Charleen's Fiberblog

Guatamalan Backstrap Weavers

Here's one of the instruction pages, and
a close up of the diagram. It's very simple,
a smaller scale of the Guatamalan backstrap weavers I
saw at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. (close
up) If we wait for me to actually make something on it, rather than just
TALK about it, you would never see pictures.

Backstrap Loom

Okay, I didn't start any NEW socks, but I have been working on my socks-in-progress. You know, I have some really nice socks I've made, but for some reason I haven't completed a pair in the last couple of years. Maybe dream analysis will bring out my latent sock fears.

I dragged out this loom I bought in the late 70s. I guess it's a backstrap loom. It came in a long cotton drawstring bag that you are supposed to put around your back (see where I got that idea?) and then attach to a door knob. It has a plastic 4 dent reed, about 10" wide. Anyone ever use one before? Back then I had three kids under four years old. The thought of closing a door and strapping on a loom sounded pretty good. Of course, that's probably also why I never got to use it! Can you imagine three kids in diapers and I'm strapped to a door knob trying to weave? Elaine's musings about inkle weaves has got me thinking about trying it again.

I finally found a ladder the right length to finish painting my shed. Our backyard slopes down and there's about a six by four area on one side that I couldn't reach. I felt like Goldilocks - this ladder is too short, this ladder is too long. My friend had one the right size, but I've spent the last two mornings in an Excel class and the afternoon's have been TOO HOT to get up on a ladder. Well, he's going to need the ladder back, so I guess I'll be getting up early while it's still cool (ya know, under 90), and finish painting. If this is my last blog entry, you'll know why.....(and no you can't have my stash, I'm taking it with me - at least I'll have the time)

My Yarn

I finished about 1400 yards of romney for my barn jacket. I was whining about how all of my yarn looks the same - here's an example. It always turns out about 8-9 wpi. There will be no need for me to post any more pictures of my spinning. I'll just let you know what color and you will be able to picture it!

What to weave next? I have six weeks left before school starts, and want to
try as many different techniques as I can. I had thought about dishtowels, but
think maybe I'll play around with some little blankets. There was a baby explosion
in our department this spring. The younger teachers were having them and the
older teachers were becoming grandparents. Any suggestions? I was thinking about
honeycomb for one - we did a little Atwater-Bronson in my intro class and that
was cool. At least I don't have to worry about my loom while I ponder these
questions. Since Catherine posted pictures of Max guarding her stash, I thought
it only fair to show you my vicious loom guard, Skids.
Nothing gets by him. Just remember, you've been WARNED!!

First Doubleweave

Tan and Green Throw, 38x56

My first attempt at doubleweave. Here's what I learned.....When planning vertical stripes, make sure you remember that it will be twice as wide at the fold (duh!). I didn't use floating selvedges, so I had a very dense area. I pulled out 4 ends, and when I washed it, everything looked great. It's still a little wider right down the middle, but you only see it when it's spread out flat. Since my family does NOT believe in folding up throws when they are finished, we aren't going to have any problem there. It was 46 by 72 on the loom. I really lost a lot when I took it off and washed it, but it's still wider than my 40" Macomber would do in one layer. I also measured the length while under tension, so I should have realized that it would relax a bit.