Three chenille scarves. They seemed sort of popular last year, so I've done up three warps and have finished one and a half. Actually more than that. I have been having a hard time finding the time to weave (she says blogging, but the kids are still asleep and banging on my loom might wake them up, so right now doesn't count) so yesterday, I brought my loom to market. Have I told you lately how much I love my loom? I love my loom. It is a good size and easily transportable. I managed to weave a scarf and a half yesterday, as well as demonstrate to many folks who came through. Educate them a little bit as to why my scarves are priced the way that they are. Which , I've been told is too low. Pricing is a funny dance. Shifting between what a product is worth, and what the market will bear. As I have often said, if I was selling in Toronto or New York, my prices would be higher. But I'm not.
I love my loom. However, I cannot weave anything wider than 17 inches. Luckily, I now have access to other looms. Larger looms, Multi-harness looms. So now I am weaving a few shawls. The first one came off early last week. I know that this is not the greatest picture. Unfringed, unwashed, wrinkly, but at least you get the picture. I did all of the finishing over the last few days and clipped my ends at the table yesterday. The colour in the picture is a little off, though. It is really more purple than blue.
I am about half way through the second shawl that has been sett a bit tighter for a twill. The threading is a rose path, which, when treadled in a reversing twill gives tiny diamonds. Very pretty. I need to get more silk warps dyed and woven off before the end of November. Busy times ahead.
And about those greasy alpacas.... They didn't actually let me get close enough to touch them. But their coats looked like a long haired teddy bear that had been through the wash a few too many times. And the tips of the clumps had a bit of a sheen to it, as if it was greasy. So maybe they just LOOKED greasy, but were really just a bit damp because of the recent rain? Who knows. My experience with farm animals has been pretty much limited to cows. And the sleek holstein kind. No coat mystery there.
In any case, until next time...
6 comments:
If you send me your snail mail addy, I'll send you a couple ounces of raw alpaca (such was in my post a week or so ago). It'll have to come across the border, but will come discreetly.
just make a comment on my blog...it'll come to my email and I'll email you back for your addy
Oh...and your weaving is lovely. What kind of loom are you waxing poetic about that weaves 17"?
The shawl is so pretty. I am just in awe of your weaving.
Great shawls. A-ha! Maybe you can help me with my dilemma! I purchased a fantastic variegated rayon chenille and I am stuggling with a weaving structure that will best showcase it. My big question though is how much does that stuff shrink? Is it really 10%? I'm trying to plan a project and use what I have. Thank you.
Lovely scarves. I think chenille is dreamy.
Those alpacas were probably damp. Grease isn't usually the problem but the fleece can be very dusty!
Maybe it was suri alpaca? The suri fleece is a lot longer, curlier and shinier than hucaya.. but neither should be greasy at all.
I also think alpaca yarn/fleece is just overrated and overpriced (and I do own alpacs).. but I've never found many good uses for the yarn. Too drapey and no elastic so it's not much good for anything other than shawls, mittens or hats. Unless maybe if it's blended with some wool or silk.. then we've got a whole 'nother thing goin on. But a pure alpaca sweater would be much to warm for me to wear.. just my two cents *grin*
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