Remembering my own progress in learning to weave, I conceived of Loom Theory: Eight and Over Eight Scarf Collection to help other weavers progress in their own weaving careers. Like many weavers, I started weaving on 4-shaft looms. On 4-shaft looms, I wove my first sampler, progressed to some ill-fated placemats, and then wove a couple of wormy chenille scarves. Somehow I survived those projects and developed a love for the process and products of handweaving.
At some point, I graduated to 8-shaft looms. I purchased an 8-shaft loom and happily wove on it for many years, and to this day, I am happy when weaving on it. It is sturdy and quiet and a good companion to the ever-thinner yarns I find myself drawn to.
A few years later, I noticed that sometimes I needed even more shafts than 8 to weave the designs I had in my head; summer and winter with figures, damask, patterned doubleweave, and the like. I succumbed to temptation and purchased a 24-shaft dobby loom. And then I developed a bit of a phobia. I wasn’t sure what to weave. It felt like all of my ideas floated right out of my head, and I panicked a little. Luckily for me, I knew the solution to my problem because the same panic attack had struck me when I got my 8-shaft loom. I moved forward by starting a project that I knew was already “proofed.”
Suzie Liles designed her Friendship Scarves for 8 and 14 shafts using Swedish linen. Photo by Caleb Young, Good Folk Photography
It’s in moments like that when I’m happy to know that there are other weavers in the world and patterns that I can go to for help. I may make some stylistic changes to a pattern but that boost up to the starting line on a project is priceless. I can see how the colors in the finished project interact, so I know how to substitute my own, I don’t need to worry about sett because it has been figured out for me, and I learn tips and tricks for weaving and finishing that can save me all sorts of heartbreak.
I’m a little in love with Loom Theory: Eight and Over Eight Scarf Collection. The scarves are beautiful and luxurious, and they are achievable for intermediate weavers while still a good challenge for advanced weavers. Each of the designers chose weave structures that worked perfectly with the yarn, and they finished the scarves with style .
Bonnie Innouye designed and Sandra Hutton wove this beautiful Jin Silk Scarf on 16 shafts, with a double-weave hem. Photo by Caleb Young, Good Folk Photography
My hope is that you will weave the beautiful 8-shaft and over 8-shaft scarf patterns in the collection and use them as a springboard to learn about new-to-you weave structures and yarns, new techniques for finishing, and new ways of combining color.
My gift to you: the weaving panic attack remedy, Loom Theory: Eight and Over Eight Scarf Collection. I think you’ll love it too.
Weave well, Susan