Jan 28 2008
New W(e)ave
I look back at Friday and I think just how much I learned in two days. It feels like an initiation in a way: like a new language that I have been given the key to… words and concepts that did not quite make sense to me before are now true forms in my mind. I now understand what treadling is, how to read a draft, how heddles work, and how to warp a loom; all such foreign concepts only three days ago.
Morning walk near The Mannings
It started with a drive up to Pennsylvania… E met me at my house, and we drove together. I drove and she knit socks while we talked about our excitement for the upcoming weekend. We took a leisurely drive to The Mannings, stopping at the yarn shop and then stopping for dinner. We arrived at the school and got set up for the night (you can stay on the premises with the owners if you are taking classes). It would have been possible to actually stay at home and drive up the next morning, but E and I agreed that staying there would help with the whole immersion part of the weekend - it truly felt like a getaway where we could focus on the art and practice of weaving.
The studio at The Mannings has dozens of looms for workshops and demos - it is fascinating to look at the construction of the looms and how each manufacturer differs. There were floor looms and a few tabletop looms, and by the afternoon of the first day, we each had a loom to use, and a project to work on. We spent a large part of the morning learning about all of the preparation - undoubtedly the most complicated part of the process - and preparing our warps. We chose kits that we already cut to length, but we still learned the process of using the warping board, measuring your yarn/thread, and how to determine the technicalities like “ends per inch” and “picks per inch”, which in theory are so very similar to the knitter’s preparation for projects: finding the right gauge, yardage, etc.
There were two kinds of kits available for students to use for their first woven scarf: E and I both chose the wool kits - Harrisville Shetland Tweed 2 ply and Mountain Colors Mountain Goat for the warp and weft. Many of the other students chose a nice cotton kit with Brown Sheep Cotton Fine and a pretty novelty beaded rayon thread. E chose a beautiful red/rust colored colorway, while I chose deep purples, indigos, and blacks.
E and me “slaying our reed”, not as gruesome as it sounds
There are so many processes involved with weaving, and taking the photos really helped solidify the steps in my mind. The slaying of the reed, and threading the heddles are the most time-consuming part, although I did find pleasure in these seemingly mindless preparation tasks - they are simple and repetitive motions that you can completely immerse yourself in. I kept on thinking how nice it would be to have a good audiobook to listen to while I was doing it!
…and finally, after all of the warping was finished, we could start the real weaving!
We went to dinner and came back to weave “after hours”. We stayed at the studio until about 10pm, when we returned back to the room and rehashed everything we had learned. E practiced a drafting diagram in our textbook while I read through complementary copies of Interweave’s Handwoven magazine: it was clear that we were both hooked! I was hoping to fit some knitting in, but my eyes got pretty heavy, and E reported that I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
We woke up early on Day Two and were excited about learning how to finish our day one knitting (cutting it off the loom, knotting a fringe, and washing). The finishing measures are equally important in weaving as they are in knitting: a sloppy finished weave can mess up a beautiful woven piece. As the pieces were drying after a dunk in some conditioner and warm water, we began prepping for our second project.
The looms for day two were pre-warped, which made a huge time difference. The warp was a nice perle cotton in ivory and brown, and we we chose the colors for the weft. The project was designed to teach beginning weavers about twills. We learned the basic concepts and the importance of treadles (which are so similar to pedals on a piano or organ) and how they can be used to change the designs of the weave.
We were all amazed at the beautiful work that came out of this sampler - and how each one looked so different due to the colors we chose. I went with a beautiful light brown with a pink sheen. I wanted something neutral and subtle, and I was very pleased with how it looked after a few rows of weaving and beating.
Linda’s sampler in orange
Weaving is a beautiful rhythm: when you get going on a piece, it feels like time just stops and it is just you and the loom, shuttle and thread in hand. As we were working, the studio fell silent, and it was a peaceful time. We were all progressing and learning right there. Within a short time - no more than three hours - we had beautiful samplers. The same patterns, but so different with the colors represented.
…I could definitely get used to this feeling…
I did not come home with a loom, but I am shopping. I have some space constraints, but I also want something that I will really use. The true testament to the durability of the looms came when Carol, the owner of The Mannings, told me that the loom I used on day one had seen hundreds of students’ hands (and their mistakes) and was still working beautifully after 23 years. That particular loom seemed like a great fit - E was on a similar loom, and she agreed. Now I just need to find one… Although I didn’t come home with a loom, I did pick up some other goodies, and of course, I brought home TWO handwoven pieces that are my real pride and joy.
…and you can see all of that in tomorrow’s post…
Sounds so idyllic, Lauren! Although I’ve never been tempted by weaving (other than admiring the beautiful fabrics it produces), I might have to take one of these classes. Now, to find a partner in crime to go with!
Thanks for sharing!
What a fabulous post…it looks like a lot of fun! I can’t wait to see the finished handwoven pieces!
lolly, i saw your pictures on flickr and wanted to comment on them all, but there were too many! it looks like your weekend was amazing, and i love your two new scarves. i need another hobby like i need a hole in the head, but i would really, really love to learn how to weave someday! glad you had such a good time!
Very informative post! You did beautiful work on your first day and it shows in your ‘voice’ how much you enjoyed it.
I am so envious…when I saw the barn I KNEW EXACTLY where you were!! Awesome…I can’t wait to go back.
oh boy, another one bites the dust!
i feel like weaving is sucking everyone in nowadays! i would totally be into it but a loom in my place? heh. never gonna happen in this tiny NYC apartment. can’t wait to hear more!
wow, this sounds like such a fun weekend! and you came away with two beautiful pieces. i look forward to seeing more of your weaving efforts in the future!
Amazing - what a wonderful weekend (and enjoyable post!) Thanks for sharing your weekend and photos with us. I can’t wait to see your weaving projects from the class!
Wow, it sounds like a great weekend! Why do I have to learn everything by myself here in Poland?!… I want such wonderful workshops, too!… *^v^*
Lolly, I am so excited to see more and more knitters who want to learn to weave. I came to all of this as a weaver who has learned to knit. I’m glad you had fun, looks like it was a great weekend and a great learning experience.
Thank you for the beautiful photos and the enlightening discussion! We’re all clambering for spots in workshops at the Mannings now! –Tricia
WOW! Just too awesome!
Wow, you’re weekend sounds amazing! My mom wove for years and in the last few years I’ve thought about asking her to teach me. I think it’s natural for fiber artists to want to try other textiles just to see the process. It’s sort of a holistic process of learning other techniques with yarn and thread that can be so satisfying.
That looks like so much fun! I love the purple you are working with - what a beautiful location you were in for the weekend too. Gorgeous.
First off, it’s so amazing that you were able to produce two beautiful finished pieces in just two short day. You must have a natural affinity with this craft
You sound like you’re just in love with the weaving process - it came through so clearly in your writing. I hope that you can find a way to continue it and become truly bicraftual!
Wow, Lolly! How exciting…just waht I need, a new space-consuming hobby to take up my time.
I think I’m definitely more attracted to weaving than I am to spinning however, and I would love to give weaving a go someday.
uh oh…you’re hooked … $c’ching$ $c’ching$
Sounds like you two had a wonderful weekend … immersion is definitely the way to go I think.
Wow - looks great, thanks for the pictures and explanations.
Isn’t it fun?! Though knitting is my first love, and spinning my second, I do have a little weaving fun now and again. I learned two summers ago, and last January got a steal of a deal on a schacht baby wolf, which is a beautiful, versatile little number. Check around with local guilds, people are alway trying to selling floor looms, you might find a good deal!
Lucky you! Isn’t the Mannings amazing? I am not a weaver but still love their shop. We live about 4 min. north but my son lives close so it is always a destination when we visit. The setting of their barn/shop is amazingly beautiful. Good luck with your weaving!
How fab! I am SO pleased that you had a wonderful time! I must say, you LOOK like a weaver, yes you do!
I’m soooooo jealous. Not so jealous that it is unattractive or anything!
But jealous just the same.
I can’t wait to see more photos from your weekend!
Wow - that sounds like the most perfect weekend! I went to a rigid heddle weaving weekend once which was fun - but all that setting up the looms was too much for me - I much more of a pick up and go kinda gal!!
I’m looking forward to seeing what you made!
oh, wow! looks like fun.
thanks for all the great photos of the process. i’d love to learn, but the small apartments and looms, they do not mix well. i can’t wait to see those pieces!
I just love your enthusiasm for new adventures!
Ooh, that looks so fun! I’m with the other commenters who are eagerly awaiting photos of your finished weaving projects!
That sounds like such an amazing experience; thanks for taking so many great photos and sharing them with us! Can’t wait to see how this becomes a new craft for you.
great post — you really took us there with you. i’m glad you had such a rewarding experience and can’t wait to see what you whipped up!
It looks like a very fascinating way to spend a weekend and with what appear to be beautiful results. I really like the white/orange look very appealing.
Looks like a very fun time! And your work is very beautiful. Can’t want to see more pics!
Isn’t taking a class at The Mannings a treat? And TK is one of the best instructor’s you could ever wish for- we are so lucky to live on the East coast to be able to drive up and take a class with him!
I knit, quilt, and weave. But of them all, I dream about weaving.
Anyway, check out the guilds in the area- guilds are superb ways to find looms for sale that will never get advertised anywhere else. Plus, you can RENT looms at extremely low prices and try them out. Good way to try some different types of looms. Potomac Craftsmen and the Weaver’s Guild of Greater Baltimore are terrific, and worth their very low dues.
Kimmen
Grarg! So mad at you both! The Mannings is my local yarn shop. Gah, next time you come to PA, I’d better get an email.
Isn’t it great though?
I’m not even reading this very closely because I’m so jealous.
How fun Lolly! Just letting you know that you make my day! Left you a little something on my blog.
Thank you for such a great post. I have never thought about weaving and what it involves. the samplers look really nice.
Wow, this seems really amazing! Now I want to learn how to weave!!!
what an amazing weekend!!! being immersed in the craft and coming home with not one, but two finished items! it looks like a blast - you and E look like you had so much fun! You will have to tell me all about it!!
Wow - that is awesome! Sounds like such fun ~ staying there and everything.
I must comment - you take really beautiful photos. : )
I think the last photo really shows the bounty of your time away - you looks so happy and content.
Oooh Lauren! That’s a dangerous smile on your face! Good luck on your new obsession!
ps
I gave you some link-love this morning on Intelligent Travel:
http://intelligenttravel.typepad.com/it/2008/01/marilyns-misc-2.html
Cheers!
this post has inspired me to go to the mannings and take a weaving course! it looks like so much fun!
how is the drape on the pieces, though?
i’m planning a trip up there this october to take their other weekend weaving course!
OMG, that sounds like the nicest weekend ever!!! I’m looking at all of your photos and wishing I was there. Hmm, maybe it’s time for a weaving class at Habu? Looms are so beautiful, sigh….
how exciting lolly! it looks like the two of you had a blissful time, and the weaving looks so beautiful and interesting. i’ve been thinking of a getaway to the mannings for a while now, it’s right around the corner from b’more city…
thanks for sharing!
How exciting! And what beautiful weaving you produced! I loved weaving when I did it — I hope I can find a place where I can do it again.
OMG! That just looks like too much fun! What a great job you did!
Your selvedges are so even! You’re a natural. Also, I think the process of weaving is just about the most beautiful thing to photograph. All those little threads in a row…. Makes me swoon…
Ohhhhhhhh - that’s how you sley the reed! Thank you for the brilliant explanations and photos. I have a loom and heaps of different threads (through default, long story) but have taken no course. I’ve been fumbling about with books and Internet downloads and the suspicion I am doing things the hard way. (I’m pretty sure of it now, looking at your photos…) I’ve been producing stuff constantly in the year I’ve had it - scarves, blankets, rugs, belts, guitar straps http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=10945&l=3274c&id=555185104 - and love it, but really need to learn something.
Thanks again. It was wonderful to stumble across your writings.