Cricket Loom: hey! no loom waste!

Cricket Loom "warp extender"

I've been sampling for a garment for the TNNA fashion show which is coming up in June. I didn't have a lot of yarn for sampling and I had a lot of ideas I wanted to explore. So, to maximize my warp, I tied onto the back with tie-up cords from our Schacht floor looms. I like these because they don't stretch and are pre-measured. After threading my reed I tied my warp groups in about 3/4" bundles. I looped the tie-up cords around the apron bar with the plastic connector at the bar. Finally, I attached the warp bundles to the tie-up cords with lark's head knots. Simple. Fast.

Why didn't I direct warp for this project--which is a super way to get the maximum length out of a warp? I chose to use a warping board for this sample because I wanted to alternate ends in the heddle and also thread some ends randomly. Measuring my warp first on the warping board gave me a little more freedom when I threaded. In this case, I thought it would also be the faster way.

To keep track of my experiments, I wrote everything down as I wove. As I always maintain, you think you'll remember, but you won't. Again, stopping momentarily as you're weaving is a time saver in the end.

Stay tuned for more installments on my TNNA fashion show garment.

Good Words

Making Danish medallions from A Weaver's Idea Book

An old Sufi tradition advises – before saying anything let your words pass through 4 gates.



1. Is it true?


2. Is it necessary?


3. Can it be said kindly?


4. Does it improve on remaining silent?

Weaving Project: Nautical Runner

We’re working on our on-line newsletter which should be out in a few days. It’ll feature our new 15” Cricket Loom, helpful weaving tips, as well as this project designed and woven by our intern Cei Lambert. I always love basket materials, so perhaps that is why I find this piece so appealing. The warp is simply cotton string (the same we use for drive bands for our spinning wheel—always good to use something at the ready) for warp. The weft features a 5/8 natural rug linen (Yarn Barn with accents of some sea grass I had leftover from a basket project (always good to use up a bit of stash). I love the combination of different materials and weave structure. Look for the complete weaving instructions in our upcoming newsletter. We’ll post it on our website. You can also subscribe to our newsletter…just send a request to sign up for the newsleter...and get weaving!

Weaver's Night Out--Cricket Club This Thursday

It's time to start the new year out with a bit of weaving inspiration. All new and seasoned weavers alike are invited to Shuttles, Spindles, and Skeins in Boulder for an evening of weaving, sharing, community. (It's FREE!) Judy Steinkoenig, weaving teacher extraordinaire will be your hostess. Bring your Cricket, Flip, table, or tapestry loom and enjoy and evening weaving and sharing. Also good: bring along your latest project hot off the loom. 6:30-7:30 Shuttle's classroom.

Conversation with Madelyn van der Hoogt

Jane Patrick and Madelyn van der Hoogt after dinner at the historic Boulderado Hotel in Boulder.

I had the pleasure of spending the evening with the soon-to-be past editor of Handwoven magazine, Madelyn van der Hoogt. She's been at the helm of Handwoven for 12 years and is "retiring" to devote more time to her Weavers' School, volunteer in her community, and...weave! I asked Madelyn how she was feeling about the transition and she responded that all she knows is that her "to-do" list was very long and is much, much shorter today. She really thinks she'll get it all done by December 31st, her last day on the job. What a great way to start the new year, deadline free!

As a past editor of Handwoven, I had no idea the sense of freedom I'd feel when I put my last magazine to bed, cleaned out my desk, and drove home, but it was refreshingly liberating. (And I had no idea how much those deadlines were part my life--though looking back I have no regrets, as being Handwoven editor was one of the very special opportunities in my life).

So, Madelyn, I thank you for all your energy, good humour, hard work, and devotion to the craft--and all this brought to Handwoven. I wish you at least a few carefree days before you launch into the next thing, whether it's a book, a new course, or a fine double weave cloth. I'll miss seeing your touch in the magazine, but know absolutely that I'll be seeing you around!

Weaving: why we need it; why we need to pass it on

Much in the current issue (December/January 2012) of American Craft resonated with me. I want to share some of these things with you and to also encourage you to pick up a copy at your local newsstand. In her editorial, Monica Moses talks about Parks and Recreations’ Nick Offerman’s need for woodworking as a way to find solace in every day living.

She writes, “…woodworking has been Offerman’s therapy, lifeblood, salvation, and joy. He’s not alone, of course. For thousands of makers across the country, handwork is one of the most powerful forms of stress relief—cheaper than a shrink, more efficient than meditation, and a lot less risky than drugs and alcohol.”

“So if making things by hand is such a potent antidote to life’s pressures, as so many have discovered, are we teaching it in school? Are we arming our children with the craft skills they need to make their own contentment, to withstand the blows and hassles of modern life?”

There’s more to ponder in her article, which is a lead in to several features about craft and education in the magazine that caused me to think: Just what do I want my role to be as a handweaver, as a craftswoman, to ensure that not only the future of the craft continues, but that craft lives to nurture, challenge, and sustain future generations of creative and thinking individuals?

Day 4: Taos Road Trip—the belated report

Sarah and I hit the Wool Market early, doing a quick walk around the park where vendors were lined up around the edges. Adding to the festivities were live music; roasting almonds (hard, hard to resist); and a few Navajo sheep, alpacas and bunnies. Since we needed to hit the road, there wasn’t a lot of time for shopping. I did get, however, get the shopping report from friend Stephanie Flynn-Sokolov—yarn and fiber connoisseur. Here are a few of her favorite vendors:

Lonesome Stone Natural Fiber Mill The Beast, a limited edition fiber blend. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Wildflower Fiber/Plain and Fancy This Texas yarn company has great knitting and weaving yarn.
Kai Ranch Mohair Gorgeous dyed mohair locks in yummy colors
Woodland Woolies Wonderful bunny stuff, finished goods, yarn, beautiful batts.
Rocky Mountain Natural Colored Sheep Breeders Association If you want to start from the beginning, this is the place to buy a fleece from knowledgeable folk.

Reminder: Cricket Club this Thursday, October 20th at Shuttles, Spindles and Skeins, in Boulder, 6:30-8:30.
I’ll be bringing a bunch of plain weave sampls to share. See you there.