Last weekend I went with Santina down to the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. We had an awesome time. I got a lot of new spinning fiber and also this awesome new Ashford Knitter's Loom. This loom is so cool I can't even begin to explain. I have been wanting one for a little while, but I was afraid to spend the money (times are tough, yo). Santina and I looked all around the festival and found the 12" loom and carry bag for $210 from Ohio Valley Natural Fibers. They had the best deal by far so I bought it! When I got home, Justin helped me warp it up after I picked my yarns. It was really easy to warp and Justin and I even thought of a few ways for me to do the step where I need a 'friend' by myself. I will share that when I find a good way.
The next day I started weaving and it was so easy! I got the hang of it quickly and my scarf started to grow. I couldn't believe it was going so fast.
Today I finished it! The entire scarf probably took me about 3 hours from warp to fringe. ISNT THAT CRAZY?! I kind of feel like I'm cheating or some kind of knitting traitor, but I have to say that having a complete original scarf in 3 hours feels pretty good. I don't think I'll stop knitting at all, but I think I am going to get hooked on this new weaving thing. I named this scarf Campfire Headphase, because the colors remind me of the Board's of Canada album of the same name. I like the idea of naming things after album covers, so I am going to go with that for my weaving projects. That's another thing I like about this. These creations are mine! I'm the artist. I can be with knitting too, but I like following patterns too much and while that is fun and relaxing, I always feel like a little part of the finished peice still belongs to the pattern designer. This scarf is 100% mine, and that feels great.
I think I did make some beginner mistakes. You can see when both ends of the scarf are next to each other. The end I started with is in back. You can see it is much more open and uneven than the end I completed last. I'm going to try to tighted up the beginning of my next scarf to try and make the weaving more consistent. MY NEW LOOM IS AWESOME!
Campfire Headphase Scarf
Warp Yarn: Tahki Cotton Classic, colorways #3760 Bright Light Green & #3806 Bright Blue
Weft Yarn: Colinette Giotto, colorway #38 Lagoon
Beautiful scarf, I love the yarns you choose, awesome colours! :)
I remember feeling the exact same way the first time I used a loom - that I must be cheating because this is so easy and fast compared to knitting.
Posted by: Julianna | May 05, 2009 at 04:20 PM
Agreed, I LOVE the colors! You had so better be wearing this on Thursday. :)
Posted by: Melissa | May 05, 2009 at 05:38 PM
What a beautiful scarf -- I LOVE the blues and greens. I got a knitting machine for Christmas a few years ago and feel the same way when I use it -- seems like cheating it's so fast.
Posted by: Jane | May 05, 2009 at 06:42 PM
I am so happy for you! You finally got your loom! Just don't forget about us slow poke schmoe's on Thursday nights!
Posted by: Debbie | May 06, 2009 at 12:23 AM
Welcome to the wonderful world of weaving! :)
Posted by: skiingweaver | May 06, 2009 at 09:21 AM
dude that thing rules!
Posted by: santina | May 15, 2009 at 08:37 PM