Beginning the Loom Warping

We have been making excellent progress in the weaving class the last two weeks. Everyone is excited to set up their looms and is preparing the warp for each one. There is a lot of preparation involved before the actual weaving can began. We will be weaving miniature rugs to make it easier to learn.

Jolyana’s mother came from the reservation to demonstrate the warping and it involves wrapping many rows of wool or warping wool around two separate dowels or posts. The tension used in warping is very important since we are trying to prevent the warp from breaking but still remain tight enough to produce a good weave.

Everyone then began warping their own looms. Many had family members who came to help at our second class and it was a great day of camaraderie as everyone helped each other set up the warping of the looms.

After the warping was complete, we began the twining process at the top and bottom. This involves twisting and incorporating the twine into each of the warping threads and a strip of wool. This will hold the warping threads together when it is moved to the loom.

A selvage is completed at the each end and now the warp is ready to be tied and stretched onto two dowels. The dowels will be attached to the main loom.

After the warp is attached to the loom, it is tightened with suspension and tension. Some used ropes and others used cables.

Once the loom is up, a heddle stick is set in every other warp thread so that every other warp can be picked up and separated to add the wool. A shed stick will be used to pick up the other warp thread. This was a fun process and requires concentration.

We met Labor Day weekend for class but it was raining and storming so we decided to use the time to create a design for our rugs. Jolyana suggested making a simple pattern using grid paper since it will be the first rug for some. Once the rains stopped, we finished setting up some of the looms. Next class we will be helping everyone finish up their warping and creating their shed sticks. The weaving process will begin after this.

Freddie just announced he received a donation of wool for carding and spinning. Let the fun begin. For many, we remember carding the wool for our grandmothers, mothers and aunties. Using the spindle was always interesting too.