I got a lot of comments on the paper thread post. Some were inspiring so I have to share them. I understand paper threads were used to weave clothing and the cloth is machine washable and OK in the dryer. There was an article about someone weaving dish towels and that inspired me. Apparently the cloth gets softer and softer. More to come! I’m debating whether to use cotton or commercial paper thread (I got in Japan) for the warp. Note that I haven’t tried it yet!
Comments:
Anna: “I took a workshop with the author of the book you mentioned. She had us use drop spindles to spin our paper yarn. Also there are some videos on paper spinning on YouTube by Susan Byrd. Her book is also very informative, “A Song of Praise for Shifu”.
Mary Alice: “This is wonderful, Peggy . I’m very intrigued. I wonder what you can and cannot use the finished cloth for? I’m assuming you wouldn’t want to get them wet.”
Kay: “Interesting, I’ve got to try this! As a spinner a whole new adventure. Thank you.”
Simone: “Thank you for sharing this! I love this and will use this technique. I used to coil paper or dried grass for making baskets.”
Lori: “Oh that is just fascinating! I wish I’d kept my father’s old maps – he was a land surveyor – I bet they would have made wonderful strong thread. I’m a basket weaver as well as a cloth weaver – this has given me all kinds of ideas. I may have to devise a tapestry loom. What do you use for warp?”
How to fold the paper for cutting: Specifics for more refined threads are given in the book.
The author suggested laying out 4 sheets of paper to cut at once. I did that. In the photo I just show a single sheet. I’ve done that, too.
Fold the paper lengthwise with the fold away from you.
Take the top layer and fold it so that it extends about an 1-1 ½” above the fold line you originally made.
Flip the paper over and fold the other side to match up with the fold you just made.
This view shows the folds. If you have trouble, the author explains things thoroughly and clearly.