Another simple check with three big blocks of color shows so well how shades interact and colors multiply, intersections creating new colors and keeps the interest going through the arduous task of managing even edges. Something so basic as three colors can give a lot of gratification when first learning the basics of weaving. I am still a massive fan of check!
In my recent weavings I’ve been reinforcing the selvedges with extra threads and using a temple, which at this early stage of becoming a weaver, I have already come to rely upon. I think every once in a while weaving something without extra selvedge threads or temple, would give me practice keeping the selvedges from drawing inward by keeping the tension even but not too tight, and the weavers’ angle generous. There are many weaving notes and photos left below, in the event that anybody might find them useful, and I am happy to talk about the details further in the comments as well.
♣ Weaving Notes ♣
- Yarn: 10/2 cotton, 4200yds / 1 lb, Valley Yarns Mercerized in colors; Golden Ochre (7129), Moss Tone (5997), and Mediterranean Blue (2448). This is the first time I used mercerized cotton, having no idea how much I would like it, I really do!
- Loom: Ashford Knitters Loom 20″.
- Warping method: Direct warp set-up, 1 end in every heddle/hole, and 1 in every dent/slot –drawing out from apron rod through each dent to peg is 2 ends = each color 30 dents = 60 ends. Approx 100 inches from apron rod to warping peg.
- Number of warp ends: 240
- Reed: 15 dent rigid heddle 20″ reed, and width in reed = 15.5″.
- Sett on loom: Warp = 15 epi (threads or “ends” per inch), weft = 15 ppi (passes or “picks” per inch).
- Sett after finishing: Warp 16 epi, and weft 16 ppi.
- Color Pattern: Warp = 60 ends gold, 60 ends green, 60 ends blue, 60 ends gold. Weft = wound
60 full wraps on to the stick shuttle for each color, in repeating sequence gold, green, and blue. - Finished: 1/4 inch turned hem, then washed and dried in machine, then pressed, measuring 68″ long and 14″ wide, and weighs 117g.
- Yardage: Total yardage used = 1083 y, figured from weight of finished piece and not including loom waste.
JjD 
You are amazing. xoxo
Photographing it was difficult, in low light, shadows overtaking, every crinkle in the fabric showing (although I ironed it to death! ) and trying to hide the horribly ragged edges… but I am a total amateur and if these look amazing to you , then that gives me hope ~~ thank you! xx
Yummy! How do you know how long to make the warp threads? And…how do you determine how much time at the loom you spend each day?
Virginia, I figure a good scarf length, and then add about 15 percent for loom waste, take-up, and shrinkage ( loom waste is the unwoven part, which can vary from loom to loom; on these rigid heddle looms, as little as 12 inches, on a floor loom probably three times that? I am basically weaving as much as I can, in between all the chores I do in a day; some days I get in a couple of hours, other days nill. Its mostly what I think about though! xx
Oh, and first I decide whether I want fringe, or a hemmed finish, and those measurements are figured into the total length of scarf, before adding %15. 🙂
Those colors are very pleasing together. Beautifully done, Jen.
Hey thanks Regina! xx
Beautiful colours!
My fire sister! How are you doing out there in the bush? xx
Hello!!!
I spent January in the Ghost-town helping with the final stage of the new solar system. It is amazing.
Late fire season this year so everything is crossed!!!
My wool dyeing brings great joy!
Bring on autumn!
That is so great that you’re going solar! We did too, and half the time when the power is out I am not even aware. I need to get back into fiber dying, but presently, I think I’ve stacked one too many “shoulds” in front of me, kind of reeling, just doing the weaving, learning, letting all else get covered in cobwebs. Yes, its your turn for Autumn now! Lucky you… xx
How well I know the Should-File.
A punishing list best avoided..
And yay to autumn!
ohhh wow!! This looks so well done! X! It’s so fine!
Ro! You have the same 15 dent reed and the same 10/2 yarns, in three colors, just not three great colors, as I had to choose from a very low stock. I made this scarf just to show you that you can make one just like it, like for your first sample of fine cloth? OMG, but after I washed it (just put in the washer and dryer with a towel) it softened up incredibly, and was all shrunk and soft and wrinkled, then I ironed it to a beautiful fabric. I hope you try one just like it. xx