Friday 28 March 2014

Tapestry embedded in even weave

Years ago at a college weaving class I described to the instructor that I would make an even-weave scarf with a tapestry section near each end. She discouraged me from that combination because the two structures are incompatible. Each structure needs a different sett for the same width of fabric. Tapestry needs more room between the warp threads to pack down all those weft threads. I compromised by doing an embroidered design on that scarf, but I never really gave up on the idea of combining the two structures in one piece. 

Now I have discovered a way to do it. I was using doubled crochet cotton as my warp and weft. What if I used just one strand of each warp thread in a tapestry section? That would make the sett appropriate for both structures. The first attempt was a square on the side of a tiny purse. I played with two-colour weave, alternating the colours every 8 picks to make a checkerboard pattern. 
I now have another project ready to go. This one will have a tapestry stripe all the way around the purse. You can see the strip of milk jug plastic which I've inserted between the two strands of the warp threads for the tapestry section. I'll start and end the tapestry section with a row of soumak stitch over both strands of the warp threads. The plastic strip will be sandwiched in between the two strands of warp until I take the piece off the loom. Then I'll slit the tape that holds it together and slide it out. My coloured threads are all pre-cut and I'm looking forward to hours of weaving on a long plane journey!

4 comments:

  1. Very intriguing, Ruth!
    (And have a good trip!)

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  2. These weaving projects are amazing Ruth. What patience and skill and perseverance this craft takes. love and hugs,

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  3. Hello Ruth!

    Can you tell me where to find instructions on warping these pouches and bags? I've been searching your blog and can't seem to find what I'm looking for. I'm glad I found you!

    Thanks!
    Chris

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  4. Hi Ruth! Just like Chris, I'm interested to know if you have the instructions on how to make these pouches. I would be interested to learn your method! Thanks in advance!

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