A Little of This-N-That and FIBERYGOODNESS!

Just a quick blog post today, to share a little bit of This--- a-a-and, a bit of little That.

 

First off I really want to say Thank you, again, to Everyone who visits my studio blog here. Thank You for all your Pins to Pinterest, and to those who took the time to recommend my blog to Google.

 

If you have found any of my posts helpful, take one extra moment to click G+ to Recommend this on Google, so that others can more easily find their way here as well. And, if you haven't already done so, you are more than welcome to add HeartSong Studio to your Google+ circles and/or make sure you Join This Site for update notifications.

 

Next? I'm working to make this space as user- and social media-friendly as possible, and have been working on the contents of the Side Bar. If you scroll through, anyone new here might find the most Popular Posts -- of the Last 30 Days, helpful.  

 

A few months ago, I added Fiber Favorites [my favorite artisan and fiber artist shops (have more to add, so---  I do not consider this list complete; just yet.)], My Blog List, and just recently--- the new global Visitor feature. I love seeing who all stops by from around the world.

 

New [as of today], is the Follow Me to Pinterest widget.  I've numerous boards on subjects such as Weaving, Circular Weaving, Spinning, Fiber Preparation, Knitting, Crochet, Rug Making, Darning, Homesteading, Gardening, Food Stuffs, etc. The Artisan and Craft-related boards are filled not only with examples of the end results-- I've worked hard to build libraries to include techniques, tools, tutorials, and videos. I hope you will join me there.  

Over this past weekend I created the Spool Knitting board.  This one will come in handy for an upcoming post I'm currently working on. It's a follow up to, or sister post, if you will, to the Vintage Bobbin Knitting Spool, updated back in June. ----[NOTE: I will be making corrections to this post soon. This is a Textile Mill Spool, and for some unknown reason, I had "Bobbin" stuck in my brain matter the whole time I drafted out this post. So--- Corrections Pending.]  

Though I am not on there with any degree of regularly, you can find me on Twitter as well.  I always include a Tweet when I post a new update. So, stop by for a Follow.

 

Click to go to HeartSong Studio Facebook Community Page

But most important--- If you have not already done so [I've Welcomed so many new Likes to my Community Page this year], join me over on my studio page on Facebook, where I post most often.  I share Status Updates, and photos of WIPs, etc., long before I get a particular project written up and shared here. And, you can find out ju-u-ust a little bit more about my Fossil Weaving over there.  I also just introduced a new feature recently, HeartSong Studio Tips.

Today's status update included a Declaration of Intent!

While I am currently in Sewing Mode [what with mending and up-cycling desperately needing my attention], I'm spending this week getting ready to participate in this year's Tour de Fleece. 

I am rider No. 42, on Team Nevermore Forevermore! And, while I am by no means a production spinner, I have a few ideas I want to work on, and will be posting my efforts on Facebook throughout the tour---beginning July 4th, and running until July 26th.

SPECIAL NOTE: Cheering from the sidelines is encouraged.  And, would be most welcomed. (~:

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Now, for the really FUN News!

 

It's FIBERYGOODNESS TIME---- Again.

Yesterday Suzy Brown [of WoolWench Handspun Yarns] teased us [Journey to the Golden Fleece members] with the following graphic.  We knew not exactly what it is; but, there were likely a few felines what were about to keel over from kill-worthy curiosity!

Natalie Redding [Namaste Farms] joined the last round; presenting what I understand to have been remarkable live video Hand Dyeing classes.  Her sessions filled up quickly, as Natalie has that kind of reputation. She is VERY GOOD at what she does!

Then, this morning came the official New FiberyGoodness Course announcement, of Suzy Brown's and Arlene Thayer's [Spin Artiste]: Sketch Spin Scribe.  It is described as "a seven part creative journey for fiber artists."  This is about Yarn Design.

One sweet little phenomenon that came out of the previous rounds of Journey to the Golden Fleece, was Circle Weaving. This course offers a beautiful crafted opportunity to become a Fiber Archivist, and create and bind your own Heirloom Book. [I knew it was going to be something I couldn't afford, but would likely really want! (~: ]

And as before, there will be modules and a fair amount of time to complete each yarn. There will be step by step instructions, and as always--- a wealth of support.

SO!!!! If you've any interest, whatsoever, in learning more about the artistic side of Hand Spinning and Yarn Design, NOW IS THE TIME TO ENROLL!

For now---- Everyone is welcome to join the Journey to the Golden Fleece's 
FIBERY GOODNESS Facebook group.  It's still a Public Group, filled with Fiberholics from around the world. Just stop by and say, "Hello!"

SPECIAL NOTE: Today is would be a very good day to join the group; as there is a "Hunt" afoot.  One that could financially--- be very beneficial!

OH, and--- There's a FibeyGoodness Tour de Fleece group this year.  I'm spinning for them as well!  I've got my goals set. Now, I just need to gear up.
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What's Next?

I was in Re-Org Mode for most of last week.  I needed to clear off my Sewing Tables so that I could refocus some time for sewing.  What's sitting on my Type Setter's desk at the moment, pretty much all has to do with what I'm working on; weaving-wise. I've got two warpings that I need to set up and photograph for upcoming blog posts.

Plus, I need to finish up Part One of my Spring Weaving; still on my small, and custom-painted [by Suzy Brown] Majacraft Loom.
And, what on Earth could that vinyl tubing have to do with anything Weaving? Well--- You are NOT going to FIND OUT today! (~:

There is also a little diversion that I'm looking forward to sharing with everyone.  I'm waiting for something very special to show up in my mailbox. It's coming from Florida.  Once it arrives, I can finish setting up the photos I need to show a special Hand Ginning technique.

Until then---
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Leave any questions you may have in the Comments.
Or Facebook Friends can Private Message me.

Follow me to my Facebook Community Page @ HeartSong Studio

Bye for now, and Blessings~

And Happy Weaving!

A Garden Pouch

 

For this project I used the Provo loom with 41 pegs.

I warped this piece utilizing 9 pegs top and bottom.

 

Since I knew this would not be a total Weft Faced Weave, I chose a coordinating crochet thread, But--- because it was so lightweight, I doubled the warping.

 

This ended up working in my favor when I chose to split out the threads at one point.

  

 

*If a picture is all you need click on the image above for a Slide Show

  

 

I had two specific handspun yarns that I wanted to use for this project.  One traditionally spun yarn.  The other was my first attempt at an Art Yarn. And I was really looking for the opportunity to showcase this skein. 

 

This makes for an excellent Stash Buster project, as well as for unraveled, repurposed, and/or rescued yarns.  Silk ribbons and Braided Cordings.

 

I worked with two rescued yarns.  An old chenille yarn. And an even older [almost vintage] Linen yarn. 

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Warping Tutorial

 

 

I have tried to maintain a creative balance in my posts here, between providing Novices the instructions they need, and letting the more experienced weavers scroll on through in Overview Mode.  [The Slide Show option.] 

 

That said, the first series of photos in this post, is specific to warping up your circular knitting loom.

 

Below are two versions. 

 

The first being from a photo of the original warping; which, due to the choice of Crochet Thread, I doubled for strength and better stability.  

 

The second being a re-warping; for the purpose of this tutorial, using a cotton yarn simply for a more standard warping. [As Circle Weaving goes....]

 

For this project, I counted out the pegs [See Example #1 & Example #2] both to the Left and Right from the Center and Anchor Pegs.

 

Example #1

SPECIAL NOTE: For a larger view of individual photos:

Right Click on a photo and chose either
Open link in new tab --or-- Open link in new window

 

The warping is for 9 pegs; both Top and Bottom.

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Re-Warping Graphic Images

 

Same warping, same numbered pegs.

 

I'm providing both examples---

 

Example #1 has all the used [warped] pegs numbered.

 

Example #2 is more for knowing your width, and where you want to Tie On and Tie Off. 

 

Special Note: You may want your pouch narrower.

Or--- a different manufacturer might be a finer gauge of pegs;

and you may need to include more, i.e. 11 or 12 pegs--Top and Bottom.

 

Example #2



 

The wedge below, is the pattern I cut to determine the size of my finished project.

 

The small hair clips pictured, I use to mark overall size, along with start and stop points, i.e. where to Tie On and Tie Off, etc.

To start--- 

 

Tie On at peg L4

Run the Warp Thread down to the right side of peg R17

 

 

Run the Warp Thread around R17 and then back up to the left side of L3

 

Run the Warp Thread back down to the right side of R18 and then back up to L2

Keep it going,

 

 

and then Tie Off on peg L16

 

Below is a close up of the Intersecting Center Threads.

 

Turn your loom over now, to view of the back side.

 

At this point, cut a scrap piece of yarn to secure the Center Threads.

 

This is temporary, as it will be removed once your weaving is complete.

 

 

Tie a basic Square Knot.

 

You are now ready to weave.

 

This is a good place for the Bouillon Stitch [or Round]; to help even out the Warp Threads.

 

The next few graphics show the basic weave.

 

Think embroidery. Think: Stem Stitch; somewhat in reverse. 

Meaning, the stitch [though Stem Stitch in nature] 

progresses from the Right to the Left. 

 

 

First Row---

Second Row---

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Back to the Original Weaving 

 

From this point on, this will be more of an Overview of the project.

 

This is what I did.  The possibilities are endless.

 

 

What I call the Bouillon Round is 7 or 8 rows.

 

You can determine your own count, should you even choose to use this weave.

 

 

 

And, since the back is not going to be seen, there is no harm in simply running your Weft Thread--once you are at the end of the row--back to the start point.

 

Special Note: You CAN weave it back the opposite direction

--weave the 'return' row from Left to Right--but,

you will get an entirely different look. The Loops have a different lay to them.

 

Starting each row from the right though, gives a nice little pocket on the back side to run cut ends through.

 

Below is the weaving from the opposite side.

 

  

 

You can determine the shape and height you want.

 

 

 

 

Again, hair clips are also quite useful in temporarily securing cut ends.

 

 

I decided I wanted to experiment more with my custom-hammered hook and Pibiones Weaving.

One of my next blog posts with highlight more

of this technique---specific to Circle Weaving.

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL NOTE: I will edit in a link when I update the relevant [pending] blog post.

 

 

 

From this point on, I worked more Freeform; alternating Textures, Cording, Yarns and Threads, etc. 

 

 

 

 

 

My Worktable at HeartSong Studio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You will notice it was here in my weaving, that I decided to utilize the doubled warping for a finer weave. Just another advantage to doubling up on the warp---depending on the thread you use. 

 

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In the Home Stretch

 

(((YAY))) Well, weaving-wise, anyway.

 

There was a fair amount of work tucking and weaving in the ends.  And the cut ends of the decorative cordings needed to be whip-stitched into place.

  

 

But, I was at very least, ready to prep this piece for removing it from the loom.

 

 

Running a thread around the outer edge, and through the Warp Loops, helps to give you a little something more substantial to work with, in regards to creating a crocheted border.

 

 

 

Pinned together at the top edge [below], this was the time to audition how it would look---

 

Plus, I wanted to do a little Ribbon and Bead work prior to adhering the lining, and stitching up the sides.

 

 

 

 

 

Knowing this was going to hold cut flowers, I did not want stems poking through the weave. I say this, because I also see this for holding dried flowers.

 

I cut two pieces of craft felt and used a temporary spray adhesive [similar to how some Quilters use it to sandwich a quilt top and back with the batting], to hold the lining in place.

 

 

At this point, I was ready to whip stitch the sides.

 

 

 

 

One side stitched together---

 

 

Both sides stitched.

 

 

View of the felt lining, and pouch pocket.

 

 

 

I was now ready to crochet the finished edging.

 

 

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HEARTSONG STUDIO TIP:

 

But first--- this is a tip that I shared a little while back, on Facebook.

 

I use a Sleeve Pressing Board to help bring any given handwork up and off of the table top, and a little closer to view.

 

Since it is quite well used [it has suffered its share of scorch marks over the many years of use],

I cover it with decorative napkin.

 

Using this helps with the issues of my Back, and with the days when my vision is more blurred than others.  It also brings the work closer without needing to be entirely handheld; which can aggravate my Carpal Tunnel.

 

 

 

I used some old Necklace Hooks, that I had in my Findings Stash, to connect the hanger to the pouch.

 

 

 

 

I didn't have any floral oasis on hand at the time [I still don't!], but this old trick works in a pinch.

 

 

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Gallery

 

 

 

 

Click on the graphic to join me on Facebook!

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What's Next?

While I want to say, I need to think on that.... It will, in all likelihood, be a follow-up to this this post, as regards the Pibiones Weave.

That said, I also am considering a quick overview of the recent Paper Yarn that I spun for the Tour de Fleece.

 

What's the Wish List all About?

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Leave any questions you may have in the Comments.

Or Facebook Friends can Private Message me.

Follow me to my Facebook Community Page @ HeartSong Studio

Bye for now, and Blessings~

And Happy Weaving!