Number 9

And so we turn Jacque's colorful old bed sheet to ribbons...

...and start Rug # 9 using our new twill tie up.

This is going to be one gorgeous rug ladies & gentlemen. And the weaving is easy, the new treadle arrangement works great and even Fred can count to 4 to make the twill pattern.

Major "Duh" Moment

I was crawling around under the loom, getting ready to try a different treadle tie up for our next rug when I was struck by a lightning bolt - could it be that our loom was put together wrong. We had been quietly cursing our clunky old loom for almost a year now because it was so hard to treadle. Well, duh, it was because the treadles should have been hinged on the back side of the loom. Something about the the sharpest knife in the drawer and all of that.

Four bolts and 15 minutes later...

I'm able to do the new tie up with out having to crawl around under the loom anymore.

The treadles now stand tall and are going be so much easier to weave with.

Another teachable and laughable moment in the life of a museum weaver.

Homespun & Huck Lace

I got some homegrown and homespun yarn from Mary & Bubba at the Farmers Market a couple of weeks ago. Bottom is sheep, top is a Llama/Sheep blend.

The Llama/Sheep blend makes a handsome warp, but I was pretty anxious about the slubby parts going through the reed & heddles.

Went through the reed just fine. Maybe I was up a little past my bedtime, but I thought my feet were just too funny.

All's well that ends well. I learned a lot about weaving home spun and huck lace weave structure.

Rug # 8 On The Floor

I think were on to something here.

Still need to hem the edges, but this is a good tight rug.

How do you get to Carnage Hall?

Sample, sample, sample!

This is my fourth series of samples sneaking up

on a Huck lace scarf made with a silk/bamboo blend.

It's an all day sucker, but it may be worth the effort.

Double Weave

I had a break through last night at the Art Center.

My first attempt at double weave.

Clearly not my last. I'm excited.

Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair

HB and Me had an incredible time at the Southeastern Animal

Fiber Fair (SAFF) last weekend. Tons of wonderful yarn and goodies.

But the best part was getting to be with the animals.

A full grown male llama can be pretty intimidating...

Until you get to really know him.

Some are sort of strange looking.

Like something out of Star Wars....

Some are just plain handsome.

Some are a little dorky.

This young guy is just too cute for words.

This young girl's coat feels like air.

The fleece competition was pretty impressive.

And the finished product is total eye candy.