First days of summer

This being officially summer now, and my goal being to paint and weave as many warps as possible before fall, I was happy today dawned sunny. We've had several rainy days lately, and more came in tonight, so, I laid out the plastic and dyed this morning. I started with a silvery blue 10/2 mercerized and used Fire Red, which should mute to a darker red, and Blue-Gray, in sections. I'm still trying to find that Winter Sunset combo. We'll see if this works.

I have thrown the last shot of the last shawl on my current painted warp project and only have to hem stitch the edge. Not a day too soon to get the next one painted!

I had a fun morning last week helping some friends tie up an old WPA 4 shaft counterbalance loom that has been handed down in their family. I enjoyed myself thoroughly, and best of all, the shed opened like magic after the tie-up was completed. Here's a photo of me under the loom tying treadles to lams. Thanks, guys, for letting me help with this lovely old loom. It's nice to know it's back in action.

Working on the painted warp

I can't believe it's been so long since I posted.  Actually, that's not true.  I can believe it.  I have been incredibly busy.   As always, spring means much more to do outside, and I've been busy building raised beds and planting them, mulching trees and hostas, weeding, etc.  Plus my first grandchild was born last month.  So, weaving has been sproradic at best.

I did get the Pendleton rug warp worked off and am now in process of winding warp for rag placemats and table runners.  I'm using a two tone green warp with a black accent thread every inch.

I am on my third shawl on the painted warp which was the subject of my last post. I've used a different color weft for each so far, which makes for unique and individual pieces.  The photo below isn't real accurate for colors.  They're much deeper than the photo shows.  I may try another take tomorrow to see if I can get the light right.  But, it's enough to give an idea of the colors coming out.

I have wound 10/2 mercerized in a silver color to try another painted warp.  I hope to get that washed and ready to dye next week.  I am still trying for "evening sunset in winter" colors.  We'll see what I get this time!  Always an adventure!