Kitchen Towels – Always learning

I put some number of kitchen towels (I actually can’t remember how many) on the loom way back in December. My plan was to weave them rally quick and have a few little gifts for Christmas. LOL! It is now March. I can see the end of the tunnel but they still are on the loom. Part of the problem was that at the same time  was launching a ton of new things that needed my attention. A newsletter (sign up at the bottom of any website page), a Spin and Weave Along and Patreon! Plus it was Christmas for crying out loud.

This project has taught me a lot though and so, even though nobody got kitchen towels for Christmas I am much smarter about my weaving.

The first thing I learned is that the raddle needs to fit the loom and the whole rigging thing I tried to do was a complete disaster. I usually dress the loom from front to back but I wanted to try back to front as I have been told it’s easier and better for more delicate threads which I plan to be working with shortly. I’m not sure either of those things are true. They might be true if this method is your go-to and you are really good at it. But for someone just learning I think the threads had just as much abrasion. I’m not giving up and will be trying it again and again and again.

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The threading went fine-ish but again, I didn’t have things set up properly and so it would have been easier if I wasn’t trying to wing it.

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I switched a couple of years ago to using an end feed shuttle and I loved it. I saw immediate improvement in my selvedges. But for this project I went back to a boat shuttle. I purposely chose one that Sara Lamb told me years ago was her favorite.

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Then I went and watch a YouTube Video by Laura Fry to relearn the catch and throw method that I was told would be better – again, many years ago. At the time I was taught it I was learning so many things and it just felt awkward and too hard so I never really tried to actually get better at it.

Since Christmas had come and gone there was no rush so I slowed down and tried again. I would like to apologize publicly to Sara Lamb and Laura Fry. Yes, this works, it is efficient and comfortable for my wrists.

Also, my selvedges are gorgeous now.

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I’m super happy with my technique and Lousmith told me the other day that I’m like a machine!

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This loom will be naked by Friday and ready for the next project. I promise.