lessons to be learned
there is one thing that is certain about weaving
you can never be absolutely certain about anything
there are too many variables
after 40+ years of weaving one would think I would be sensible
well – not always
the yarns are cotton – O.K.. cotton/hemp blend – strong and just a little fuzzy
singles handspun hemp – very strong but it is extremely hairy, like tow linen
it clings to itself, frays and is difficult to make a shed
what was I thinking??
and 7 different colours
but they’re pretty, don’t you think?
then there is all that threading
and sleying – 2 to a dent in a 15 dent reed
spray starch tames the hairy threads – almost
testing out all the colours at the start
so far so good
the pattern is from Handwoven magazine, March/April 2011
an article by Sarah Jackson titled
“Color gradations in summer and winter”
I like the summer and winter weave structure
and this has a slightly different twist to it
it involves 2 colours in each block with the pattern colour becoming the tabby colour in the next block
no daydreaming allowed, have to keep my wits about me
but there are 6 yards to weave and I’m wondering if the hemp and I will make it to the end.
onesmallstitch.wordpress.com 
great colorway.i keep a cake of beeswax to tame hairy yarns. rub as i weave.
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thanks Neki – don’t think that would work on this one. I’m using my Japanese “green glue” and spray starch it works for the worst of it and washes out easily.
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Is that the color experiment from the other day?
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Renee’ – yes, the first picture was winding (measuring) the warp on a horizontal warping mill.
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Love the natural colours. Will they be tea towels perhaps? If so, I would like to buy one…Please save one for me!
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Hi Kathy – I was planning on lining for a vest, will have to see how it weaves up but don’t think it will be strong enough for tea towels.
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It’s a good thing the colors are so yummy–that just might make the hassles worthwhile!
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Kerry – that and the fact that they are all natural dyed which took time and work.
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This will be a real test of character. But the colors & design are wonderful. I think you will prevail.
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Alice – I will try to be patient, very patient.
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oh, that hairy yarn…it’s such a nuisance. good luck, the colors are great together.
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Velma – that hairy yarn was sent to remind me to pay attention!
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The colours are really pretty! I think it’s worth trying to hang in there as long as you can.. This one reminds me of my Warp From H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks! It was a slog but I love the resultant waffle towels. Hemp was involved too but it was my handspun hemp/cotton accent that was the real culprit. I used flax seed gel to tame it and lots of spritzing with water to dampen and humidify. Helped a lot.
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Louisa – thanks for the tips. It is only the dark indigo blue that is the problem, I should have sized the skein, time will tell.
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