Webster defines a loom as “a frame or machine for interweaving yarn or threads into a fabric, the operation being performed by laying lengthwise a series called the warp and weaving in across this other threads called the weft, woof, or filling.” Another definition, which is more  to the point: “A loom is the framework across which threads are stretched for the weaving of cloth.” the warp is the backbone of the weaving structure, choosing a warp is very important to the weaving process, The warp yarns work best if they have certain characteristics. The warps should be fairly smooth and should not have too many slubs or bumps. The warps should be plied yarns with adequate tensile strength, strong enough to withstand a certain amount of weight. Types of warp yarns used in historic times varied depending upon what plants or animals were native to a particular region. Cotton, wool, linen, and silk were favorite warp yarns of our ancestors and are still some of the most popular choices of contemporary weavers. Today’s fiber artists use the same general principles as people during primitive times, for the fundamental aspects of hand weaving have remained unchanged.

It is thought that the first looms, called warp-weighted looms, were vertical structures. The weaver would suspend fibers from a tree branch, which was parallel to the ground, or he might fashion a vertical loom using tree limbs and branches. Warp ends were tied over the top branch and were then placed under tension with stones or weights made of baked clay. Initially, weaving was accomplished by walking back and forth in front of the loom, lifting one warp thread at a time, and passing the weft under and over the warps from side-to-side. Working against gravity, wefts were pushed up into place with the weaver’s hands or with a crude comb. Since every warp thread had to be lifted by hand, the process was slow and tedious. In time, a large tapered stick was introduced and was used to carry the weft across the warp and to push, or beat, the threads up into place. Early on, this stick resembled an over-sized needle, but ultimately, it became the shuttle, a tapered device on which weft yarn is wound and which passes between warp threads.

The foot-treadle loom came about after many years of development and exploration. This loom employed a pulley and lever system and the slot-and-eye heddle system giving a clear shed and freeing up the weaver’s hands. Generally, weavers today prefer floor looms containing foot treadles, which can rise and lower warp threads at will. With the creation of the floor loom, the shuttle carrying the weft threads could now be passed back and forth across the warp without interruption.

The looms used by weavers today have some “modern” adaptations but all in all they are very much like the looms of old.

Karen Rester Hand Woven Textile

Then you have us, a handful of artisans making cloth on hand looms, in home studios or small weaving businesses, who weave to be weaving, making wonderful pieces of art. Weaving is an art of the mind , the heart and the hand. It is a process I just love to do.

Karen Rester Hand Woven Textile

The enjoyment I get from choosing the yarns, warping the loom, weaving the art and then finishing each piece off is the best part, the creation of a wall hanging or a scarf is the end result of this creative experience. Like painting or collage, I enjoy the process, the road from A to B. Creating is the best kind of working, you can do it for hours on end and never get tired, it challenges the mind and the imagination.

Karen Rester Hand Woven Textile

Karen's Fiber Art hanging at the show

Although the weather was a bit dreary, we really had a great time at the GAP Art Show at the Lancaster Theater in Grapevine, this past Saturday. Karen and I had a great spot, thanks so much to all who braved the wet weather and came out to support the arts.  I was able to get in some painting and Karen and I were able to visit with so many great people about our art. People loved Karen’s new “Fiber Art” and it was so interesting to hear her talk about her loom.  It’s a whole new vocabulary; one which she has learned well, and is excelling at. I am working on a new piece featuring Clematis flowers which are going crazy on our trellis in the side yard. I’ll keep you posted on it’s progress.

Painting in our booth

Exhibit Poster

Last weekend was a flurry of artistic activities. We hung my exhibit “The Nature of Flowers”  at Texas Discovery Gardens Sunday before the opening on Monday the 22nd. After a ton of things to make it happen, Friday night was upon us, and the reception for the exhibit. I’m not going to lie, I was pretty nervous, flashbacks of a Christmas Caroling party Karen and I had as kids, where no one showed up, except our best friend, kept raising its ugly head.  All the worry was for nothing, it was a “fantabulous” night. There was such a great turn out, I meet so many wonderful people, all of whom really loved my work. So many of them said the paintings brought smiles to their faces, they truly made them happy. Exactly what I was hoping for, each piece has been my attempt to capture the beauty created by the Master Artist.  I had such wonderful support from my family and friends. My husband seemed to be everywhere, helping out, my son in law took pictures, my mom got everyone to sign the guest book. There are just not enough thank you’s to show my appreciation to my family for their support. I also appreciate everyone who came out, I meet so many nice people. Elsie and her daughter, Penelope and her Dad, Alma and her husband, and so many others. Thank each of you for braving the traffic to spend the evening visiting and viewing my art. Saturday morning I did a little painting and visiting in the Gallery. What a joy to share my work and get the added bonus of meeting and speaking with so many different folks.  Enjoy the photos from my week.

Sunny and Monarch

Great Food

A few of the wonderful people who came out

Elsie and Daughter

Great conversation

Saturday Demo Painting at the Gallery

Here they are, my completed Weaving projects. I made six scarfs, I am in the process of tying fringe on each end of the scarfs. Two of the scarfs are the ones I call Hobo scarfs, One is for my daughter and one for my sister. They are my favorite ones! I really enjoyed making these scarfs, They are like a painting, each time you put a thread through the shed and beat it into the weave, it’s like putting a brush stroke of paint on a canvas, the picture is building with each stroke, each time the shuttle goes through! Here are some more pictures of the pieces.

I am almost finished making scarfs from this warp I put on my loom just before Thanksgiving. I had the bright idea to put a 30 foot warp on, which makes about 5 scarfs but it has taken me a lot longer than I thought it would.  Every time I sit down and weave, I enjoy it so much, but setting aside the time to do it during the holidays took some doing. I have done 4 of the scarfs as color coordinated  and 2 that are what I call Hobo Scarfs, my sister had one she bought that inspired me to create these.

The Hobo scarf are what you see wrapped on the front warp apron. They are in multicolor sections and have tassels hanging at the end of each section. When I finish, I will put the fringe on each end and take some pictures to post. I think they will be interesting pieces. They are fun to make, you don’t get tired of the same colors over and over again because I use all different kinds and colors of yarn. Since I am not a person who can sit long at one project, this type of design works really well for me!