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