I’ve started Christmas presents on my looms, so I can’t talk about them in much detail or show pictures—sorry!I will tell you that I’m trying to find a new method of beaming the warp so it doesn’t tangle as much—I had been taking forever to beam the warp and it was a trying process.
Right now, I’m almost done with the dishcloths that are on Honor (my floor loom), I’ve just started a project on Helena (rigid heddle loom) but had to stop last night because I wasn’t getting a balanced weave, so I asked advice of my fellow Ravelers (in the weaving group, of course).I’ve also started winding the warp for a new project for Honor (Christmas!), and Hobart (inkle loom) is the only loom where I can actually weave for a while.I was going to do a set of bookmarks on him, but it was too wide, so I don’t know what I’ll do.Maybe make another zipper bag?
And, for the 2 ½ people who read this blog, I think two of you have already seen my post on facebook, but I’ve started an etsy store to raise money for Slovakia, so check it out!
On Wednesday Diana, Mary, and I went to Conner Prairie (they were visiting me).I’d been there last year with Naria and Maya, but a few things had changed since last summer.They have a new balloon exhibit and have completed the building they were working on last year: the carpentry shop.That was one of my favorite buildings, so I was glad it was done.I did a little bargaining with the carpenter for a shaving bench.Too bad I can’t really buy one for $2.75.For some reason I’m obsessed with shaving benches and draw knives (if you don’t know what this is, think Farmer Boy—Almanzo and his dad make shingles.This is also the same chapter with mother weaving on her loom, by the way...).
Back to Conner Prairie.We took a tour of the Conner house, which I hadn’t done before.Our tour guide’s name was Larry and he was very talkative.He knew a lot about the house and the Conner Prairie—as in, he had done research on his own and not just memorized the information.We’d both seen Interpreting William at the Indianapolis Repertory Theatre, so we talked about the play a bit.
Then we stopped in the loom house and talked to Elizabeth… for what everyone else thought was a long time.Elizabeth was making overshot bookmarks on a metal structo loom.I want one of those!They come up on e-bay occasionally.We talked about weaving a bit (there was another overshot project on the large loom), dyeing, and she spun for us.I’m now enthralled with spinning—on a great wheel (also called a walking wheel). I saw someone spin on a treadle wheel and thought “oh, that’s cool.I want to do that sometime.”When I watched the walking wheel, I thought “that is amazing!I need to do that now.”Unfortunately, there are two folks I’ve found who make them, and they sell for 1400/1600 each.I’ve also found a metal one for 200, so that’s not too bad if you want to spin but don’t need an historic feel.
The Doctor’s house had a piano, so Diana sat down to play.We ended up singing “Believe Me, if All These Endearing Young Charms” with another guest and one of the costumed characters (she was singing harmony).I think the characters really enjoyed it—it made me think of life before technology, when entertainment was created by the folks who were being entertained.The ladies were having fun and interested—well, if you sat around all day in an old wooden house, you’d be glad for a diversion.
When we went down the street to the Golden Eagle Inn, the innkeeper was humming the song… we shared our music all over town!She had only heard Di playing piano, though.
Before we left, I stopped back to see how Elizabeth had progressed with the bookmarks.We ended up talking for a while—I asked about her accent, and she’s from Leeds, England, came to the US in 1963 (I think?) to teach because she preferred our educational philosophy.She worked at the Indianapolis School for the Deaf, knits—and knows British TV.She’s seen my favorite show, The Good Life, and watches As Time Goes By frequently, which was funny because I’ve just finished that show.And, I learned how to do overshot by watching Elizabeth do a few picks.I was sure I had the concept correct but wanted to see someone do it first…
Today’s my day off, so I want to knit a dishcloth, weave one, weave on my scarf, and weave at least two bookmarks.And possibly do some sewing, although I don’t know what yet.
I’ve been weaving like crazy.I would have pictures to show post except that I haven’t downloaded any to my laptop because it’s not my laptop… the screen on mine died, so it’s at BSU and I have a replacement.I like the replacement better because it’s about half as light.
Anyway, back to weaving.I’m on my fifth inkle band since I’ve been back from Slovakia.Two have made spiral zipper bags, another one will, one is bookmarks, and I’m working on bookmarks now.I hope to post some on etsy to make some money for Slovakia next year—and the zipper bags as well.
Forty and a half weeks until I leave for Slovakia… :P Susie pointed out that we only have 47 weeks from leaving until we return, so I’ve been counting down.I already have most of my prizes for next year, all of my classroom supplies, and most of the beads I’ll need.I have a lot of beads left from last year—and as for the morning supplies, I’ve already done some shopping.It’s cheapest to buy them now when they’re on sale for school!
I know most people don’t post on their blogs in the summer because they’re busy, and I have been, but it’s more because I don’t need to.I get enough social interaction from traveling and spending weeks at a time with people.Plus, I post those small random pieces on facebook now instead of creating a blog entry.
It’s been over a month since I’ve written—I think this is my longest blog break.However, I don’t write as frequently in the summer anyway, probably because I have more contact with people and less of a need to blog.
I got back from Slovakia a week ago, but first I had jet lag and then I’ve had a sore throat ever since.So, I’ve been reading, weaving, cooking, and sleeping.
I will post some pictures (of Slovakia) soon.In the meantime, here is one a few months ago, of my current loom project:
I’ve been preparing for Slovakia… double-time.Normally I’d have everything done two weeks ago, but for some reason I was behind this time.Wednesday I finished everything for the beading, including making samples.Now I have a lot of things to do for my lesson plans—things to get ready, getting everything together.
Next Tuesday I’m doing a weaving program at the girls’ camp my church is having.We’re using my inkle looms and two other inkles and the girls will make bookmarks… now I have to warp the three looms this weekend.At least they’re not full-size looms!I think it takes me about 2 hours to warp my inkle loom.I just finished my sixth warp on it… the first one was a long cord, the middle three bookmarks, then a warp of headbands, and finally another cord I’ll use to make a bag.
As for Honor, she’s warped with a project—it’s been about a month since I started weaving on her, but I sprained my foot so was delayed.I also had LOTS of problems.I’m using rayon chenille I got cheap, and set it close, 18 epi, as everything I’d read about chenille instructed.However, since I’ve sleyed 2 per dent, the threads get twisted together.I’ve found out that if I spray the warp with hair de-tangler, have the tension tight, and press the treadles twice (hard) before throwing the shuttle.Then I have few floats.It’s coming along much better.
I have some images to load somewhere.I’ll find them eventually.Right now I’m inspired to weave because yesterday Heather L and I went to pick up a inklette for camp (at Tabby Tree… saw some beautiful overshot samples)—I have to dress three inkle looms but would rather weave on my floor loom.
