More Turned Taquete

I thought i would continue with some pictures of my tie/beam process.You can see that the ends are bundled into 1 inch sections i attach 2 sections onto the leaders with a larks head knot(my sectional beam is in 2 inch increments) 

Next, I tie onto the front apron rod. This is where I adjust the tension and get my warp nice and even. Note the old repurposed broom stick. It is made of hard wood, and other than being a bit bulky going over the front beam at the beginning of my project it has never given me any trouble.

When the tension is as good as i can get it,this is how the back looks. This colorful waterfall of cotton is a thing of beauty!

And here is the turned taquete! I love how beautifully square this is weaving :)

Here is a close up of the weave structure. It is just lovely :) For the weft  I'm using a slightly greyed blue called "heather" from valley yarns. This color combo is ok, but I would like more contrast and the colors are a little "muddy" The next towel I plan to try a deeper more saturated color and see what that produces.

And finally a parting shot of the current view from my loom.Traditionally we pack up our Christmas decorations on New Years day,so today is the last day to admire our beautiful Christmas tree. Out with the old and in with the new :)

May God bless you and send you a happy new year!

Turned Taquete

The turned taquete towels are going on the loom! I've been really excited to try this colorful pattern that Sharon so graciously shared with me. Her towels are so beautiful! I just had to try them :) Now that the move is over and christmas is over, I am determined to ring in the new year weaving.

This warp is 384 ends uki 5/2 cotton and double sleyed in my 8 dent reed at 16 ends per inch.

Before i thread my heddles i lift the shafts and slide in an old shuttle on each side. This raises the heddle eyes level with my reed and it is easier to thread.

This pattern is a straight draw and so simple to thread. Because my reed is double sleyed i do have to make sure that i am pulling the color sequence correctly. A major part of the magic of this pattern happens in the color sequence in the warp.

Threading is going quickly and i hope to begin winding on this evening.

Best wishes!

Traditions new and old

We are all moved into our new house!  So much work, but it is worth it to have so much space! Our newer contemporary home is so different from our little old farm house. At first i was hesitant about the move,(i loved our charming little slice of history)but i have to admit that i love how light bright and new everything is!

We are no where near unpacked, but the tree is up and we found the ornaments this weekend so it is no longer naked.You can just see my (still naked) looms getting adjusted to their new digs.I really want to put my towel warp on Lucy(norwood) and i have some great ideas for some new rugs on Murphy. (for the new house of course)

Here they are in the same room for the first time ever! Alas i have to keep unpacking,presents need wrapped,holiday baking has yet to be started and Christmas dinner still needs planning.For now i just walk by run my hands over the wood and whisper promises to them about the new year.

Just a closing shot of the gingerbread men that my mom made for me years ago when we moved into our first house.Growing up, this was the decoration that my younger brother and i would argue over. were they centered? should they be straight or swagged?One year my mom made us each a set of our own to share the tradition with our own children. I love these little men. It feels like home now that they are up for the holidays. :)