Classes and more

Many new classes are now available at Lotsaknots Studio.  We have developed a new format and most classes are taught 1:1.  This gives the student the benefit of being able to learn more in a shorter time since there are fewer distractions.  

We have added Rigid Heddle Weaving: Using Pick up to create texture.  This class covers the proper use of one or more pick up sticks to create warp and weft floats or both in your project.  We will work on a sample piece and each student will learn how to incorporate the use of pick up sticks in everyday items such as placemats, table runners and towels.  

Another new class is Weaving Fabric on your rigid heddle loom.  This is a class for the advanced beginner or intermediate student who is interested in learning more about various uses of the fabric you can create with your rigid heddle loom.  We will discuss how to plan a project for the right length to create a vest, top or jacket.  You will need basic sewing skills.

In addition, we have created a new kit which will be appearing soon in our Etsy shop, Lotsaknots.  This kit is designed for use with 2 pick up sticks and can be used to make 2 placemats or a table runner.  It can be purchased with matching warp and weft or with a contrasting weft color.  Here is the finished  product with matching warp and weft:  

In this view you can see  the warp floats.  This is similar to the techniques being taught in the Pick up class mentioned above.  This kit will be priced at $25 for 2 placemats and $40 for 4.  

More new kits will be arriving soon.  All kits are designed to be woven on either a rigid heddle loom or a floor loom.  Each description gives details about the width of the loom and size of heddle or reed required to complete the project.

Happy weaving!!

Where it begins

We celebrated Valentine's Day on Sunday with brunch at a favorite restaurant, Normandie Farm.  It's an old fashioned place.  The type where most everyone gets dressed up and popovers are served shortly after you are seated.  It was delicious.


In our Lotsaknots Etsy shop we sell pre-wound warps and my warping mill makes it easier.  Determined to accomplish something yesterday, I wound two new warps for sale in our shop.  The first is a 2.5 yard striped warp of mercerized cotton that would be nice for towels or a table runner or a reusable bag.  I often photograph the warp on the warping mill because it's easier to see the colors in the stripes.  You can read all the details about the kit here.

The second warp is a 2.5 yard warp of unmercerized variegated cotton in my favorite color, purple.  I failed to photograph it while on the warping mill and it's a bit harder to see the different colors in this fun yarn.  Purple, green and off white combine to make an interesting yarn which I believe will create great towels or a table runner.  More details can be found here.

Brunch was here at Normandie Farm

So, what about a rigid heddle loom?

I received a request this week from a woman looking for beginning weaving classes.  We exchanged a few emails and by the third response it was clear she was only interested in learning on a floor loom.  I gave her the following information:
I teach beginning weaving using rigid heddle looms.  If you would like to rent or purchase a floor loom, I am happy to assist with the loan or purchase.  In reply she wrote "No, I do not want to learn on a rigid heddle loom.  I want to learn on a real loom".

Houndstooth scarf woven on the rh loom

What can I say?  Rigid heddle looms are real looms and if Jane Patrick ,Creative Director of Schacht Spindle Co., can write an entire book about weaving on a rigid heddle loom, what further endorsement do you need. In fact, Jane wrote "This is what I mean about the power of the rigid heddle loom.  It is simple and complicated at the same time." (p. 88 of The Weaver's Idea Book).

There are three words in that statement that stand out, power, simple and complicated.  Those three words describe the rigid heddle loom.  It is a powerful loom because it is both simple and complex.  You can weave simple plain weave or you can design patterns incorporating complex lace structures.  There is so much you can do and so many projects you can make with this very simple, inexpensive tool.

Plus, a new rigid heddle loom is one tenth the cost of the average floor loom!  What better way to learn to weave.

So, back to my insistent emailer.  What to do?  I want to teach and I enjoy working with people who have enthusiasm for weaving.  I don't own a floor loom I can rent or teach on and it's not in my budget at this time to buy one.  I encouraged her to consider the rigid heddle loom and gave her several good reasons why it's a great way to start your weaving exploration.  I don't believe I'll hear back from her.  I hope she finds a teacher who can meet her needs and requirements.  It's a shame she is not open to a different possibility.  Several people I have taught to weave on a rigid heddle loom have purchased and enjoyed weaving on floor looms.  After their experience on a rigid heddle loom, they felt confident about how a loom functions and had the skills to weave on a different loom.  It's a shame so many people discount how versatile a rigid heddle loom is and what an excellent tool it is for a beginning weaver.

I  offer classes on weaving on a rigid heddle loom in my home studio in Poolesville Maryland and online via web conferencing.  Please feel free to contact me if you are interested.  My email address is lotsaknots@msn.com.

I'm back but from where?

Yes, it has been two months and I could spend the entire page explaining why I haven't posted anything.  Here's the flash version of where I've been and what I've done.  We celebrated Christmas, did a whole lot of cooking, sent the last batch of brownies to Afghanistan, ate lots of good food, enjoyed a brief snow fall and spent a week eating and walking in New Orleans. And now it's time to talk about spring.

I am really excited about spring because I am expecting 2 Schacht Matchless Cherry special edition spinning wheels in April.  These are phenomenal spinning wheels!  I can speak from personal experience.  This is a great opportunity to own a fabulous wheel that is a true one of a kind.  The special edition Matchless Cherry wheel will be the only Matchless with a unique design by the manufacturer, Schacht, which will differentiate this wheel from any other Matchless.

I have ordered 2 wheels and with a deposit of $500 it can be yours.  Feel free to contact me at lotsaknots@msn.com or weaveonstudio@me.com for more information and to schedule a time to try spinning on this wheel.   The remaining payment will be $950.  In addition, I have ordered the matching Spinning wheel cart to make it easier to transport your wheel.  The cart is $65 and if you purchase both you will receive the cart for $55.

Here are all the details on the Special Edition Cherry Matchless double treadle spinning wheel:

The Matchless Spinning Wheel is the most responsive spinning wheel available today. With the double treadle you will appreciate this wheels' matchless capabilities. 

Also included with each wheel: 4 bobbins, threading hook, matching cherry Lazy Kate and a carrying strap. 

The Schacht Matchless Spinning Wheel offers double drive, an updated tension system, and bobbin lead modes of operation. Wheels come with two flyer whorls (medium and fast); four additional flyer whorls offer spinning ratios from 4:1 to 22:1. This limited series run will also have a special marking (though what it will be exactly has not yet been announced). 

The 19 1/2" drive wheel and flyer shaft are supported by self-aligning bronze bearings for precise action. Each flyer is individually balanced and the bobbins and flyer whorls are trued on center for long and superior service.

Treat yourself to the only spinning wheel you will ever need or want, the Matchless special edition cherry wheel.  

I'll be back next week with lots of weaving news.

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.