new adventures in scarf production

I like scarves.  I think they are very useful, and sometimes they are even pretty.  And while I like the idea of making my own scarves, my laziness usually got the better of me in the endeavor of actually making them, particularly because I thought I was limited to knitting scarves.  I don't really enjoy knitting scarves, I have said it before.  But weaving a scarf?  Well, this is an entirely different matter.

   

I won't wax poetic about the process of weaving, other knitters have done so much better than I could hope to.  I will simply say that weaving a scarf takes much less time (at least in plain weave/tabby) than knitting a scarf would (unless that scarf was knitted in bulky yarn on size 17 needles, of course...well, no, probably not even then).

This scarf was simple to weave, I alternated colors in the warp (the vertical part of the weave structure) and then alternated the weft (the horizontal part).  I will put more details in the gallery of goods.

I could have just woven a test piece, but I don't like to waste  energy (some would call this efficiency--I will call it what it is, it's laziness).  Also, I figured I would either get it or I wouldn't, I think I got it.  And now Little Sir has a scarf (it's not without its imperfections; but, he is 2, he doesn't really care about the flaws, or rather, the design features).  So yes, now I am a weaver.  Much to Little Sir's chagrin.

Clearly, he is very excited about my new weaving skills. 

If you haven't figured it out yet, I tend to be the sort of person who goes "all in" on something.  I don't like to do things half way (because really, if I am going to exert the energy, I might as well make it count for something).  But with the weaving, I did test the waters with a used loom from ebay first...before I bought a Kromski Harp (Special K and I will be putting it together this weekend, one of us is very excited about it). I wanted a little more width for weaving (I am thinking wrap as opposed to blankets).  If you are interested in weaving and would like to "test the waters" on my Spear's Size 4 Rigid Heddle loom (16" width), e-mail me, we can discuss a trade of some sort.  I would love to "share the joy" as they say.

I think it's very likely that I will be weaving many more scarves.  I find weaving soothing; and, I really like scarves and I am so excited that I have found another way to make them...faster and more happily.

Comments

[christine]

You continue to amaze me. I'd love to say, "Yes, I'll borrow that loom!" But, truth be told, it would probably be better if I came back East for a lesson. Maybe I should do that someday...

[stacey]

so cute. great color combo and what a neat technique. i hate scarf knitting - i think i have only knit 2 or 3 total. looks like weaving is the way to go for bigger stuff!

[brooke]

I agree with you about making test pieces....(smart, not lazy!). After the time it takes to warp the loom I'm determined to make something wearable and/or useful while experimenting and testing the fibers. This is a beautiful first piece - nice selvedges too. I can't wait to see what you create next.

[Kirsten]

Congratulations on your loom purchase! I'm looking forward to all of the future weaving projects you produce.

The scarf is adorable on Little Sir!

[margaux]

really cool nova! That scarf is a beauty (So is your Cutie Son!). I will enjoy watching you weave away :-)

[yaiAnn]

The colors are fab! I'd love to try weaving one day, but really, I just have way too much stuff already.. maybe once I get a place of my very own.. MAYBE. I can't wait to see how far you fly with this new craft!

[eva]

Hey, this a quite good idea. did you weave with pure knitting yarn? ok i should read the first post about it. but i think this would be a great idea for my nearly 6 year old son to play with. tomorrow i will buy a children weave ;) (and try it again, first, of course )
lg eva

[Kim]

So. Tempting. But with a baby due in 4 weeks and the house full to the gills with too much stuff already, I'll have to live with weaving vicariously through you for a while.

[Kelly]

its beautiful! I love the colours and as usual little sir is an A1 model!
Must fight weaving temptation!

[Opal]

That is such a beautiful scarf! It looks like you're a natural weaver. I love those pictures of Little Sir. He certainly does look thrilled with his newest piece of handmade attire. :)

[earthchick]

Nova, you just totally rock, whatever you do. What a fabulous scarf. And of course the pics of Little Sir are just too cute. I'm so impressed with your weaving - wow!

[*note to self*: you must not take up yet another new hobby.]

[Jennie]

Hi Nova....neat project! I wonder if I'm the only one who recognizes how much CGA pride could be displayed in such an item?! Perfect compliment to any sports event :)

[SpiderWomanKnits]

Yay for weaving!! I guess someday I'll have to try a loom like that b/c the primitive method is s.l.o.w.

Seriously you have two great guys in your life. So blessed. That Little Sir gets me every time and Special K building your loom. Swoon. I think they'll need some pie ;-)

[Bea]

That scarf is so cute! Your weaving looks awesome, but I just have to laugh everytime you post pics of Little Sir, he is Robby's brother from another mother!

[Oiyi]

That scarf is beautiful! Now, I have weaving envy.

BTW, Little Sir looks so cute with the scarf.

[Nora]

Oh, he's such a gorgeous little boy!!!

I've been thinking about weaving a lot lately. A LOT!

[whitney]

Such a cute scarf, and such a cute model! Weaving seems like a better way of making scarves...I love knitting like nobody's business, but something about knitting a scarf just sucks all the joy out by the end. (oh my goodness, I can't pick up another fiber habit just yet...no thinking about weaving, self!) I absolutely love your color combo!

[priscilla]

You have chosen some pretty colors for that scarf. Looks like Little Sir likes it!

[Heather]

In the words of James Brown, you need to "give it up or turn it loose", which is clearly your approach to life--right on! Love that orange and blue together and please give Little Sir a pinch from me:)

[Mintyfresh]

love it! i want to weave very badly but have neither the time nor space nor money to jump in! someday . . .

[Rachel]

Aww, that's touching that Special K is so excited about putting your loom together this weekend! I'm sorry you don't seem very enthusiastic about it. :)

That is an awesome scarf. I am very much in favor of blue and orange together.

[Rae]

Oh that is awesome. I love that woven look! Nice job! Also, I'm loving that your little one's fav color is pink. So awesome! But totally understand about the Hamptons look not being so desirable.

[tiennie]

Very cool Nova! I'm so impressed by you. Little Sir is sure lucky.