It’s been pretty quiet out there with us not being able to gather. We know some of you have continued to connect with each other. In lieu of being able to meet, Jordan set up a Facebook group for any of you who may want to share what you’ve been working on and to see what others have been doing while cooped up. Just search “Chilliwack Spinners and Weavers” on Facebook and a group should show up for you. Join us and let us know what you’ve been up to! We can’t wait to see what you’ve accomplished.
Author: chilliwackspinnersandweavers
Cleaning out 2020
This isn’t what you think. Although most of us can agree that 2020 has not seen the best of us, there have been some positives. More time to spin and weave being one of them!
Jenny O. just sent in one of her recent projects—a gorgeous set of tea towels for a new bride. Jenny warped for four towels and wove each with a different colour weft (shown by the cone above). Each towel is different and together they’re nothing shy of lovely.
If you’ve been busy working through your stash, don’t forget to send Jordan a photo so we can feature it here on our blog or on Instagram @chilliwackspinnersandweavers.
Making a point
With weaving, the possibilities really are endless. Whether it’s discovering new methods on a rigid heddle or testing out the complications of a 12-shaft loom, your imagination is the only limitation.
For those, like Jordan who would rather avoid the challenge of a complicated pattern, a simple 4-shaft twill is plenty challenging. This point draft is based on a simple repeat in both the threading and the weaving. Simple can still make a statement, though.
Stay tuned for the finished product.
It all comes out in the wash.
For some, having a large floor loom is not an option, but that doesn’t mean large projects are not. Jordan has a 32″ Leclerc Iris that suits just about any project. This week she made a first attempt at a multi-panel blanket.
This Roughrider fan dream-come-true was was woven in two separate panels, counting each warp shot so that the stripes could be matched up. There was a moment of panic when the two pieces weren’t exactly the same length, but once an additional warp thread was stitched through a selvedge on each side and the piece was washed and dried, one would never know without looking closely.
Insta-what?
We have Instagram! For many members, social media isn’t something we spend a lot of time with, but we understand that in times when people are unable to come to us to see our work, we have to find ways to go out and promote our craft.
Behold, Instagram!
Follow us @chilliwackspinnersandweavers and if you’re a member, send photos of your projects to Jordan to have your work posted.
First time for everything!
Mary got a round of applause as she pulled her very first blanket off the 60″ loom. Now it goes home for finishing!
The Dogwood Flower Runner
Jenny O. has submitted this gorgeous photo of her woven Dogwood Flower Runner. It is made with mercerized linen from the UK, set at 24epi and 84” long.
Dye Another Day
The weather cooperated perfectly for our annual Dye Day hosted by Louise H. A rainbow could be found in the dye pots and the ladies with their wheels found under the shade of a big maple tree.
Chunky to Chunky
To the spinning purist, it may seem a sacrilege to spin anything other than natural fibres. But to new spinners or those who may not have access to quality prepared fibres, the advent of super chunky yarn has opened up new avenues of hand spinning.
This yarn is made from 90% acrylic/10% wool super chunky roving. The wool content makes it easy to spin and the acrylic makes it machine washable.
From super chunky yarn to a super chunky plaid, this little baby blanket should see a lot of use both because of its design as well as the fibre it’s made with.
We Can Weave a Rainbow
With the amount of work involved in warping our 60″ loom, most people do projects in groups. Each weaver in the group contributes fibre for the warp and comes up with their own weft. Someday soon, this pile will turn into a lovely warp. Each blanket that comes off the loom will look completely different despite having the same warp.
