Why?

 

More photos from the publication A Good Yarn.  I enjoyed writing these.  I felt - still feel - that weavers don't know enough about the materials they are using and the better acquainted with the threads they are using, the closer to success they will come.

If you don't know someone who can help you with this, there are lots and lots of books around that will give you the specifics of the various fibres and yarns.  Having a basic level of knowledge about spinning will help, too.  My particular favourite fibre science book is A Guide to Textiles for Interior Designers, although there are lots around.  Look up textile science on line, I'm sure you will find plenty.  As far as that goes, my guild has one for sale*.  It's 'old' but all the the information about 'natural' fibres is still accurate.

Understand the processes involved in the preparation of fibre and how the spinner can adjust the basic characteristics of the fibre - reducing some, enhancing others - good information to have at your finger tips, IMHO.

And then the weaver - if they really want to understand what is happening - would do well to ask themselves 'why' when they are not happy with what they had accomplished.  What is disappointing about my results?  What do I need to change to get closer to my goal?

Above all, set the judge in you aside.  You are not there to judge yourself and find yourself lacking.  You are there to learn.  In order to learn, we have to think the processes through, and more importantly, perhaps, be willing to change something.  Perhaps, several somethings.

The warp on the loom right now is an example.  I was weaving with yarns that were well known to me, but I decided to change weave structures, and I knew from experience that changing the epi would likely be necessary.

I could have proceeded with the 2nd sample at the same density, but I have the yarn, and the time, so when the current warp comes off the loom I will beam another with the same quality of yarn (different colour) and try again at a *slightly* lower epi.

Even so, I'm not entirely sure I will be happy with my results, so if the first option doesn't please me, I have another back up plan.

There will be times when you are not happy with what you have done.  Take the lesson; try again.

*Pretty sure this one is still for sale, although Canada Post is currently on strike.  If anyone is interested, let me know and I'll check if it is still available, and the cost including shipping...

My books are still available.  If you are in the US, they are printed in the US so they can still be purchased even though Canada Post is currently on strike.  All three available here while my 'memoir' is available for pdf download in my ko-fi shop