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Challenges Entered: Embellish It, Stretch That Comfort Zone!
Project: Tablet-woven trim for two linen gowns
For “Embellish It,” I am in the process of tablet weaving trim for two plain linen gowns that I purchased at Pennsic. I’ve been wanting to add trim to both gowns around the neckline and cuffs. Although I am still a beginner at tablet weaving, I had already purchased some 16/2 linen yarn with the intention of tablet weaving this trim. Prior to this project I had done one practice piece on a very small box loom that I had purchased through one of the royal auctions.
For this project, I chose a pattern from the book Applesies and Fox Noses Finnish Tabletwoven Bands by Maikki Karisto and Mervi Psanen. These patterns are based on Finnish Iron Age designs, so they’re earlier than the 12th-century garb I wish to embellish, but I feel that these are designs that could have still been in use. The original bands were woven in either wool or a combination of wool and plant fiber. Since I want to use this trim on linen garb, I decided to use linen yarn. I chose pattern 8, Fine crooked knees with small applesies. To determine whether this yarn would produce a band that would work as trim, and to practice the pattern I had chosen, I put a short warp on my small loom and wove a sample piece. Although I made several mistakes while weaving the pattern, I decided that it was a good width and flexible enough to use for trim. I measured how much trim I would need for both gowns and added a generous amount for loom waste and take-up, as well as pattern errors that I might not be able to use. I decided to wind a five-yard warp. I thought such a long band would be difficult to do on the small loom, so I purchased a larger box-style loom with a larger weaving area and the capacity for a longer warp (a purchase I had already been considering). I have gotten as far as warping the new loom and weaving about a foot of the trim. I have included photos of the loom just after I warped it, as well as the band in progress.
This project also answers the “Stretch That Comfort Zone!” challenge. The only tablet weaving I had done previously involved turning all of the cards in the same direction for each row. This pattern requires turning some of the cards forward and others backward on most of the rows. Also, the cards that turn each way change throughout the pattern. This requires me to pay close attention to which row I’m currently weaving. Another way it stretches my comfort zone is the scope of the project. I have never tablet woven a band even close to this length, or one that I actually plan to use as part of my garb.
Guðrún Sveinsdóttir (Rosie of Mtn Freehold) wrote on June 7th, 2021
Beautiful trims! I'm impressed with the even weave, & love the colors! I really enjoyed reading about your research and choices, and I think they're going to look great on your gowns!
Elizabet Marshall wrote on June 4th, 2021
I loved having the privilege to see this grow and come to be. Looking forward to seeing the final result.
Morwenna O Hurlihie wrote on May 27th, 2021
Lovely!
Best of luck counting. Counting is really, really hard. It's definitely an underrated skill.
Richenda Cameron wrote on May 26th, 2021
Nice job! Glad you were brave enough to use the linen, it’s grabby texture makes it tough to work with in a warp-faced structure.
Isabel del Okes wrote on May 26th, 2021
What beautiful trim you have made. It is going to look wonderful on you garb. Congratulation on stretching yourself! It is going to be amazing when all is said and done.
Scolastica Capellaria wrote on May 24th, 2021
Wow! Your trim came out beautifully! I love the colors and pattern. It will look beautiful on your garb when you finish it. The perfect way to embellish it.
Amy Webbe wrote on May 24th, 2021
These came out so beautifully! I appreciate you challenging yourself (and your muscle memory) by choosing this type of pattern. :)
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