Doubleweave workshop, explorations with the knitters loom

The last 6 months have been a whirlwind of projects and explorations. January started with our Doubleweave workshop sampler . In this photo Laura Dymock is working her way through the sampler. We used a 4/8 combed cotton. Results were best if you chose strong contrasting colours so that one could see what occurred with the different treadling and colour sequencing. Most participants were really satisfied with the results and what they learned. We especially enjoyed the doubleweave pick up, a finger manipulated technique allowing you to create your own design. You too can do the sampler if you wish, during upcoming sessions. I've created the handouts so that you can work on your own and get instructor input as any uncertainties and questions come up.


Another part of the doubleweave sampler, the white horizontal columns were stuffed forming ribs. It might be useful for a rug technique for instance. The sample above it was called Quilting. This would be good for placemats for its density and sturdiness and decorative designs which you can create yourself.

Exploring Ashford's Knitting Loom














We have also fallen in love with Ashford's Knitters Loom, which I have mentioned in other blog posts. It's quite amazing how versatile it is and we explored the infinite range of possiblilites that we one can weave on this loom. Because of the excitement we all felt for this very cutest of new looms, I created a handout listing, explaining and illustrating the many weaving techniques you can use on this loom. Above, Kate work's on her first knitters loom project and is setting up on the left. On the right, a bunch of scarves she has sinced woven on her knitters loom, and has since done many more! Below, are 2 scarves woven on the knitters loom by Cheryl Yetman. Cheryl likes to make cowl type scarves and this black and white one is an example of this, here modeled by Marion Kirkwood. The scarf beside it is also one of Cheryl's scarves done on the knitters loom with a sock yarn (Footloose). So you can see that one can weave thick and novelty yarns as well as with fine yarns. Cheryl recently purchased an inexpensive part you can attach to the knitters loom to turn from a 2 shaft loom into a 4 shaft loom so that means one can weave many more patterns than those that only 2 shafts can give you. It requires a 2nd rigid heddle to make this work.














Lastly, a triangluar shawl made on a triangular loom by Kate Kitchen, modeled for us by Maureen Krinicic. The colours of spring and the garden!

There are many more pictures to share with you from these last 6 months of weaving together, so stay posted and next week I'll continue reporting live from my studio on your many wonderful projects.