Homefree

Out of the Ordinary

Harp peg loom : fabric and daffodil weft

(re-post)

IMG_4517Warping the backstrap loom is in a stall.  It has to do with a) this being the first time I have actually warped it to be used as a backstrap.  I have used the heddle on a warp between ends on the day bed with ties as the weft:  worked just fine.  b) putting the full quota of warp threads on – 917, I think – well, okay somewhere around 80.  c) wondering, as I was trying to get all those threads of an equal tautness,  if there was an easier way, and then,  what would Google suggest.  d) coming up with a young man sitting in a park and warping a backstrap loom with pre-measured threads and putting them through the heddle before they were attached at either end and smiling the whole time. e) after several attempts,  not smiling, to redeem my  warped-but-not-really-warped backstrap loom decided to likely cut all those threads off and start again ….  but first …..  got out one of the peg looms recently acquired at a garage sale.

IMG_4513Warped it with 16 warp threads in about 8 minutes,  using Irish flax trolling line (flea market find).  The sturdy warp called for a sturdy weft.

A stretchy fabric from a church sale (purchased with the intent of turning it into scrunched material for an energy garment) from which I had already chopped off a piece but not yet scrunched, was cut into strips.  I am very fond of electric scissors;  I am rapturous over cordless electric scissors.

IMG_4521The first few inches.  Satisfactory.  The material packs nicely with pleasing texture.  The dried daffs are introduced.

IMG_4523Yes.  The bodkins for the shuttle and heddle to give a shed when introducing the daffs work well.

IMG_4525Holding the peg loom like this and 'strumming' the warp strings in sequence for the shuttle, made me think of a harp.

IMG_4527The process invited stopping and gazing and admiring.  I obliged.

IMG_4529That's all for now.