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.
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...
Posted by: christine | April 11, 2008 at 12:29 PM
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!
Posted by: stacey | April 11, 2008 at 12:30 PM
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.
Posted by: brooke | April 11, 2008 at 01:03 PM
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!
Posted by: Kirsten | April 11, 2008 at 01:15 PM
really cool nova! That scarf is a beauty (So is your Cutie Son!). I will enjoy watching you weave away :-)
Posted by: margaux | April 11, 2008 at 01:32 PM
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!
Posted by: yaiAnn | April 11, 2008 at 02:32 PM
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
Posted by: eva | April 11, 2008 at 03:26 PM
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.
Posted by: Kim | April 11, 2008 at 05:05 PM
its beautiful! I love the colours and as usual little sir is an A1 model!
Must fight weaving temptation!
Posted by: Kelly | April 11, 2008 at 05:36 PM
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. :)
Posted by: Opal | April 11, 2008 at 05:50 PM
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.]
Posted by: earthchick | April 11, 2008 at 06:10 PM
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 :)
Posted by: Jennie | April 11, 2008 at 07:55 PM
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 ;-)
Posted by: SpiderWomanKnits | April 11, 2008 at 08:28 PM
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!
Posted by: Bea | April 11, 2008 at 09:52 PM
That scarf is beautiful! Now, I have weaving envy.
BTW, Little Sir looks so cute with the scarf.
Posted by: Oiyi | April 11, 2008 at 11:50 PM
Oh, he's such a gorgeous little boy!!!
I've been thinking about weaving a lot lately. A LOT!
Posted by: Nora | April 12, 2008 at 01:50 AM
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!
Posted by: whitney | April 12, 2008 at 08:23 AM
You have chosen some pretty colors for that scarf. Looks like Little Sir likes it!
Posted by: priscilla | April 12, 2008 at 09:20 AM
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:)
Posted by: Heather | April 12, 2008 at 01:36 PM
love it! i want to weave very badly but have neither the time nor space nor money to jump in! someday . . .
Posted by: Mintyfresh | April 14, 2008 at 09:53 AM
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.
Posted by: Rachel | April 15, 2008 at 08:05 PM
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.
Posted by: Rae | April 15, 2008 at 09:03 PM
Very cool Nova! I'm so impressed by you. Little Sir is sure lucky.
Posted by: tiennie | April 15, 2008 at 11:23 PM