I was given this beautifully presented saying years ago and always loved it. I kept it in a place where I wouldn’t forget it. And every few years it pops up again. I want to share it with all my subscribers, Facebook friends, and everyone else.
My idea for this post is to call attention to the over 171 CATEGORIES so far on this blog since we began in 2010. And the 100 Weaving Tips that I posted every month way before that.
My home page has a way to search for a topic. Look for the little magnifying glass at the end of the tabs just under the title where it lists the different sections of the blog. You’ll see Home, About, Books/DVD etc. and at the end CONTACT and the magnifying glass. For an efficient search, put quotations around the key word for your search such as “sett”. Of course, you can browse up and down the list.
I love making the posts, and don’t seem to run out of ideas, but it would be wonderful if bloggers sent in some SUGGESTIONS. You can do that by sending a COMMENT. I love getting them; there never could be too many! During the pandemic I think I made a post every other day. Afterwards I’ve tried to do one a week.
Hi Peggy, could you address reading old or historic drafts. Many have threading only. The notations can be mysteries.
I lead a weaver’s study group for my guild and we find your information interesting and valuable. Thank you for the dedication and work.
Brenda
Probably your group knows more than I do.I am surprised what is on the web when I search for things. There’s a woman in Rhode Island, I think, who worked with old drafts. She had a weaving school, perhaps you can find out who that is/was. I still have a couple coffee table coverlett books. I’ll check if they have anything.One book on coverletts was by Harold Burnham from the Royal Ontario Museum. I would definitely suggest his book and anything from the ROM in Canada.If I find anything, I’ll get back to you. Right now I haveing breakfast!
Peggy
Peggy, more times than I can count, I have forwarded your tips, tricks and techniques to my weaverly friends. Your descriptions and explanations are so precise easy to follow that there always seems to be someone I know who can benefit from your many years of experience.
Now I wonder if you may have some tips on tying up the treadles on a countermarch loom. I recently added 4 more shafts to my 4 shaft counterbalance loom along with the countermarch system. I’m struggling with getting under my loom to do the tie up. I have a Glimäkra 120cm Standard loom.
Thank you!
The one time it does not work is if you are doing doubleweave!
I understand for sure. However, if you have allowed for sampling, experimenting perhaps at the end of the warp it could apply. Actually, that’s where I do my most creative stuff and get ideas for the next project or so.
Peggy
Thank you for your excellent explanations. I’m not a weaver, but I always learn so much from your posts, and appreciate the woven world all the more.
Hi Peggy, I want to try my hand at Uzbek ikat velvet methodology. I understand all the processes (I think) except exactly how they cut the warp off the rods. (I would love to use rods with a grove in them but can’t find anything like that anywhere.) In the videos I’ve watched of Uzbek velvet weaving, I occasionally get a glimpse that they may be simply sliding a very sharp knife across plain wire rods as they lift the rod free of the weaving, but that seems so imprecise. Do you happen to know any more about the specifics? (Or other suggestions?)
No one would let me have one of the precious velvet wires. They are wires with a groove on one side. That’s where the knife passes in to cut the threads. I took a class with Barbara Setsu Pickett and what we used were two flat brass “slats” about 1/4″ wide and longer than the warp was wide. I don’t know what to call them. We probably got them at a hardware or maybe she brought them. Probably a hobby shop would be the best bet. We had several pairs so we could weave a few rows with the flat bars in before cutting. The two bars flat together provided the groove in between them for the blade to go through. I forget what we used to hold the single-edged razor blade to cut. I couldn’t believe it when I read what you propose to do. KEEP ME POSTED please. bpickett@uoregon.edu That was her email years ago. I think she has retired, but still may use the email. Good luck!
Peggy
Thank you for the info. I found these u-channels which might work but they are only 12″ long. (That is probably plenty wide for my attempt!) https://spruebrothers.com/search-results-page?q=brass%20u%20channel I won’t get to this project until this summer but I’ll definitely keep you posted. I do one other question, in this really lovely video, they use egg whites as a part of the cloth fulling process. Do you know what that accomplishes? https://youtu.be/AzYwTqTER9Y
I’ve never heard of egg white for fulling. Thanks for the link. And do keep in touch.
Peggy
The channels in these U channel are much too wide. Two brass flat pieces in the shed give a finer slot for the blade. I wouldn’t try the U channels. Not tight enough??? maybe?
Peggy
I am blown away and impressed with your energy, knowledge, and breadth of interests!
No comments or suggestions beyond saying thank you for your work – I appreciate and enjoy learning about weaving and fabric, though I’ve learned weaving is not for me (natural outgrowth of knitting and spinning, but it turns out I hatehatehate dressing the loom).
Thank YOU! I’m so impressed with the clarity of your diagrams and tips and regular content – kudos and thank you!
I’m a beginner weaver & have been enjoying your blog & extensive info online. Last year, you did a couple show/sales for Textile Arts Council (TAC) Bazaar & Fort Mason. I’ve been making fabric lamp shades since late 70s, so clicked on the TAC vendor link. I am accepted to this year’s TAC Bazaar. I live in Arizona, so would plan on a road trip. What is your opinion on where I would get the best exposure/sales? I know Fort Mason is huge, but info online is difficult for me to figure out/who to contact. I appreciate your opinion.
I don’t think Fort Mason would be for you. I rented a room and people knew my name and had a good mailing list. There was a big problem with not enough parking especially on Sunday when there was the farmers market. I think the Textile Arts council bazaar could be a possibility but I worry that lamp shades need to be measured, etc. (I mean the right sizes) and people passing by won’t take the time to give you the attention you would require. Lots of people go so it’s crowded and only one day. There are a lot of booths crammed together which is a consideration. I rented 3 booths together at a big expense, but people saw my stuff and stopped in.
Peggy
Thank you for your response!