For my second weaving project, I wanted to do something more interesting than plain weave in a single colour. I chose a pinwheel pattern that resembles houndstooth, as it only involves changing colours (i.e., no pick-up sticks). For the warp, alternate two threads of one colour and two of another. Weaving is easy–two picks of the first colour, then two picks of the other, passing the loose end of the new colour under the old one. I used a 10-dent rigid heddle with DK-weight superwash merino yarn that I was trying to find a use for.
What this really shows is how inconsistent you are–or aren’t. I started off beating too hard and my pinwheels looked kind of squashed in that they were wider than they were long. After a few more picks I was getting a more proportional pattern, but when I went back to it a day later, I got a few more rows of squashed pinwheels. I’m so consistent in my knitting and spinning from years of practice that I have to remind myself to really pay attention to what I’m doing when I weave (this is, after all, only my second project).
Obligatory macro lens abuse shot:
I have the same uneven issue when I get too into the flow of weaving. I always beat too hard and my square patterns end up rectangular. It’s something to continually keep an eye on.
I suppose this is really no more difficult than keeping the same tension in knitting, but right now I really have to pay attention! And I won’t even go into my selvedges…
From someone who can’t weave to save her life: this looks amazing! Have you considered joining the Ottawa Valley Weavers’ and Spinners’ Guild?
Thanks! I used to be a member of the OVWSG, but let my membership expire as I could never make the meetings. You’d be surprised how easy it is to weave on a rigid heddle loom; I was intimidated but it’s very simple once you learn how to warp it.
Pingback: Rigid heddle houndstooth/pinwheel scarf - Leslie Ordal