How are you going out there?

I must admit I’m totally dazed by all the changes in such a short time. I take things much too seriously even in better times and have probably over isolated, over worried and over empathised with the suffering. Or is that even possible.

Amongst the sad, deeply tragic accounts of what is happening I am reading writers who can put things down in print that I am not capable of. Emergence Magazine and this article “This is not a rehearsal” by Hala Alyan was one. It really is a time for writers, musicians and artists, despite their current relegation. They remind us of our humanity, of what brings joy and relief at such times. Something that can bind us together even if we’re 1.5 metres apart. I’m interested in what you are reading or enjoying to lift the spirits and encounter some strength?

Comedy reigns and making people laugh makes people feel good too. I’ve even slipped into a deep appreciation of slap stick style comedy just because it’s so simply – funny.

Warping Primer

As we are isolated and will be for quite a while and it’s a great time to learn how to create your own warp. You can read an overview of the warping methods used with Saori looms here. The easiest method of warping which requires no further equipment is method 1, warping from Front to Back.

Yarns for Warping

Use yarns in warping that have some strength, especially if you are new to this. However some yarns are stronger than you think! Just like people.

You can try the audible snap test on them. Break the yarn and if you hear an audible ‘snap’ it should be fine for a warp, because the sound represents some tensile strength. There is trial and error in this because it’s about making a judgement on a yarn when there are so many different types. Also avoid very fine yarns in amongst thicker ones for your first warps. These can start to run at different rates when beaming on the loom and start tangling. But you have to start somewhere – so just start, gather up some yarns that you like and get going! So bossy I can be.

In this little video you will prepare for warping. You’ll need a warping frame or makeshift warping area, scissors, and some ties.

Warping is just winding the warp threads of your potential cloth but they need to be in some sort of order. This order is called the cross. The cross is made with the threads on the warping frame by going over and under the pegs for the cross. This winding method is used for the Front to Back style. It is not the same as warping for the Kenzo System. The warp will be wound and processed in a way that makes it easy to then sley the reed, thread the heddles then lastly beam the warp onto the warp beam of the loom. This information can be found in the Saori Self Innovation through Free Weaving book by Misao Jo and Kenzo Jo.

I am still working on ways to reach out more to my customers at this time with the studio closure, but am unable to create any more public video instruction at this point. You will find all of the information to warp in Saori Self Innovation Through Free Weaving .