The next Yarnworker Weave-Along project is the Skip-a-Slot Placemats from Handwoven Home.
A first for Yarnworker weave-along folk, we are weaving placemats in a warp emphasis weave using mercerized cotton. This class of weave structures shows mostly the warp and very little of the weft. It approximates a rep-like fabric, a closely set warp that is popular for its ability to showcase eye-popping colorwork. (You can see examples of rep weave by searching #repweave on Instagram or your favorite social media site.) This fabric uses two tones of the same color to create a rich harmony of colors. The pop of red is created by skipping a slot at regular intervals so the weft is exposed. The fabric was inspired by a sample I wove where I made a threading mistake and decided to leave it. Mistakes and sampling lead to wonderful surprises!
The registration link will be available January 8, 2019 (see below for schedule). I’ll post the link to Patrons first, then email the link to everyone who is on the Yarnworker mailing list who checked “weave-alongs” as a special interest.
I’ll defer most questions regarding this WAL until mid-December so I can continue to focus on getting A Weaver’s Guide to Yarn published before the end of the year and finish planning for the new school year.
Here is the who, what, when, and where info to date:
Who
This weave-along is designed for an advanced beginner. I assume that you have already woven a few projects, can warp your loom without assistance, and have a basic understanding of weaving terminology.
What
Pattern: Skip-a-Slot Placemats from Handwoven Home
Yarn
*Warp: 3/2 mercerized cotton (1,260 yd [1,152 m]/lb): 170 yd (155 m) each silver blue, gray blue; 221 yd (202 m) turquoise, aqua each.
Weft: 3/2 mercerized cotton: 255 yd (233 m) maroon; 135 yd (123 m) coral.
Cotton Clouds as a kit available in the project colorway. Patrons get 20% off. Check out this post for the code.
*Errata: On page 67 under “Yarns” the first listing should read “Warp:” not “Weft:” The yardage amounts are also switched for the two colors. The yardage should have read 170 yd (155 m) each turquoise, aqua each; 221 yd (202 m) silver blue, gray blue.
If you look at the chart on page 68, there are more ends of the silver blue and gray blue combination. The pattern is reversible so if you have already gathered your colors you can switch the colors in the chart so that the turquoise aqua combination is the HOLES and the silver blue and gray blue are in the SLOTS.
Equipment
Golden Nuggets
In this weave-along, we will tackle defining warp-faced weaves, using mercerized cotton, warping a dense fabric on a rigid-heddle loom, new ways to use color, weaving multiple things so they are the same size.
The pattern recommends the indirect method. See page 138 for my rational. However, I will be discussing both the direct and indirect methods and demonstrating a way you can use the direct method to warp this project.
When
Registration gets underway January 8. Hop on the Yarnworker mailing list to be emailed the link directly when it is ready. Patrons will always get notifications first.
Schedule
January 8: Registration link available, welcome information, tips on modifying the pattern, and yarn substitutions.
January 16: Warp
January 23: Weave
January 30: Finishing
February 6: Show and Tell!
Videos will be posted by noon on the appointed day.
Where
Yarnworker.com is a website devoted to rigid-heddle weaving. I host the weave-alongs for free at the Yarnworker School of Weaving, a community-funded, virtual classroom for rigid-heddle weavers. For more information about the Yarnworker Weave-Alongs and School, check out this FAQ.
A big shout out to all the Patrons who keep these weave-alongs going.
Heddles Up!
Liz
