It always amazes me that no sooner do I have a warp on the loom that my mind has already wandered off and I’ve started designing the next scarf. I love how the ideas are growing organically as I experience the fibers as they turn into fabric. I am keeping my plan fairly loose to see how the collection evolves. I am hoping that sometime soon process will meet production and I will have some scarves to sell come fall!
Awhile back I mentioned working with Tencel and it appears that day has arrived! The mailman just dropped off a cone and I can’t wait to get started. I love the Alpaca/Silk blend but it needs some strength so I’m adding a new fiber in the same color. I love how the color is softer with the Alpaca/Silk (background cone) and sharper with a bit of shimmer with the Tencel. Loom shots right after the holiday!
Wow, this week has flown by, and so has my shuttle! Weaving shuttle, that is. I have been so busy working on a new sample that I’ve lost track of days. My current obsession involves grouping warp threads to create a textural change in the fabric. It’s a super easy trick that works all sorts of magic. I just love it. Right now I am using a traditional threading, following a recipe, so to speak. I’ve tweaked my plan and am now trying to kick this one woman sweat shop into high gear. As long as my 3-year-old continues her interest in vacuuming, I may actually get a lot more weaving time!
I am trying to get as much weaving time as possible today. The Big Apple Barbecue and World Wide Knit in Public Day will be easy distractions this weekend. Hooray!
Coming home to find more yarn waiting for me? Love. This alpaca and silk blend is going on my loom asap.
The result is a soft, buttery scarf! What I love most about this scarf is how it looks on. Just looking at it as fabric alone, the subtle shades of blue and green in the hand dyed silk pool in a quirky way which adds to it’s charm. But to truly enjoy it’s look and feel it needs to be thrown around the neck and wrapped twice. It’s like jewelry with the added benefit of warmth! This scarf makes me want to grab my sunglasses and get a table at an outdoor cafe and enjoy a cup of coffee as the first breezes of spring roll in.
This silk and bamboo scarf is currently not available as part of the collection for sale as it has been donated to a school auction. The silk is handyed and therefore can not be replicated. It is truly one of a kind. If there is interest I can certainly make more silk and bamboo scarves in various colors, though no two will be exactly alike. (Personally I like that!) Drop me a line or leave a comment if you are interested in this type of scarf being available for sale.
In the meantime, it seems as though March is truly leaving like a lamb. Fine weather is on it’s way which means an inspiration walk is due!
Which means the sun is shining and my coat is off. The burst of agreeable weather we’ve had lately has made me realize how dark and dreary my winter wardrobe is. There’s still a chill in the air, still a need to be wrapped and kept warm. But now the warmth should be shared between the sun and a light silky scarf! This hand dyed silk came my way and it seemed perfect for a spring scarf. It calls for white jeans and a white shirt. It makes me think of flip-flops as opposed to winter boots. It’s that splash of color to pull out of the winter doldrums and celebrate the anticipation and excitement of what is to come with the new tulips pushing their way up from the ground.
Since it only comes in small quantities I had to find another fiber to weave with that would compliment in sheen and touch. Bamboo is the answer! It’s weaving beautifully and will soon be off the loom and enjoying the beautiful outdoors where it belongs.
