This summer, I’ve been experimenting with doubleweave as a way to create garment shapes and play around with colorwork. It is a little side journey after the launch of the Colorwork class at the Yarnworker School. I love how one project always gives you an idea for the next. As I was working out different ways to create garments that didn’t require me to get out my scissors, it got me thinking about all the ways we weavers turn yardage into wearables. Here is a wee list of the many ways we weavers wear rectangles.
Scarf, Muffler A piece of yardage of varying lengths and widths worn about the neck, shoulders, or head. Example shown on ladder: Rad Plaid Scarf I wove out of two dip-dyed skeins from Shepherd’s Lamb. It is available as a free pattern.
Shawl, Wrap, Manta, Stole A long, wide piece of fabric, designed to be worn around the shoulders. Example shown on ladder: Linsey-Woolsey Shawl that was featured in my Twice as Nice video workshop with Interweave. Unfortunately, it was involved in the train wreck of ’16 and I haven’t had the heart to write it up.
Poncho A blanket-like garment with a slit in the center to slip over your head. Example shown on floor: This lace poncho was a garment that didn’t make the cut for Weaving Made Easy.
Ruana A poncho-like garment with a closed back and an open front. Example shown on model front and back: This is the ruana I wove this summer, worn by my little sister, Meg. It is a doubleweave garment that takes full advantage of the technique. The long loom waste at the end of the warp is turned into a long fringe. The bottom and top layer are laid out as two different stripe configurations. The front was woven as stripes and the back as plaid. I’m slowly working on a garment workshop that will teach this technique.
Cowl A circular piece of fabric worn around the neck and/or head. Examples shown on mannequin and on shelf: The triangle cowl was the featured project in Weaving 101: The Basics and the circular cowl is made using the techniques outlined in the Crepe Cowl Workbook.
Cacoon, Shrug A wide piece of cloth sewn partially together on either end to form a tube with an opening in the middle. The seamed ends form sleeves. Example shown on hanger (thanks to Purl & Loop for the custom hangers): This Shibori Shrug is another piece that didn’t make the cut for Weaving Made Easy. It was a prototype made from indigo-dyed mohair bouclé. I tied marbles into the cloth using rubber bands before the final wash. The baubles formed by the marbles are still defined over a decade later.
The key to any handwoven garment is drape, the opposite in what I typically look for when weaving for the home with the exception of towels. I love the challenge of weaving the prefect cloth for the perfect thing. It never gets boring.
Heddles up!
Liz
P.S. If I have forgotten any ways leave a comment. I’d love to know what you are weaving to wear.
