Happy New Year, fellow weavers! I don’t know about you, but I like to take the first week of any new year to think about what I’d like to accomplish in the coming months. I’m not a big fan of resolutions that have to do with health—I prefer to have my resolutions be challenges that I look forward to meeting, especially when it comes to weaving.
In years past, my weaving resolutions have included weaving with 2 shuttles; making something in a lace structure; and trying to weave a new project every other month. This year, with a soon-to-be 2-year-old running around, I’m going to keep my expectations manageable. While it might seem nice, in theory, to resolve to warp and weave a new project every month or to finally do that doubleweave coverlet of my dreams, I want resolutions that I have a chance to meet. So, here’s what I’m hoping to achieve in weaving in 2019:
1. Use up some of those “extra special” skeins of yarn. I have so many wonderful, beautiful skeins and cones of yarn that I’ve been hoarding for years. I have a skein of golden Muga silk that is absolutely exquisite. Also, it has been sitting on a shelf for at least five years. I resolve to weave up that silk and its neglected compatriots into something wonderful.
2. Learn how to warp my sectional loom. I got an extra-wide sectional loom right after I got pregnant. I had visions of baby blankets and other extra-wide projects dancing through my head when I first brought it home. Then the morning sickness kicked in, and before I knew it, I had an actual baby. So, this poor loom sits neglected in my studio as I research raddles and warp tensioners. This year, I resolve to warp it up with something.
3. Build a towel stash. Back in my early weaving, pre-child days, I always had on hand a stash of handwoven towels for easy wedding, birthday, and host gifts. This year, I resolve to put on a couple towel warps in different, fun structures so I can always have a towel at the ready for a last-minute gift.
Maybe Christina will weave Sara Resnick’s Sunset Towels from the January/February 2019 issue for her 2019 towel stash.
There you have it: my weaving resolutions for the year. There’s nothing overly complicated or fanciful, but if I manage to accomplish all of these resolutions, I will end 2019 with some beautiful, handwoven shawls and scarves made from fine silks and handspun wools, I will feel confident in warping a loom that will allow me to expand my weaving ability, and I will have plenty of handwoven gifts to pass on to others.
Do you have weaving resolutions for 2019? If so, write me and let me know! I’d love to hear what challenges you’ve set for yourself! Email me at [email protected] and let me know what you want to put on your loom for 2019.
Happy Weaving!
Christina