More log cabin

Log Cabin continues...

Both last Sunday at Newtons in Anaheim and today at Anacapa in Ventura, I taught classes on log cabin weaving.  This will also be the subject of one of my classes at Stitches West next weekend.  Each of the classes has been a bit different project, but all on the same general subject of how to weave the log cabin pattern.  I love this pattern because it really does look complex, but is fairly easy to weave.  It is after all, just plain weave.  

But the tricky part comes in because two shuttles are used and keeping the yarn from the two shuttles to act properly along the selvedge edges is sometimes difficult.  It's a real challenge for me to explain this in a way that's easy for everyone to understand.  But I've been working on it and think I may be getting a bit better at it.

Since there are two shuttles involved, every other pick brings the second shuttle out the same side of the weaving as the first shuttle, so they are both on the same side of the loom.  If the selvedge thread where they come out is in the up position, then the second shuttle should be placed up, or closer to the reed than the first shuttle.  If the selvedge thread where they come out is in the down position, then the second shuttle should be placed down, or farther away from the reed than the first shuttle (or closer to your stomach).     This sounds simple, but seems very confusing when learning this new technique.  I think there's just a lot going on when starting this pattern and it just feels like too many things to think about at once!  It does get easier as you practice it.

Pam Harwood took the class at TNNA in Long Beach earlier this month and was nice to send me an image of her finished scarf.  She used a variegated yarn for one color and so the effect is a bit different than when using just two contrasting colors.  I think it's lovely!

Yesterday I finished a sample for a new class I've been developing for a woven and felted pillow.  For the wool, I used Brown Sheep Lambs Pride because it always felts so easily.  It's combined with some of Trendsetter's Orchidea, which does not felt.  So the Orchidea gets puffed up in little "pillows" inside the grid of felted Lambs Pride.  I had lots of fun working on this project and plan to do several more colors!

Teaching

teaching....

Last week I attended and taught at TNNA in Long Beach.  I got to stay at the Hyatt that is adjacent to the convention center.  This is the view from my window!

Nice view from the hotel!

 This conference is for the trade, so all the yarn shop owners and employees come to see what new yarn and tools the yarn companies are offering this season.  Teaching to shop owners is really a treat because I know there will be a ripple effect as they share what they learn with their customers and students at their shops.  And they always come up with great questions that allow me to improve my own techniques and how I teach.  Foxglove Fiberarts Supply (Ashford distributor for the US) sponsored the two full day classes and provided looms for the students.  I think it's always nice to take a weaving class and not have to tote a loom along when you travel.  

When I got to the classroom before class started, the tables weren't set up the way I wanted them, so I started moving things around.  Shortly, a nice man came to the room and advised me I couldn't move the tables, only the convention center people could.  So after several phone calls, they finally got the ok and the tables were moved.  Seemed like a bit of a production, but those are the rules they have to follow.  It just seemed very interesting.....

The tables waiting to be moved.

On the third day, I taught an introduction to rigid heddle weaving class that was sponsored by Foxglove, Schacht, and Glimakra looms.  During this class people get to weave on the three brands of looms to see how they differ and what features each one offers.  It's lots of fun and interesting to see how different people favor one loom over another.  Sometimes it's the weaving width, or the finish, or the carry bag, or how cute the loom is that speaks to them.  And of course, sometimes it's the price.  

We had lots of fun in the classes and there were some beautiful pieces woven.  Here are some happy students!

Everyone did such a great job.  Thank you all for making my teaching so easy!

After teaching I walked around on the convention floor checking out all the beautiful yarns that are available.  It makes choosing yarn difficult when there are so many fabulous fibers to see.  

And the Craftsy team was there and so I had a chance to talk with them some more.  I'm very happy with my class Rigid Heddle Weaving Beyond the Basics.  If you haven't gotten it yet and want to, you can get a 50% discount by entering www.craftsy.com/rhdj

Stitches West is coming up in a couple of weeks and I always enjoy teaching there. My classes are sold out, but I think there is a waiting list if anyone still wants to sign up.   I'll also be demonstrating at the Craftsy booth on Friday, February 22 at noon.