Friday, October 2, 2009

Exchange Runner

I’ve no doubt mentioned before that I am the Exchange Coordinator for the Guild of Canadian Weavers and October 1st is D day (due date) for the exchange. This year the exchange theme was one table runner, no smaller than 16” x 36”. I have had my runner done for months and was contentedly waiting for everyone else’s to arrive. You may remember this from last spring.But, and isn’t there always a ‘ but’ …… I decided on September 27 to change my runner and weave another! Today I pulled it off the loom and just need to twizzle the fringe, before wet finishing. I was working out another weave to add to my workshop and got so inspired by creating this 8 shaft Twill and making it a hybrid Overshot with an Overshot treadling I just had to weave the runner - I think it worked out very well indeed. I used 2/8.5 Orlec in Silver Beige for the warp and the tabby weft and Navy Orlec for the pattern thread. I sett it at 20 epi and it has a lovely feel to it that pressing will just enhance. I must admit that I did take liberties with the Overshot concepts, but some rules just have to bend to get a profile you like. I was also lucky this week in that this little gem came my way! A Leclerc pirn winder! Heaven, I’m in heaven….

Well, tomorrow I’m off to Kelowna for the Guild Spin In and hopefully I’ll remember to take photos of the 50 or so ladies expected. I know it will be a lovely day of spinning, eating and visiting as we are expecting people from Oliver to Salmon Arm (that’s a good 200 kilometers distance).

12 comments:

Sunrise Lodge Fiber Studio said...

I just love the silver and blue!!! Wow!!! Either one you choose, the recipient will be pleased by far!!!

charlotte said...

This one is just beautiful! The pattern looks really complicated, and I guess that the treadling isn't straightforward, how do you keep track?
Anyway, the person who'll get either of those is very lucky!

Brenda said...

Given the weather outside, sounds like you have the perfect activity for today! And I laughed at your last-minute exchange project. You sound like me, still binding a quilt in the car enroute to a wedding for which the quilt is a gift.

Nice overshot, by the way.

bspinner said...

Both runners are lovely. Silver and blue the colors sure do work well bogether. I'm sure who ever receives your runner will be more than please.

Have fun at your spin in!

Susan said...

The new runner is beautiful and, so is the old one! It looked wonderful on your table and suited the wood. I love the patterning on the blue/ silver runner.

Some is going to be *very* happy when they get their parcel!

Susan

Susan said...

PS.
I'm so happy that you found an electric bobbin winder! They really do speed that chore up. If it winds too fast, perhaps add a small block of wood just under the foot pedal to stop it going from 0 to 100 kms. I can send you a picture of what we did with my old Leclerc winder if that was as clear as mud!

Susan

Delighted Hands said...

The first runner is a beauty but the second is stunning! My husband watched me hand wind for a while and asked if anyone had invented an electric winder yet-I told him he could gift me one if he thought I looked overworked! We will see.......

Dorothy said...

That table runner no. 2 is very beautiful. So is the pirn winder, differently beautiful ;)

Life Looms Large said...

I'm usually a procrastinator...but I recently had the experience of having something done early. And guess what - I decided to do more work on it also. So I guess I like to be right up against a deadline....just like you! (Now if only I could weave complicated things like you do!) Both runners are beautiful!

Sue

Sharon said...

Lovely! Silver and blue are the state colors of Nevada, not that I'm boasting about being from the same state as Senator Ensign - gnashing of teeth.

I think your pirn winder confirms what I probably already knew. I need to spring for end feed shuttles. The price makes my eyeballs twirl, but I guess I better start collecting aluminum cans or something. Sell my blood~

Leigh said...

Ooo, it's lovely. But then I am always partial to blue. And twills. :)

Anonymous said...

I was just looking at automatic winders today online....lucky you!
Both runners are stunning, now you can keep one for yourself ;)