Finishing One Project and Starting on Another

I finished the bead leno shawl in time to donate it this coming Thursday.  I created a twisted fringe using my handy-dandy hair twister.  I also used some clear beads at intervals to add some sparkle.


There are some things that I didn't think looked as good as they could have on this piece, but overall, I am pretty happy with the result.  I will use this design technique again.



While finishing the shawl, I started winding the June towel warp.  I am liking the colors even more as they combine in the warp threads. 

Amazing Bead Leno

The shawl isn't quite finished, but it is off the loom and washed.  I still need to finish the fringe and press it a bit. 

This did turn out to be easier in a lot of respects than I thought it would.  Threading the straws was very straightforward and it works - a bit miraculous. 

Straw "Beads"

Using a stick to ensure clean sheds

Leno still on the loom

I got a bit tripped up with tension problems (which isn't something new) but that didn't seem to cause any problem.  There were places where I think the weft should have been beaten in a bit more.  There are also a couple of places where the warp threads are spaced more apart.  It is less lacy than I had thought it would be. 

This is something I would try again. 

Maybe with less soft yarn.

Something New

I am embarking on a bead leno project.  This is a technique that allows you to use the loom to perform a design that normally is considered "hand manipulated".  By putting groups of warp threads through a "bead" (actually a short length of drinking straw), you can use the loom to recreate this technique just by treadling.  Once set up this is a much faster way to achieve this design.

This is going to be a summer shawl.  I've wanted to try this technique, but the opportunity just presented itself to try this.  I joined a knitting group.  The purpose of the group is to get together to knit and to create shawls and lap blankets for people who are facing a life challenge - personal illness, family member's illness or death.  I knit a little, but would much rather weave.  Since the weather is turning warmer, a nice lacy shawl would be better than something warm and woolly.
  

Blanket From the Stash

I have been holding on to some cotton/nylon yarn that I bought ages ago.  I tried to swap/sell it at a local event, but there were no takers.  A member of my weaving discussion group said it would work well for baby blankets.  

So I took a break from towels and thought I would weave up a couple. I miscalculated and thought I wouldn't have enough yarn for more than one blanket.

  Wrong (Oh well.)  I have enough for at least 1 or 2 more.  But I'm kind of glad I only made one. 

I used a Bernat "Softee" acrylic for the weft which was super soft.  Fortunately since the warp wasn't very soft.  It feels OK, but not great.  The warp yarn was very stretchy and a little hard to warp.

But it's almost finished, so now I can find a good home for the rest of the yarn.  :-)