Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Weaving on a hand loom.

I have been preoccupied with my new toy. After buying the March/April 2010 issue of Piecework Magazine, I became fascinated by those Weavette or Weave-It Looms. I did a little research and found a place in Michigan that carried something similar. The vintage ones are ridiculously priced right now on Ebay due to the recent renewed interest. But there are other companies making similar style hand looms. The one I got is called The Arbor Loom. It's a 4x4 inch hand-held triple warp. Handcrafted in the U.S.A. by J.B.'s Custom Woodworking in Red Oak. I got it from The Old Farm Girl in White Cloud, Michigan. The owner, who is the only one who works there, was super helpful and very nice. She shipped it on Monday and I got it by Wednesday morning.My first test was using some superwash sock yarn I had in my stash. The square on the left is using a single strand of the sock yarn. It was a bit loose, but I kept on practicing. The one on the right is using a different technique called, Rigby Weave. For the first 2 warps, the yarn is held doubled and on the 3rd warp, one strand is used for the 3rd warp and the final weaving. It made a much tighter weave. Both of the squares are not washed or blocked.Before I discovered the Rigby Weave, I had already made a bunch of squares. I didn't want to waste them, so I washed and blocked 20 of them. As you can see in the above photo, it does bloom and the weave does get tighter. But it's still a loose weave and it's very light and soft.What did I make with the 20 squares? A Doll Blanket for Melody to put her babies to bed. I seamed up the squares in 4 rows with 5 squares for each row. Then I seamed the 4 strips together.
To make the edging, I single crocheted around the whole blanket and then added a row of crab stitch. The crab stitch gave the light blanket a nice sturdy edge and a cute little decorative detail. The finished doll blanket measures 15" X 19".After playing with a variety of different weights of yarn, my next project is already underway. I am using a Worsted Weight to make a baby blanket. I have a few friends with babies due this year, so I thought I should get started with the baby gifts.

23 comments:

knithound brooklyn said...

Your timing is amazing. Remember that loom I bought? Just this week my brain turned to thoughts on what to do with that thing...and now your post just kicked these musings into high gear!! Yay you - the blanket is adorable and your daughter will cherish it forever.

Sayschnicklefritz said...

After seeing so many wee pieces, It's nice to see how it comes together as a project. The blanket is adorable.

Vicki Knitorious said...

Very cute! I picked up a little loom somewhere along the way -- as yet, unused. But that may change. ; )

Anna said...

Ooh so pretty! I love it.

LittleCanoe said...

Learning to weave is one of the many things on my list to learn sometime...in the future. I love what you've done so far! It's so pretty. Can't wait to see what else you come up with!

yahaira said...

such a great idea! I love the different look it gives to the baby blanket. can't wait to see you next ones!

Jeanne said...

Wow - very nice! Are you considering getting a bigger loom?

Stephanie said...

the yellow is so cheery!
Cant wait to see your blanket finished :)

hetty said...

Great craft Oiyi! The doll blanket is gorgeous. Much too nice for a doll! The pieces for a baby blanket look nice too. Can't wait to see a finished blanket. I used to make pot holders on a loom. Never thought to make such pretty squares and put them together.

Sue said...

What a fabulous blanket and the blue squares look as though they will be a great one too. It seems you have found a wonderful new craft to do!

caitlyn said...

Wow, your weaving looks great! I love the colors you chose.

Jennie said...

Cool =)

Rebekah said...

so so cool! I am definitely going to buy a mini loom. I think it will be a fun summer project to do and will be way less intimidating than learning how to use a rigid heddle loom

Miss Julep said...

I LOVE this!!Thanks for the inspiration!

craftivore said...

Wow, you make me want to weave. The yellow blankie is beautiful!

Unknown said...

I've been wanting to try my hand at weaving and this looks like a great way to start. Thanks for the prod! Your projects are lovely!

Anonymous said...

Wow! These are gorgeous! I don't know where you find the time but I'm so impressed!!

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

How fun! My grandmother made a baby blanket for my son using one of those back in the early seventies. Everything truly does seem to run in circles. By the way, the blanket my son got was very sturdy, a worsted wool.

kim said...

Those are so pretty! I want to get a loom now, if only to make squares and sew them into a wrap/scarf.

Alice said...

Beautiful! You're making me want to order supplies for a whole new craft right now--so bad!

Rima said...

Genius! You will soon be teaching me how to work this!

opportunityknits said...

wow this is so cool! I never thought that the little pieces can be sewed together so beautifully. Great job on the blanket!

Hannah said...

How nifty! Yet another craft I wish I understood how to do.