altivo

Finished the final sample, weaving up the warp that remained from my test setup. This time I sleyed at 16 warp threads per inch. It resulted in a 10% shrinkage, consistent with the other two samples previously completed. I experimented with contrasting threads, and have decided to go with a two thread pinstripe spaced out to every inch, alternating brown and gray. The main fabric is a pale green.

Doing my calculations, allowing for shrinkage and loom waste, I will need a seven yard warp, 608 threads total, 38 inches wide in the reed. Weighed up my cones of linen and figured how much I have. It is more than adequate, so the whole project will cost me nothing now but my time, running on money spent years ago. The finished yield should be between five and six yards of fabric about 33 inches wide after washing and ironing it.

Now the question is, do I build a spool rack and make at least 32 bobbins for it in order to warp this in the full professional manner, or do I stand at the warping board and wind 19 warp chains each seven yards long and consisting of 32 threads. I suspect it will be the latter, which makes dressing the loom almost as easy as the sectional method and trades one method of measurement for another. On the other hoof, I got this nice yarn counter for my birthday that won't see full use unless I do the rack and spool method.

The actual warp will be simple. It's a four harness straight draw plain weave. I'm doing the simplest possible thing in order to achieve what I hope will be an elegantly simple result. The sample drapes beautifully and the finished shirt should be light and summery.