I have been spinning mohair/wool between my weaving projects. I now have enough to make a project 4-5 yards by 40". The yarn is bit heavier than commercial wool and has some slubs. What would be the best way to weave it besides plain weave? It is currently white, but can easily be dyed. I have plain wool, and mohair/wool to use. Suggestions?
Hi Carolyn, as a spinner and dyer as well - it sounds like a wonderful project to me. Don't forget you will loose length when you dye it if using natural dyes. If you are using chemical dyes - I don't think it will be a problem until you full it. You could use Twill but I personally would not used an intricate pattern - it's time for your hands-on to shine ✨
Thanks . Maybe tie it to the Turned Twill Colour and Weave alternate draft that is on my loom now. Spread the warp out more and dye the mohair for the contrasting color. Could I spread out the cotton yarn left on the rods to give my bulkier yarn room ?
The Turned Twill Color and Weave alternate draft lesson 7.1 is my all time favorite. I found a pattern that I think will be similar and work well with my hands-on. A Weaver's Book of 8-Shaft Patterns from the Friends of Handwoven has a pattern by Judy Steinkoenig called Color-and-weave block houndstooth. Dark and light blocks like the beautiful Turned Twill in lesson 7.1. I thought about the shrinkage with dying and decided to spin up some dark grey mohair. It may be next fall before I get it done,LOL. I want to be sure to have enough yarn to weave a piece large enough to make a jacket or vest.
I came across this forum when looking for information using Handspun yarn. If using a wool Handspun would the warp need to be wool?
Thank you
You can use any yarn you spin as long as it’s a yarn that is spun enough to not pull apart under the process of dressing the loom and weaving. I’ve spun thick & thin yarn that I would only use for weft. However, an evenly spun wool, silk, linen or cotton could work. Weaving hand spun on a rigid heddle or table loom would give you less “waste” if the hand spun is the warp, but I tend to use my special yarns as weft.