Weaving has intrigued me for about as long as I can remember. Patterned cloth has especially fascinated me. Even as a little girl with my very basic knowledge of weaving I wondered how people, especially hundreds of years ago, worked patterns into their weaving. I still don't know exactly, that's something I need to study more. But I think it's neat that something that intrigued me when I was so young, still intrigues me and I'm actually beginning to do it!
I think my interest began mostly because weaving is historical. I love history, especially from the pioneer era! Also, some of my favorite books included weaving. In the American girl doll series, Josephine learns to weave. The Iron Peacock and They Love to Laugh both have an emphasis on weaving, to name a few. Sheep, wool, and weaving was a large part of Scottish culture- and I also happen to love Scotland! Many Americans had to weave cloth for their own clothes too; it's an important part of American history as well. And it's not just the weaving that's fascinating, there is a lot of work that has to happen before you can have yarn to begin weaving. I know we don't need to know how to weave nowadays. For me it's fun and relaxing and helps me appreciate the work others had to do years ago. And I do think that's important.
I also just enjoy learning many crafts. Crafts with yarn especially. Isn't it amazing all the different ways we can take one long string and turn it into so many different things?!? You can take yarn, knot it, knit it, loop it, weave it, and voila! You've taken one long string, made from lots of short fibers twisted together to make it stronger and longer, and turned it into something beautiful and useful. And if you enjoy making something, why not make it? It makes it special and you value it more that way. Weaving is also a more unusual craft. A lot of people knit and crochet, and I enjoy both, but not as many people weave.
When I was a little girl my mom taught me how to weave potholders. Since then I've probably made a couple hundred! I love all the different colors and patterns you can make. They are fun and useful...but there is only so much you can do with oodles of potholders. It was time for something bigger and a little more advanced.
We have an annual local fiber fest which I got to attend for the first time last year. It was so fun! So many different fibers, spinning wheels, dyes, roving, looms, knits, etc. But my favorite part still, was the weaving! One of our family friends actually makes these continuous weaving looms, and a variety of other projects, and sells them as a small business! It was my first time being introduced to this kind of weaving, which isn't traditional, but it is perfect for me right now!
This loom comes in different shapes and sizes, I think mine is three feet wide at it's widest point. I can set it in my lap or on the floor or a table in front of me. It's a lot more practical to buy, find a place for in the house, and a LOT easier to use than a full size traditional loom. You weave smaller pieces, then put them together to make a bigger project. I'm currently working on a shawl. Which I haven't finished yet, but hopefully will do another post when I am. :)
I guess this just shows some of why I'm interested and excited about weaving. Next time I think I'll post how you actually weave a continuous strand and call it part 2. For now, I'll show you some pictures of my project I've been working on this winter.
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