weave progresses

So having finished the first cushion cover, I decided to change the tie up on one of the treadles (change which threads are raised and lowered on one of the pedals) and then change the treadling (pedalling) sequence and add a new thread (red) into the mix. Voila, variation no. 2

With a much more intuitive treadling sequence, this weave is flying along. 

In case you're wondering, what look to be spacing faults, particularly in the "warp" (the threads running from front to back) are caused by the reed (a comb like device that keeps the warp threads in order as they pass through the beater). I only have one reed so when the density of the warp threads doesn't match your reed, you have to improvise. In this case sometimes two threads and sometimes three threads go between each tooth in the reed. This tends to alter the even spacing of the warps whilst they are under tension and weaving is taken place. Once off the loom and the fabric is washed the threads will find an even spacing. 

Transition between variations one and two

 

Christmas weaving project

Using the Christmas holidays to get the latest weaving project underway. I m finding the wool warp a bit "sticky" and the weave is complex. I'm interrupting the rhythm of the alternating fine-thread tabby shots (regular under/over weave between the Bateman boulevard weave) by occasionally introducing a wool (pattern) weft to complete the tabby, which reverses the direction of the tabby treadling....hard to explain unless you weave! End result is quite a few minor mistakes in the first two pattern repeats in the photo above.

Tuc de la Coume with Claire and Pascal

 A leisurely start at 9.00 from Cominac...the only sound was Clinton crowing from across the valley.

It's the first time I've been out on the skis with Claire. There was little snow on the track to the Col de Viele Mort and we had to carry as far as the left turn which climbs into the forest. From there onwards the snow was frozen hard and ski crampons were obligatory for ascent. We left the skis on the first top and booted along the Ridge to Pic des Lanes.

There were some good sized cornices and large fissures were the north facing snow pack was parting company with the south facing.  The snow was split all the way to the ground about 2m deep.

Our first descent was still on iron hard snow...by the second it was starting to soften a little. Some days I m surprised that with so little skiing over that last 6 years that I can ski off-piste at all...today I felt like a beginner...surviving! I was happy with the ascents by my ski fitness and ability on the descents was sadly lacking, though I didn't fall over.  I just need to ski more to get the practice and regain my technique. As a late starter (35) it's never come easy.

getting there....

Revisions to the weave draft....now a modified Bateman boulevard structure on 5 shafts, about 50/50 wool/cotton. 20 ends per inch. Time to wind the warp!

I think this might be it!

I think the spotted grid will accent pattern. Plan is to alternate tabby shots in 16/2 cotton so the "squares" will be a little taller than shown, use 8/2 cotton for the orange and red, and Susie's homespun 2 ply wool for the cream. I'll try about 24 epi so this sample will be just over 4 inches wide. I'll probably mirror the warp colours for a few repeats to get a width in the reed of  about 16 inches or so plus selvedges.

Thinking about the next weave

Some initial ideas in Bateman Boulevard possibly using our wool for the cream, which will add some texture to the fabric. Mixing wool in the weft is common (in overshot for instance) but mixing cotton with wool in the warp will be an experiment but it seems to work in the fabrics below which are a kind of wincy (linen wool mix).

First ski

More snow over night and the temptation to get out on the skis was too much. I headed up to Guzet Neige which will be open this weekend. None of the overnight snow had been pisted and the snow canons were working at lower levels. Was only there for about  two and half hours but got a couple of climbs up to Picou on skins and descents via L'Arrech (about 720m ascent). The snow was deep (18 inches) and little heavy, tiring to ski - especially as the first outing of the season. But good to get in it!!
 

Snow, bears, chickens, UK

The chicken run was rapidly built following the attacks - it's 1.6m high, the netting is buried for 30cm to prevent digging and electric fence wires prevent climbing. So the chickens are hopefully safe.

A hunter in the Estours valley (about 4 miles from here) was attacked last weekend by a bear. He was at his post waiting for wild boar when he saw 2 baby bears. The next thing he knew he had been charged from behind by the mother. They both tumbled 30m down the hill then the bear ripped the calf off his leg and severed the artery in his other before he was able to shoot it with his rifle (which miraculously he had held on to). Through a walkie talkie he was able to summon help. A nearby hunter who was a trained paramedic managed to tourniquet his leg to prevent him bleeding to death and summon a helicopter rescue. He is now off the critical list and the hospital has saved his leg. He was 70 years old, so the outlook for a quick recovery is not great.

Friday I left for my first visit to the UK to see family for over 2 years. Great to see my mum and dad and their respective partners, my brother, sister and Jasper. Just in time too as the omicron variant has now tightened controls  on visiting the UK once more. While I was away it snowed and rain and snow are continuing all week - a healthy metre of snow at 2100m and this weekend our local resort Guzet will open, so I may get on the skis!