I was wondering here if I could weave using body as the tools. Yes! This first attempt proves it is do-able.
The initial thought to use Irish linen fishing line as the warp, upon some consideration, got replaced with the idea of using rounds cut from a t-shirt: more flexible.
Then, when I got out the t-shirt, decided to simply cut the warp with slashes (as I remembered doing before on a different project).
Here it is on legs from knees to ankles.
I had some cut strips of t-shirt material which could have been tried for the weft, but that idea of using some of my stash of recylable cashmere sweaters sounded appealing. Here is the pile chosen because of their colours.
I took my right hand and wove it down through the warp strips, over and under, then grabbed the collar of a cashmere sweater and shuttled it back up through the warp.
Yes, certainly do-able.
This is the look with a wide warp and thick weft. With the back of the t-shirt spread out and the edges neatened this would make an interesting rug for the back door. (see below)
For the moment I put it on a stool and rested my feet while I thought of where to go next with the adventure. T-shirt bands – which would roll in on themselves and give a more concise warp; then try strips of t-shirts as the weft with maybe some rows of flannel or fleece as contrast of texture. Or maybe bungee cords as the warp – which could be hooked into circles and then, once the weaving was finished, unhooked and re-attached on a wall…. or between trees; which means the weft could be something natural like twigs or vines or herbs or a mixture.
