I put some number of kitchen towels (I actually can’t remember how many) on the loom way back in December. My plan was to weave them rally quick and have a few little gifts for Christmas. LOL! It is now March. I can see the end of the tunnel but they still are on the loom. Part of the problem was that at the same time was launching a ton of new things that needed my attention. A newsletter (sign up at the bottom of any website page), a Spin and Weave Along and Patreon! Plus it was Christmas for crying out loud.
This project has taught me a lot though and so, even though nobody got kitchen towels for Christmas I am much smarter about my weaving.
The first thing I learned is that the raddle needs to fit the loom and the whole rigging thing I tried to do was a complete disaster. I usually dress the loom from front to back but I wanted to try back to front as I have been told it’s easier and better for more delicate threads which I plan to be working with shortly. I’m not sure either of those things are true. They might be true if this method is your go-to and you are really good at it. But for someone just learning I think the threads had just as much abrasion. I’m not giving up and will be trying it again and again and again.
The threading went fine-ish but again, I didn’t have things set up properly and so it would have been easier if I wasn’t trying to wing it.
I switched a couple of years ago to using an end feed shuttle and I loved it. I saw immediate improvement in my selvedges. But for this project I went back to a boat shuttle. I purposely chose one that Sara Lamb told me years ago was her favorite.
Then I went and watch a YouTube Video by Laura Fry to relearn the catch and throw method that I was told would be better – again, many years ago. At the time I was taught it I was learning so many things and it just felt awkward and too hard so I never really tried to actually get better at it.
Since Christmas had come and gone there was no rush so I slowed down and tried again. I would like to apologize publicly to Sara Lamb and Laura Fry. Yes, this works, it is efficient and comfortable for my wrists.
Also, my selvedges are gorgeous now.
I’m super happy with my technique and Lousmith told me the other day that I’m like a machine!
This loom will be naked by Friday and ready for the next project. I promise.
