I had big plans during the lockdown. I was going to warp the big loom, weave that runner I’ve had planned (and wound) for ages, and get a head start on my Christmas presents. Then the reality set in. Working full time while also taking care of and teaching a 3-year-old has taken up almost all of my time and energy. Even with lots of help from my husband, by the time I have a moment alone, working up the energy to sley my reed seems impossible. Fortunately, I have options that don’t require multiple hours of warping—options that let me weave while watching my son play in his sandbox or chat with my husband once the small child goes to sleep.
Frame looms are quick and easy to warp and a cinch to weave on. Don’t have a frame loom? No problem—they’re super easy to make. You can use a picture frame or even just a piece of cardboard with slits cut on the top and bottom for the warp. Just use ruler or gridded self-healing mat to help you space things evenly and you’re good to go!
Christina's partially completed freeform tapestry, woven in between weeding and watching her young son play. Photo Credit: Christina Garton
In fact, I just pulled out my Hokett Would Work loom. I’ve had this loom for years but never take the time to weave with it. Now, it seems like exactly what I need. It takes mere minutes to warp, and then I’m free to weave. Instead of carefully planning things out as I normally do, I’ve been enjoying freeform weaving using bits and bobs from my stash. It’s not perfect, but weaving on it, I’m perfectly happy.
If you're interested in frame-loom weaving but prefer to weave something with a purpose beyond just aesthetics, try weaving Sarah Neubert’s fabulous Tapestry Cuff Bracelet, which you can download here. Originally published in the September/October 2017 issue of Handwoven, the bracelet is easy to warp and weave, and you can choose to follow Sarah’s color scheme and template or choose your own based on what you have in your stash. Her technique is so much fun that after weaving one bracelet, you’ll find it hard to stop! Have little ones in your life? This is the perfect project to weave together in person or while you chat in Zoom or FaceTime. Once I’m done with my freeform weaving, I have a feeling I’ll be weaving more than a few of these fun bracelets. Join me, won’t you?
Happy Weaving!
Christina