Jul 31 2008
Clasping the Weft…again
After selling my digital loom I’m a bit lost and almost forgot about my beautiful Saori loom. I’ve brought it inside near the fire so it’s easier to weave on in some warmth.
On one of the weave lists recently there was a query as to why you would buy a Saori two shaft loom as they are quite expensive and viewed as uncomplex as far as looms go. I didn’t get to respond to this but it got me thinking. I think I purchased mine more for the story it has! Last week I went to a big second hand book sale…full of boxes of books everywhere, people rumaging through the books and kids lined up cross legged on the floor reading books. It was a wonderful sight and I came to the conclusion we were all there for stories. Isn’t life all about stories. We create stories about ourselves, our beliefs, views, other people, other places. Stories are the way we live. People who are good at stories fare well in life.
The other attraction about the Saori loom is its simplicity. With so much complexity going on in my life, simplicity of design and function offers a dreamy pleasant story that clears my head. Sounds like an advertisement – yet another form of story.
I wanted to try using video for a while on this blog and have managed to take a short tutorial on the clasped weft technique. What do you think? Any more ideas for video?
heh . heh. Yesterday, had you asked, me, I would have had SEVERAL suggestions- I’m sure tomorrow I;ll have a different several! Nice idea.
Did you import the Saori loom yourself? Is there a dealer in AU?
Nice work with the video. Clasped weft is one of the techniques we’re about to try in weaving class (a group of “finger manipulation” weaves), so this is really timely for me.
It sounds like weaving on the Saori is really centering for you. I hope it helps you find your next step.
Judy
That’s really neat and the video idea is great. The weaving looks spectacular. I had previously seen some products of the Saori weaving at Cloth Haven in Hong Kong.
Very intelligent.
But this technique is only possible with 2 colors
I really like!
you give me your permission to put this video on my site?
Sorry……………….But
What it means clasped?
and Saori?
google does not translate these words
Obrigado!
Rodrigo
That is just about the coolest thing ever!! I had seen your clasped weaving previously on your blog and wondered how you did it. Thanks for the video.
Love clasped weft. It can be so vibrant when used with lots of color, and so sophisticated when monchromatic.
Kaz, you did a great job on the video. Your little loom looks beautful — it’s one I’m not familiar with, so naturally I’m off to look it up
Weave on!
Jane
Hi Kaz,
I love the video idea! I have just been thinking of something similar for my site! Hints & techniques are always great, as we all learn bits & bobs along the way.
I hope you are inspired with your new found weaving space.
Cheers
Shirley Treasure
http://shirleytreasure.wordpress.com
Thanks for making the video, I’m not sure I’d understood clasped weft before, but having seen the video I have a picture in my head of exactly how it’s done.
Thank you Kaz, because I weave on a RH (2 shafts) I have been wanting to try the clasped weft. Now I truely understand how I can accomplish it after viewing it. Since I am a visual learner the video is fantastic.
Excellent! I’m a visual learner too, so I love videos. I’d forgotten about this technique, so this was a good reminder.
I have just completed a 72″ x 9″ piece using this technique on my Kromski rigid heddle loom and really have enjoyed the ‘painterly’ quality of it. Very nice tutorial! I love the Saori looms, saw them first at the New York State Sheep & Wool Festival last October.
Excellent. Really enjoyed it. I’ve not tried this technique, although I have seen it demonstrated before. Actually forgot about it, but now you’ve got me thinking!! thanks!
Hi Karen,
Thanks for offering to make some instructional videos. May I suggest a video/s on ‘finishes’.
Angela Feltes (”Kindred Threads” – ) recently posted a photograph of “Damascus Edge” being woven. It would be great to see how this edging, or one of your choosing, is started and constructed.
Yes, I do have a copy of Peter Collingwood’s “Techniques of Rug Weaving” with its fullsome chapter on “finishes”; there are no excuses for getting started.
However, I’m a firm believer in the efficacy of learning by watching. Cheers.