Sarah H. Jackson, Textile Artist: Big, Bulky, Burly Spun Shadow Weave Sample

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Big, Bulky, Burly Spun Shadow Weave Sample

I've been working on samples for shadow weave pillows for Handwoven magazine. Editor Madelyn van der Hoogt asked if I would try using a heavier-than-usual yarn, so I'm sampling with this very bulky yarn from Brown Sheep called Burly Spun. The warp and weft setts are only six ends per inch! I chose a draft with more than ten treadling variations, some of which you see here:

It's so interesting to see how the pattern can change; from a Bargello-like zigzag to diamonds and circles. I'm planning two pillows so now I have to decide which are my favorites!

I've included this photo of some of the yarn (I also sampled this heather grey and charcoal) so you can get an idea of how bulky it is. One half pound has only 135 yards. Compare that to 8/2 cotton (which I often use) with over 3300 yards per pound!

No comments:

Post a Comment

Welcome!

Artist Statement:
Handweaving, simple or elaborate; it all begins with one thread. To sit at  my loom and throw the shuttle while witnessing the interplay of color,  pattern, and texture as it develops into cloth is endlessly fascinating.
My design process often centers on color as I work within the limitations  of the loom to stretch and explore the possibilities of color interaction.
At other times I focus on the combination of structure and fiber, using  only one or two colors, to create the desired cloth.
Whether designing for the home or one-of-a-kind garments, my weaving  reflects a passion for marrying structure, fiber, and color to produce  cloth that is unique, practical, beautiful, and just right for my intended  purpose.

About Me

An early interest in art and textiles led me to the University of Kansas where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with emphasis in textile design. I started weaving again in 2005 after an almost twenty year hiatus. Some of the things I did during that time include working for a publishing company designing and writing pattern instruction for knitwear, quilting, home schooling my son, and volunteering as a Stephen minister in my church. I am passionate about weaving (everyday, if possible!), color, and texture. When not weaving, I enjoy reading, gardening, and bike riding.

I have had numerous designs published in Handwoven magazine. In January, 2012, I joined their editorial team as a technical editor, and in January, 2015, I was offered the job of weaving editor.