Yarn Bits

Another Day Another Show

I didn't realize how long it has been since I've made an entry.  Our focus has been on preparing for the Knitters' Frolic in Toronto.  Since the 3/5 Tencel didn't arrive until a week ago, we have had to really move to get it skeined and handpainted for this show. 

In the meantime, we have also had a wholesale order to fill, which meant further handpainting was required to complete the order.  The last few days have been gorgeous and allowed us to hasten the drying process as the skeins can be hung outside on our deck to dry.  Hoorah!!!  Meanwhile I have almost completed weaving the black Tencel shibori warp to experiment with discharging it. 

I have also rece ntly been asked to weave some table runners for a new shop in the Distillery district.  I usually weave table linens with orlec yarn because it is strong and the fringes will hold up well, looking great over countless machine washings.  I had to order some white orlec from Gemini Fibres  www.geminifibres.com  and it arrived next day.  Great service!  I have planned a long warp threaded in a summer and winter pattern in white and then I will  use various soft colours as weft--off-white, a very pale yellow and silver gray for starters.  We'll see how sales go.  I'll post a picture as soon as they are finished, which has to be very soon. 

Woven Shibori Scarves

It has taken an incredibly long time to complete just seven of these scarves. I used 2/16 Tencel for the warps and 2/10 for the wefts and just love the finished "hand".  Now that all have been woven and gathered and, in some cases, dyed a background colour, I have begun the final dye processes and was able to complete 3 of the scarves today.  Gathering threads are out and these 3 scarves are all washed and dried and ready to go.  I should be able to finish the rest this week.

As soon as the Just for Us Originals Show  www.just-for-us.biz   is finished on April 5th, I want to set up my new, smaller Weavebird www.leclerclooms.com   for the very first time and give it a try.  I think I will design a couple of woven shibori scarves with a twill background and an overshot pattern and perhaps not have the shibori for the entire length of the piece.  It's a design idea I'd like to try out and then perhaps use for a wrap down the road sometime.  I also want to try a discharged black Tencel scarf and also, using the black Tencel, dye some scarves in a vat dye which will supposedly remove the black and deposit the new colour where it hits.  It's worth some experimenting, I think.  I'll keep you posted.

Loom for Sale

Hello everyone.  I've been completely out of the picture for a whole week now with a very nasty virus, fever and total lack of drive to do anything other than sleep.  I guess my body needed it, but I'm sure behind with quite a few things, one of which is this blog.

I had a request to publicize a loom for sale and said I would be happy to post it here.  Nancy Newman is wanting to sell her 45" Weavebird and all its accessories.  Here are the details.....................................

16 shaft LeClerc Weavebird 45" production loom, includes bench, 1" sectional warp beam, spool rack, 30 spools, counter and tension box, dividers and sectional warp beam guides and $750. Weavemaker Computer Software Program for MAC.  Total new would be $8,872.00.  All pieces less than 4 years old.  Asking $5,800. or best offer.  Talk to me!!  I need to sell this.  Contact Nancy Newman  905-852-4772  or nancy@nancynewman.ca

This is an excellent loom.  When I downsized earlier this year I traded my 45" Weavebird for another one, only smaller, which fits nicely into my home studio.  This is a good deal for someone looking to try a computer assisted loom. 

Woven Shibori

This is what I'm working on at the moment, some woven shibori scarves for the Just for Us Originals event on April 5  www.just-for-us.biz   As mentioned in a previous post, the weaving is finished, but now the real work begins.  These are a couple of the scarves that I have dyed before gathering up the fishing line supplementary wefts.  Looking closely you should be able to see the glistening of the fishing line.  I did find some that was a dark gray colour in Florida that I thought might be easier to see as I weave. I found it at a Pro Bass store so you may also be able to find it here.  The colour helped a little, especially when I was weaving in natural light during the day. I don't always dye the fabric before gathering it up, but for this series of 7 I want to try and make each of them quite different in colour as the patterning from the shibori will all be similar. I'll keep you posted with phot os as I go.

Shibori Progress

Well, I have finished weaving my shibori scarves and amazingly, I have 7 scarves when I only planned for 6.  I must admit, I always allow plenty of extra warp. I have run out of warp for projects in the past, during my early days of weaving. Now begins all the fringing, gathering and dyeing.  I usually dye each piece a minimum of 3 times using various techniques and dye types.  Some of the pieces I plan to dye before gathering and some I will go straight to gathering up the fishing line and then begin the dye processes.  Sorry there are no photos today, but I promise to get some as I go along.

On a completely different subject, I have found some additional websites for you to explore.  Try these when you have a spot of time to indulge yourself.  I have only glanced at them, but plan to go back and study them in more detail as time allows.

http://www.creativityjournal.blogspot.com  the amount of information here is amazing  This URL doesn't seem to want to work from here, but try typing in this address from your computer, outside of this blog.  It is worth having a look at for sure.

www.colour-journal.org  an online journal launched by the Society of Dyers and Colourist, UK

New Loom

Well, the new smaller version, 27", of the Leclerc Weavebird arrived in pieces last Monday.  James and Nina, from Camilla Valley Farm, delivered the new loom and put it together for me and tested it.  Everything seemed to be working smoothly.  I haven't had a chance to put a warp on yet and give it the ultimate test by actually weaving something.  Christmas preparations seem to be taking up all my extra time at the moment, but later next week I aim to get at it and weave off a scarf or two to check it out.  The old 45" Weavebird is now gone from the Distillery studio also.  It had left a large space, but by moving everything around a little, the space has shrunk somewhat and I actually really like the more open arrangement. This picture was taken at the Leclerc factory and shows my new loom together there, before being disassembled to be picked up by James.

Don't forget that you can enlarge any of the photos within each post by clicking on them.

New Project

Remember a few posts back I showed a long 15yd 2/16 Tencel warp tied and lying on my studio floor?  It is now on the loom and threaded and tied, ready to begin my shibori scarves.  I have spent a little time weaving on it today.  This is the fishing line that I have begun to use for my shibori gathering threads.  It is so easy to remove when the dyeing process is complete. Don helped and we very carefully moved the loom further into the studio in preparation for my new 27" Weavebird, 16-shaft, which is to be delivered on Monday.  Once it is in, the studio space really will be quite full.  I suppose I should begin planning for a project for the new loom.  I think it is going to be a woven panel, using Tencel.  I need a panel or two to break up all the window space in the studio.  I don't want to put any kind of curtain or traditional window treatment up and I think a couple of woven fabric panels would be perfect.  I must decide on colour and dye treatment, perhaps one hue, but graduating the depth of colour from dark to pale near the top of the piece.  A few things to think about, along with Christmas preparations,  of course.

Paper Work

The dreaded end of the month paper work and reckoning took place the past couple of days, so we're good for another month.  Accounts are balanced and records seem to be correct.  Thank goodness for Quick Books software.  Even within this accounting program I seem to be able to mess things up.  Don usually runs for cover and becomes scarce when I announce I'm going to try and reconcile my business account.

I have been working away on my sock knitting project.  The heel is turned and I'm just working on decreasing for the toe and I'll have finished my first sock.  Pictures soon.  At that point I want to try one knit with our new 3/5 Tencel.  I picked up a very informative sock knitting book today from Romni Wools when we made a delivery there this morning.  More on that next time.

The only downer today was a parking ticket for $60. when Don was parked waiting for me as I delivered an order of chenille scarves to the Guild Shop on Cumberland in Toronto.  He apparently was parked too close to a crosswalk--who knew.  And to think we could have parked in an underground lot for $14., but thought that was too much.  As it turned out, I think not.  Guess what our choice will be another time.  I might even just send off the order through the post.

Weave It

You may or may not be familiar with these little gadgets.  I found this particular "Weave It" many years ago, in a lot at an auction that Don and I attended.  It has sat in my desk drawer since then.  I have never felt compelled to use it at all. Today, while reading bits of the correspondence from the online weavers' guild, that I talked about a few posts ago, a site was recommended.  Off I went exploring this site  www.eloomanation.com  Who could have imagined what can be done on this little frame loom?  It only measures 4"x4", but some absolutely amazing pieces have been made using squares woven on this wee beast.  You will find the history of the various types of 'weave-its' and downloads of instructional booklets for each of them on this site as well and there is a blog related to the "Weave It"  http://eloomanator.eloomanation.com   This blog will also take you places you have never been before.  It has patterns and each one is well illustrated. There is a brand still being produced in the U.S. if all this information has interested you in trying it out. I intend to move my little guy into the living room near the sofa.  I think it would make a great activity while watching T.V. at the end of the day. I will certainly have to get back to this site and take more time reading the ton of information that is there. I'll post the squares I create, but first I have to finish the leg warmers I was knitting.  One of them is done and the other is well on its way.  Of course, there is also an order for scarves to finish and I should weave some for the studio.  If only we didn't need to sleep, just imagine what we could accomplish!

Catching Up

I have been absent from blogging for a few days now.  Life does get a little hectic from time to time.  This time of year is the very busiest for Yarns Plus and for myself and Woven Works.  Yet another show is looming.  Josette and I have been busy preparing for the Moose Show which is held in the Barbara Frum Atrium at the CBC building.  It is a lovely setting and a superb showing of the very finest in craft and art.  There is no admission charged.  It opens this Thursday at 10:00 a.m. and runs through until Saturday at 5:00 p.m.  Check out the website for more details www.mooseshow.com  The newest development regarding this show is that beginning in '08, the Ontario Crafts Council will be partnering with the Moose Show and changing the name to "The Ontario Crafts Council Show" and relocating to a larger venue.  www.craft.on.ca  It is an exciting development and should allow for growth and the possibility of reaching a wider and appreciative audience for the artists involved.  I'll take pictures of this year's show and keep you posted.  Tomorrow is setup day.  Wish us luck.

Loom Sold

Now that our exhibit, "Wrapped in Art", is up and running at the 'creativfestival', formerly the Needlework Show, in Toronto, I feel I can take a moment or two and catch up on a few things. 

It appears that some viewers are interested in the loom I had mentioned selling.  It has gone to a new and loving home and will be very happy, I'm sure.

The fabulous work of the textile artists in our show has been well received. We have received many, many glowing comments and this is only the first day--two more to go. Josette and I seemed to be talking almost constantly, explaining technique and introducing wearable art and the textile artists to all those interested. I'll see what I can do about pictures. Cameras are not allowed in, as far as visitors are concerned, but perhaps I can get permission from a vendor or two to snap a few during a quiet time.

Central Region Weavers' Seminar

Another day, another show.  Central Region Weavers' Seminar was held on Saturday, October 13th in Toronto at the Nelson Park Creative Centre.  It was a great venue with lots of space for everyone.  There were 2 well-lit rooms for vendors.  The spaces allowed for everyone were quite generous.  It was a real treat to be able to get into the centre the day before the sale and set up without any pressure.  The ladies of the Etobicoke Weavers and Spinners Guild were wonderful hosts. The vendors had their lunches provided free, catered by the Pickle Barrel Restaurant. There were several visits from Kitt Hood to check on whether the vendors were in need of anything.  Kitt really took very good care of us all.  The guild had a beautiful show hung in the corridor of the centre that included various textile techniques---knitting, crochet, basketry, felting and weaving, of course. Hats  off to the Etobicoke Guild for a job well done.   Enjoy thes e  photos from the  sem inar.

Online Weaving Guild

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving as did Don and I.  My new-to-me loom is up and running with a chenille scarf warp begun.  There is another small wholesale order to be done within the next couple of weeks.  I have the dyeing finished for this project, so it is just getting down to the weaving and finishing.

There seem to be few weaving blogs, but during my searches I have found an interesting weaving site that I'm investigating.  www.onlineguildwsd.org.uk It is an online guild of weavers, spinners and dyers which meets over the internet. It was founded in 2002 and is affiliated to the UK Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. It connects to a worldwide community of fibre enthusiasts at all levels of expertise which is pretty enticing. There is a fee to join and I'm investigating the easiest method to manage this as the payment must be in pounds. I'll report in on this bit of a stumbling block later. The site has all sorts of interesting links that can be explored freely.  There is a list of blogs and also a list of websites, several of which are weaving related. I've just spent an hour having a quick browse through some of these links and some are very interesting.  I'll leave you to have the fun of discovering this fabulous link to other weavers worldwide. It's really worth setting aside a little time to travel down this road awhile.

Loom Construction

Don had a busy day today, receiving an order from UPS to top   up the inventory in preparation for the Central Region Weaving Seminar next weekend, and shipping out orders as well.  We both had yarn to wash out-Don some skeins and I had 2 chenille warps from yesterday's dyeing. I drove into Toronto and delivered a wholesale scarf order this morning.  This evening we tackled putting together the new-to-me LeClerc loom.  It's just the last bits now.  I have to put in the shafts and hook them up and we should be ready to dress the loom.  Hopefully I'll get to that at some point tomorrow.  That will have to happen after the house is cleaned ready for our Thanksgiving guests on Monday.  When I sit down to write about all the events of the day, it is amazing just how much does get accomplished some days.

Warp Painting

Today seemed to be filled with some long range planning and administrative work and a little research.  The planning and research is interesting and stimulating, not so much the administration tasks.  Hands-on work had to wait until tonight, but had to be done, so I found myself warp painting after dinner.  Notice the glamorous workspace.

These warps are chenille and planned for scarves for the fast approaching winter season.  The weather of the last couple of weeks is fantastic for drying yarn so I want to take advantage of the forecast and get a few more warps dyed.  I'm using Procion MX fibre reactive dyes and painting with a sponge paint brush.  I don't bother thickening the dyes in most cases, definitely not when warp painting.  Tonight's warps are wrapped in an electric blanket set at medium and will be ready to wash out in the morning.  I have also used a heating pad with a nice thick wool blanket wrapped around the bundle of warps and heating pad.  Both methods work well.  On the Yarns Plus website you can find the instructions that I follow for dyeing, either direct application of the dyes or immersion dyeing.  I find dyeing to be quite exciting and magical as long as I stay flexible and open-minded about the colours that might result from my efforts.  You just have to jump in and give it a try.                                            This is also a fun activity.  Put your images into a graphics program and distort and play with them and you may find an idea or two for some woven work. You could use only one part of the image if you so desire.  Hours can pass with just this sort of play.

Don't forget that you can click on any of the images that are within a blog post and they will enlarge.  These 2 distortions will be much more interesting enlarged for sure.

Loom for Sale

Today I bought a new to me loom.  It's all in pieces at the moment but I'm sure between Don and I we'll have it together soon.  It's an 8-shaft, 36", LeClerc, about 10 years old, but taken good care of.  So, I now need to sell my other 8-shaft loom which is a 36" Harrisville.  If anyone is interested in this loom just contact me through the YarnsPlus contact page.

Deadlines

This was supposed to be a day away from business and it was for a little while, but a looming deadline nibbled at my conscience until I had to tear myself away from playing and entertaining our new one and only grandson.  Poor me!!  So Don and I returned to the homestead early this evening and I went back to the loom and worked for a bit on a handpainted chenille warp that will make 2 scarves and then I'm left with only 2 more to have woven this week to meet the deadline of the end of September.  I use 1450 yd/lb chenille for these scarves; sett 12 epi and 11 picks per inch and have found that setup works well. Next     month there will then be a new deadline to attend to, but one at a time, please.  Yarns Plus no longer sells handpainted chenille scarf kits, but we will always fill orders for anyone who would like some of the chenille warps.  It's just that you would have to allow us some time to dye them because we don't keep them in stock. 

Computer Frustration

There was no post yesterday as I couldn't get the images to download from my digital camera card.  Who knows why?  (just a rhetorical question)  I did try many, many times, but the computer seemed to have a mind of its own.  This morning I did everything as I would usually do and lo and behold, it worked perfectly so I could insert an image into my last post.  I guess yesterday is a miss as far as this goes.

It was a day at the studio finishing chenille scarves for a wholesale order.  I find twisting the fringes on chenille just doesn't hold well so this is how I've been finishing a chenille scarf for many years.  I weave the entire length of scarf leaving no unwoven area for fringe.  I then wash and lightly press the scarf.  Next I unweave the length for my fringe, about 1 1/2".  Because the fabric has been wet finished the unwoven fringe has a lovely "crinkly" fringe. Lastly, to be sure the scarf will not begin to unweave itself any further, I machine stitch one row of straight stitching close to the edge of the woven area. This process seems to work very well.  I suggest dry cleaning, but a very gentle hand wash would also be fine.  A lot of agitation would drive all the chenille bits from the fringe and you would be left with only the core threads hanging--not a pretty sight. Check out the image and remember you can enlarge any of the images with a single click on them.

Mr Fix It

It was somewhat of a day away from business until this evening.  My Leclerc Weavebird needed some attention. I had jammed it and I needed a little help with the repair, so, of course, I called on my "Mr. Fix It". Don to lend a helping hand.  It didn't take very long to unjam the cable and check to see if it was weaving as it should and it was.  The real test will be tomorrow when I am weaving for a good length of time.  Hopefully I can finish off the warp which will give me a couple of new scarves for the upcoming season.  Josette and I will be at "The Moose Show" in November at the CBC Atrium in Toronto.  It is a fabulous show of crafts and fine art.  The work is of the highest caliber.  Check out their website www.mooseshow.com

Washing Day

I began the day winding new warps to handpaint.  I also had some warps dyed yesterday that had to be washed out.  I use Procion MX powdered dyes because they don't require heating, so my dyeing work can remain completely out of the kitchen most of the time. The handpainted warps or skeins need to be batched. I wrap them in plastic and then in an electric blanket set at a medium temperature and leave them all snug overnight.  When washing out these dyes, Don and I have developed a modified system that makes the process a little quicker.  We first wash out the warps or skeins, or sometimes finished woven fabrics, in cold water.  Then we wash in the hottest possible water and leave the work to soak for at least 15-20 minutes.  At times we become involved in other activities and the soaking goes on for a far longer period of time, which is not a problem.  Following the hot wash, we then wash again with cold water.  If we find there is still some dye washing off the yarn, we will put the work through another very hot wash, followed by another cold wash.  This is the only disadvantage I have found with these dyes.  Some of them take a fair bit of work to get rid of the extra colour that has not been absorbed into the yarn.  It depends on the strength of the colour and the amount of dye stuff that is used.  Some colours are particularly difficult-red, red/purple and turquoise.  These colours we will actually simmer in a stainless steel pot on the stove  for about 15 minutes.  That seems to force off any loose dye. The results are always worth the effort. If you have any questions about the dye process just give us a call and we'll try to help 1-877-448-4544.

You could also send along your questions within the comment area of this blog.

I'm off to set up my loom for some chenille scarves to fill a wholesale order.  The deadline is fast approaching.