Yes, I Like Them Sam I Tum

This line (with apologies to Dr. Seuss) kept running through my head and adding to the fun of weaving Samitum.

Samitum Dresser-Top Runners
20/2 Perle Cotton Warp
10/2 Perle Cotton Wefts

Here you see Samitum runners intended for my grandchildren’s bedroom dresser-tops. They were woven way back in November. That is how far behind I’m running. I hesitated to send them because they have a tendency to curl up along the selvedges. That is how it sometimes goes with an uneven density between surfaces. Ah, well. I’ll think about it some more.

Several Cottolin towels are fresh off my loom and waiting for wet finishing. I think these are going to be very nice so I plan to tie-on another color-way. My loom has not been idle. There are more projects waiting for me to post.

Samitum Runner, Detail

We live in perilous times. Precautions are taken. Then we trust the Lord to keep us. Living in fear is not an option, at least it isn’t for me.

It’s a good time to take heart and count our blessings. Besides, the flowers are coming along and warmer weather is soon to follow. After all, what is a “stay-at-home order” to a weaver or a gardener? It’s what I would call an opportunity.

Warp On/Weave Off,

 RepWeaver

Where Were We?

Summer this year was warm and dry. My husband and I have been busy outdoors with several yard projects so weaving has taken a back seat.

Next weekend is the Seattle Weavers’ Guild annual sale. I have been busy playing catch up. Maybe it wouldn't be such a rush if one of my table runners had not appeared on the publicity poster. In a bit of a panic I have been banging away at the loom to produce some more of that particular runner. Here is the poster. And here are the new runners. There are a total of six of the blue/purple ones and five of the green/turquoise ones.

Rep Weave table runners
8/4 carpet warp sett at 40 e.p.i.

As crazy as it may seem, these are woven using 8/4 cotton carpet warp sleyed four to a dent in a 10-dent reed for a sett of 40 e.p.i. Each warp end was threaded in it’s own heddle. I know I ask a lot of my Glimåkra Standard loom, but the result makes me very happy.

In the odd moment, I’ve sampled a bit of 8-shaft waffle weave. So far the results have been a disappointment. But I am not discouraged, only need more time to play with it. Before then, there is the sale. I need to get busy and put together my inventory.

My little Rep Runner inventory with SWG Sale Poster

If you happen to be in the area next weekend please stop by for a dazzeling display of handwovens and purchase something truly unique and wonderful.

Warp On/Weave Off,
RepWeaver

Blue detail

Green detail

Top sides

Reverse sides

Sweetheart Swirl and Signs of Spring

One week ago our Linden tree
bowed low beneath six inches of heavy snow.

It is said, “Time flies.”

I say, “Time accelerates!”

Heavy snowfall one week ago made it feel as if Winter would never end. But then these appeared. 

Yes, Spring really is on its way and here is proof. Yellow crocuses are always the first to bloom. Still they are a sure sign of warmth and sunshine just ahead. Hooray!

Today crocuses were in full bloom beneath the very same Linden tree.

Sweetheart Swirl Rep Runners

If you guessed the next version of Rep Swirl would be red and white, you were right. Sweetheart Swirl seemed the best description for this color-way  The runner with an alternating block order suggests heart shapes to me. Only one runner is woven in the alternate way, but the others are perfectly evocative of Valentines and hearts, too. Red is great for any time of year because it is my favorite color.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Sweetheart Swirl Rep Runners showing two different block arrangements
 and both front and reverse coloring

Warp On/Weave Off,

RepWeaver