torn

So, I've about reached the end of the band I showed yesterday. I like it. I got sloppy with my tension in the middle and then improved again at the end. I can also see how my extra care with beating in the weft at the beginning gave me smoother borders than when I got faster and sloppier towards the end. Which is all good because I'm learning.

So. Next up? I can't decide. After the frustration with learning something entirely new, I feel a sudden and very strong urge to knit. Because, you know, I already know how to do that. Then again, I'm also very tempted to immediately wind warp for another band. Except the one I want to do is wider and way more complex, but it uses the same techniques as the one I just did (and the pattern has birds!) so I figure it would be good practice and maybe more satisfying.

I also wanted to say that I'm sorry if I scared anyone off of weaving with the post yesterday. I tend to do irrational things, like doing something that everyone says is easier to learn in a class, at home, by myself, with nothing but a book for a teacher. Given my lack of immediate comprehension of the text, it was no wonder I had to puzzle my way through something that was pretty straightforward. Now that I've done it, I could probably teach someone else to do it. At least the one thing I've done so far.

I should also mention that the band I wove isn't the simplest thing you can weave with that technique. Certainly not the hardest, but if I had just started with something plain it would have been a piece of cake. This had complementary warps (warps in two colors, in matching pairs) and pick up patterning (which involves finger-picking threads to create a pattern). But I chose to do that because its precisely the kind of thing I'd like to learn to do. I can weave over-and-under plainweave (I did tons of those loop potholders as a kid). I wish I had Photoshop, because it would go a long way in showing and trying to explain all the weird words I used yesterday, if I could label all the different things I was talking about.

Now, 'scuse me while I go dig around in my colorcard collection for the weaving yarns. I know they're here somewhere.

Comments

[JoVE]

I think solidifying your learning by doing a slightly more complicated project using the same techniques is a brilliant idea. and birds. who can argue with birds. Have fun.

[margene]

That's just how spinning was for me...but now I've got it! The band looks great! Learning something new is always a real kick!

[lanea]

You are a madwoman, with the birds already. Go Cassie go!

Can I get some weaving lessons?

[Marcia]

I made a big mistake when I took my first project off the loom ( a nice, big scarf from my own handspun yarn) in not immediately rewarping and starting another project. Now I'm scared and am procrastinating. Just saying!

[DebbieB]

Hey, I taught myself to knit using books and this here internet thingy. I've yet to meet an actual live knitter in person (except for the ones who work in yarn stores). Why not teach oneself to weave the same way?

Do what you love, and do it often.

[Valerie]

Carpet warp makes perfect string heddles. You did use a template to tie all of your string heddles the same length, didn't you? The band looks good. See my post about Short Assignments & Sh*tty First Drafts on July 15. Keep showing up at the loom!

[Cassa]

Wahoo for finishing projects! The band you've been making is pretty. What are you going to use it for? (or did you already say and I am just horrible at scanning instead of reading) I say stay in the swing of finishing projects and finish a knitting project. You own the loom now, right? It's not going anywhere-don't scare yourself off and take it slow.

[Annie]

Totally unrelated to your blog topics of late, but I wanted to let you know that I'm using my ESK, and loving it! Thanks again!

[denny Mcmillan]

What is that munching sound........no .... wait... ah yes that is the sound of the loom EATING the stash. So if you make one warp, you may as well make a day of warp making. Whip up like 5 warps. Differnt colours, ands fibers.Warp making is a pleasent -cup-o-tea- task, you really can make an afternoon out of it.Then you have some back up warps to start right away.You have to ride that "look I made fabric" high for a wee bit longer, so you can get that next warp set to go.It takes a bit longer to set up for weaving than it does to cast on that 2nd sock.Bottem line.. it's all good ,enjoy. denny

P.S. Yo rachel H.