, I still have the "Fiesta" towels on the CB loom, I'm a bit disappointed that the 5/2 cotton didn't work out the way I wanted. It still works and it looks great, see previous post "what's on the loom", I just had to repeat the whole pattern because the pattern ran out 1/2 way through the length of the towel. In other words, the cotton I used as weft was half the thickness of the cotton called for in the original pattern; therefore, I have to weave a second run of the exact patterning to complete one towel. I'll get it done, just had to step away for a little while. I used a 4/4 cotton (peaches & creme) on the first two of this run and they turned out very thick almost like a bath mat. I wanted to see the pattern more clearly and used a teal blue on this one, I probably should have run the weft doubled. I have enough warp for one more, I'll run that one doubled for sure. I'll post pics once I'm finito.

On the spinning front, I had an "Aha !!!" moment yesterday. I was spinning up the beautiful fiber I received as a gift with my Gratia spinning wheel, and I kept getting kinks in it as I was spinning. I figured out finally that it was happening because I wasn't feeding the fiber in a consistent manner as I was spinning. I did make the connection between what my foot was doing and how I was feeding it. I was actually fighting the wheel at the beginning and when I got "my groove" I was working with the wheel. Yay !!! I think I got it. Those years in marching band finally paid off.

Tepehua loom

2008-03-29T23:00:00.001-05:00

Tepehua loom
Originally uploaded by Teyacapan

I came across this picture in flickr and thought it is wonderful. If you have a chance to look around do so. These are wonderful hand loom works.

Happy Birthday to me :-),

2008-03-25T18:19:00.004-05:00

Okay, not really. It's two months too early. Maybe happy mothers day??? Okay, nevermind. I went shopping, yes, I did. Bought me a new, brand new spinning wheel. Handmade, very ingenious design by the way, and way more affordable than most others being sold. I bought a "Gratia" spinning wheel, and I love it. I set her up and started spinning the wool that came with her and I LOVE it. Here's a picture of her. I had bought an old, probably late 1800's working wheel, but have only used it a couple of times; I never really worked at it. It still has the wool I originally tried to spin on it, sad i know. I'll probably turn around and sell the old spinner to try and recoup what I put out for this baby. I am sooooooo happy I bought this wheel. Maybe now I'll get that old batt of wool spun. Happy days !!!!!

Thinning out the STASH so. . . .

2008-03-19T18:31:00.004-05:00

Go to my picture trails album listed on the right top menu. I've listed tools, books, knitting machine books, patterns, needles, etc...., and things that I have determined I haven't used and probably won't use. As hard as it is, I'm using the 1 year rule; If you haven't used it, you probably won't (even though in the back of my mind I can hear myself saying I might some day). VERY BIG SIGH. In my defense, some of these items are duplicates or I never did use them at all ;-). So my loss, your gain. Be sure to go to the picture-trails album "For Sale". I will keep adding to it as I find more, so check back soon.

If you are interested in a trade I will consider fair trades for: natural fiber rovings, silk tops, bamboo fibers, tencel, cottolin (cone ends that I can use for a trial run of towels would be great), poly-cotton warp (want to do a trial run on rugs with it- I have cotton warp don't need anymore), and 8/2 cotton-white.

Another busy day, dyeing and wheels

2008-03-19T16:55:00.006-05:00

Here is my newest project. I've made a 16" wheel for round rugs, or other small round objects. I've been inspired to make a round rug, but have failed twice on the larger ring. I thought I would try a smaller size and see how that works out. Here are also photos of the process to remove the spokes and what it looked like when I was done. I'd be glad to help if I can should you have ????s.

Also there is a picture of the gi-normous ring I found at a thrift shop (just love that I can find whatever I need it).

A day to dye for

2008-03-18T21:47:00.005-05:00

I thought I'd try out some dyeing methods today. I bought the wilton cake dyes to try on some Heirloom wool I picked up a few years ago. Very 80's colors, needed new life and new colors. I haven't overdyed before so I wasn't sure how it would turn out. I had some turquoise color and peach color wool to dye. I started with 4 oz of wool to 1/4 tsp of dye, and 1/4 c of vinegar, 1/4 tsp of salt. . I dyed these in the pot, added the dye to the water and brought to 150 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

I am really impressed with the vivid colors I got from the wilton dyes. The farthest on the left is the skein colored with leaf green. The second is Purple; that was a fuscia color and I overdyed in purple, it still has a violet tint to it. The third is the peach wool colored with the royal blue dye, I did have to get the temp up a little higher to about 180 on this one because I noticed that it was not taking on the color and it was not exhausting the dye.

This yellow skein is a thick and thin yarn that I tried the fiber reactive dye method on. It was part of a tie dye kit. I bought it as an experiment before I committed to buying MX dyes for my cotton projects.

So far, I am impressed with both the fiber reactive dyes for cotton and the wilton dyes vivid coloring. Both are fairly easy to conduct. The only method I am not impressed with is the egg color dyeing,the 3 right skeins were this method and I used steam to set the dye.
I didn't think the colors were bold or vivid, actually they seem diluted.

I've also done Kool Aid dyes and I do like them also.

I thought I'd add this photo of the tapestry. I found this at a thrift store and couldn't help but bring it home with me. It is felted wool, but it's been warped with very fine red threads. It's a very interesting piece.

A last thought, I have trouble figuring out some dishcloth patterns, but this was way easy. I love it, just went on while I watched a movie and what do you know I finished two. I got this off of the ravelry site, but it's a Bernat pattern.

What's on the loom

2008-03-01T19:00:00.006-06:00

Here is a picture of the current project on my loom. I'm making a set of the "Fiesta Towels" from weavers craft mazagine. If you don't have a subscription to it, you need to get it. It's for all levels, but very helpful for beginners and intermediate weavers. The patterns and lessons are very well written, and easy to understand. I am self-taught and have had no problem figuring out the lessons.

Wanting to swap or trade

2008-02-26T18:28:00.007-06:00

What I offer for trade:

Knifty Knitters - Long and also the round sets; together or separate. I plan on keepin the smaller ones in the photo.

The sure Block cloth for knitters and textile workers. It is designed to stretch over a large sheet of plywood 36" x 54". They suggest using two old woolen blankets underneath for padding. Brand spanking new, never did use it. comes with instructions.

Two tru-loc shuttles, for the fly shuttle looms. I bought these to try them out as some people say you can use these on a loom without the fly shuttle system. Nice but not for me. My loss your gain. I have two with one extra pirn each. Will trade separate or together.

Also, I have an extra copy of the Chandler book, "Learning to Weave", glossy hard cover, in like new condition.

I have some sizing labels in various sizes and the old general sizes in S, M, L, XL, XXL. Some other sizes in small amounts: 28, 30, 32, 34, 38.

I am interested in exchanges more than sales, but if you don't think you have anything to offer, I will consider a fair price for these items.

What I want is: a tapestry beater, tencel yarn, cottolin yarn, boat shuttle bobbins 4", poly/cotton carpet warp in natural.

100_0721, warping the loom

2008-02-26T14:24:00.004-06:00

100_0721
Originally uploaded by stcroixlady

I love this idea, she's using two curtain rods to hold the lease sticks. CLEVER !!!

tripled threads

2008-02-26T13:52:00.001-06:00

tripled threads
Originally uploaded by wovenflame

I love to see the creative combinations some weaver's come up with. I envy this type of vision. I can only do this on occasion and feel encouraged by others visions. Thanks for posting this.

Dishcloths & Sons

2008-02-19T14:57:00.006-06:00

I am so surprised, my son (11 yrs. old) came into my shed and said he was bored, "when can I do something". Well, I jumped at the chance, and had him weave a dishcloth. He's a natural. Took very little direction to get him going. With a few more practice runs and he'll be better than his mom.

I don't think he'd mind helping me, if I have an easy enough project on on of the larger looms. Happy day !!!!!

Must go on a "fibery" diet

2008-02-12T08:11:00.000-06:00

Looking for a particular yarn, I came to the realization that I have a serious addiction; therefore, I must go cold turkey. Not allowing myself to buy another yarn or tool, for at least 3 months.

Warping & Flu season is here......

2008-01-20T16:49:00.001-06:00

I've been home from work for a couple of days now. Finally get to cash in on some of those sick days. Been trying to keep myself from being entirely laid up.

I've been setting up my second floor loom for a tote bag that I've

been planning for a while. I took pictures as I warped and prepared the loom. Here are a few things I thought I'd cover for really new weavers. I started my warp on the board and realized I had skipped a crossover, here you can see it doesn't sit it place.

On this next picture you can see how if you add it into the wrap, or catch it with your tie it will just slide into place. No it's not going to be right back where it should have been, but you're working with the mistake and completing your warp.

Here are the photos of my warping and my coffee can that holds the smaller tubes of warp yarn, keeps them from rolling around the ground and creating a big mess. Knitters use something similar.

Spring Cleaning

2008-01-17T07:50:00.000-06:00

I've had some time off and it's time to spring clean. You know what I mean, cleaning out all the stuff that hasn't been used in a year (need more room to hide stash, hee..hee). Yup, decided it's time for a yard sale. Hopefully the weather will hold up.

On a "fibery" note: I just received my new to me Kromski Harp 24" Rigid Heddle loom, w/stand. Really impressed with the craftsmanship of it and how sturdy the stand and loom are. I've had my eye on these for a while, found one for a great price. I'll post pics asap.

Stilll hoping to add a second 4 heddle castle to my 24" Dorothy table loom, I'm just aching to try some 8H weaves. Haven't decided if I'm going to buy it directly from Leclerc or keep looking for a used one. I did post wanted adds for a damaged or incomplete loom for parts, but no takers. It may be cheaper to just buy a new one anyway. Plus, I was thinking I may just buy the stand, too. Hmmmmm......lots of pondering to do.

New Blog

2007-12-06T08:35:00.000-06:00

Well, apparently I wasn't keeping up my blog and it changed hands to Google. So, I couldn't sign in to my old blog at onebatymom.blogspot.com. Sooooooo.... just had to start a new one. here it is. I'll update as possile. I'm presently working on a set of towels as gifts from the Weaver's Craft, Fiesta Towels patterns. I'll post a pic asap. It's actually the first complex weave I've done, which is a color and weave pattern. Having to count repeats was the hardest part for me. I placed a post-it note on the cloth beam and have been keeping tally marks of the repeats, but fear that I may have forgotten a time or two. I made the mistake of using a variagated cotton yarn and don't like that my hard work doesn't show as much as I would have hoped. I'll have to try a solid color for weft as the warp is a natural cotton, although I think even a round of natural cotton would be great as a weft. Aha !!!! Experimentation always works for me.