Weavers and Spinners's topics - tribe.net

New member, lots of questions!

2008-03-10T22:39:21Z

Hello,

I had a dream last night that I was weaving, and now I feel inspired to learn! Does anyone have any recommendations of where to start? Any interesting websites or inspiring books? Classes (I live in Vancouver, BC)?

Thanks for your help

Fin

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 3 replies

Idea for New Project - Alpaca Wrap

2008-02-01T17:25:36Z

Just finished reading the "Warp for Handspun" posting, and it gave me an idea.

I have a *lot* of very fine gauge alpaca yarn that I was lucky enough to get in bulk skeins, and was just struck with the idea of a "plaid" patterned wrap/scarf. I have the yarn in natural colors, dark charcoal, pewter grey, and warm tan. Maybe 15" wide (since that's as wide as I can do on my Schacht "Flip" rigid heddle loom) and oh, say 96" long? I like to bundle up well in a wrap.

What is a good pattern to follow, and where can I find one? And how much warp will I need, and, since I don't have one of those fancy warp-measuring thingies, should I just use a yard stick?

(Can you tell I'm just starting out?)

Looks like I've got my work cut out for me.

~A

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 3 replies

New member intro, and plea for help

2008-01-30T00:57:54Z

Hi, just joined the weavers & spinners tribe. Very excited.

I've been knitting for 4 years now, self re-taught after Grandma tried years ago and couldn't get it to stick. Just picked up spinning in the last year or so and rushed right out and ordered and put together my first Ashford Traditional *sigh*, and have just this autumn started my affair with weaving. I try to knit projects for friends between going to college and being a dedicated punk-rock, Susie-homemaker-wannabe for my boyfriend of almost 2 years (I refuse to knit him a sweater until I've got a ring on my finger, and he probably wouldn't wear one if I knit it, anyway. He's all tough-looking, but thinks Lamb's Pride or even some of Rowan's merino blends too scratchy to wear. *grin* I think I'll keep him.)

Now my conundrum:
I've never scoured a fleece before. I purchased a gorgeous chocolate brown romney/corriedale(?) fleece in September, as well as a chocolatey alpaca fleece, and have been terrified to scour them for fear that I will felt them. They are so beautiful, I would weep bitterly if they were ruined. I have some great scour soap that I purchased at the event where I found the fleece. The lady that sold the scour to me looked at a staple of my fleece, said it didn't have much grease, and to just try to do it in my bath tub, separating the fleece into small sections and place them in lingerie bags.

Any advice? I think I need encouragement more than anything, I just hate to have that fleece sit and not do anything with it. I can hear it whispering to me at night "... A sweater. A lovely, long-sleeved, boatneck sweater... Make me into a sweater..."

Any advice will be much appreciated!

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 5 replies

Finally bragging about Day Glo Weave

2008-01-11T02:35:35Z

I worked on this dress and I have finally posted images with weavers and spinners.
She took one hour to weave/fringe one inch of fabric.
A day to warp and dress the loom.
120 inches to make the dress done in less than two weeks.
A day to sew her together.
and then..................
She won first place in Surface Design's Transgressions and Transformation Fashion Show 2007!
I'm very proud of her and wanted to share her with you.
Enjoy!

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 3 replies

Schacht Might Wolf for sale

2008-01-08T22:18:23Z

Moving out of state and need to sell. Live in Sherman Oaks. Call with questions 818-523-4303 - Deborah

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 1 reply

new to tribe,

2008-01-08T22:15:26Z

Hi there,

I just joined tribe, by invitation. Searching for a tribe, I found this one. I'm a very experineced spinner, a good 20 years, with many hundreds of hours, and miles and miles of spinning! I also own a fiber processing mill in California.

My latest weaving project is a little piece of fabic in plain weave 100 % organic, handspun cotton! It is about 13" wide, and ten feet long. I think it will be enough to make myself a short sleaved blouse. That is the plan. My ongoing spinning project is morrit merino in four shades, from creamy oatmeal, through dark chocolate. I'm plying to get two inbetween shades, between each solid shade, for a total of at least ten shades. I'm not sure what I'll make with the fabric I plan to weave with these yarns. This is a long term project, of four full fleeces. The three ply yarn is a sports weight.

I like to hear about projects by other spinners and weavers.

Janet

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 1 reply

Berkeley Farmer's Market

2008-01-08T22:14:24Z

Hi All,
Just wanted to remind all that this Saturday is the last day of the Berkeley Farmer's Market Holiday Craft Show. I will have natual and dyed spinning fiber, hand spun and commercially spun natural and hand dyed yarn, and handmade clothing accessories. If you are in the area, I hope to see you there. It is at Civic Center Park, MLK & Center street, from 10-4.
Happy Holidays!
Sabrina

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 1 reply

Warping Loom

2007-10-30T01:41:36Z

I just picked up a used one and have no idea how to use it.
Do I do the under/over at each end?
Does one end go on the back beam and one end on the front beam?
Thanks.

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 0 replies

Alternative yarn/fiber

2007-10-28T19:03:11Z

I'm new to spinning, as a matter of fact I have no idea how to do it! I'd love to learn, but my motivation is that I'm really into recycling and I want to reuse/reclaim everything that I own and find. I found this link yesterday and thought that it was amazing:

http://www.dezeen.com/2007/10/21/yarn-from-old-newspapers-by-greetje-van-tiem/#more-6075

I'd love to know how to do this, and how to spin things like dryer lint, etc. I've read that just about anything can be spun and used as yarn. I'm sure that most people would say that I shouldn't undertake something so ambitious for my first spinning, and I understand that. I plan to get one of those little hand looms and use that to learn how to spin (finances aren't such that I can just go out and buy a spinning wheel).

So, my question is thus: do any of you spin alternative yarns using unique fibers or things like newspaper or dryer lint? How is it done? Also, do you recommend a website for learning how to spin. something that would have extremely detailed instructions and perhaps video as well...so that I could learn? I was an astro-physics major in college, and I'm a very quick learner, so I'm not intimidated by the challenge at all.

Thank youkindly for your time.

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 0 replies

I'm a newbie

2007-09-04T13:45:49Z

Hi, I just joined this tribe to get a little more info. I learned how to spin in 2005, but didn't do too much cause I had a very heavy beginner spindle and difficult fleece to work with. Then this June, I made a CD spindle and got some Merino roving and that was it. I took off like the wind! I then bought a used Ashford Kiwi in early July. I made myself 4 spindles, a CD spindle, a small lace spindle, a bottom whorl and one that looks like an akha. I spun and plied my dog's fur with silk and intend on using it to make at least part of a shawl. I'm also spinning suri alpaca the same color as the dog's fur to use it in the shawl. If I wanted to use only "chiengora" it would take me years since I have Shih Tzus and they don't really shed much.
Isiris

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 2 replies

Rigid Heddle Weaving

2007-08-30T04:16:34Z

I just got a rigid heddle loom and am already wanting to try different weave structures. Any suggestions? Is there any way I could duplicate a denim type twill or some of the more complex structures(honeycomb, M&O) on the rigid heddle? My budget, and space, prevents me from getting a 4 harness loom.

Thanks in advance!

Becky

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 3 replies

whats the best type of loom for weaving denim

2007-08-29T06:54:19Z

Whats the best type of loom for weaving denim.
Needs to be able to do 36" wide cloth.

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 1 reply

Beginner scarves

2007-07-12T19:54:14Z

I posted a couple of photos in this tribe of the scarves I've made in the last week or so. I took the one off the loom last night and finished knotting it this morning. I've got enough of the Ci Ci to make another scarf (narrower) which I've already got an order for. I have to tell myself to stay out of Hobby Lobby, where the same yarn is on clearance. I've got so much yarn that reducing the stash by two small skeins is hardly a dent. I must repeat, that all of my work will be one of a kind! (Ok, except for those in UofL or UK colors.)

I thought the whte in the warp was too busy, but the end result turned out to be a tweed sort of look. I know tastes vary, but I would love some feedback on length and width for the fashion concious. Thick and bulky v. thin?

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 0 replies

New Weaver ... question about scarves

2007-06-08T12:49:36Z

A friend who just learned to weave last Fall, drug me to the Little Loom House, close to home here in Louisville, KY, and demanded I give it a try. I started with an empty loom and wove two scarves over vacation this Spring. I recently bought a used, rigid heddle loom. Watching me warp the thing could cause some of you to literally roll on the floor laughing. The Dazzle yarn would have done it for sure! That was language unbecoming of a lady. For those too young to have ever seen it, Dazzle or Dazzleaire was an incredibly soft, poor man's mohair.

What I'm wondering is what weight yarn do you reccommend to use to warp the loom for a scarf? I bought some Paton's Ci Ci (black/white/gray) and am going to warp the loom in black/white/gray. My question is which would be a more appropriate weight to use for warp for a scarf Red Heart Sport or Caron Simply Soft? I expect to have to use some sports weight yarn on the shuttle with the Ci Ci.

I've been crocheting since Jan., 1977, and knitting since December, 2005. My yarn stash might eventually get a dent in it. For the record, I'm not one of those beginners who goes out and buys expensive yarn and the best equipment because nothing else will do. I know the rigid heddle loom is limiting, but if I want lace, I'll crochet it. (Sorry, that's my knitting attitude.) I'll leave the four harness looms to those with more time and floor space.

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 0 replies

cotton spinning workshop in L.A. area

2007-05-08T00:45:21Z

Hi all, I'm posting this to some of the tribes where I think there may be spinners who are interested in learning to spin cotton on a charka wheel that I am hosting a charka spinning workshop at my home on June 21 in Newbury Park, with Eileen Hallman. If you are interested please message me asap, as I'll be leaving for Europe in 2 weeks. We still have 5 spaces available for students.

thanks! Elizabeth

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 0 replies

Hello! I'm new...

2007-04-19T23:18:49Z

I'm new and actually not doing any weaving right now (I have an inkle loom and am looking for a floor loom but I work the Renaissance Pleasure Faire here in Southern CA and so have no spare time), and I can't get the hang of spinning. But I know people who do so we trade off and they spin any rovings for me and I knit, sew, or whatever for them. Just wanted to say "Hi" and all...

~Andrea

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 8 replies

Wool Rovings in Miami

2007-02-01T21:33:05Z

Anyone know where to purchase wool rovings in FLL or MIA area?
I am here and need a project, please.......any weaving or spinning store?

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 0 replies

Charkas (book charkas specifically)

2007-01-29T02:01:18Z

I just ordered a book charka. I'm not new to spinning, but have never used one of these. I currently spin on castle style wheel and hand spindles. I have spun cotton through both of these methods, so I know how frustrating it can be as a short fiber. If anyone has or has used a charka, any beginning tips, pitfalls would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks! =)

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 4 replies

warp for handspun

2007-01-28T22:54:16Z

HI there!

Well, we all survived the Great Austin Ice Storm of '07. Whew. Anywhere else it would have been no big deal, but down here... watch out!
I've decided to weave a blanket from all this relatively random handspun yarn I've accumulated while I've been learning, and I'm searching for the right warp. I tend to be a bit rough on the warp, but it needs to be something that will be soft when it's finished. What I'm thinking is to put up a longish single color warp (I'm thinking a natural dark brown/black or off white) and then use all this crazy stuff as weft. Probably wool or alpaca. Silk is probably too expensive? I've never woven Alpaca, it may be too slippery. Any suggestions? I just finished a sweater out of a worsted weight alpaca/wool (Ultra Alpaca by Berrocco) and it's lovely stuff. Maybe something similar? Any thoughts here?
marie

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 4 replies

Carding wool

2007-01-18T18:31:33Z

I have a friend who is interested in learning to card wool. She wants to take up a craft, but cannot see very well right now, and she thinks that's something she could handle. Since I've just started to learn spinning, I fully support her!

Does anyone have any advice on books, learning resources and equipment I could pass on to her? I have only a few pages in a handspinning book to give to her, and I'm sure she would prefer more info. Thanks!

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 2 replies

spinning merino

2006-12-22T23:27:13Z

HI all!

Been a long time, but I'm still here. And I have a question.

I fell in love with this spongy merino roving at a local fiber fair. Its just so.. springy! But I can't figure out how to get a decent yarn out of it... because of the springyness, actually. It's like it unspins itself. I'm trying to spin as fine as I can, but it's hard. And there are these little nubby things in it, I'm not sure what they are? part of the fleece? or second cuts? They're really small. But part of the reason it's hard to spin fine. Any words of advice??
marie

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 5 replies

Overspun Yarn?

2006-12-06T19:03:10Z

Is there anything you can do about overspun yarn? I have a tendency to overtwist nearly everything I spin on my wheel- my feet just go faster than I can draft. I end up with nice, tightly-twisted yarn but it is sometimes overspun and "kinks" when I am trying to knit it. Any suggestions?

Shansu

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 6 replies

what are you doing?

2006-08-02T00:46:36Z

It's been a while since checking in...what are your doing on your looms? wheels? needles?

I just went to the guild meeting this morning and we had the California Rags lady, she was interesting as usual. I was surprised when I got to touch the sample garments at how soft and pliable they were, because I thought they would be kind of stiff. She had taken rayon sarongs and cut them up and wove them which I thought were quite nice. My only negative thought was that a lot of her clothes looked dated.

I am mostly spinning slubby yarns that I dye as roving, and weaving them into belly dance costume parts. Also, I'm busy knitting some angora fingerless gloves with fiber from my bunnies.

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 47 replies

dressing looms

2006-08-01T18:28:46Z

I am a new weaver and am setting up a borrowed 60" LeClerc loom to learn to weave. Would any weavers around here in the Bay Area like to help show me how to dress a loom. I'm reading about it in books and feel I'd learn so much better actually doing the process with someone who knows. I'd be happy to come over and help you dress your loom just so I can get some exposure to the process. Any other advice for beginners?

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 2 replies

suri alpaca

2006-07-11T15:55:09Z

Has anyone spun suri alpaca? I've been obsessing over huacaya and just got a baby fleece, but the farm also has a couple suris and I got a sample of their fleece. Super soft and about 7" staple. Any hints as to fiber prep, spinning etc? I've been enjoying spinning the huacaya raw from the fold but the suri seems a little long for that. Can you flick the tips and spin from the locks or do you have to comb it? Can you card it? I don't have too much to play with so I'd love a little advice before diving in.

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 3 replies

spinning silk

2006-07-10T02:25:39Z

Yo-

So, I came across this leeetle bag of colorful tufts of stuff. It
said 'acid dyed silk' on the outside and $2.25. I think Mom gave it
to me sometime in the late 70's. and it sort of got stuck to my stuff
and has followed me around all these years. Sort of like finding $20
in an old coat. I think it was waiting for me to learn to spin,
which I now have. So I'm spinning it. and have a question or two.
Some of the bits are very smooth and well, silky. Some are rougher,
still with that silky sheen, but they have more the texture of
slightly abused fiber. Are these two different types of silk? Or was
some of it just more abused when it was dyed. Or some sort of
degradation from being carted around for so long???
Anyone know?

It's quite pretty by the way, and wil probably make a skein or two
of yarn. Wonder what I'll make :)

marie

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 1 reply

Woad vat anyone?

2006-06-24T05:52:39Z

Hey all, I need to dye some wool yarn woad blue. But, looking at the instructions, I felt a bit daunted. Anybody in the LA area got a vat going? Want to get one going? We could set one up here at the LA EcoVillage and keep it going indefinitely.
Looking for a woad dye buddy.......

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 2 replies

Fishnet Beaded Shawl..... ?

2006-04-16T04:13:28Z

Hi there ladies!!!! I'm curious if anyone know any free patterns on how to make one of these...:
http://www.gothiclace.com/gothiclacestore/storepix/shawls/infopages/BeadedFshntInfo.htm

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 0 replies

northwest pioneer loom help

2006-02-26T17:12:43Z

Hi,
I just found this site and joined your tribe. Very excited to be in touch with other weavers/spinners. Does anyone have a Pioneer table loom? I just bought one over the weekend and it came with stand and treadles, but I'm having trouble figuring out how to set up the wires attached to the lamms to the harnesses. Any tips? Thanks!
Kim

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 3 replies

selling my hand spun yarns

2006-02-07T04:33:15Z

Hi everyone .
At Modern Gypsy dance studio we have decided to have a room dedicated to fibers and handspun yarns I have been spinning for the last 25 years and have accumulated a nice assortment of yarns all natural fibers .
Ayse and I sit and spin in between classes and massages so we are also hosting a tuesday 4 oclock spin in .Please come and spin with us and if you would like to learn to spin we can teach that as well....

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 14 replies

finally, pix!

2006-02-06T22:17:46Z

Hi,
I'm finally back with all my pictures and managed to put them up on my tribe profile...
marie

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 4 replies

new here

2006-02-03T00:56:26Z

Hello,
I just joined this tribe, and figured I would say hello and introduce myself a lil. My name is Liz. I'm a stay at home mom with 2 kids and I just learned how to spin with a drop spindle just before winter started. Already I'm addicted to it and getting my first wheel soon.

Liz

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 1 reply

spin at Modern Gypsy on tuesdays at 4 till 6

2006-02-02T14:02:57Z

Everyone is invited to come and spin at the studio or finish ufo's.We will be starting an afternoon spin in so please come and enjoy the atmosphere.we would love to have you all ....

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 3 replies

textile exhibit in the new de young is amazing!!

2006-01-24T05:39:41Z

I just went on sat and checked out the textiles exhibit at the newly remodeled de young and I almost peed my pants it was sooo good. Even my blah boyfriend liked it. They have some amazing weavings, lots of tapestrys from 1800, many gowns from 1700- 1950's.
I saw this gorgeous kimono from 1880, i must have stared at it for an hour.
If you can get to SF to see it, I totally recommend it!!

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 1 reply

pre made warps

2006-01-20T17:45:50Z

ok so I just finished the piece with the pre measured "Elizabeth Serbell" warp and I seem to remember that her assistant said something about putting it in water and then the dryer. Has anyone done this? I'm afraid of felting the fringe.

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 0 replies

London crafternoon!

2006-01-19T02:25:24Z

I am looking for a London based person who can teach me how to spin & weave. In return I am happy to teach you any craft related things I know e.g wet felting or how to make anything from my website www.ruby-rouge.co.uk.

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 1 reply

warping an old loom

2006-01-19T02:23:24Z

Hi there,

I've just dug up my old loom from the shed. It's a 22" Leclerc floor loom (Jack) that I got in 1979 (!). It's been unused for at least a decade if not a few more years. It's surprisingly clean, but the metal reed is a bit tarnished feeling, as are the metal heddles. It's been years since I wove, and some of the bits of information aren't as clear as I'd like them to be.

I'd like to warp it initially with something that I can wash, and that can do double duty as a means to refresh my skills and also clean up the loom a bit. And I have a sizable stash of yarns to work with, both wools (mostly knitting yarns) and linen and cotton. I need something strong for the warp, right? If I grab the yarn about a foot apart with each hand and give it a good yank and it breaks, I'm assuming that means it's not strong enough for warp, is that correct? I have some 8/2 natural linen that would work, and I might just go with it. But it would be fun to put in something else. Most everything else is a cotton or very fine linen and breaks when I yank on it, or just a heavy rug warp which I don't want just now. I figure I'll make some towels or placemats or something. Just to get the juices going again.

Any words of advice?

marie

ps the amazing and somewhat scary thing is that I discovered a stash of old yarn stored with it. This stuff has been sitting in the shed in the Texas heat -- and most of it looks as good as new. Go figure. As if I need more yarn!

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 7 replies

Drafts

2006-01-17T14:43:15Z

Hello fellow weavers:
i'm Neil, and I've recently lost interest in weaving. Lately, I've been weaving chair covers based on Laura Fry's "Canadian Snowflake" pattern. Problem is I've made 6 items based on this design.
I need some new threading drafts. My library has none...
Handweaving.net site has lots of patterns but I can't find infro on sett, there.
If anyone would be kind enough to send me some drafts for anything between 2-8 shafts, I would be greatful!
One of my 'not too long in the future' projects will be weaving with 30# copper wire. Anyone got any helpful hints with that?

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 1 reply

junky fibers

2006-01-11T18:49:49Z

Does anyone else end up with horrible junky wool and then feel obligated to spin it? I have lots of beautiful fleeces and rovings but I still feel compelled to spin whatever I run across. It's silly, I know. Does anyone have any ideas for projects to use up the less-than-perfect wool in a stash?

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 12 replies

A few beginner questions

2006-01-10T20:16:09Z

A while back I had asked if anyone might be able to teach me to spin, and several people replyed, which was soooo nice. But due to timing and transportation, I couldn't make it happen. So I got a basic book and started teaching myself with a drop spindle.
Right now I have just worked with a very soft superwash merino. And most importantly, I'm having fun.

But, I had a few questions that weren't really covered in the book...

First; Is there a trick beyond practice to get a smoother roll to make the spindle spin longer?

Second; Sometimes my hand gets tired, so I just spin the spindle with my fingers. Is this ok to do?

Third; How do you choose fibers? The superwash merino is so soft and pretty, but I kind of feel like there's no art to spinning it, it practically spins itself. So what attracts you to certain kinds of fibers and how can I tell what might be good for a beginner like me?

Fourth; Are there any books that are particularly well liked? The book I have is "Spin It; Making Yarn From Scratch". It seems easy to understand, but also very basic. I've ordered "Handspun Revolution" and am anxious to see it. Anyone have this book and whats the take on it?

and Fifth; I steamed my first spindle full of yarn, holding it between two hangers over the tea kettle, which seemed to work really well, but also made the yarn stretch quite a bit. Is that bad? Is washing better for any reason? I thought the steaming was a lot easier than washing, but I'd love some feedback.

So I hope thats not too many questions...

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 4 replies

Where to get a wheel

2005-11-28T05:50:24Z

HI

I'm just learning to spin and am really enjoying it... now I need a wheel. Any recommendations on a wheel, and where to get it? I'm currently in Palo Alto California (SF Bay Area) but live permanently in Austin, Texas. I've been learning on this wonderful old metal wheel... it's such a nice bit of mid-century minimalism! Thanks...marie

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 15 replies

ergonomics

2005-11-21T06:41:43Z

Hi

So I'm going in to Carolina Handspun next week when they get back from SOAR. I've looked at their website, sure have a lot of wheels on the site. I also noticed that they have a metal one that is similar to the one I've been learning on, it's called the Columbine.

Thanks for all the input so far!

marie

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 6 replies

Plying yarn

2005-11-02T20:50:12Z

Hi
I'm just learning to spin and can now produce a pretty consistant and nice single ply. But I'm having trouble with plying. The plied yarn looks more like two single plys twisted together and less like 2 ply yarn, if you get my drift. It's somehow not really integrated looking. Is this a factor of my slightly overspun yarn, or something about how I'm plying? I'm plying from both ends, so one ply is twisted one way and one the other. I spin with the wheel going clockwise and one counterclockwise.
I haven't sat down yea tnd tried to figure out what happens if you ply both yarns twisiting in the same direction, and if it then makes any difference if they're plying the same way they were spun, or not.
Or does all this make your head spin???
marie

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 2 replies

Fiber Festival in Torrance, CA

2005-10-26T18:22:02Z

Fiber Festival
Sunday, November 6, 2005 more on this date
10:00 - 4 pm
Torrance Cultural Arts Center
3350 Civic Center Drive
Torrance, CA 90503
www.schg.org/festival/

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 0 replies

help shearing rabbits

2005-10-25T19:09:15Z

Hi I need help shearing my angora rabbits. I have a buldging disk in my back and this is making it near impossible for me to shear them. The procces is very much like cutting hair. I am in Oakland Ca, if anyone is interested in helping me out please message me. I will be posting this message in my other tribes also.

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 1 reply

Saff Fair in N.C.

2005-10-18T01:40:39Z

Is any body going to the saff fair outside of asheville N.C.? ..I am wanting to rent a little bit of someone's booth there so that I can sell some thing's that I have made ..it is not very inportant.. I would also like to trade some stuff if any body is going to to be there that has some stuff ..I am looking for a small shuttel with bobben's a bigger loom ,spinning wheel .or yarn .a niddy noddy ..otherwise weaveing stuff in general ..I have Llama wool, Hand spun yarn and small rug's ....Or if you are not going to that fair but want to trade something for weaveing stuff .let me know..thank's .. Chipper Parisa ....

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 0 replies

Setting Natural Dye's

2005-10-11T23:58:01Z

...What can I use to set natural dye's ?..I am dyeing Llama fur with poke berry's ..I want it to still be natural ..or at least something I can get from the grocery store ..Can I use queen ann's lace flower ..thank's for your help friend's ..Chipper Parisa ...

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 14 replies

another dye question: using vegetable dyes on cotton

2005-10-03T05:48:31Z

Has anyone been successful using vegetable dyes on cotton? I've been growing backyard cotton (Los Angeles are) for a couple of years now and have found that most (or really all) of the dye plants I use on wool do not work on cotton. So far it seems that indigo and maddar are the most widely used - which covers blue and red - but I haven't found a useable yellow.

I'm using my old stand-by Ida Gray book to start making sense of the mordanting.

Thank you in advance - Jamie

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 9 replies

Old School/New School

2005-08-24T23:47:50Z

...Hay...
Is that stuff that Our friend's eat
I am mabey going to buy a spinning wheel, most likely off of
E-bay, Should I get an old big one that is very impressive or should I get a standerd lov-it ..I am mabey going to do demo's with it but I may be liveing in my V-Dub bus..Mabey I'll get a drop spindle to hold me over..Any good Ideas on spinning with cat fur ..I am thinking about mixing it with alpaca ??

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 11 replies

Rug weaving

2005-08-05T04:50:51Z

I need a bit of rug weaving advice. I just spun up some karakul for weft and want to weave a rug. What epi do you usually set rugs at? I know to beat extra hard. I have a sturdy Schacht floor loom not a rug loom. Do you think that is a good loom for weaving a rug? Is it strong enough?
Any thoughts are appreciated!
thanks, Elizabeth

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 3 replies

Someone to Teach me to Spin..

2005-07-13T05:47:00Z

Is there someone in the L.A. Hollywood/North Hollywood, or there abouts area, and I am willing to travel a little bit, out there who could teach me to spin?

I have taken a class years ago, but was too much information, and not enough information about where to get the roving back then, so I let this info kinda go. So I'm not a total beginner, plus I'm a really quick learner anyway.

I'd really like someone to spend a couple hours with me and give me the low down on the different kinds of fibers, where to get them, how to work them, etc. I just want to make some yarn, not raise the sheep, shear them or process their fleeces. Know what I mean? The class I took before was more about the process of being a whole kit and caboodle kind of crafts person. I live in an apartment, no sheep allowed!

namaste,
Ziza

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 4 replies

Macrame'/Weaving-What I Did For A Loom-Marta

2005-06-27T22:40:50Z

Hello Everyone;

I posted a while ago about finding a loom for macrame'-well, I finally got some dowels at a craft shop. The nails weren't strong enought to make a loom with them, so I just used one dowel, and am now using an emboidery hoop as a sort of loom/holder for a larger piece than the dowel will hold. I will probably get a small loom I finally found at a craft shop eventually, but so far, so good...

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 0 replies

Organic Hemp

2005-06-17T05:25:54Z

Hey folks,

I'm looking for an organic/fair trade source for hemp fibers. Anyone have any recomendations?

Oh and I just got a Louet S-10 *big smiles* SOOOOO much faster then my little drop spindle!

-Kathe

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 3 replies

New ART Images!

2005-05-21T17:46:30Z

Hey everyone
I posted about 10 new images of my recent artwork to my tribe profile.
If you have a moment to check it out, please post any questions/comments/feedback.
thanks

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 0 replies

WANTED: inexpensive loom

2005-05-20T00:13:52Z

Hey everyone,
I'm sure this is an unreasonable request,
but I'm looking to purchase a floor loom, preferably 45" plus.
I need 8 or 10 harnesses, and prefer Macombre, but will also accept Gillmore.
I don't need this loom untill next spring,
so if anyone's cleaning out their studio in the SF bay between now and then,
keep me in mind.
I'd really prefer to spend as little as possible, say a few hundred dollars.
I know that sounds crazy, but you never know, just thought I'd put that out there in case...
thanks

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 1 reply

Help choosing a rigid heddle loom!!

2005-05-11T17:17:55Z

Hey All!

I'm buying my first rigid heddle loom and I need some educated opinions- should I get the Schacht 25" or the Ashford 32"? Certainly the 32" would be nice as I can weave wider widths, but how is it in terms of ease of use? Any comparisons between the two brands? Any help would be greatly appreciated as I need to buy the loom ASAP!!

Thanks so much!
Melissa

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 3 replies

HELP! HELP! HELP!

2005-02-18T18:02:18Z

I can't even call myself a novice. I bought at a local garage sale a large loom that even has a piece that is already woven and still attached to the loom. But everything is just in pieces....I have no idea how the loom should even look!! But I just couldn't pass it up because one thing I have ALWAYS wanted to do is to weave, and eventually learn how to dye my wool, card it, etc.

Does anyone want to take on helping me or point me in the right direction? I hope someone has good suggestions/ideas.

Thanks!

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 4 replies

umbrella swift

2005-02-16T04:05:55Z

Ok so when I bought my loom, the woman also gave me an umbrella swift. I only know the name because I looked on the world knit website.
Ok so what do I do with it, and if I wanted to sell it what is a good price?
Should I even sell it?

thanks

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 3 replies

Southern California Conference

2005-02-03T02:53:48Z

So is anyone else going to the Conference down in San Diego county in March? I'm very excited, there are going to be such amazing teachers there.
Elizabeth

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 9 replies

guild meeting

2004-09-06T06:19:30Z

Hi all! I just wanted to let you know that the Ventura Guild is having an open house on September 25 we will be demoing all kinds of fiber arts. I will bring my charka wheel (I guess I better practice) and spinning cotton. Our website is www.venturaweaveandspin.homestead.com if you want directions and details.
happy spinning & weaving!
Elizabeth

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 0 replies

county fairs

2004-08-11T20:00:22Z

Is anyone else entering items in local county fairs? Our guild did a sheep to shawl last Friday at the Ventura county fair, with 13 spinners and 1 weaver we made a beautiful shawl by 4 in the afternoon. We auctioned the shawl off for $550! Our guild booth on cotton won 2nd place. We also had demos all weekend and did a spinning contest on Saturday night, I won 1st place in the intermediate catagory (now I have to move up to advanced...eek!). I also entered lots of small items in the home arts department, handwoven clothing, skeins, and a knitted vest. Does anyone know what other fairs are coming up?
Elizabeth

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 0 replies

dressing the loom

2004-08-03T00:42:50Z

I am putting on a warp for a shadow weave workshop. It's the first time I've used all eight harnesses. I'm feeling a little crazy because of it. I wish I had some weaving sisters (or brothers) to help nearby and I could help them warp their looms. It's times like this I wish I lived in a little village with lots of like minds! Back to work now.
Elizabeth

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 4 replies

thick/thin yarn

2004-07-20T17:40:05Z

I spun up some targhee wool into a thick/thin single ply for those hair things the belly dancers are all making. I washed it with some agitation and temp changes in the water so it would felt a bit in the thick parts. I thought that would help the yarn from coming apart. Has anyone else attempted to spin thick/thin on purpose? Any advice? I was so good at it when I first learned to spin and didn't mean to. Now I wish I had kept that yarn.

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 4 replies

new to spinning

2004-07-16T05:52:44Z

Any suggestions for someone who is completely new to spinning? I have a drop spindle and some wool. Is there a good book or source for info on getting started? I'm also looking for info on best ways to wash, clean, card cashmere from my beautiful goat. Thanks!

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 12 replies

best way to card?

2004-07-08T01:19:20Z

Hi all!
I just got home from Black Sheep today, and acquired a Ramboullet, and an Alpaca fleece. Now, my question is: what is the best method for carding/prepping these for spinnning? Cotton card? Flick? Comb?
Any advice would be helpful.....I totally forgot to ask the vendors about that! (Being utterly overwhelmed by the amazing things there prob. didn't help! : )

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 7 replies

Hi-I Am New Here!

2004-06-22T20:45:53Z

My name is Marta, and I am hoping to eventually get into weaving, right now I am looking for a source of small frames or looms for small scale macrame'.I do it with craft cord and it is similar to crochet in appearance, but I need something I can use as a portable type loom to work on my projects, as I do it by hand and not with needles. If you're still with me on this, please contact me-I am looking for a source in the Central Florida area, the standard craft shops do not seem to have things like this in stores. I am not looking for a hoop, something like a x or a square cube/frame combo is what I have in mind. Any ideas? Thanks, Marta

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 5 replies

used hand cards?

2004-06-14T22:01:33Z

Hi all!
I'm new here, and new to spinning, and LOVE it! I recently acquired a used Ashford spinning wheel, and am so stoked to have my hands in the wool!

I was wondering if anyone out there has, or knows someone who has, a set of standard/coarse hand cards they'd be willing to sell...
Thanks!
Quinn

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 3 replies

Hello!

2004-06-08T22:53:15Z

Hi there spinners and weavers. I'm Elizabeth and just joined and wanted to say hello! I just spent the weekend doing demos down here in the L.A. area. Very fun. I got a lot of work done, I'm spinning a grey/blue blend of merino on my Schacht that will be a sweater for my husband and did four skeins. I also just dyed a whole fleece into a rainbow and am carding and blending in the backyard.
Glad to meet you! Elizabeth

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 0 replies

Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival: May 1-2

2004-05-31T18:27:21Z

http://www.sheepandwoolfestival.org/

It was really fun when I went last year. I bought my Ashford Joy - double treadle there. If you're on the east coast, it's worth the drive. It's about 40 minutes west of Baltimore, about 90 minutes north of DC. It's a solid day trip from Philly, NYC, and Richmond.

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 1 reply

beginner spinner's wool

2004-03-23T20:04:33Z

Hi!

What exactly do I do with all my lumpy beginner's spun yarn? It's all weird looking and over spun. It's got lots of twist in it. I thought about just knitting it up and felting it into little sacks for small gift presentation.

Are there any other ideas out there?

Thanks!

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 2 replies

natural color tartans

2004-03-21T17:28:28Z

I'm going to be weaving a set of tartans in their natural plant-dyed colors (being a bit o' the Scot meself) to sell. Anyone know where to get some woad? Or anyone who will dye in woad for me? Found some weld for yellow so can make the true Scot Green when overdyed with woad.
Anyone have experience with such a project? Suggest where to sell such things? Recommend a clan tartan pattern to begin with? Wanna help?

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 4 replies

Fiber Sources Online?

2003-12-29T19:41:22Z

I'm just getting back into weaving after about a ten year hiatus, and I'm looking for reliable online sources for buying fiber, yarn, thread, etc.. at decent prices. Anyone have any suppliers they use regularly, or do you buy all your supplies locally?

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 2 replies

new to chicago

2003-11-22T23:05:47Z

i recently moved to Chicago from the twin cities where there was a huge and apparent fiber community. does anyone know anything about the chicago scene? i'd like to take spinning or weaving classes and find out about exhibits and things like that. is there an organization that is good for that?

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 1 reply

help

2003-10-08T17:22:11Z

I used to weave years ago, I want to start up again. I would also like to learn spinning.
Do you know of any good teachers in the bay area?
Who rent looms?

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 0 replies

Need info

2003-10-05T18:01:45Z

I would like some web addresses that help a beginner with spinning and weaving.I have no experience with either but desire to be knowledgable. I do hand knitting ,socks at the present time,but would like to do all stages with fibers.

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 2 replies

Thanks

2003-10-05T17:56:00Z

Thanks to Suzy for setting this up...look forward to keeping in touch with old friends and making new ones. Please pray for me...my 60 " Cranbrook arrives this week and I need to remember how to reassemble it after taking it apart more than two weeks and 2000 miles ago. I think I can, I think I can, I know I can , Iknow I can......

posted in Weavers and Spinners - 2 replies