I couldn’t think of a new skill I wanted to learn knitting- or crochet-wise as I’m a project-inspired crafter. I don’t typically seek to learn how to do something new until I’ve seen someone else’s project that makes me squeal and desperately want to do it.
But then I realised there is a skill I’m looking to learning; weaving. I know the very basics of weaving. I made a scarf for my mother out of bamboo and cotton a couple of years ago with the help of my friend and former silver smithing instructor who is a member of the local weavers’ and spinners’ guild, and then we had the looms donated to the costume shop and now I’ve woven the “Rainbow Brite” sash.
Picnik isn’t working today (I downloaded the latest Flash AND tried three different browsers) so I had to edit it in PAINT!
I learned a lot by this project alone as it’s the first one I warped without guidance (but I did have help). I still have a lot to learn about sett and tension and planning ahead, but I’m really happy with the results, and the person who is getting to wear it is excited by the prospect which is lovely too.
Happily, I got a weavers’ and spinners’ guild membership for Christmas and it comes into effect in May, so I’ll soon be able to pick the brains of people who have been doing this kind of thing for a really long time! And maybe they’ll help me stay on task with my spinning homework too…
