Weaverly

The blanket is finally, finally finished and wants to take one more bow. Six strips total, of different widths, and (mostly) all the same length. About 95% handspun wool and other fibers. 8 epi on rigid heddle looms.

This project was such a joy to work on. I loved the process of sosrting all the little bits of yarn and finding where they belonged (or didn’t belong) in the grand scheme.

Below is what the seams look like on the right side. They are intentionally visible running stitch with cotton embroidery floss, three strands. Working with six-strand floss and separating it down into smaller groups is a skill my hands remembered from my girlhood, when I used to embroider pillowcases in company with my grandmother and aunts on the front porch.

And below is what the wrong side looks like, small overhand stitches on the edges in cotton sewing thread for extra security.

Here are my essential tools of the moment and a handful of floss from the ever evolving thread nest.

And a low angle shot of the eccentric edges in all their sassy behavior. Below you may also note what happens when you combine very differently spun yarns in the same warp: bubbles! Love them or hate them, they’re there to stay.

Now time for true confessions. One of the strips came out a good 4 inches short, either from miscalculation of the warp, excess shrinkage, too vigorous washing, or ??? So I got out my old pin loom and wove three 4″ squares, washed them, sewed them together in a strip, and added them to the bottom. Now it’s time to pour the champagne and think about what’s next.

Stay warm, y’all.