Rigid Heddle Project

I've had a linen warp on my rigid heddle (Ashford) and thought that I'd like to try to use some Axminster rug wool from Texere, which I've been using to crochet cushions, to make a throw for a favourite chair. I used a plain weave with 4 picks of each weft colour to reduce the impact of the warp. I am happy with the colour combination and the finish and also have enjoyed weaving on a portable loom when the winter light has meant that spending time weaving on my floor loom has been limited. 

 

In search of some inspiration and because the cafe has the best scones ever, yesterday I went to the Harley Gallery near Worksop to see an exhibition of tapestry by Jilly Edwards. The work is based on journeys through the landscape and consists of panels, strips and pieces that are installed in their own exhibition cases. I like the way that these small samples become focussed and precious.

 Photos by author, tapestries by Jilly Edwards

The thing that struck me most was that she had abstracted the aspects of the landscape that interested her and had used these to create blocks and slashes of colour and texture, sometimes using text, but all evoking and suggesting the subject not merely representing. This is something I am struggling with in my own sketchbook work. Fortunately, Jilly was on hand to answer my questions. I came away from the exhibition, not only inspired but also armed with some helpful advice. 

Folds and Pleats

Well this is the thing, my blog has been neglected for far too long and so I am starting my New Year's resolution today. I am currently completing the 'Skin' project and am working on a folded/wrinkled sample. This is woven on a double cloth warp with the top warp in stable plied linen, the bottom is high twist. I have woven loose pleats and have then altered to tension of the top layer to achieve distortion and bubbles in the folds. To alter the tension, I've used a high tech implement - a pencil and masking tape - which seems to work well, even though it is tricky to weave. I am happy with the results on the loom; the next step is to cut it off and to steam the sample to see if this tensions up the folds. Watch this space!

frei-tag lab's birthday

frei-tag lab is born today  


frei-tag - Friday
Friday - O.E. frigedæg "Frigga's day," from Frige, gen. of Frig , Germanic goddess of married love
frei-tag - 'free day'


lab - abbreviation of laboratoy
laboratory - c.1600, "building set apart for scientific experiments," from M.L. laboratorium "a place for labor or work," from L. laboratus, pp. of laborare "to work"


frei-tag lab is intended as a 'show and tell' space for experiments in crafting and making. 


frei-tag lab will be updated every Friday with work from during the week.


frei-tag lab is speculative. Hopefully, some experiments will work, others are likely to fail. Here's hoping that some of the failures are spectacular!