when the gremlins creep in
the weave structure I settled on for the silk is a double two-tie weave on 10 harnesses
I’ve woven it before
it is threaded 2 thick threads singly and 2 fine threads double in the reed (in this case, 2 fine and 2 extra fine)
that means I need the exact reed size to get the correct ends per inch
the extra fine is the hollyhock “puce” yarn and the thick yarn is 5 different colours of silk
first I worked it out on paper and then threaded it, a 15 dent reed – much too loose
un-weave that and re-sley the reed, tie on and start again
2 hours later and a 20 dent reed, so much better
but wait a minute! I missed 1 dent in the reed, it will show as a mistake throughout the entire length of the weaving
at least it is close to the edge so it won’t take as long to correct
do I cut out all that handspun silk already woven or un-weave it?
time for a cup of tea.
for non-weavers, warp yarns are threaded through the slots in the reed, created by flat steel bars (bamboo in Asia) there are a predetermined number of slots per inch
reeds are expensive but I have collected a significant number over the years
I can almost hear my mother’s voice “haste makes waste”
yes, Mom!
in the “comments” Alice Schlein defined puce as “the dependable supporting actor that makes the other colors look good”
I plan to add it to my favorites
so exciting that i can actually understand this post. i missed a dent in my first go but just left it (the whole thing was a mess, so that was the least of my concerns). soooo many reeds! i attempted a tiny weaving today but was so exhausted from unpleasant construction and lack of sleep that i put it aside before making a total mess. i love seeing this begun!
Aimee – I’m so happy you can understand it and also happy that your first experience didn’t put you off for life. Wish we were closer so I could offer more than internet support.
I love your color combinations…so warm and sunny, makes me just want to snuggle up with it. I’d love to be able to make a bamboo reed for my backstrap loom in progress. Any experience there? I also may need another material since bamboo doesn’t grow in the desert…unless there’s a place I can order it. Any suggestions?
Kristin – somewhere, sometime I have seen instructions on how to make a reed but–as far as I am concerned reed making is a craft in itself. split bamboo is used and bamboo is not easy to work with, splinters are painful and easily go septic. I have no idea where to purchase good quality bamboo. There are dozens of species and I am sure only a couple are used in making reeds.
Thanks for the reply. I know Bryan grows a specific species he uses for reeds…I’ll have to get creative.
I’ll bet that you unwove it before re-sleying. And a 20 dent reed? You are a weaving goddess!
Heather – I remember you unpicking your tiny stitches! no goddess here, I cut it out. occasionally time is more valuable than a smidgen of yarn.
love your reed collection. i can re thread, re beam, but i hate to re sley:(
and as ever, good ol’ alice!
Neki – we are all different, I don’t mind re-sleying at all
Velma – I think the word is why I never payed any attention to puce
Alfia = please come back another time
Kristin – don’t think it will grow in the desert
i’m not weaver enough to be familiar with this 10 harness structure, i seldom used even eight. but i am familiar with setting up the wrong reed size AND missing a dent. sigh, especially when you are using wonderful yarns. love alice’s take on puce. (what a strange word)
This is a very reassuring post to me – about all this testing and trying and finally making it right
The other day I started reading your another post and ended up re-reading the whole blog, now I will just write my comment and run away!