Challenges Entered: Stretch That Comfort Zone!
Project: Trying Tablet Weaving
I have to admit it, I have a problem. I have a loom. Or two. Or five.
Most are for narrow work, but I haven’t used them. One is for inkle weaving, and I’ve been using that one. The others are rigid heddle and box looms, and one miniature version of a floor loom. In particular, I have a beautiful handmade box loom meant for either small rigid heddles (which I do not have) or tablets (which I do have).
The only problem is I’m terrified of messing up the projects on those looms. In particular, tablet weaving has just baffled me. Inkle weaving is a simple one-two pattern, but I can’t seem to get the movement of the tablets. When I saw a challenge to try something that scares me, this was it!
I approach my weaving in a very practical manner. I like to figure out exactly how something works when I try it. This means it can take longer to learn, but I start being able to predict the issues and glitches in the pattern as or even before they happen. It also allows me to understand how to fix something when it does go wrong!
My first step was research, then experimentation. Once I was comfortable there, I moved on to a “draft” project in preparation for a final project. I am currently working on the final project, but it’s looking good so far!
While I won’t use the experimental piece for anything except my own progress, I was able to make bookmark lengths from the draft project, and I plan to use the final project on garb for my family and myself. I also like the simple pattern I chose, and will play with colors for it!
Full documentation & photos at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AuaP0syjWgxP25QQQtA1wniFDUo5iCVDk2VGbINE6Z0/edit?usp=sharing