Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Guilty Pleasures


I decided last week that I would not spend my last days at home running around doing stuff. My packing needs were simple, 4 shirts, 4 pants, a light jacket, undergarments and toiletries. Add an extra skein of yarn, a prayer flag and I'm done. Anything I need I can buy there or borrow from my Mother.
Instead, I have walked Dennett many times over the last few days, both alone and with some of the other dogs, loved up on the horses and goats, made sure the cats had plenty of attention and basically just hung out.
I have also given in to the urge to monkey with the inkle loom and start Gene's sweater.

The sweater pattern came back to my fingers like an old friend. This picture doesn't capture at all the lovely green of the yarn.

I love this pattern though, both in looks and in the knitting. I am not worried that I have yet a third sweater to do in it. I might just do a fourth for myself, you never know!

The inkle was another matter. The first attempt was gawd awful. Mistakes were made, a tear was shed and then the scissors came out.

I think I made the band too narrow for a first attempt. The second attempt I corrected that and got better results. Like anything there is a learning curve. I can see why people enjoy it though. It's a fast, easy warping process and the weaving does go quickly once you are proficient enough not to have fiddle with it. ;-)

The Schacht loom is sturdy, simple and very friendly to use. They even have a great tutorial on youtube here. I had questions, they had the answers. Priceless!

So today, I'll sit in the comfy chair, cuddle with the critters, knit a little, nibble a little and serve up a simple dinner. Tomorrow's frantic travel pace will come quick enough.

11 comments:

LA said...

I've always wondered about weaving on the inkle loom...it would be great for doing handles on my totes, I think. I'll put that on list of "learn to do!"

ladyoftheloom said...

Have a great trip! I am going to Maryland Sheep and Wool for the first time! Yay!

Cindie said...

Theresa, to get really nice selvedges on the inkle loom pass the shuttle, change sheds, beat, and then give a little tug to the weft to pull it in - you'll have perfect selvedges. I don't remember where I learned this but it made all the difference in how my inkle weaving looked.

Have a safe & fun trip! Eat some good eastcoast seafood for me!

bspinner said...

I'm always amazed at how much information there is on YouTube. Thanks for the link abd thanks to to Chindie Kitchin eweniquely ewe for the advise on even selvedges.

Michelle said...

I think you are a very wise woman to spend the days before your trip as you are doing. I could learn something there.

P.S. My WV is "uncersin." As in, life is uncertain, so make sure you spend time doing the things you love!

Catherine said...

Ooo that table looks beautiful, did you paint it yourself? Can we see a photo of it whole? :)

Theresa said...

LOTL, how exciting, Enjoy your trip and blog to us all about it!
LA, YES, handles and maybe dog collars and leashes!
Catherine, I promise pics of the table when I get back.
Thanks Michelle, it just makes sense, plus the dogs are always happy for lotsa lap time.
bspinner, you tube is amazing and Cindie as known to me at least as a weaving oracle.
Cindie, thank you for the tip. I tried it and it was better. Time would not allow for more weaving but it will be waiting when I get back!

Leigh said...

First time is for learning! Mistakes are desirable because that way you know how to not make them again. Do enjoy your trip!

Julie said...

Looks hard to me! Love the knitting that gray yarn is beautiful.

Long Ridge Farm said...

See you soon at the festival! I hope it's cooler than this by next weekend! 85 degrees today in NH. Phew!

DEEP END OF THE LOOM said...

Your inkling!! I started a group on Ravelry for Inkle Loom Weavers if your interested. Love the strip off center very cute!