Scarf Kit Sample

We sample all the kits we offer on our Etsy site and we have received requests for a scarf kit.  I began work on this new kit with a project plan and measured the yarn for the warp, threaded my Schacht FLIP rigid heddle loom with the warp and started weaving with a measured amount of weft.  The scarf was quick to weave, I used variegated washable sock yarn for the weft and cotton for the warp.  I finished the weaving today and will tie the fringe and wet finish it tonight.

Looks like a new kit is on its way to our Etsy shop along with several new table runner/towel/placemat kits.  Last step is to write the instructions which we include with every kit.

I am pleased with the scarf and will take better photos when it's done.  We have purchased several different colorways in the sock yarn and will offer the new scarf kit in each.

Time Out

Attended a Christmas gathering yesterday dressed in purple instead of our typical ugly Christmas sweaters.  I took the opportunity to wear the brand new cashmere sweater that was a gift from my lovely, talented, great shopper daughter-in-law and son.  Yes, she comes first because she found the sweater and knew I would love it.  A special thank you to them.

Back in the studio work continues on the new kit.  We wanted to add a scarf kit to our popular towel/placemat/table runner kits we feature in our Etsy shop.  I am weaving as fast as possible to complete the sample and am concerned about my weft picks per inch.  I believe I am going to run out before I complete weaving the 78" needed for a finished size of 66".  I calculated the weft based on 10 picks per inch (ppi) and I keep measuring as I weave.  I'm going to double check my calculations on my project sheet before I return to weaving.  I am also going to measure my ppi again and see where I am.

New photos of the sample to follow soon.

It's gone Home to Oregon

Home to Oregon baby wrap

Done and gone home to Oregon.  This was a lovely wrap to work with.  I enjoyed looking at the colors and imagining the landscape they represent.  The blessing threads (center markers) were less of a challenge than I expected.  They are supplemental weft thread, inserted at the center point to enable the baby wrap wearer to feel for and easily identify the middle of the wrap.

blessing threads (middle of wrap)

The final wrap is 6.2 meters long.  The longest wrap I have ever woven!  The measurements were taken twice following washing the wrap in lukewarm water, spinning the water out in the washer (on low) and letting it dry on the clothesline.  We ironed it carefully on both sides and corrected 2 small treading errors.  Then, off it went to it's home in Oregon.

It's difficult to see the true colors considering every monitor is different.  Our client commented that the colors were more intense and much more pleasing in person.  We did our best to match her poem, Anniversary Poem: Home to Oregon.  A first for us and our client.

The next several projects include a set of shadow weave napkins for our household.  They had an auspicious start when I discovered a 100 thread error in the sample.  I had to untie the sample from the apron rod and one-by-one remove and rethread each end.  A tedious and time consuming job.  Now complete, the napkins are moving along quickly on my brand new 16 shaft Toika Eeva computer assisted loom.  My first "real" project on my new loom.  It's fun and more challenging than I expected.

In addition, I am working on a new weaving kit to sell in our Etsy shop.  It's a scarf kit constructed of 5/2 cotton warp and sock yarn weft.  We currently offer a kit with a pre-wound warp that can be used on a rigid heddle loom or a floor loom.  The scarf loom will be different yarn and will include a pre-wound warp and sufficient weft for a machine washable, longish scarf with fringe.  All kits include printed, detailed instructions and come with a year of email support.

As Garrison Keillor is known to say, "Be well, do good work and keep in touch".

Weaving, traveling and having fun

I was very surprised to see it's been 2 months since I last posted a blog note.  I keep writing posts in my head that never make it to the computer.

We have a beauty on the loom currently.  I just finished designing the blessing threads and will have a picture of them on our Facebook page next week.  The wrap was designed by Janet from a poem written by our client.  The poem, Home to Oregon, can be found here.  Here is a photo of the wrap on the loom.

The colors are a delight to work on and the weft is a beautiful 2/18 Merino wool which flies off the shuttle.  I am looking forward to placing the blessing threads.  We refer to the wrap as Home to Oregon since it is based on the poem of the same name.

Twilight is a beautiful all cotton wrap that is available in our Etsy shop here.  

The stunning blues and purples of this wrap are difficult to see on the computer.  We have a few good pics in our Etsy shop.  

In addition, we have towel/table runner/ market bag kits that have pre-wound warps and weft yarn on bobbins ready to weave.  We have received great reviews for our kits and will begin offering scarf kits in the near future.

That's all the news from the studio for now.  I'll be back soon.