Bring on the Ugly

No, not  Big Bad Sally herself, but the yarn I'm using for the first warp certainly is.



 This yarn was a freebie a number of years ago.  I just couldn't figure out a way to use flesh pink colored yarn in anything. So there it sat waiting for its chance to "be" something. Finally, a purpose for the fugly yarn! A maiden warp, likely full of mistakes and adjustments. A no tears solution and it's now the perfect cone to have on hand. :)

This is how Big Sal is looking these days.



 The flyshuttle/beater is on,



 the brakes and weights on,



 the dobby box is waiting on it's fine adjustments and I need to wedge the loom up and have Gene help move the bench over to the shorter holes on the right side of the loom. Having the vertical support bolt for the bench under the footboard is a stupid set up and no doubt in later models has hopefully been relocated. But it is what it is.



Its previous owner was not as vertically challenged as I and it is important that I get the correct weaving height for myself. If the holes there don't work, I'll go with a free standing bench or chair. I only have two treadles to worry about and the half length bench offers no structural support to the loom frame itself. Christmas week will be a quiet one around Runamuck, and will allow for some slow, thoughtful learning as I start in on my first warp.

There has been some sewing other than gift stuff. I am ashamed to say something left here without a picture, but that is what happens at holiday time. As always, we are down to the wire with shipping the Christmas box out and it just had to get wrapped and packed and GONE.  But this lovely wool blouse is on Rhonda waiting for antique brass snaps and hemming.



 I used Sewing Workshops Zigzag Top (now OOP), for this cold weather favorite of mine, with it's high snug collar and wide A-line shape. Perfect for a turtleneck or long sleeve T underneath. I wanted a pattern I knew well for this beautiful Italian wool. I opted not to do pockets. If they are there I will use them and over time, they drag a top down. I did have a bit of fun with back detail and elbow patches.



 If I grow tired of it, it is easy enough to remove and/or replace. This was all done in wool that I had felted down. A heavily modified Scout Tee is done.



 There is a story behind this. I had wanted to order Tessuti's Lily Dress/Tunic pattern. Then I thought about the cost, the printing and the endless taping all for what?



 Basically a long T shirt dress with some hem pleats and pockets. Did I REALLY need a new pattern for that. No, I didn't. I modified what I had (which is really one reason why one sews to start with.), and did my own thing.



 The fabric is Brussels Washer, a linen/rayon blend with great texture. A great pant fabric and also a wonderful tunic fabric with it's season spanning weight and drape.
Linen without the excessive wrinkles!

Hope everyone is having a great holiday season so far, with family and friends near and far checking (or rolling) in and the cheer is all good!



Parting shot: Cat on a Cold Stone Porch!