I spent a few hours at the loom yesterday and finished weaving the rest of the 8/4 cotton rug warp. The weft is also 8/4 cotton rug warp but tan rather than dark green. I think it looks like it might be a nice table runner.
I used a 12-dent reed for the table runner and a 10-dent reed for the little sample. Both have the same number of threads for the width but the 12-dent project, at 14 inches wide, is about 2 inches narrower than the little sample comparing before-washing widths. Before washing, the 8/4 cotton rug warp is very stiff and rough. However, after washing it is transformed. I washed the sample in warm water with a batch of towels and dried it. It is now 14 inches wide, shrinking 2.25 inches "width of the loom-wise" and 1.5 inches of length (including fringe) in the washing process. It is very soft and drapey now. The weave is still open but closer than before washing. The knotted fringe lost the individual string structure and now is thready--a nice soft look. I'll wash the 12-dent runner tomorrow. This loom will probably keep me entertained for quite a while. Next up on the loom....warping for a kitchen towel.
I joined Curves today. I'm hoping for more success in exercising than I had just trying it on my own at home. I belonged to Curves about five or six years ago and liked it but I don't remember why I stopped going. I probably just wimped out back then. I can't wimp out now. I'm going to be 50 years old in November and I want to be fit and fifty, not fifty and a frump. The use of the word "frump" is, of course, quite subjective and, potentially, inflammatory. However, that is what I feel like and I don't like it.
Woo Hooooo! An accomplishment! Doesn't it feel GREAT??? I love finished pieces. Way to go Angie-O!!!
Posted by: Charlynn | Friday, July 25, 2008 at 11:11 PM
Beautiful weaving, I'm quite jealous ;)
Congrats on rejoining Curves. Frumpy mom is something I've often called myself, hence the recent bike purchase.
Posted by: Julie | Saturday, July 26, 2008 at 03:32 AM
Love the weaving!
I hope you enjoy your Curves experience! Good for you for taking the first step!
Posted by: Nora | Saturday, July 26, 2008 at 08:41 AM
There's nothing frumpy about a woman who can churn out such a gorgeous weaving. Your words are gobbledegook to me, but I'm mesmerized.
As long as you're exercizing for your inner self, I say go for it.
Posted by: Angie | Saturday, July 26, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Wonderful! How'd the runner come out today?
Posted by: Stacey (just Stacey) | Saturday, July 26, 2008 at 04:24 PM
Lovely weaving!
I'm proud of you for joining the gym! I like frumpy hag. Maybe I'll go with that when I turn 40. *L*
xo
Posted by: Cookie | Saturday, July 26, 2008 at 04:46 PM
Gorgeous weaving!
Posted by: Opal | Monday, July 28, 2008 at 12:36 AM
Angie --What an impressive beginning on the weavings. Was that the yarn that you bought on our yarn road trip back in June with Anne, Meg and Kath??? I think we are due for another adventure sometime in September or October!!!! Anne is saving her onion skins and queen ann's lace for natural dyeing. Or we could just go enjoy the beauty of Wisconsin Roadways in the fall and see some more knitting stores.
Posted by: kath | Monday, July 28, 2008 at 09:53 AM
I am so taken with this weaving thing! Great table runner. I think you look fab & late 40s. But I hear you on the getting fit thing. Good luck! I've heard good thing about Curves.
Posted by: Kim | Monday, July 28, 2008 at 03:52 PM
Great weaving! I totally don't understand the terms beyond warp and weft, but it looks very nice.
Good luck with the Curves! I think frumpiness is a state of mind, and being more active can certainly bring about positive change. I'm on a mission to be able to do a real push-up. I've never been able to do one, so mid-40s might be too late. I'm working my way horizontal; I currently use the back of the couch, but I'm almost ready to graduate to the ottoman.
Posted by: Brenda | Monday, July 28, 2008 at 09:34 PM