One Scarf, Three Ways!

I'm working on a series of embellished scarves for a couple of shows in October and November.  The scarf is the first design I had published in Handwoven magazine (September/October 2010).

Page from Handwoven magazine article

The scarves are easy to weave, and I usually warp my loom for three at a time.  Once the scarves are removed from the loom, I twist the fringe, then wash, dry, and press.  The ribbon embellishment is then added, and that's when things get more interesting!  There are a lot of wonderful knitting ribbons available and I use them to give each scarf a unique look.

Here are three scarves woven exactly alike, embellished with three different ribbons:

The next three that I wove presented a different challenge.  I had yarn I wanted to use for the scarves but only one ribbon with colors that worked well with it.  In this case I needed to change the woven part of the scarf to make each one unique.

If you look closely in the photograph, you can see that one scarf was woven with green weft, and the other was woven with a rusty orange. 

The effect is subtle, but definitely creates a difference since I'm using the same ribbon for embellishing.

                                            
The third scarf (unfinished), was woven with a greyed lavender which you can see here in the spaces left for attaching the ribbon:

I'll finish this one later today.  Meanwhile, two shades of red are on the warping board and ready to go on my loom.  Can't wait to see how they'll look with the ribbons I have!

Cotton Clouds Kits My Weaving!

Cotton Clouds is a mail-order source of quality yarns (primarily cotton) that has been in business for over 30 years.  Owner Irene Schmoller, well known and highly regarded by weavers, spinners, and knitters, is passionate about the beautiful yarns she sells.  I'm delighted that she has chosen to kit three of my designs that have been published in Handwoven magazine.  

I love that the kits are available in a variety of colors, and I hope some of Irene's customers will share their finished projects... I would love to see my designs in all the possible colors!  Many thanks, Irene, for your support and encouragement!

http://www.cottonclouds.com 

Swedish Lace Tunic

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Easy to weave, easy to construct, you'll love the comfort of this Swedish Lace Tunic!

In this variation of Swedish lace, the floats add a patterned texture instead of creating lacy holes.

Our special order Ric Rac rayon yarn gives the fabric a luscious drape, and the easy-sew tunic pattern produces a flattering garment with set in sleeves.

You'll need a 4-shaft loom, 29" weaving width and a 15-dent reed along with a few sewing notions and tools.

This kit has enough yarn to weave a finished fabric 25" x 105". We've added 25% more yarn in our extra large version.

Shown in natural. However, natural not available at this time. Order our White-on-Natural for a similar color or choose from eight great colors below.

This project is featured in the Handwoven May/June 2011 magazine which you will need for all the warping, weaving and finishing instructions. Be sure to order this Handwoven magazine if you don't already have this issue.

Order your kit today! This is a special order yarn so quantities are limited.

Designed by Sarah Jackson for Handwoven magazine. 

http://www.cottonclouds.com/shopping/kit_info.asp?id=1541&cat=Weaving&panelID=2 
 

Aurora Earth Summer & Winter Pillows Weave these stunning pillows using our popular 8/2 Aurora Earth, 100% mercerized cotton yarn. Aurora Earth is perfect for this color study because there are so many color gradations to choose from. Designed using summer and winter block weave structure. The secret of success to weaving a harmonious color gradation is to introduce a new color as the tabby weft in one block and then using it for the pattern weft in the next block. The resulting fabric looks complicated while in truth it is not and any beginning weaver can master this technique. Weave these pillows on any 4-shaft, 27" loom with a 12 dent reed. Choose from two or four pillows in three different colorways. This project is featured in the Handwoven March/April 2011 magazine which you will need for all the warping, weaving and finishing instructions. Be sure to order this Handwoven magazine if you don't already have this issue. You'll save by ordering this kit, because we've wound just the right amount (plus some) of the 8 color shades you'll need to complete this project; without having to purchase full cones of each color! Designed for Handwoven by Sarah H. Jackson http://www.cottonclouds.com/shopping/kit_info.asp?id=1497&cat=Weaving&panelID=2

Southwest Style Woven Vest

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This stylish vest is mixed with Southwest appeal and the inspiration of India design.

Bambu 7 harmonizing with Gypsy Chenille Variegated makes a fabric that will sure to award you success!

The Bali-style cone beads used in the fringe add a simple yet sparkling touch. (purchased separately)

This vest can be done on any 4-shaft loom in plain weave, using an 8-dent reed and 9" of weaving width.

Finished size of fabric after washing: 7 1/4" x 135"

If larger size is needed, extra yardage of Chenille and Bambu can be purchased with kit.

This project is featured in the Handwoven Jan/Feb 2011 magazine which you will need for all the warping, weaving and finishing instructions. Be sure to order this Handwoven magazine if you don't already have this issue. Designed by Sarah H. Jackson 

http://www.cottonclouds.com/shopping/kit_info.asp?id=1420&cat=Weaving&panelID=2 

Love That Orange! Altered Couture Magazine

I'm very excited to have my work published again!  Including two of my designs, the latest issue of Altered Couture magazine hit the newsstand August 1st.  One of the designs is the first reconstructed garment I ever made, and it's fun to look back and see where it all started less than two years ago. 

It's always interesting to see how the magazine's stylist chooses to show a garment; background, setting, model, etc.  I just wish for these photos the model's hair would have been off her shoulders in the frontal shots so you could see the collar and neckline.  I do like her boots, though, and think they're a cute choice with the leggings.

The second garment is a more recent one, and incorporates one of my favorite color combinations; purple and orange.  My love of orange was inspired by my mom when she picked out an outfit for me in the fourth grade; orange corduroy pants and an orange patterned knit top. Purple entered the picture when I was doing a lot of quilting; orange and purple definitely keep things hopping in a quilt!

My creative, artistic niece, Lindsay Wilkes, also has some of her work in this issue; two women's pieces (Shawl Collar Sweater and T-Shirt Shrug) and a darling felted wool coat she made for her daughter.  You can check it out on her delightful blog: 
http://thecottagehome.blogspot.com/2011/08/altered-couture-magazine-fall-2011.html

Kudos to Beth Livesay, managing editor of Altered Couture, and her staff for another inspirational issue!

Birthday Basket

Yesterday was my birthday, and I had the pleasure of spending the better part of the day at a basket weaving workshop taught by Pam Furry, a friend from my weaving guild.  I had my camera with me, intending to take lots of process pictures, but I got so caught up in making the basket that I failed to take even one!  I guess that tells you how much fun I was having!
                                              
The base of the basket is a square piece of wood with a groove around the outside edge where the vertical supports are inserted.  The first weaving occurs around the base, over and under the verticals with a small, round reed.
                                           
Flat 1/2" reed was used for the main body of the basket, and Pam had lots of different sizes and colors of accent reeds.  Each basket took on its own personality depending on the colors people chose and the various patterns they wove into their baskets.  I chose a variegated reed with a purplish black in between, and green webbing for the handles.

The final step was adding a half-round reed to the inside and outside top edges, attaching it with a lashing strip.  A narrow cord of sea grass sits between the two reeds, adding a final finishing touch.

                                                        
 What a fun day... and a great way to celebrate my birthday!

Summer & Winter Pillows

The pillows are finished!  Using a faux suede for the backs and welting, I had enough handwoven fabric for two pillow tops. 

I'm happy with the way they turned out, and the bench will definitely be a more comfy place to sit.  Now all I need to do is make another trip to Taos!