Behind the scenes
What happens in my studio?
In my studio, the creation of each piece is a process that goes beyond sitting in front of the loom. It encompasses a series of deliberate steps carried out with care and precision, resulting in handwoven pieces that showcase the beauty and craftsmanship. From the initial planning to the weaving and final finishing, each stage plays a vital role in bringing the artistic vision to life.
Let's take a closer look at what transpires in my studio throughout this captivating journey.
Planning
During the planning phase, I carefully consider various aspects of the project. This includes selecting colors, textures, and motifs that will bring the design to life. I explore different combinations and make decisions on the overall aesthetic of the piece.
Calculations are made to determine the required amount of yarn for the warp and weft.
Dyeing yarn
To create truly unique pieces, I often opt to dye either the warp, the weft, or both. The specific dyeing method varies depending on the fiber and dye chosen. Before dyeing, the yarn is prepared by either making skeins from cones or winding the warp on my warping mill. These skeins or chains are scoured, mordanted if needed, hand-dyed, rinsed, and dried before they are ready for use.
Winding the warp
If I haven't already made a chain for dyeing, the next step is to wind bobbins or create a chain using my warping mill. The number of threads in the warp can vary greatly depending on factors such as fabric width, yarn thickness, and fabric density.
Preparing the Loom
The loom needs to be dressed, which involves various steps to prepare it for weaving. This includes winding the yarn onto the back beam, threading the heddles (determining which threads will move when the shafts are lifted), sleying the reed (determining fabric density), and tying onto the apron rod. The shafts also need to be tied up to the treadle in a specific manner. Additionally, the bobbins for the shuttles need to be wound before weaving can commence.
Weaving
Before weaving the final piece, I create a sample to test the weft and pattern. The sample is then washed and pressed to ensure that the fabric density, color, and pattern choices are correct. Once the sampling is complete, the weaving process begins. The time required for each item can range from 2 to 10 hours, depending on the thread size and weave complexity.
Final Finishing
Once the piece is removed from the loom, I conduct a thorough inspection to ensure quality and add any final touches like fringing or hemming if needed. The piece then undergoes wet finishing, enhancing its softness, structure, and addressing any potential issues. With the final finishing complete, each piece is ready to be used or proudly displayed, showcasing exceptional beauty and craftsmanship.
Thank you for being a part of my artistic community. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my love for handwoven textiles with you.
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