We weave for different reasons. For the love of the craft, to earn or supplement a living and/or share as gifts, as a pleasurable creative outlet, as a method of calming oneself. My own reasons are all of the above, and sometimes inspiration and mood come into play. Mostly the process of over/under is a meditation of sorts and frees the mind to consider other things in my life. Very often the TV is on or a podcast is playing.
Plain weave is my thing, as a visual balance of warp and weft. In recent years, tapestry has become part of my repetoire, with weft completely covering warp. Both techniques are workable on all Mirrix looms. Despite the basic, unadorned nature of plain weave, there is so much a weaver can do. By skipping warp threads, pulling weft to draw in warp, wire as warp, weaving in objects and, voilà, there’s something new every time.
A single yarn in a single color can yield interesting results by using various techniques. I love this Mirrix article, The Stay Home and Weave Tapestry Tutorial, for an excellent starting point using color. Some weavers are so skilled they “paint” with yarn to produce incredible work. I think of the enormous tapestries that line castle walls for decoration, warmth and a display of status.
It will take me a lifetime to explore the ideas that pack my head. Social media brings immediate inspiration. In the meantime, here are a few of my recent adventures:
Plain weave top and tapestry bottom
Spool-knitted yarn, chain-plied yarn, Sari yarn scraps
Chain-plied lace weight wool and cotton thread from rice sack closure
