Friday, February 16, 2007

200th post

This is my 200th post so I think that is a cause for celebrations. Plus it's my birthday later this month. To celebrate that I am going to give away one of my hand woven dishtowels. You can see them on the loom further down in the post. I will choose a winner on my birthday February 27th. To enter just send me a comment before that date, or an email if blogger won't let you comment.


I think that after finishing weaving the blanket that was on my loom for so long I am back in weaving mode so that feels so good. There are lots of projects on the back burner that need focus again.















I have been working on the dishtowels a little bit every day this week. My goal has been to weave at least 1 hour a day. I have promised one for my church auction so I need to get them woven. I also like to have some on hand for gifts.














Since I moved the spinning wheel near the window its my cats favorite spot to sit.















Here is how a blanket begins. I am starting to wind the warp for the next one. This is a warping board. Before the loom is threaded all the warp threads need to be wound on a warping board. This makes sure everything is the same length. The warp threads are the vertical threads on a loom.
















This blanket is using all natural colors. I have all the skeins draped across the front beam of the loom. This helps me decide what order I will use them in. I look at them for a while before inspiration sets in. I will move all the skeins around several times to see how I like their arrangement. First I thought I would just do dark to light but now I am thinking about doing light dark light.

Quote if the Day: Great Imaginations are apt to work from hints and suggestions, and a single moment of emotion is sometimes sufficient to create a masterpiece - Margaret Sackville

17 comments:

Charleen said...

I love the idea of doing an all natural wool blanket. How wide is your loom - do you need to use double weave?

Anonymous said...

I have just discovered your blog and I'm completely inspired by you and your projects. I'm a new sort-of weaver. I have a rigid heddle loom, which really seems like a toy next to your beautiful loom. Maybe someday!

I love the step by step photos showing the warping process. Thanks for sharing.

KaiBlue said...

I adore the colours you've chosen Kate. the pick of your kitty is adorable, does it have a name? lol..
Enquiring minds need to know..
PEace n hugs, Kai.

Pam Aries said...

Kate... I think it is so wonderful and amazing that you weave such gorgeous things! THe whole process strtaight form the sheep! hee ! The pic of the cat and spinning wheel is so cool!

J C said...

Gosh Kate. Your wonderful work seems so complicated to me. The end result is always wonderful. Cat on the Wheel is adorable! Looks like a greeting card.

Lisa Oceandreamer Swifka said...

blogger is making me a crazy person, I posted a long comment and it just disappeared!!!!
I love how you've shown your process in creating these wonderful works of art from your dear hands. The colors are wonderful...I hope I win. heehee
The cat at the wheel is adorable!
XOXO
Love,
Lisa
congrats on your 200th post

gma said...

Congratulations on 200 posts Kate!
There is something so sacred about a spinning wheel.Do you ever get the feeling that you are connecting to the women of old?
Please put me in for your drawing.

Gill said...

200 posts, fantastic Kate!
I adore the cards you recieved from Kai, isn't she so beautiful? She puts LOVE into her art!
and your blanket weaving process is all new to me, how intriguing. I love homemade anything...especially comfort items like food and blankets!
Your quote of the day really hit home. Emotion is a very important and not to be ignored feature in our lives...xo

Arty Lady's blog said...

My spinning wheel houses clothes, my warping board is stored in the cupboard and my looms are in the garage. I shoul get them all out and be a bit more motivated - too many hobbies, not enough time.

I would love to go into your draw. Thanks for the offer.

Anonymous said...

I love that dishtowel so far!! I am still hunting for a used loom and I'm getting very impatient. I can't wait to make some fun dishtowels myself :)

Lisa said...

My ex-motherinlaw had a loom and I loved making things on it. I never learned to set it up. She would get it all ready if we were visiting and then let me make something. Very good therapy. I'd love to be in for the drawing.

I love the picture of all the different shades of natural.

Tinker said...

Congratulations on your 200th post! Loved seeing some of your weaving in progress. I am in awe of anyone who weaves.
Please put my name in the hat!

Claire said...

Hi Kate,
There truly is something magickal about a loom and a spinning wheel, something timeless...
I would dearly love to be in with a chance to win something handwoven - though I really can't imagine I'd use it for drying dishes!!
Congrats on your 200th post too - 'tis no mean feat!!
Blessings :o)

Shelly Atkinson said...

Count me in for your give away!

Shelly

altermyworld said...

your kitty is pretty. I love the smell of a kitty. SUch a nice pic. you are way telented. You got mad skills.:) PLs add me.
ANg

violette said...

i am so very intrigued by your wheel and loom and the magic that you weave!

Lovely card from Kai btw!

Love,
Violette
p.s. add me in please.

ikkinlala said...

Congratulations on 200 posts, and I hope you have a fantastic birthday!

Thanks for sharing the photos. I'm sure the blanket will be beautiful.