Twigs, Twine, Textiles, and Text

 

A colleague displayed her weaving in the library last year.  It caught my attention.

I started looking at various Pinterest boards featuring weaving, particularly projects that incorporated natural materials, and decided to try it out myself.

I began by attempting basic weaving on a piece of cardboard.  I knew I needed threads that went vertically through which I would weave over-under and over-under horizontally.  That’s about as far as I got.

I clearly needed to do more than look at pretty pictures on Pinterest, so I did a Google search on weaving techniques and checked out several books from the library.

So weaving is more involved.  Yes, some threads go vertically—the WARP—and threads go horizontally—the WEFT.  Weavers often use a loom.  There are several types of looms varying in size, complexity, and cost.  

I chose this simple student weaving frame made for the most basic weaving.

After finding success with the simple student loom, I purchased a larger, basic, beginner tabletop easel loom.

Here she is.  The self-standing frame is helpful as it keeps my loom upright and my hands free to weave.  It serves my needs well.

I purchased mine from Amazon.  It was reasonably priced, came with some accessories, was made from natural products, and would allow me to create various projects.  

 

I also purchased a tiny student loom.  It is well-suited for mini-projects and learning new weaving patterns.  You probably noticed the blunt-end tapestry needle and the old fork.  I use these all the time.

The tapestry needle makes weaving yarn, twine, and jute much easier.  The fork replaces a weaving comb or beater, tools weavers use to pack the weft firmly and neatly.  The fork does the same thing as traditional tools, but I like its heft and have an entire drawer in my kitchen.

When learning a new crafting technique, I find it helpful to practice, practice, PRACTICE!  I think of it as doing basic training exercises.  The repetition helps develop muscle memory, gain confidence, and deepen understanding of the work.  

After several days of basic weaving calisthenics with various materials, I wanted to apply some artistry.  I wove yarn and harvested repurposed fabrics using my small student weaving frame to create mini wall hangings.  

Harvested fabrics are reclaimed materials I collect during thrift and charity shop visits, or from my no-longer-worn clothing pieces.  I seek out woven and knitted cotton, wool, yarns, strings, or leather.  Expansive yardage from bed linens can go a long way!  Unique fabrics can be reclaimed and reused. 

To harvest fabric, wash and dry the clothing piece.  Cut off any stained or damaged parts and cut the fabric into manageable pieces.

For this small wall hanging, I used denim, wool, flannel, cotton shirting, leather, and acrylic yarn. The variation in texture adds interest to the weaving.

Once I mastered making these small weavings, I applied the same technique to larger weavings on my stand-up loom.  I opted to weave in a favorite piece by Kahlil Gibran.  

I found weaving relaxing and a great way to express creativity.  I made two very large pieces—one displayed in the public library and one placed at a special outdoor site.  

So before you donate or throw out your old clothing, consider harvesting the fabric to reuse in a weaving!

For complete directions, click on the PROJECTS tab above.

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All photos by Paulette Rodriguez