Learning to Weave and Making 2015 Christmas Gifts

My family knows that, from the time I was a little girl, I've wanted to learn to quilt, spin yarn, and weave cloth. I watched costumed women do these things at our local Fort Des Chartres Rendezvous and I thought, "how cool it is to create cloth." I put these things on hold to go to school, get married, have a career, and raise a family...I think most of you can identify.  Well, I'm here to tell you that it's never too late to learn a new skill and I'm very lucky that there are many women in this area that share my interests.

A few years ago, in preparation for retirement, I purchased a spinning wheel and started to take lessons from Jennifer Marchal's mom - but she lived too far away to make it convenient for many lessons...so I waited.  I also purchased two big looms - one for cloth and one for rugs - I got a bargain from someone who wanted to really get rid of theirs. But right now, they are too big for our house. I didn't want to wait again so I purchased a small table loom to learn on - I'm so glad I did!

I joined two groups here in Houghton - a quilting group and a weaving group. And I learned that several of the weavers also spin their own wool thread and one lady, Jeanne, is willing to teach me!  I'm in HEAVEN!  Here is what I've been working on. 

Setting up the loom warp - I helped a lady with threading her loom so I could learn how to set up mine.  It actually takes math...and accuracy!

After I threaded the warp in beige and tied it off to the front beam, I rolled up the excess thread until I need it- around heavy paper - I had lots of Martha Stewart Living Magazines...so I used the covers for my roll.

The first rows of the weave are called the header - it is to even out the threads.  Then you add your weft one row at a time.  This is going to be a scarf - 12" wide and 90" long...variegated beige and brown.

Until I am experienced at spinning, I'm sticking with store bought yarn - solid color warp, variegated weft!

I highly suggest learning new skills.  Trial and error is good for the soul! It took me three tries to thread my loom correctly - but I finally succeeded!  I hope that you all achieve your personal goals in life!

Do not stop sculpting you own statue.
                                                  -Plotinus