Friday, March 16, 2007

Weaving Progress



Two weeks ago I bought my first loom. Definitely used, probably 40 or 50 years old. The brass plate on it says it is a Kessenich Loom and was made in Wisconsin. I researched a little and these looms are now made here in Michigan. Even though it was folded up when I first saw it, my heart connected and knew it was for me.

Thought my first project should be something simple and a rug seemed suitable. Besides, what a great way to use up some of my alpaca seconds in roving form. As you can see here, I have only woven about a foot. The rovings are bothersome to get into the shed because they have to be done by hand. I get impatient. Am now switching back and forth between roving and handspun seconds.

Warping was a challenge. Thanks to Deborah Chandler's Learning to Weave book with her step by step directions, I managed - somehow. My seven year old granddaughter, Meredith, helped me thread the heddles. She was way more patient than I. That's Meredith on my Louet wheel. I'm thinking my fiber passion may have skipped a generation. Her little sister, Elizabeth, is behind.
I have 150 yards spun of the 700 yard order so maybe today, for a break, I will weave.

Map