Lotsaknots on Spin Artiste

A few weeks ago, I was interviewed by Arlene Ciroula of Spin Artiste.  She is a very dynamic person who is a weaver and a spinner.  She posts weekly articles about different people in the world of spinning and weaving.  Check out her blog here:  http://www.spinartiste.com/  Her current post is about my life since Weavolution and all the work that comprises our ongoing business endeavor, Lotsaknots.

Here I am with my Lotsaknots partner and best friend, Janet.  

Lotsaknots on Etsy

Lotsaknots website

New items in our Etsy store

I'm not a perfectionist but I like to do things the best I possibly can.  It takes time and patience to edit photos, post them in the Etsy shop and add a description.  I know some shop owners who write one description for their hand woven scarves and it serves as the description for every one they list.  I'm not like that.  Each scarf creates a different look and creates a certain look when you wear it.  That's why I like to show scarves and shawls on our favorite model and not just laying on a table.

Jordan is so expressive and makes working with her such fun.  She adds personality to the scarf.

So, check out our Etsy shop by clicking here and you'll see lots of new listings and lots of great pictures of Jordan.  The scarves are available now, she's not.

Winter Show at GPNS Nov 17 & 18

We were invited to sell our hand made items at the Garrett Park Nursery School Crafts Fair.  The show is on Saturday and Sunday, November 17 & 18 from 10am to 5pm.
We are busy finishing several new items which we hope will be big hits.  In addition, we have two of our well loved ponchos for sale.

Scarf poncho

 We have this beautiful white poncho available and another one made using various green yarns.  We use 11 different yarns in each poncho.  The panels are knit by both Janet and Claudia, then Claudia crochets them together and Janet makes the fringe.  A truly joint venture.

Scarves, hats and hand mitts will be available.  Some are hand woven and some hand knit.  We make everything ourselves and they are all one-of-a-kind items.

This year we have a few items for the home.  A lovely hand woven plaid table runner and a set of hand woven placemats.

Have you ever seen a cloth bowl?  They are washable, unbreakable and reversible.  We will bring a few with us.  These are hand sewn and come in a variety of styles.

No show would be complete without our "Lotsaknot".  The scarf that started it all.  It's a unique design that can be worn with anything from suits to jeans.  It's the scarf for the scarf challenged.  Put it on in the morning and it stays tied and looking nice all day.  We have a variety of colors and designs available.

Hope to see you at Garrett Park Town Hall, 10814 Kenilworth Ave, Kensington, MD.   See the map at the left side of the page.  

Website Woes

Several months ago we realized we were needlessly running two separate businesses and it was time to combine them.  I had started Weave On Studio to teach weaving and spinning.  For almost 10 years Janet and I have owned Lotsaknots and sell our hand crafted wearables under that name.  Since I was now teaching and selling Schacht spinning and weaving equipment and accessories, it seemed logical to combine all the business efforts as Lotsaknots.

One problem.  Combining the two separate websites proved beyond my abilities.  Well, it was beyond the capabilities of the people working for mydomain.com.  They were polite and did their best, I think.  They just never got the job done.  So, I went the logical route today and cancelled hosting for Weave On Studio and hosted only Lotsaknots.  Simple, direct, straight and easy.  Not so fast.  It took all day to sort things out and now you will see only Lotsaknots where it has always belonged HERE.

In celebration of sorting out the mess, I will be editing our new and improved site.  But not today.  I'm saving that for this weekend when I plan to add many more photos and a better selection of the handmade items we offer for sale.  

For now, it's time to join our friend, Jordan, in a happy dance (wearing a poncho Janet and I made).

From the shameless commerce division, purchase this poncho at our Etsy shop.

Weaving, spinning, knitting and so forth

I fear I may forget how to write so here is a quick review of what I am doing.
On the Cricket I am currently working on a scarf which will serve as a sample for a stash busting project.  The plan is to weave enough yardage for a vest and this is the sample.

The warp is a selection of knitting yarns and the weft is 8/2 tencel. 

 I have been hiding in the basement putting a 10 yard warp on the Glimakra Standard which may soon be christened Big Bertha.  It's very colorful warp and so is the planned weft.  This should yield 5 rugs.

Various colors of carpet warp'in a graduated stripe pattern with log cabin in the center.  The rugs will be various twill patterns and are all sett at 12 epi.

I am hoping to find time this weekend to wind a warp for a double weave project which will be going on the Julia.  This project is for my HalloWeave group on Weavolution.

Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian friends!
Happy weaving, spinning and knitting to all.

What's new on the loom

I just finished warping and threading my 10" Cricket loom for a project I am very excited about.  It's another scarf but it's a sample for a vest I'm hoping to weave next.  I love doing different things on my rigid heddle loom.  It's small, lightweight and portable and there is so much weaving you can do on it.  Many weavers who have spent years mastering the craft do not approve of rigid heddle looms.  I have heard some refer to them as child's looms or toys.  Believe me, this is no toy and not easy to master.  Plus, there is tons you can weave on it.

My Cricket loom has only 2 shafts which limits you to plain weave.  Why is it called plain weave?  Is it the simplest weave structure? No, not by a long stretch.  It's plain weave because it is the most basic and it's where weaving begins.  Plain weave is not an easy structure to master.  It is very challenging to weave for 70 or 80" and have the distance between warp threads match EXACTLY the distance between weft threads.  In other words, if the warp is sett at 8 ends or threads per inch you must place/weave the weft or perpendicular threads at the same ratio, 8 picks or threads in each inch.  Not an easy task and one that requires measuring frequently to be certain you have passed the shuttle and pressed the threads into place exactly the same each time.  Something to strive for but not easy to maintain for the 72" of weaving when making a scarf.

So, it's off to complete the placemats on Julia.  Two are done and two to go,  We just added a new show to the line up so it's weave, weave, weave and knit for the next 2 months!!

My busy looms are empty

I have 4 looms that are usually all busy in one stage of a project but things are very quiet at the moment.  I completed a commission for a scarf on my 15" Flip, the sample on my Cricket reached the end and I warped it but haven't started weaving yet, I am threading overshot placemats  on my Julia countermarche and nothing on the big Glimakra yet.  I feel as though my weaving has taken the end of summer off.  I'm sure you sense my mood in this post.

So, what has sucked up my time?  First, I have been busy winding warps for the weaving kits we sell HERE in our Etsy shop.  I have also been spinning and getting to know my new Schacht cherry Matchless wheel.  And, finally, I have been busy selling some of my looms.

My goal for our Etsy shop is to have at least a dozen kits available at all times.  I had to take a short break after 6 (there are five in the shop and a 6th one ready to add).  I've been having pain and swelling in my right knee and it's flared up so it may have to wait another week.

I am getting acquainted with my cherry Matchless.  I love the wheel ad it has several different features from the Sidekick which we have owned since last November.  One of the first projects I finished was this bright pink wool/silk which I am using to make a lace scarf for my daughter in law.  I have the pattern and once I am done knitting the hat I have in progress, I'll start her scarf.  She is not likely to want it for a few months.  She has another 5 months of her deployment to Afghanistan as a Captain in the US Army.  I can be calm about it right now, she and my son are on R&R for a few more days.

Have a great holiday weekend.  Look for me at the Nationals game Saturday afternoon.  GO NATS!!  I'll be wearing my Strasburg t-shirt and my curly W hat.  

Lotsaknots Fall Classes

Take a class.  Have fun.  Expand your mind and your personal fiber toolkit.

With all the choices available it's hard to know what to take.  I have enjoyed reading blogs and websites  advertising upcoming class schedules and there is a lot to choose from.

What makes Lotsaknots different?

• Classes are available BOTH in studio and LIVE, online
• Scheduling is flexible.  We work with your schedule to meet your needs.
• We offer knitting, crochet and weaving.
• Classes are available for beginner to advanced in knitting and crochet.
• We are among the few studios to offer rigid heddle weaving.

Knitting classes are available day, evening and weekend.  Classes are private, 1:1 in our Poolesville studio or online via video conferencing.  All classes are a minimum of 2 hours.  Cost: $18/hour.

Bring a project you want to finish or we will provide knitting needles and yarn and you provide the time.  Beginner to expert level classes.  

Crochet classes are available day, evening and weekend.  Classes are private, 1:1 in our Poolesville studio or online via video conference.  All classes are a minimum of 2 hours.  Cost:  $18/hour.  Beginner to expert level available.  

Rigid heddle weaving is the fastest growing area of weaving.  

Warp and weave on a rigid heddle loom

• 3 classes  Sept 29, Oct 6 and 13
• Class time:  9am to 3pm
• Total students:  3
• All materials provided including yarn, looms and written, detailed instructions
• Cost:  $150.

Questions? Sign up?  Contact Claudia lotsaknots@msn.com  

For additional details on video conference refer to the Lotsaknots Fiber Geek.

Knitting matters

I love to knit.  I was hoping to post my latest creation along with a FREE PATTERN.  It's almost done but not quite so I decided to post it anyway.  One more night of Olympics and I'll be finished but I was determined to post today.  So, without further ado,

Mint green shawl

It's a really easy pattern.  I used Shine by Knitting Fever (There are several yarns named shine and manufactured by different companies).  It's actually not being made so you may have trouble finding the 5-6 skeins required to complete the shawl.  I'll post the pattern at the end.

I also love to teach knitting and had a unique experience today.  A student I have been working with for several months is making a sample gansey from Beth Brown-Reinsel's book, Knitting Ganseys (on Amazon here) and we reached a critical point last week just as lesson time ended.  We both wanted to continue so we met online today.  It worked out really well.  She has now gotten past the critical shoulder join and is able to continue on her own until we meet again in person in 2 weeks.  Meanwhile, we now have a new tool in our knitting toolbox; video web conference or knitting online.  The picture was clear enough for me to see the stitch definition and the sound was also very good. 

Here's the shawl pattern:
Cast on 5 sts.
K one row.
Increase as follows:
Row 1:  k3, yo, knit to end.

Shawl fabric close-up

Row 2:  Sl, knit to end.
Repeat row 1 & 2 until you have 100 sts or are half the size you want for the shawl.
Shape center:
Row 1:  K3, yo, k2tog, knit to end
Row 2:  Sl 1, k to end.
Repeat these 2 rows 3 or 4 times.
Begin decrease:
Row 1:  K2, k2tog, yo, k2to, k to end.
Row 2:  Sl 1, k to end.
Repeat these 2 rows until you have 5 sts left.
Bind off.

Happy knitting!!

The Lotsaknots Fiber Geek

It’s about fiber and knitting, crochet and weaving.  It’s about connecting people, you and me, in an easier way and helping you conquer the fiber obstacle you are facing.

Have you reached a point in that sweater pattern where you feel lost?  You know something is amiss but you cannot tell what.  We can work together and figure it out.  You can join me in my studio and we can sit side by side by using our computers to bridge the miles.  You in your home and me in mine.

Video conferencing has been around for a long time and it’s reached the point where most computers have cameras and a microphone.  That’s all you need.  No software to buy or install.  Nothing special to do.  I send you an email, you click on the link and follow the instructions to allow your camera and mic to turn on.  That’s all there is.

And, one more thing.  We will record it so you can refer back to the session whenever you want.

 The recording is available 24/7. 

I am the Lotsaknots Fiber Geek.  I have been enjoying the benefits of video conferencing for many years. With the convenience of Skype, Gmail talk, Webex and other similar programs I have kept in touch with family and friends from around the world.  I have enjoyed meeting people from New Zealand to Belgium and from several miles west of my home.  

I have decided to put together my comfort with video conferencing and my ability to teach knitting, weaving and crochet and create the Fiber Geek Program.  

It's a one-on-one, private session to learn techniques, conquer problems and take on new tasks with the help of an experienced teacher.  I have been knitting for over 50 years and I have explored many advanced techniques and patterns.  The cost is $40 for a 2 hour session.  Payment through Paypal only.

I have been teaching others to knit for over 25 years,  I have been crocheting for equally as long and actually started teaching crochet over 30 years ago.  

I have been teaching Rigid Heddle Weaving for several years in my home studio.  Many of my students have advanced beyond the rigid heddle loom to 4 and 8 shaft looms and advanced classes.  

Have questions or want a test drive? Contact me at: lotsaknots@msn.com.

Introducing Lotsaknots Studio

Welcome to the new Lotsaknots studio.  Yes, it used to be Weave On Studio and over the past few months I realized that I teach more than weaving.  I teach knitting, crocheting and spinning, too.  I am also a Schacht dealer and that is still listed as Weave On Studio for a little longer.  I carry Schacht spinning and weaving products including the Flip loom in 15” and 20”, the Sidekick spinning wheel and I will soon have a Matchless spinning wheel for you to test in the studio.  In addition, I have several Cricket looms in both the 10” and 15”.  The looms are available to rent on a monthly basis.  

Weaving classes are currently scheduled for Saturday, July 14, 21 and 28 from 10am to 3pm.  You will learn:

•   how to weave
•   how to plan a project
•   how to warp the loom using direct warping method

I provide the looms, shuttles, yarn and written instructions.

If you are interested in registering for class, please contact me at:  lotsaknots@msn.com

Knitting classes are all private two-hour sessions for beginner, intermediate and advanced students.  All classes are for adults, over 18 years old, only.

Contact:  lotsaknots@msn.com

Lotsaknots Etsy shop

Farmer's Market in Poolesville, MD

Check it out.  Farmer's Market July 13 and 27.  Look for Weave On Studio/Lotsaknots.  We are merging into one company.  Lotsaknots is the selling part and Weave On Studio is for teaching.  We will be selling our products at the Farmer's Market and our new website will be up by the end of this week.  I love Friday the 13th.  I believe it's a lucky day so I have several plans for new ventures on Friday, July 13th.

You can find information about classes on this blog and on the Lotsaknots/Weave On Studio website soon.

See these looms?  That's what we use in class and they are lots of fun to use and to learn to weave.
Classes start on Saturday, July 14th and continue on July 21 and 28th.  You will learn to weave on this loom, warp or dress the loom and figure out how to make a scarf, bag, table runner, anything you like.  I supply the looms, shuttles, yarn and written instructions.  You supply the curiosity and interest in learning to weave.  Give it a try!!

Questions?  Leave a comment here or write to Claudia at weaveonstudio@me.com  

Summertime Classes!!

The month of June has always seemed like a month of transition. Summer begins. School ends for the year. The days seem longer and the pace is slower. I always look forward to July. First, it's truly summer which means time to play. Second, it's the month before my birthday an d I can allow myself to daydream about an upcoming day of decadence on mny birthday in early August.

Now, July means a new series of Learning to Weave on a Rigid Heddle loom. This is a class for people who know how to weave and those who do not. It covers the differences between rigid heddle weaving and floor loom weaving. It also covers all the weaving basics. I provide the looms, the yarn and detailed written instructions. You provide an interest in learnning to weave on a rigid heddle loom like this one.

Please contact me at weaveonstudio@me.com to register for class. Registration is limited to 3 students. I do not teach anyone under the age of 18. We will meet on July 14, 21 and 28 from 10am to 3pm each day. You will take the looms home with you and have homework after each calss. Please bring a bag lunch and we will take a short break mid-day to eat and chat.

I am working on a new scarf on my Cricket loom just like the one pictured in the above picture.  I will post all about it and the sample I just finished in my next blog.  I'll also offer some tips about weaving with knitting yarns on a rigid heddle loom.

Happy weaving,
Claudia

Spreading the Love

Here I am in Columbus, OH to spread the love of spinning and weaving. Why Columbus? It's the annual TNNA (The National Needlearts Association) Trade Show and Spinning and Weaving is a fledgling group in this land of yarn, needlepoint, counted thread and accessories. We (the Spinning & Weaving Association) joined TNNA almost a year ago and need 100 members of our group to become a voting member of the association. We have 97!

I will be meeting yarn and fiber wholesalers to invite them to join us and introduce them to the joys of spinning & weaving. I have 3 days to find 3 or more new members and help demonstrate weaving and spinning on the Trade Show floor. Sounds like a great way to spend a few days.

Meanwhile, back home, I am working on new samples for the upcoming class. I plan to expand the curriculum to include lace weaves, warp and weft floats, and other pick-up stick tricks for the rigid heddle loom. The next class starts July 14th and meets for 3 Saturdays, July 14, 21 and August 4. We'll spend most of that time working on planning projects, warping and dressing the loom. These are the most important pieces to being able to weave on your own. Weaving is the "easiest" part. I put that in quotes because learning a new craft is never easy. It takes practice and a certain amount of devotion to learn to weave. But there is so much more. To get to weaving, you must be able to calculate how much yarn is needed and determine if you have enough. Then, you need to get the yarn on the loom properly and thread the heddle, tie it on to the front apron rod and then the weaving begins. What can you expect in a class? We start with weaving and learning the language of weaving the first day. With shuttle in hand you throw the weft pick across the warp and begin to create your sample. Once we spend some time learning how to place that weft pick in the shed (several new words for some), I demonstrate the planning process and work with each student to plan their first warp. Unlike using a floor loom, you direct warp a rigid heddle loom. A very different and faster process. You create the warp right on the loom, wind it on the warp beam and then thread it through the holes in the heddles. The direct warping is done through the heddle slots and, once beamed, we need to thread through the holes. The tension needed to weave is created by tying the warp onto the front apron rod which is tied to the front beam. All this is covered in the first class.

Weaving is a complex craft. It is not easy to learn but it can be very rewarding. The cloth you weave can be a scarf or shawl or you can use it for fabric to create a top, jacket or skirt. You are weaving fabric and can do so on any size loom. A 15" rigid heddle loom can produce 13.5" wide fabric which can be used for fabric to create a jacket. Sew two 13.5" pieces together and you have the jacket back. Two more lengths of fabric and you have both fronts. Add two more pieces for sleeves. All on a rigid heddle loom. You can make a jacket as easily as you can make a few scarves. It's just that simple. It's all in the project planning which we will cover in the first class.

I hope to keep reporting from Columbus. I believe it will be very busy starting later today so my posts may be short. There has been a big increase in weaving and spinning. Schacht has 21 looms each with a different scarf placed around the trade show floor. Each scarf was made using the yarn from a different wholesaler and can be found at that wholesaler's booth. I will take pictures and share them here.

Be back soon. Claudia

Washington Folk Festival- June 2&3

The Washington Folk Festival at Glen Echo Park is one of the best shows we attend all year. It offers something for everyone including dancing, musical programs and a great craft show. For the past 4 years we have been part of the craft show and we have enjoyed the experience every time.

This is the show to attend. The vendors are the most unique you will find in the DC area, the show offers both outdoor and indoor venues. If it's hot, there's the Spanish Ballroom to cool down in while you watch great dancers perform. If the weather is cool, there are several tents to sit in and enjoy a wide variety of music.  Read more about the WFF 2012 here.

Bring the kids!  The WFF is a great place for families. Children (and adults) enjoy the hand painted horses on the infamous antique Carousel that is at the heart of Glen Echo Park.  The WFF includes storytellers, dancers, crafter (come visit us in the Bumper Car Pavilion), and performers roaming the park with impromptu shows.

Lotsaknots (our retail name) will be selling hand knit, sewn and woven items.  Here are a few examples:

Why weave?

I started weaving in 2005. Actually, my first encounter with a floor loom was in 1973 when I attempted to weave on a Glimakra Standard that was the only piece of furniture in my friend's New York City townhouse living room.  My only recollection was how enormous it was and how awesome it felt to toss the shuttle across the warp and catch it on the other side.  I now own that same loom and still enjoy tossing the shuttle across 45" of warp and catching as it emerges on the other side.

Laverne & me

Although weaving is now a permanent part of my life, I still wonder why.  The answer is all around me. So many wonderful things have happened to me because I took up weaving.  Most center on the people I have met through weaving. We speak the same language and never have to answer the question at the title of this post.

When I began to call myself a hand weaver, I looked around for others who were obsessed with this craft and found the Yahoo groups.  I soon became frustrated being unable to post pictures and add files easily to the posts I wrote on the various weaving boards.  It was fun connecting with other weavers and reading about their struggles and successes and I wanted to see their woven items.  I do believe a picture is worth a thousand words.  I wrote to Syne Mitchell, former publisher of Weavezine, and asked if she was interested in starting a social network, like Facebook, specifically for hand weavers. She declined due to the time constraints of her writing and referred me to Tien Chiu. And that was where Weavolution began.  Soon, Alison G. came on board to help manage the financial part and the three of us launched Weavolution a year later. A year after that, we launched a very new and improved Weavolution which still thrives under the new ownership of Erica and Oli, two American ex-pats living in the UK.

The founders of Weavolution.com

Claudia, Laverne & Janet at MSWF

It doesn't end there. I met so many wonderful people on and around Weavolution. I attended more fiber shows such as Maryland Sheep and Wool (MSWF), Rhinebeck, Shenedoah Fiberfest, etc. I spent time with store owners, vendors, distributors, wholesalers, yarn reps and more. They became my peer group and, as Weavolution grew and improved, my weaving (and my health) suffered. In September 2011, Erica and Oli bought Weavolution and Alison and I walked away from the day-to-day and became regular citizens and advisors to Weavo.

I now spend most of my time weaving, spinning, knitting and lurking on Weavolution, Facebook, LinkedIn, Yahoo groups and other social networks.  I volunteer for the Spinning and Weaving group that is part of TNNA.  I enjoy spending time in my studio on a broad variety of projects.

Claudia warping a  Schacht Flip

Introducing people to these time honored crafts of knitting, weaving, spinning and crochet is very humbling to me.  Think about if for a moment; every piece of fabric we encounter is either woven or knit.  Everything!!  So when I ask why weave?  It's quite simple, we weave because we can.  

Classes on my mind

This is what I see on the side of our house and around many houses in our Hunter's Run neighborhood.  I love purple flox, I enjoy the dogwood and red bud as I take my morning walk through our neighborhood. The many signs of Spring.

Spring also conjures up thoughts of renewal and refreshing and reward.  It's also a good to learn something new.  The Warp and Weave class being offered on June 30 in my Poolesville MD home studio is a great way to learn a new skill.  We will spend the day learning about the parts of a loom, how they work together to place vertical threads (warp) on them and how you weave in the weft threads to create beautiful scarves, shawls, table runners, napkins.  The list of things you can weave is almost endless.

 This is my friend Jordan modeling a scarf I wove on my Cricket loom.
It took me about 20 minutes to warp the loom, 10 minutes to thread the loom, and 10 minutes to finish up the preparations to start weaving.  You can do these things just as quickly with a little practice.


Learn to Weave and make three samplers and a scarf in the classes on Saturday, July 14, 21 and 28.  This summer class session will take you much further in your weaving studies.  The class meets weekly from 10am to 3pm.  Class size is limited to 4 people which allows for individual attention.

Take both classes and get a 20% discount!  Try weaving in June, if you like it and want to learn more, sign up for July and save $25!


Scarves and weaving in general is a great stash buster!  If, like me, you have a collection of yarn you have purchased over the years, you can now use those yarns to make things for your home and scarves for gifts.  In just one weekend, you can complete a project like the scarf pictured here and wear it to work on Monday.

A happy customer!!

Want to learn to knit?  I am holding a one-day Knit-In on Saturday, June 23rd from 10am to 2pm.  Bring knitting needles and worsted weight yarn and learn to knit.  Or, bring along a project you tried to knit and were unable to complete.  Find a pattern you want to make and are unsure how, bring it along and we can work on figuring it out.  Registration required in advance.  Contact Claudia at weaveonstudio@me.com

Interested in purchasing a loom, spinning wheel or other accessories?  I am a Schacht dealer and will be happy to help you choose the right loom or spinning wheel for your needs.

Feel free to contact me for private classes.  My email address is weaveonstudio@me.com. I am available during the week and certain weekends.

Rigid heddle weaving in a day

This was the view as I finished my morning walk today.  It inspired me to consider simplifying my rigid heddle weaving classes.  Three Saturdays of class is almost decadent so I have decided to teach Rigid Heddle Weaving in 1 day.
That's right, a one day, all day classes to warp the loom and weave a sample.  If you want to learn more, I can schedule more.
So, I will be teaching how to warp and weave on a Rigid Heddle loom on Saturday, April 28th from 9am to 4pm.  All classes are held in my Poolesville, Maryland studio.  Class will begin with how to warp the loom and end with finishing techniques.  It's a condensed introduction to weaving on a rigid heddle loom.  All classes include the loom and materials needed to warp and weave.  For more information and to reserve you place, contact Claudia at weaveonstudio@me.com or claudia@weavolution.com.

Rigid Heddle Weaving in a day will also be offered on Saturday, June 30 from 9am to 4pm.  In addition,  the three session In Depth Rigid Heddle Weaving class is available on Saturday, July 14, 21, and 28.  In the longer class, we will warp the rh loom 3 times, create 3 different projects and work with both direct and indirect warping methods.  Contact Claudia at weaveonstudio@me.com

Last weekend, I attended a class in Color and Weaving with Su Butler.  It was an excellent class with so much valuable information I almost felt my head explode.  I have not had formal training in color theory and this class gave me the background information I wanted.  There is no single book available on weaving and color so this class is extremely unique.  Su is a very good teacher and covers a load of material throughout the weekend.  We spent 3 days studying color, value, intensity and how to use this information in your weaving.  I hope to post new projects soon and discuss my choices for colors based on what I learned in this class.

This past weekend was spent celebrating Passover with our family Seder of 12 people.  We had a rousing good time and I found a wonderful model for all my scarves, ponchos and shawls in Craig's girlfriend, Jordan who is pictured here wearing a houndstooth scarf I wove.  This is a great, lightweight scarf that will soon be for sale on our Lotsaknots Etsy site.

Have a great week and Happy weaving!!

Classes available online SOON!

Here's a beautiful example of pebble weave woven on a backstrap loom by a friend.  I love the vibrant colors and the complex design.

In our busy world, we often find it difficult to add one more thing.  Taking an entire Saturday to learn to weave for three weeks in a row seems like a very big indulgence for most of us.  Saturdays usually represent errands, grocery shopping, catching up on the mail, bills, kids soccer/track/lacrosse games, etc.  And, if the weather permits, there is always work to be done in the yard.

To better meet the needs of our busy world, I am going to be offering online, LIVE, in person weaving classes in the evenings and on Saturday and Sunday.  This option allows you to stay home, take care of your chores and enjoy a couple of hours a week to learn a new craft.

What will you need to take a class online?  First, a microphone and speakers (built in to most computers manufactured in the past 5 years) and a webcam.  I purchased a webcam that sits on top of my computer screen.

I use the earphones and microphone that came with my iPhone for speakers and a mic.  It works very well and many have commented that the reception is very good.  Most cell phones come with earphones and a mic on them.  Check out the accessories in your box or check your computer.  You may be surprised to find you have a built-in microphone, speakers and webcam!



So, on to the classes.  I am still formulating the lesson plan.  One thing is clear, you will need to have a rigid heddle loom.  If you live near my Poolesville, MD studio, you are welcome to come over and borrow one for the class.  If not, I can assist you in choosing one to purchase.  Some local fiber arts guilds have looms to rent.  That's a good place to start.  What's a fiber arts guild?  Weavolution has a list by state and country of local guilds that help people with an interest in a specific fiber art (spinning, weaving, felting, knitting, etc,) to communicate with each other and develop their skills.

I will be offering classes on rigid heddle weaving.  All levels and topics will be available and most will be taught by appointment so you can base it on your schedule.  Classes will be 2-3 hours long and will take place online via video conferencing.  More details available soon.  Stay tuned and feel free to leave comments.

Upcoming Classes!!

I am planning two Weave On Start Weaving classes.  The first group will start on Saturday, April 14th.  We will meet on three consecutive Saturdays, April 14, 21 and 28, from 10am to 3pm.  You will weave 3 projects including a scarf or table runner for your final project.  This is a basic weaving class taught using rigid heddle looms like the one in this photo on the right.

A second set of classes will begin on Saturday, July 14th and run for three consecutive weeks, July 14, 21 and 28.  This class will cover both basic and more advanced skills.  We will focus on color and weave, pickup and planning your project.  This class is open to beginners and intermediate students.

Both classes are limited to 4 students.  We will explore weaving language, parts of the loom, and weaving fabric for household items and clothing.  The small class size allows you to move at your own pace.  Working in a small group enhances the learning process and gives you more personalized attention.

Classes take place in my Poolesville home studio.  We take a lunch break each day and water and snacks are always available.  Classes fill quickly and I encourage you to contact me at weaveonstudio@me.com to register or if you have questions.  Also feel free to post any questions following this blog post.













As for my own weaving, I have projects going on three looms and they are all in different stages of completion.  I am threading my Schacht 4 shaft table loom to take with me to a class at the end of the month.  What class does the weaving teacher take?  Color and Weave with Su Butler.  Su is a well known weaving teacher who wrote a very good book about weaving with rayon chenille.  You can purchase her book on her website HERE.

I continue to work on finishing the two rugs I am weaving using Pendleton selvedges I purchased several years ago.  I love the way the colors are turning out.  

In addition, I am winding a warp to sample several overshot patterns on a set of placemats.  I have included sufficient yardage to do some sampling for color and design before I start weaving the placemats.

I almost forgot the Schacht Flip I use every night to complete a table runner.  Here is a photo of me threading the heddle to beam this warp.  The table runner should be done soon and I will post photos next week of the completed table runner.  I am loving weaving on the Flip and so glad I bought one.  

Interested in a new Schacht loom, spinning wheel or accessories?  I am now a Schacht dealer!  Check out all the Schacht looms, wheels and accessories HERE and feel free to contact me with your Schacht needs.  My prices are excellent.  

Happy Weaving!! (and knitting, crocheting and spinning).  Next time: my spinning adventures on our new Schacht Sidekick.

Destination Poolesville (Maryland)

Destination Poolesville is a local event sponsored by the Poolesville (MD) Chamber of Commerce to highlight local businesses.  I will be there with Weave On Studio and Lotsaknots on Saturday, March 10 from 10am to 2pm.  Stop by and try using a drop spindle, a loom or some knitting needles.  Sign up for a class and buy a hand made scarf or two!  Over 30 vendors will be there to showcase their products and services.

Saturday was the last class for my current group of rigid heddle students.  I demonstrated indirect warping and we enjoyed sharing the completed projects.  Everyone seems to have enjoyed the Cricket loom and learning to weave.  Joyce has rented a loom for the next month and Claudia and Jackie are looking forward to trying out the 15" Cricket when it arrives in early April.

Jackie wove a small rug using cotton warp and blue jeans for weft.  It's a bit difficult to see the jeans but they're there.  The warp is yarn she purchased at the annual Guild yarn sale.
Rugs are a bit difficult to weave on a rigid heddle loom since the heddle doesn't give you the opportunity to beat the weft in very firmly.  It was great she gave it a try because she learned a lot about the loom and her materials.  Since I am currently weaving a rug with Pendleton selvedges for weft, this gave us a chance to talk about floor looms and rug weaving.  In addition, I demonstrated how to weave on my Glimakra Standard.

Joyce started this scarf in class last week.  The warp is 3/2 cotton sett at 8 ends/inch and the weft is a thick and thin rayon in turquoise, white and black.  The finished scarf has beautiful drape and the color is wonderful on her.

At the right is a close up of the scarf.  I apologize if it's a bit blurry.  I wanted to show off the colors.

Jackie made a wool and rayon shawl that looked lovely on her!  The blue warp is very light and soft and the chenille weft gave the shawl a little body and maintain the beautiful hand that only chenille and wool provide.  She did a lovely job weaving and finishing the shawl.

Class this week should be titled BLUE because everyone did their project in a shade of blue.  Claudia did blue stripes on a blue striped warp.  She measured and counted very carefully to have the scarf come out in a tartan looking plaid.  Kudos to her for such fine work.  

Well, I have lots to do to prepare for Destination Poolesville.  Hope to see you there.  

Destination Poolesville

On Saturday, March 10th I am participating in a local program to introduce businesses in our area.  You can find me at Destination Poolesville from 10am to 3pm.  I will have 2 looms warped up and ready for you to try weaving.  I will also have several of our Lotsaknots scarves for sale.  If you live in Maryland, come check it out.
Here's a loom ready for weaving.

And, here are a couple of pictures of the wool/mohair scarves we will have with us.  Hope to see you there.

Plus, I just learned that I am now a Schacht dealer.  If you are interested in seeing some of the looms and the Sidekick spinning wheel, please contact me at weaveonstudio@me.com and we can set a time for you to try out the looms or the spinning wheel.  Schacht Spindle website shows all the products available.  I have ordered a 15" Cricket and expect to have it in the studio by early April.