Feb 17 2008
Trial and Error
Learning truly is a process. There are steps forward, and steps back. And sometimes the mistakes and mishaps can be the biggest learning experiences of all. I am realizing that I need to give my weaving the same patience that I gave my knitting in the earliest days. I wasn’t afraid to mess up because I knew that eventually it could be fixed. I tried things, and if it didn’t work, no harm done. The only difference is that ripping back on knitting is a lot easier - and less wasteful - than ripping back on the weaving.
Remind me of this moment. When I think it is a good idea to use alpaca yarn for the warp threads of a project, please remind me. The funny thing is, I know the properties of alpaca - I read my Knitter’s Book of Yarn - and I know that alpaca drapes beautifully but doesn’t have the resiliency of cotton and wool. However, I seemed to have briefly forgotten those things in my haste. I cut up two balls of yarn and put them on the loom, only to have some major tension issues later. The fibers did not stay “put” in the weaving, and when it got snagged, it was a very ugly sight. So, because I had 8 inches woven, I did not rip back - I just got the scissors and did the deed.
Now, I have some very pretty and soft pillow stuffing.
If only I had just thought about it - the alpaca would have made a lovely weft yarn. Weft yarns don’t hold the same tension, and can really be any kind of fiber. Luckily, I still have 2 skeins left in the same colorway, and I am pretty sure that those should be reserved for knitting a nice hat or some mitts.
So, I took a break from the weaving and started to knit. I had been planning a birthday present for my sister, and was initially going to cast on for the Minimalist Cardigan (from the Fall 2007 Interweave Knits). It is a great versatile knit, and I could see her wearing it all of the time; however, with her spring birthday, and her temperate climate, I asked her about the possibility of a lighter weight cardigan. I showed her the previews of the new Spring 2008 IK. I had my eye on two garments that I knew she would love - and she called and told me that she loved the same ones! So, I researched my options and ordered some yarn. Once it arrived on Friday afternoon, I immediately cast on for the Printed Silk Cardigan. I did not want to waste any time - her birthday is one month from today!
The pattern calls for Fiesta Yarns La Luz, which is undoubtedly a gorgeous yarn. However, I have seen my share of store samples knit up in this yarn, and unfortunately it does not stay “gorgeous” for long. I talked to Connie, the designer (and a wonderfully sweet and resourceful person), about yarn substitutions. Then I found Frog Tree Pima Silk. The numbers were right, and I took a chance. Luckily, it worked out perfectly! I easily got gauge with the recommended needles sizes, and I started on the first sleeve that night. Now, I am working on the sleeve cap itself - it is a pretty quick knit.
I am very happy with my yarn choice. The yarn has a beautiful hand and feel. It is slightly splitty, but that is not uncommon of cotton/silk blends… so, as long as I pay attention, the fabric comes out looking pretty good. So far.
…and just because I wanted to dust off and get back on, I also wound a new warp last night. This time it is wool in a deep burgundy shade. I think it will look great, once I get around to putting on the loom…
I’m a long time reader and almost exclusively lurker, but I wanted to jump in and say that Frog Tree yarn is some of the most gorgeous yarn I’ve seen in a LONG time. Your photo of the knitting is very well done — I’ll be anxiously awaiting more shots of the project in progress. The yarn looks like it knits up like a dream!
And as far as the weaving, you’ve got a great attitude — always a learning curve in a new craft, no mater how much we want it or how much we think “hey, I can do this, no problem!”
Anyway, great work as usual and thank you for sharing!!
So sorry to hear about the alpaca-as-warp fiasco! I’m finding I have similar problems with spinning as compared to knitting…it’s just not as easy (nor is it even possible, sometimes) to go back and fix mistakes! Wow, maybe knitting really is the perfect craft
Your version of the Printed Silk cardigan is looking lovely!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful shade of orange. That yarn is just gorgeous!
Well now you’ve inspired me. And reminded me that I have a sweater’s-worth of Frog Tree Pima Silk in my stash! How could I have ignored it for over a year?
Trial and error, right? Yikes…glad you’ve picked yourself up and dusted yourself off and are moving on, love that FT Pima Silk!
The frog tree yarn looks so nice, love the colour too! I know what you mean about the learning process as I am trying to teach myself drop spindleing, a little part of me just wanted to be an expert straight away! We learn from our mistakes too don’t we. Thats why I always frog if I am not happy!
oh yes: excellent choice. She must love it.
All that wonderful yarn can now be used as weft instead of warp or pillow stuffing….. I use thrums (the ends of the warp) all the time to add bits of color and texture to my weaving. Others have tied thrums together to make a lovely yarn with texture where the knots are! And the part that you did weave I’m sure that you can make into some useful item…..a small bag, a placemat, lots of possibilities.
Happy weaving,
Terri
Darn! You need to get some experienced weavers reading your blog, so they can leave you comments about mistakes like that. Luckily, you’ve still got the magic touch when it comes to knitting! Your sister is a lucky girl to get that sweater as a present.
It’s nice to read about weaving here since I know so little ablout it. You’re always so descriptive…it’s educational! I can’t wait to see your sisters sweater…one month? Wow. You can totally do it though…
I’m intrigued by the frog tree silk. I’m boring and always use the same old yarns I’ve always used. I can’t wait to see your FO, I bet it will be gorgeous and I’ll gladly eat my words about the spring IK patterns.
It’s how we learn, right? So nevermind about the ’snip snipping’of your weaving project. That’s the beauty of having several craft obsessions, when one isn’t working out so well, you can gain comfort and fun from your other projects in the meantime!
The cardigan does look gorgeous. I really like your knitting and your stitches look so even too. I am sure your sister will absolutely love it too.
Ack! What a shame.
The cardigan is stunning though - your fabric is so lovely.
I second Terri’s comment — there are plenty of things you can do with the leftover alpaca. These pieces can still be used for weft. Have you tried weaving on cardboard? You could easily use the cut pieces for that. Or, you could tie them together, alternating pink and white, and leaving an inch or two tail at each knot, then knit a scarf with the tied ends sticking out randomly. At our guild we sell “Magic Balls” of yarn that are just that — left over yarn bits, a meter or two in length, tied together. We use random yarns in coordinating colors. People knit them up into scarves and triangle shawls. You might have long enough pieces to weave 2″ weave-it squares that you can use as decoration on other projects.
Oh, that looks like a great yarn, and makes for a gorgeous knit! I’m glad you’ve mentioned it, because this cardigan is the garment I liked best in this issue of IK, and I’ve just found out today that my newest LYS carries Frog Tree Yarns…
As for the weaving, well… you have lost some pretty yarn, but you’ve never lost everything when you’ve learnt something!
Hello,
I found your rasta hat so cute. I tried logging on to the link you provided but they don’t have the pattern up anymore. Is there any way that you would still have it? I would love to make one for my brother. Thanks for your help and good job!
Kat
what a bummer about the alpaca, so sorry that it didn’t work out. however, the new color choice is really nice, very sophisticated…i can’t wait to see how it turns out!
i love the sweater you are working on for your sister, she’s a lucky birthday girl!
ooh i’m totally digging the printed silk pattern, and that frog tree is such a gorgeous color! i didn’t know about project spectrum but one of my blog visitors saw the photos i just posted of my recently-completed lace design project and noted that the color fits your seasonal designation! so there you go.
gabriella
I’m sorry the alpaca didn’t quite work. I’m sure you’ll put the remainder to good use though! And thanks for the mention of my sweater
I am *thrilled* you’re making it and I hope you and your sister will like the final result. The sleeves were a pain for me, all that k1p1 rib! The twisted stitch pattern is much more fun.
Too bad about the alpaca weft. But now you know.
The yarn for the sweater is really lovely and sounds very comfortable to wear. Looking forward to seeing how it all turns out; it is such an attractive pattern.
That yarn color is just gorgeous!
The Frog Tree is gorgeous, but (and quite possibly because I just can’t wear that shade or orange), my favorite is the burgandy. I’m not a weaver, but I’m vicariously and thoroughly enjoying your journey.
that stinks about the weaving, but like you said, you need to give it the same time you gave your knitting!
that is my favorite cardi out of the new IK!!
[...] throughout, and it gave me a boost of confidence considering some of the other “learning experiences” I have had with the loom of [...]
…always inspiring ! the Frog tree is great !