¡ Naranja Here I Come¡

OK. it has been sometime since I commented on my blog. All going, the dobby chain made and the warp is weaving. I have not done doubleweave for a while but it is a versitile weave structure, Once the loom is warped, easy and pleasurable weaving. I used my "new-to-me" Warping Square to make a plain beamed warp, 16", and all went well. As I go, no plan in mind, I am rotating through the warp colors I have used. When it is time to change I do!

Super Naranja

   I beamed 7 yards of the 2/26s wool, six different oranges. Having made so many gradients lately I followed my muse. I have no plan but you can't miss with these colors. This will be double weave with some large blocks that will reverse the colors on the layers. I think it will be great but we shall see.

New Stuff

  I am just starting out on my contract on my smaller loom. The first few inches are always unstable until I can all the parts of the loom that control the tension to cooperate. I took off the rotary temples as they seem to be unnecessary with this warp. So far so good. Half lf of this warp will be woven with a navy blue weft and half with a lighter blue. I think it will be very pretty.

  I am also thinking about my next project for the big loom. The stash of the wonderful 2/26s wool is calling me. Since this photo was taken I bought more of the pinks. Some of the colors are hardly different from the others but I know after years of weaving that subtle color variation makes the warp sing. It is an argument for hand dyeing your yarn but I don't have the time or space.

Now to Thread It

   My warp is on the beam now. I still have the thread each heddle and sley the reed. I have yet to measure and wind the tiny section of selvedge threads but I can wait on that. For now I want to push my loom back to where it should be and restore some order to that part of the house.

New Warp, Onward!

   I am rapidly getting to the end of my warp on the big loom. I like to weave early in the morning. I am an early riser so firing up the Compudobby at 5:30 is the time I do my best work. I have about 1.5 yards to go. I see the leaders that tie the end of the warp to the beam coming into view.
    I got "videoed" at the Weaver's Barn in Vista showing my method of warping a sectional beam using a warping board or mill. I have to be refilmed for certain parts because I was having trouble securing some equipment to the LeClerc loom I was using. My goal is to show a weaver that has a sectional beam that a nice wap is possible without a spool rack and tension box. Unfortunately there are many different looms with various back supports etc. It makes it hard to work for everyone.
     Meanwhile, for my next contract, I am putting on 19 yards of the Bockens 8/2s unmercerized cotton. I was asked to do a gradient and my boss sent me a colored pencil sketch. I followed her concept as best I could. I was a little amazed and thankful not to run out if yarn as I was making warp sections. My math skills are basic. I rely on calculations from various programs I have and add the fudge factor. My boss then orders the yarn. Whew! I kind of just made it. I need bits of each color to repair knots. This warp is beautiful. I do like the brillance of the colors and I will give Bockens the credit for that.

Coming to the End of the Warp

    Not much left on this warp. I believe I have enough to do another ring sling 2.5 meters. My brain bounces between yards and meters but I am beginning to think in meters and it is so much easier. I cut off a measuring tape to make it a meter long and travel along with it. This is the same twill pattern but no blocks and I do like the delineated stripes, forest green cotton weft,

Colors and Designs

I finished and removed one wrap from my loom. It came out very nice. Tomorrow I will have it "tested" at a Babywrap "Meetup" and then maybe I can learn to use it too. It has been hot here and the idea of wrapping anything other than a bag of ice makes no sense. I also have a length of sling material woven but I can't cut if off the loom until enough of the 2nd wrap is woven.