If this image looks familiar, then you'd be right. This was a warp put on last October no less and was to be a quick experiment in treadling variations. But then throw a sick Hubby and Christmas (with house guests) into the mix and you have a long drawn out affair. I never claimed to be a fast weaver but this really is beyond believing. I enjoyed the warp and so can't say this was a 'dog on the loom'... far from it! Life simply decided that I had other things to be doing...
So the premise was to have one threading and one tie up and then by changing the treadling only produce three different patterned scarves. Here is the previous post where I started, but I will repeat the drafts here for convenience:
The threading is an elaborate M's and W's and the tie up is a standard twill for eight shafts. The first scarf was treadled 'as drawn in'. The second scarf was treadled in a 'network style'. The third scarf, and my personal favourite, is treadled 'snowflake twill'. (both scarf two and three treadlings are called twill progressions) Three separate looks all for only having changed the way you dance the treadles! I would be the first to admit that this was made far easier by having a weaving program and so I could try things out ahead of time on the computer screen.
I can recall having a conversation with my weaving mentor Margaret back in 1997 or 1998 about this very topic. I had an overshot threading on the loom and Margaret sat down and simply started playing with her feet! Once she knew what style of threading it was, she understood how it was tied up and so could improvise on the fly. I sure wish I had kept the sample she made that afternoon. I also recall the big smile she wore as she wove as she was having fun. She said that being freed from the constraints of a rigid recipe was when weaving comes to life. She did tell me that you have to know how the basic weave structures work first, then you can bend and stretch the rules!
The warp was 10/2 tencel, sett 28 epi and was 7.29 inches in the reed. That's 204 ends.
The weft was 30/2 fine black silk which contrasted nicely with the rose, and mineral green, with a dash of violet.
All were woven to 72 inches, fringes twisted and left at roughly six inches including the tasseled end. All were hand beaded with various glass beads for a bit of sparkle. The shine and drape is beautiful.
A great project and I'm only sorry it took so long! Hopefully, it will encourage you to play with treadlings when you find yourself stuck and bored with a project.... you might be surprised at what you find!
Beautiful scarves, Susan! I like to use the same method of changing up the treadlings. I usually change the weft color, too, but your fine black silk works so well, I don't think it could be improved upon. Great job!
ReplyDeleteFab-u-lous, Susan! Absolutely gorgeous! I love discovering how one threading, one tie-up, can lead to the most interesting variations by switching treadling!
ReplyDeleteHope you have recovered and that DH is doing well.
Peace,
Wayne (who is now happily learning how to use front-end shuttles!)
Susan these are absolutely beautiful, and the fact they took so long will soon be forgotten. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThese are absolutely stunning, Susan! You know, I always think that everything is for a reason, and I can't help but think that for you to pass by that gorgeous warp so many times while making your way through some very difficult times must have given you just a moment's joy. So good for you that it was on the loom for so long. As always, your work is impeccable. It's always fun to see the color combinations that you put together. ....gorgeous work, Susan!
ReplyDeleteSusan your work both on the loom and in finishing is second to none. Always a treat to see your weaving.
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming Bruce is on the mend or mended finally
and that means some more beautiful warps going on the looms.
Getting different designs all from changing the treadling! That is so neat!
ReplyDeleteStunning, as always. I'm also impressed with the boldness of the green and pink in one scarf -- I would have been too scared to try that combo, but they are lovely. You give me courage1
ReplyDeleteI'm with Margaret - I love improvising at the loom! But I like trying things out on the computer too as it gives you the opportunity to test all sorts of ideas - I think we're so lucky to have the best of both worlds :-)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, and the scarves are gorgeous; very elegant & sophisticated colours and patterns.