A tale of two weavers
Pattern or Colour? That is the question!
It would seem to me, as a novice, that there are two camps of weavers in the world. Now, perhaps I’m wrong, but here are my observations-true, skewed or otherwise….
One type of weaving seems to focus on pattern. Hundreds of warp ends. Threading sequence. Elaborate treadling. The minute detail of how the shafts interact with one another to create an intricately woven creation.
Another focus seems to be on simple weaving, but that which highlights colour and texture. It’s all about the look and the feel. Bouclé. Mohair. Chenille. Cerise. Chartreuse. Yumminess factor.
And here I sit, most comfortably on the fence.
I confess I am drawn to the intricacies of a detailed pattern. Look, what’s on my list…
from this tried-and-true-industry-standard book…
Still, I have to say that I look at that pattern thinking, ‘what interestingly modern colour combination will make that vintage pattern pop?!’ So, I realise I’m not just a pattern-girl, but also a colour-texture devotee. Perhaps I’m wrong and in reality most fibre enthusiasts are sitting on this fence with me. Hmmm…
However, the latest project off the loom falls into the colour-texture camp being a simple weave.
Remember this yarn for the warp?
Add a simple single-ply wooly yarn for the weft which dampens without overshadowing the lovely warp multi-colouring.
And there we have a simple scarf which I hope Jenny will love wearing.
Hear, hear (or is it here, here). I’m a color person too. But I have to admit that structure has a strong pull too. Of course, I’m always wondering what wondering how color will effect the pattern too. I love that scarf!
07 Mar 2007 at 7:02 pm
Well Cheryl, I just cant believe the amount of work you get through. From weaving, knitting, reading about both, making decisions about yarn colours, textures and then the beautiful results. ( never mind your great writing skills).
Our computer is acting up at the moment and may need tobe replaced, so no blogging for me at present.
Ger
07 Mar 2007 at 7:55 pm
But if you mix color and texture, you end up with a pattern which is maybe only “visible” to the fingers … and way fun, I’d imagine, especially if it were something secret. Hmm… if those loom things weren’t so expensive….
07 Mar 2007 at 9:17 pm
Cheryl, what a gorgeous scarf. The colour and textures are so vivid.
07 Mar 2007 at 9:18 pm
Your woven scarf is stunning!
07 Mar 2007 at 10:22 pm
Good job on the scarf! For the next one (and I am assuming there will be a next one) I may suggest a slightly closer sett to make it a bit more warp faced and an even finer weft. When making my scarves that are all about colour I never look for a balanced weave. It is always more warp faced. I just wound another handspun with stripes of a kid mohair/silk blend. I am putting it on the loom today! I can’t wait!
A few years ago I was able to finish off an overshot warp at the school and I made it into a sampler in which I tried anything and everything. End results were anything too highly textured (the bright pink boucle comes to mind) obliterates the pattern, and highly variegated yarn maked the pattern too hard to read. I did have some success with slightly variegated yarn Like a blue and green in the same tonal range. But generally solid colours worked best. As did yarns that were soft and kinda poofy, I student once wove the big blooming leaf pattern in mohair and it was stunning, but the smaller patterns get lost. Before winding your warp for your overshot, make sure you put on a sample. It is much better to make your mistakes in a small piece before going on and warping a coverlet sized warp and finding out that your sett is to tight.
08 Mar 2007 at 12:21 pm
Cheryl, the Craftspun yarn looks fantastic woven up!! Its really pretty. I’m sure Jenny will love it!
09 Mar 2007 at 10:27 am
Nice!
I think, for better or worse, I’m a pattern junkie. Or maybe I get all my color fixes out by dyeing? Dunno, but I tend to like more subdued colors and (although this is not recommended really) I have been throwing colors together thinking “SO not me, and no one else will like it either” and the fiber just flies out of the shop list. Apparently I have no clue, but I’m okay with that.
09 Mar 2007 at 7:56 pm