Assumptions

 

after wetting the threads out the threads have increased in diameter as they bloomed

In our search for definitive answers, we tend to grab hold of one end of the string (quite literally, at times) and think that we have understood all of the aspects there are to know about something.

As I try to puzzle out what is happening with the thread I am using, I was given some explanations about tubes and how to understand how they work.  

And I understand that - sort of.  I mean it all makes sense in a theoretical way.  

But what I've experienced with working with threads is that they are not tubes.  They are not 'static' when it comes to their diameter.  

Michelle Boyd helped shed some more light on the issue the other day (thanks, Michelle!) and added another brick in my foundation of knowledge, as I realized that of course threads are not static - they change depending on what you do with them - and *to* them.

I was well aware how that worked in terms of cloth density, but trying to manipulate the threads in the way I'm doing adds another layer of complexity to the results.

And this is why I have repeatedly tried to inform weavers as to the nature of their materials.  Because if you don't understand their nature, it's difficult to make sure that you are approaching them in the way you want them to behave once they are woven *and wet finished*.

Now, not everyone needs to know these things, but I personally feel that if weavers are going to wind up with successful results (did you get what you wanted?) a deeper understanding of the threads and the fibres that make up those threads will help bring them closer to success.

I'm not saying 'perfect' - but we can settle for 'good' - or even 'good enough'.  But there are things that need to be understood in order to make that journey easier, fewer potholes in the road, so to speak.

So, Michelle Boyd's book, A User's Guide to Yarn.

A deep dive into threads and how they are affected by the manner of fibre prep and spinning, and what can happen when you use them, etc.

Yesterday I was asked if I would consider 'reviewing' Michelle's book with my weaver's 'eye'.  Because how a thread behaves in crochet, knitting and weaving, will depend.  

I felt good old 'imposter' syndrome, but I said 'yes' anyway.  In part because doing a review of her work for this book folds right into the deeper dive(s) I've been taking for 50 years - and hope to continue for several more.  I would not normally mention my participation in a project at this preparatory level, except they have announced who their 'expert reviewers' are.  And given how much light Michelle has shed on several conundrums I have had, I anticipate that there is a great deal more for me to learn from her.

And if you want to know what the heck I've been up to myself?  Watch for an upcoming issue of WEFT.  You may be interested.  It's certainly caught *my* attention.  :D