finished stuff :: weaving | earthchicknits

weaving :: handspun child’s scarf, originally uploaded by earthchick.

I want to weave something special as a Christmas present, but I hadn’t used my loom (a Schacht Cricket) in ages (something like 18 months). So I decided it was time for a little practice, starting with some kid-sized scarves.

This one is my first effort. I wish I’d made it a little narrower and a little longer, but I’m happy enough with it. I had very little of the warp yarn and I used every last inch of it.

I used this for the warp:

my handspun FLUFF South American Fine Wool in “Amandla” – I had about 95 yards leftover from some mittens I made a couple of years ago.

I used this for the weft:

Some of my very early handspun, from Funky Carolina handcarded batts in “Dragon Skin” – I don’t know how much yardage I used, but I still have plenty for another scarf.

I love how the colors of the FLUFF are having a party in the fringe.

Other than wishing it were longer and narrower, I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out. The drape is great, I like the long subtle stripes, and I’m pleased with the improvement in my selvedges. These are by far the best edges I’ve ever had.

Weaving is so much fun, y’all.

raveled

for Rav: first woven scarf, originally uploaded by earthchick.

A couple of years ago, I was so taken with the weaving that started popping up at Lolly’s place and Nova’s digs . And yet I was firm with myself – I would not, under any circumstances, decide I needed to try weaving. I had that same resolve regarding spinning, and you know how that ended up….

So last May, when I began taking spinning lessons from Beth at The Spinning Loft , and I saw all the looms in here shop, I told her that I was not going to allow myself to look at them. And I didn’t, I really didn’t. I was determined to have no interest in weaving.

And then one day, after I’d been spinning for a bit, I saw what pumpkinmama had done with some of her Hello Yarn Fiber Club fiber . It is gorgeous. And I knew as soon as I saw it that I would have to learn to weave.

The day after Thanksgiving, My Old Man took me to the Spinning Loft to pick up my Christmas gift (yes, a bit early): a Schacht Cricket loom. It’s a small rigid heddle loom that I am already totally in love with. I spent Friday night learning how to use it, and then on Saturday morning, I made this little scarf.

It is very flawed, of course. Most notably, the edges are ridiculously wonky.

But I love it anyway. Little Buddha loves it too. He claimed it right away and wore it to church the next day. He even insisted on wearing it inside, without his coat. That makes my crafty little heart go pitter-patter.

pattern: None, really. I was going to do all black for the warp but ran out of yarn so I ended up adding a charcoal grey to the edges.
warp: Cascade 220, black; Shepherd’s Wool, charcoal grey
weft: handspun (some of my first) Spinning Colors BFL, “Midnight”