Inside Mirrix

My Lotus SLN

2011-04-07T10:13:00.001-07:00

I want to share some final pictures of this Split Loomed Necklace, completed last week. There has been many photos of my process, included in this Blog, but now I can say it is DONE!

The front and center petal didn't prove to be a 'given', for how it was placed. I tried out various looks before deciding on this one. I also added a Swarovski Crystal in the center, as an accent.

I guess we don't usually share the back of our work, but I want to show how clean and light this one worked out. My methods allow for an easy finish, as well as a clean one. I included my initials and took great care to attach each petal in a way that would make the back show just loomed beads!

This Lotus Necklace is so comfortable to wear. I am anxious to string up my Mirrix for the next SLN!! As I mentioned earlier, the Mirrix allows for some awesome techniques to be included. The cut work, you see in each of the straps, are simple to complete and I look forward to creating another with more of them included. This was also my submission to this year's Bead Dreams Contest. It was a pleasure sharing the process with everyone!

On Quality Supplies

2011-04-06T18:55:00.000-07:00

Today I was doing some cutting and gluing on a project unrelated to Mirrix. Now, it should be noted that I'm spoiled with a few pairs of very nice scissors at home (speaking of, if you are in need of some nice scissors for weaving... these are the best http://www.mirrixlooms.com/accessories.html#scissors)

...but the scissors I was using were driving my crazy! They couldn't make clean lines and it was hard to turn them... and the result was a less-than-ideal cutting job and a less-than-perfect project.

It made me think about something I've done a lot of thinking about: Good art supplies are really, really important when you want good results.

I'll let you make the Mirrix connection on your own :-)

The Headband Project, Part 3 ...And why you can weave anywhere

2011-04-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

Mirrix Looms are incredibly versatile in many ways, one being their ability to be functional anywhere. Sure, they work great on a stand or on a table, but they also work great leaning against a pillow in your lap on the couch. Sure, not the ideal situation (is weaving in front of the TV sacrilege?) but I like to make the most out of my down time... and Dancing With The Stars is my secret weakness.

If you're lucky enough to get your Ideal Weaving Situation (picture: Studio overlooking rolling hills and horses at pasture, no crying children, no whining significant others, endless time) then I tip my hat to you, but sometimes weaving time is stollen at the DMV, on the playroom floor, at a youth soccer game, wherever there's a little bit of space... and that's just as good. The fantastic thing about weaving (and on a portable Mirrix especially) is you can stop and start at virtually any point so any distraction (though still distracting you from the creative process) can be dealt with gracefully.

Anyway, here's some more on the headband.

Progress on the weaving soon-to-be-headband:

The soon-to-be headband, note that I have advanced the warp once already and will again before it is finished.

yarn-stealing-feline

Finally, Down to the Wire! Thanks Mirrix!

2011-03-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

This is the last picture I'll take, before I finish the silver outside edging, on each strap, then attach the 'front and center' petal! The next pic will be a completed photograph. I can't believe I have been Blogging about this Lotus SLN since last July, (although there were a few cuffs, one cell phone bag, a lot of earrings and a needle case, in between, lol).

Thanks for hanging in there! Mirrix proved to be a real work horse!

Headband Progress

2011-03-28T21:31:00.000-07:00

I've started my tapestry headband. First, I warped my Mirrix (using a 10 dpi warp coil) about an inch and a half wide. This will go over a one inch headband and that extra width will make up for pulling in the edges while I weave and leave me some extra room to sew the edges. (Editor's Note: I ended up putting this on a headband that was 1.5 inches thick at the widest part. I made it work, but would suggest making your piece a little wider if you were to do the same thing. 17 warps across would be perfect. Or, and 1.75 inches)

Warped16" Big Sister Loom

Weaving Started

After choosing my colors I began to weave, making sure to keep the width of the piece the same. Up top there are a few places where the railroad yarn makes the piece look uneven. I will probably go back and fix this. If you aren't careful the thicker parts of that particular yarn can end up on the edge and cause this unevenness.

This piece needs to be 15 and a half inches long. I will make it a bit longer than this because the edges will be folded in and sewn down.

Keep checking back!

Why a ©Weighted Warp?

2011-03-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

I have been working on my ascent upwards, on the Lotus SLN. Here are a few pictures to show you my start.

The picture above is an overall view. Besides the upper straps not being completed, there is only 'one' part missing, the petal 'front and center' of the Lotus. I will secure that into place, but wanted to get started on the upper straps.

Here is a picture, back when I started this looming.

The Mirrix was the perfect loom for warping with so many warps, needing to control the tension on these warps, (Mirrix has wing nuts on each side to adjust tension), and using ©Weighted Warps so each warp is movable and able to decrease/increase anytime as I loom. Let me share what I planned and why I wanted to use the Mirrix with ©Weighted Warps.

Since this is an SLN, (Split Loomed Necklace), I knew the center focal would eventually 'split' into creating the two upper straps, of the finished necklace. How I wanted to accomplish this was to create a unique 'cut out' design, intermixed with some graphing of a picture. My design idea also included what type of 'split' would occur, at the very start of this process. I decided on a wide scoop look, with some indentations along the edge of the straps. (Later I'll share more about how I created the 'scoop design' as you see below.)

After sectioning off the 'center and two straps', I was now ready to begin some creative 'cut outs'.

You can see the one cut out, I was able to create because the warps were not secured to the loom. The ©Weighted Warps allowed me to move any warp aside, include them in my rows of beads to indent and add them back in to close off the cut out again. All the while, each of the warps, secured to a ©Weighted Warp weight, were movable, had adjustable lengths and kept the tension for straight looming as well.

Many lacy designs can be completed, using my ©Weighted Warp method, which I hope to get into more detail, later on. Much more to loom, as I ascend, which will include a graphed pattern I created. This pattern will splay out using 11/o Delica Silver Metallic beads and 11/o Delica Matte Black beads.

If you are interested in knowing more about my ©Weighted Warps, you can contact Venessa Hearn of Bead Up A Storm. We have worked together to create the optimum ©Weighted Warp. A purchase of these warps, from her shop, would include personal instructions and offer help on how to set them up or utilize them during your bead loom designing. You can also contact me for any specifics as well.

Also not mentioned yet, is the edging I will include to complete the upper straps. I will use the Silver Mettalic beads to line not only each outside edge, of each strap, but will also line the entire area of the cut out!

Headbands

2011-03-17T18:21:00.000-07:00

My blank headbands arrived last night. They are plastic and white. I can't wait to finish my weaving (this weekend, I hope) and get started. Once I make a prototype, we will begin making kits (assuming it looks as amazing as I hope). These would be a great gift for any female in your life, young or old. (And what a fun project to do with your little girl!)

Headband Blanks

Some of my not-as-cool-as-woven-headbands headbands

www.mirrixlooms.com

A New Project: Woven Headbands

2011-03-16T19:25:00.000-07:00

When I was little I loved hair things. Scrunchies, clips, ties, I was obsessed. At one point I even had my mom (Ms. Claudia Chase, you may have heard of her) slaving away sewing scrunchies for me. My all time favorite hair accessory, though, were headbands. One of my favorites was a black headband with Native American beading glued on. The beads were plastic and in primary colors and it started to fall apart soon after I began wearing it, but I thought it was the perfect companion to any outfit. (I was choosing my own clothes at a relatively young and had only one rule that I picked up from either my mother or my grandmother: Don't wear pink and red together. Everything else was fair game.)

I still wear handbands sometimes, but haven't found one I really love in quite some time.

That's about to change. I've decided to take the "tapestry/bead cuff bracelet" concept and apply it to headbands. (Take a moment and imagine, I've included a picture of a tapestry/bead cuff bracelet)

I've ordered some headband blanks (plastic, let me know if you know where I can get thick metal one in bulk) and have started a weaving that's a little more than an inch thick. I'll keep writing through the phases of this project!

Elena
www.mirrixlooms.com

A Challenge: Pick Up That Loom

2011-03-10T18:51:00.000-08:00

This week has been a hectic one for me. Between a mini ski (snowboard) vacation, work and a house guest, my husband and I have been struggling to stay on top of things. The laundry is beginning to pile up and so is the work.

As I frantically got ready this morning, digging in the pile of clothes that has grown since Sunday, I spotted my looms that have been relegated to the back of the closet to make space in our oh-so-teeny apartment. I looked at them longingly. I have an idea for a mixed-media project that I've been dying to start but just haven't had the time.

It occurred to me in that moment that perhaps I needed to make some time. We all have a finite amount of time in our days and it's easy to take those fun things (like weaving or curling up with a novel) and push them aside to make time for everything else in our busy lives.

This weekend, between cleaning the house and working and driving around the city doing errands, I am going to make time to sit and weave and only think about that.

Have you been too busy to take your Mirrix out of the box? Are you letting it sit in the corner waiting for a less busy day? Have you been meaning to finish that beautiful weaving but just haven't had the chance? This weekend, I challenge you to take a few minutes for yourself and let the creativity flow. I'll be right there with you.

Photo by Jonathan Webb

Layers of Looming!

2011-03-04T12:39:00.000-08:00

My last entry was sharing a 'new tool' I created to help me finalize a new and different looming technique I call "Layered Looming".

The tool is a lamp work bead, offering the heavy weight I want to hold some warp threads as if they were tied down. I am using a horizontal loom, so they can hang over the edge. Below is a picture of both warp weights, each holding five warp threads.
I started the looming with the weighted warps laying parallel to the warps attached on the loom. My first first rows are sewn with a few warps 'doubled'. You can see in the picture below, how the white weighted warps are laying together with the light green warps. I used a different color thread so this would stand out better in these pictures.

Now that I have a few rows completed, holding down all of my warps, weighted and attached, I'll begin sorting them out. You can see in the picture below, I have set aside the weighted warps, creating a base using the attached warps only. Because these added warps are secured to the lamp work weights, they are movable and easily adjusted, all the while staying the same distance apart, row to row.

How large or long of a base is up to you and your design ideas. I wanted to create a 'ribbon', meandering through the loomed base, cuff. There are other great design ideas, using the layered method, a 'ribbon' is just one of them.

I used a rubber wine cork to hold the warps up, while I loom my second level, above the base looming. The rubber cork helps to keep the weighted warps from slipping off, while I add my beads.

I trimmed the outside edges of the ribbon in gold. You can see how you can gauge the size of curve you want to create, by considering where you will attach it to the looming. If you are creating a cuff, be sure to allow for the 'bend' of your cuff, when you take this off the loom. If you are not considering the extra length of the ribbon section, it won't sit up and away from the loomed base, while wearing.

The other ribbon, to the right of the first I completed, was also finalized in the same manner, only at a different length. This will tie into my design idea.

Once my desired length of ribbon is completed, I will introduce the white weighted warps, back into my base looming. You can see how the row I just added, includes the white weighted warps.

Below, the left ribbon is completely secured where the right ribbon is being attached, a few rows further down the cuff. This is just how my pattern will unfold, an uneven meandering of the ribbon, through the entire cuff.

You can see in the picture below, I have completed a number of 'ins & outs'. I also decided to converge the two ribbons in to one wide white ribbon, as an interesting design idea.

From the side, you can get a better feel of the dimension 'Layered Looming' creates.

Usually, my 'prototype' looming ideas become completed pieces of wearable art. However, in this case, I decided to loom using some gorgeous cut glass beads which are not evenly sized. I thought I could 'cull' my way through and loom something perfectly uniform in shape, but it just didn't happen form me. You may take my loom, but let me keep my Delica's!

In closing, I would like to play the Devil's Advocate. While looming, I was thinking how this design could have also been accomplished by hand weaving a square stitch ribbon and applying to this looming. There is less work creating this idea in this manner, with less threads to hide and secure. My hand weaving skills don't seem play up to many bead artist's skills I have seen, but I also feel more comfortable behind a loom. It occurs to me, I think more in terms of 'warps & wefts' when I design, then I do from any other angle. Not only that, because my warp management techniques make warps disappear with out a problem, I'll continue to stretch my creative goals via the loom, filled with warps and waiting for the weft!

Thank You, Bonnie

2011-03-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

We want to take this opportunity to thank again Bonnie Clark for her blogging and videos over the past few months. If you haven't, take the time to read her posts on this blog and visit her website: http://www.dakinidreams.com/.

Her end-of-experience survey is here:

Thank you

How would you rate your overall Mirrix experience?

It was an extremely positive and enlightening experience. Because it's been a number of years since I've done any tapestry weaving, the campaign was a good reminder of what I liked about the process, as well as what I found challenging in tapestry weaving. I had hoped to finish more work but sometimes life just gets in the way.

What did you like best about it?

It was a great opportunity to meet new people and learn from them as they're beginning their journey into tapestry weaving.

What (if any) faults did you find in it?

There were no faults, only challenges to overcome. And I created those myself. If I had it to do over again I would just work in my usual chaotic style and not worry about trying to "teach". As I've mentioned before, when creating a new piece, I usually have the finished product in mind and I don't mind breaking the rules of process and technique to get there. As you can imagine, this attitude made me incredibly popular in printmaking classes where there's a huge focus on rules and process. I'm not a big planner when it comes to projects and I love experimentation which means a lot of things end up in the trash, or in a pile in the corner to be incorporated into another project later. This isn't really a working style that lends itself to teaching or having someone follow my process. Some of my best work has come when I've just wandered off on a tangent in the studio.

What would you change about "Social Market for a Mirrix" for next time?

I wouldn't change anything. Everyone's style of working in different so I don't think you can come up with a framework that's going to fit everyone 100% of the time.

Did you find the criteria for "Social Market for a Mirrix" to be too stringent?

Weaving can be an incredibly slow process sometimes so some weeks it was challenging to come up with content for the blog posts. Fortunately I had questions from readers that I could answer on the blog. But this was just my experience. Another weaver who had more hours to devote to weaving each week may not find it as challenging.

What was your favorite project on the Mirrix?

The mask collage, Ariel, is my favorite piece. One of the reason is because I really liked the weaving that was incorporated into the collage. I love that black yarn and there are some really incredible handspun yarns available now that are perfect for fiber collages. Oddly enough, the LandSat weaving of Dragon Lake Siberia that sold off the loom was my least favorite.

What is your favorite thing about the Mirrix?

I love the warping process and the ability to to adjust the tension on the warp threads so easily. I also think the coils on both the top and bottom make warping much easier.

What is your least favorite thing about the Mirrix?

Because I'm used to working on a large tapestry loom with a shedding device that uses a foot treadle, I found the shedding device on the Mirrix challenging. I could just never seem to get the rhythm quite right. Fortunately, for most of my pieces, I don't really need to use a shedding device.

What plans do you have for weaving on your Mirrix in the future?

I'm thinking about some funky, really organic looking fiber collages incorporating beads and found objects. Those were the pieces that I really wanted to work on during the campaign but I got sidetracked somewhere along the way. Maybe because I felt those types of pieces would have been less interesting to the readers.

A New Bead Looming Tool!

2011-03-01T07:13:00.000-08:00

Sometimes my direction of creativety starts with the 'idea'. Other times it is born from seeing a new tool. I think in this new project, both of these means crashed together at the same time!

I am going to keep you in suspense a bit longer. However, let me share the new Looming Tool I have created. It isn't even named yet, but it works great.

The lampwork beads, you see above, are created by one of the most creative Lamp Work Artists I have ever seen, Venessa Hearn. She has the talent and patience to create some gorgeous lamp work beads, but she also is willing to step outside of her box. When I ask for a particular glass bead, Venessa won't hesitate to take on the challenge, using 'my own vision' and allow her hands/techniques/talent create from my personal direction. You can find Venessa Hearn here, Bead Up A Storm .

The attachment you see on the end of each lamp work glass fob, is really a necklace separator! I added that to allow multiple threads to be attached. (Will the threads be warps or wefts? Wait and see!) I'll bet this idea can be accomplished with fiber, as well!

I am fitting this new idea into my looming schedule, only because the idea has been burning a hole in my daily looming progress. I have to get this out of the way, as well as finish my Lotus SLN. It is wonderful to feel the 'drive', when a new idea hits!

Social Market for a Mirrix Video #18

2011-02-27T15:54:00.000-08:00

If you would like to continue to follow me on my journey through life exploring collage, fiber and textile art, marketing for artists, the art scene in Santa Fe, etc. you can connect with me at...

Dakini Dreams or Gypsy Wolf Marketing

Facebook Profile or Page

Twitter

About.me

Thanks for joining me on the "Social Market for a Mirrix" campaign.

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-02-26T13:02:00.000-08:00

One of my loves is mask making... the use of masks by indigenous cultures, the symbolism of masks, the masks we hide behind every day as we journey through our lives. So, for some reason, it seemed appropriate to end "Social Market for a Mirrix" with one of my mask collages utilizing one of the weavings completed during the campaign.

This collage / assemblage isn't finished yet but it will be completed in time for the final video on Monday. Once the paint is dry, I'll be able to pull the pieces together relatively quickly.

As promised, I've put together a resource list of vendors I've worked with and can personally recommend. So, in addition to the equipment and supplies offered by Mirrix, you might want to check out the following:

Professional Organizations

Beads

Yarns

Weaving Supplies

Halcyon Yarn

Books, Magazines, etc.

Interweave

Online Communities

When purchasing supplies, please try and support the smaller, independent sellers in your area or online.

Some of my favorite weavers...

And so Claudia and Elena can track any direct ROI for the "Social Market for a Mirrix" campaign, please leave a comment if you purchased a loom or supplies from Mirrix as a result of this campaign.

Creating a 'picture fringe'!

2011-02-25T15:08:00.001-08:00

Not too long ago, I shared a picture of the 'picture fringe' I completed on the Lotus SLN. Now I would like to explain how I completed this to keep the 'design/pattern' in order.

Here is the picture of what I shared. You will notice that the fringe is holding the graphed design, very well. You can actually make out the design I graphed. Not often, does the fringe work out in that way, especially with a graphed picture.

To keep the fringe 'picture' in order, I ran a thread through each of the fringes, after completing the over all picture. It didn't matter where I ran the tread, just that it held each of the fringes together. Notice the red lines, in the picture below. This is the direction I ran a new black thread, picking up a few on one fringe then going to the fringe next to it and picking up a few more beads, then back again. I completed this trail throughout the entire fringed area.

Holding the fringe spread apart with my fingers, you can see the thread holding each strand together. However, it is not noticeable in the first picture, after I complete sewing each strand together. This will now hold my design and still resemble a fringed picture!

Not every fringe needs this extra attention, but it is nice to do when you want to create a picture or extend a picture from your looming, into the fringe.

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-02-23T18:49:00.000-08:00

Remember this piece? The first weaving I completed in the “Social Market for a Mirrix” campaign? The piece I keep referring to as the Southwestern landscape?

Well, it grew up to be this piece. And now it’s finished and ready to go to its new home.

I took the original weaving and beaded the bottom half to give it the illusion of flowers. Then I tied off the warp threads leaving them long enough to form a fringe at the bottom of the weaving. And the warp threads at the top of the weaving were left long enough to hang down to form a veil. I like that the veil breaks up the surface of the weaving and makes the viewer have to work with the piece a bit to understand it. I attached the weaving to a canvas board that had been covered with rice paper and painted with metallic acrylic paint then topped off with iridescent watercolor. I finished the piece off by embellishing it with an old Southwestern style earring. All things considered, I’m pretty happy with how this piece turned out.

One down, two more to go. Tick, tock!

Social Market for a Mirrix Video #17

2011-02-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-02-19T18:01:00.000-08:00

I’m currently working up the left side of the weaving and starting to level it off so I can cut the weaving off the loom. I’m also trying to finish off the two remaining pieces that were completed earlier in the campaign so I can get those posted by the end of the month.

Susan left a couple of questions for me on my blog…

What tapestry books do I recommend and do I have a favorite?

Based on personal use, I can recommend “Tapestry Weaving: A Comprehensive Study Guide” by Nancy Harvey, “Tapestry Weaving” by Kirsten Glasbrook, and “Shaped Tapestry” by Kathe Todd-Hooker. Those are the ones I have sitting on my bookshelves. I think the Glasbrook book is an excellent guide for beginning tapestry weavers to start with. Harvey’s book is more detailed but it’s also out of print.

The American Tapestry Alliance offers a distance learning program, Helping Hands, designed for beginning weavers who want to explore tapestry weaving with guidance and mentoring from a more experienced tapestry weaver. The details are available on the American Tapestry Alliance website.

What do I like best about the Mirrix Loom?

I really like how easy it is to warp the loom and to be able to get sufficient tension on the warp threads. The coils make it easy to keep your warp threads evenly spaced. I also like the fact that the loom has a nice solid feel to it and it doesn’t wobble, shift, or slide when I’m weaving.

Twisted Fringe Accents

2011-02-18T12:26:00.000-08:00

I just completed the entire width, of the Lotus SLN, with a 'twisted fringe' and opal glass dagger drops. This was my first attempt to make such a fringe. Going on line, to look at all the tips offered to complete this type of fringe, I realized much of what I read didn't pertain to how I was able to finish these. I'll share my exact methods.

Each strand was loaded with beads, not counted, but measured. I threaded a four inch portion of beads, then added my drops. The second half of the fringe was also load with beads, but measured against the first half's length, (still appx. 4 inches). The tricky part comes now. I found the best way to make the perfect twist was to use 'rubber finger tips', similar to what can be purchased in an office supply store. Holding the thread, closest to the last bead added, and pushing taut to make the beads set very close together, I began my twist in one direction. As I twisted, I made sure my efforts were twisting more towards the beads and not allowing both halves of the thread (thread length on each side of my finger hold), was also twisting. At the same time, I was turning the 'dagger' or focal at the bottom of the fringe. I did not count the number of twists, as is suggested in many online directions, but continued to twist the thread (still taut against the last bead) until the entire length of beads were twisted around.

To secure the twist and keep it into place, I used a 'spring bead stop' to hold my twist and not allow it to unravel. My needle was then thread into two beads, of the row I was adding the fringe, and passed through two additional beads, for the next fringe to begin. I pulled the thread through the four beads, still holding the original twist in the same position. Once all the thread was pulled, I made a 'half hitch' knot onto the end warp, between the two last beads I just passed through.

The best advice I can give, is to measure the length you want to twist, hold the twist taut against the last bead and keep that same twist from unraveling until you are able to make the half hitch, somewhere, to secure.

I love how this finish drapes. It has such a great feel and will add more dimension to my SLN then if I completed a 'one strand' fringe accent.

My Mirrix loom is becoming the perfect loom for adding all types of creative accents. The loom is holding my SLN, while I am making the twisted fringe. I'll bet, not that far yet, but I'll just bet, I won't be cutting this 'Lotus SLN' from the Mirrix, until it is time to attach the clasp!!

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-02-16T17:15:00.001-08:00

We’re quickly approaching the end of the “Social Market for a Mirrix” campaign. Only 3 more blog posts and 2 more videos before I ride off into the Southwest sunset.

You’ll see there’s been a bit of progress since the last posting. And that orange section in the middle is still bothering me but I’m trying to let it go. If you look at that section on the far right of the weaving, that’s approximately 1/3 the height of the cartoon so this weaving definitely won’t be finished by the end of February. But, it’s coming off the loom at the end of the month no matter where I’m at in the weaving in order to be incorporated into a collage. To be honest, it will probably be far more interesting in an unfinished state.

Right now the plan is to start to level the weaving off so you’ll have a better idea how it would look. I’m finding myself making a lot more adjustments now, especially with the black areas. Actually, now that I'm looking at the picture and have some distance, I think I would be a lot happier with that orange section if I had separated it from the brick red with black.

Social Market for a Mirrix Video #16

2011-02-14T16:57:00.000-08:00

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-02-12T16:26:00.001-08:00

Susan posted some questions on my blog I thought I would answer in today’s post.

First, my disclaimer... I’m not good with “shoulds” and rules and boundaries. I tend to work in ways that suit what I’m trying to accomplish rather than doing what’s “right”. This is the main reason I don’t try to teach. This is also one of the reasons I recommended books at the beginning of the campaign for people who want to learn tapestry weaving. So, that being said…

Why do you start weaving in different places?

On the current weaving, I’m weaving in different places instead of straight across because I’m balancing the colors as I work. Even though I’m working from a colored cartoon, I still need to make adjustments as I move through the piece. For someone else it might be easier for them to just work straight across. I think it just depends on how you visualize things.

Does that make uneven tension?

Yes, it could. But the weft of your weaving can also be uneven if you work straight across. Getting a nice even weft is more about practice and developing a feel for what you’re doing.

Do you always use the shedding device on small areas?

I never use the shedding device on small areas. I use the shedding device when I’m working on large weavings or when the weaving that I’m working on has large areas of color.

Do you ever use anything but plain tabby weave?

Sometimes. It really depends on what I plan to do with the piece once it’s off the loom. As you’ve seen, a lot of my weavings are incorporated into collages. I really prefer my changes in texture and design to come from the different yarns and fibers I’m using.

Can you add texture changing the weave and if so can the heddles be arranged to change the pattern using the shedding device?

I haven’t tried it on the Mirrix but I don’t see why not. Hopefully Claudia or Elena will jump in if I’m totally off track on this. My best suggestion would be to just give it a try.

How would it look using your fingers to lift the warp threads and change the weft pattern to add texture or break up a large pattern of color?

It’s going to depend on what you’re using as warp and weft. Warp your loom and just try out all of the wacky things you can think to try. Some you’ll love, some you’ll hate, but I think experimentation is important in order to grow as an artist.

Can you embellish the weaving by adding some metallic thread as a highlighted area?

Yes, you can either weave the metallic thread into the weaving or embellish with it once the weaving is off the loom. I use Kreinik Metallic Threads and Cords. And WEBS (www.yarn.com) offers a limited selection of metallic yarns. They’re generally more expensive than regular yarns.

What about shading an area?

You can play with the colors that you’re weaving with in order to shade an area.

Just a reminder also, videos will be posted on Mondays instead of Sundays for the remainder of the campaign.

Graphed Fringe Design

2011-02-12T08:12:00.003-08:00

My usual mode is to loom or bead more then one idea at a time. There are two reasons I like to work in this manner. I don't get frustrated continuing on one piece for a long period of time, I can swap out ideas between the two pieces learning double as I go and I can think about the next step for one while working on the other.

Other then the Laurel & Hardy Cuff, you have been seeing posted, I am also looming a large piece on my Mirrix. This loom is perfect, for so many reasons. However, not versed for the 'quick warped-loomed piece'. It is wonderful for carrying out the most creative looming ideas. Here is a picture of how I am fringing a 'layer' of my Lotus SLN. The Mirrix is allowing me the option to loosen the warp tension for ease of fringing, then tighten the warps back for looming.

I am using the Duracoat Delica line, Metallic Silver 11/0, for the design nestled in with the matte black Delicas. The design was graphed, not unlike any other loomed pattern, only having to keep track of how the beads will lay. Each bead is shaped more of a rectangle so when loomed, they are on their side, laying longer. When they are graphed for a fringe design, they lay straight up, thinner on the sides. Keeping this thought in mind allows the pattern perspective to stay correct.

Continuing a design or creating a separate design, in the fringe, adds much more to the bead art and can even widen your size of the 'beading canvas'.

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-02-09T19:02:00.000-08:00

I’ve come to the realization I’m going to have to weave faster because I’m running out of things to say about this piece. I must just be boring your stripey socks off. Anyway, my goal at this point is to start to level the sections off so I can at least show you an area with the handspun pulled through the slits in the event I don’t finish the entire weaving by February 28^th. Or maybe I’ll just consider it finished on the 28^th no matter where I’m at in the process so I can cut it off the loom and finish the remaining steps of closing up some of the slits, incorporating the handspun yarn, and mounting it. I’ll see how things progress.

In case you missed the announcement, Mirrix is offering free bead patterns for download on their website. There’s a really great Valentine’s Day heart pattern available that I believe is based on one of Claudia’s zendoodles. I might give the image a shot at some point weaving with DMC #5 embroidery thread. But that’s a project for much later in the year.

The pink and black “weaving over a weaving” is still very much a work-in-process but should be finished this week. One of the ideas that crossed my mind when I was working on it yesterday was what would happen if there were multiple layers of weaving, then areas were burnt away so you could see the underlying layers. Yep, it’s just a matter of time before something goes up in flames.

As I start to look forward to how I will utilize the Mirrix Loom in my future work, I see it being a really useful tool in my mixed media / collage / assemblage projects. I’ve realized over the past few months that for me “traditional” tapestry weaving is very restrictive.

Social Market for a Mirrix Video #15

2011-02-07T16:50:00.000-08:00

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-02-06T17:18:00.000-08:00

Due to schedule conflicts this month, videos will be posted on Mondays instead of Sundays through the end of February.

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-02-05T16:02:00.000-08:00

I’ve been re-working a couple of sections so there doesn’t appear to have been much progress since my last post. There’s actually much more contrast in the colors than there appears to be in the pictures. I experimented a bit with weaving the handspun yarn I’m going to use as embellishment into the weaving but decided against it. It’s much more interesting pulled through the slits. I just noticed that I need to increase the tension on the warp threads again which will straighten some of the wonky areas out a bit. I decreased it when I was working with the handspun.

With every project, no matter what medium I’m working with, there are always lessons learned. If I were starting this weaving over and still using the Tahki Cotton Classic for the weft, I think I would warp every other dent instead of every dent. Of course downside to doing that is the really small areas would be problematic.

For anyone in the New England area, the American Tapestry Alliance’s 8^th American Tapestry Biennial is being shown at the American Textile History Museum in Lowell, MA, until May 1, 2011. In addition, two artists will be giving talks:

March 13, 2011 @ 2:00 pm Susan Martin Maffei “Under the Influence, or Is It Just Inspiration?”
April 10, 2011 @ 2:00 pm Anne Jackson “Anne Jackson: Knotted Tapestries”

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-02-02T14:56:00.001-08:00

The current weaving is progressing slowly. I’m trying to work from left to right and from the bottom up as much as possible. You’ll notice the large square of orange in the middle has been partially removed. Something truly heinous was going on with that particular section. Somehow I managed to get the weft threads way too tight so I have to redo that area. I’m okay with the edges of the individual sections not being perfectly straight, actually I prefer them to be crooked, but that one was far too distorted for me to be able to close the slits if I needed to. As I continue to weave, I’m finding I have to work in a bit more black than was on the original cartoon in order to break the colors up and provide balance. I’m still happy with the basic color combination though.

I’m also working on the two remaining weavings that I completed earlier in the campaign. The pink and black one you saw in the video on Sunday is sitting where I can see it every day and is waiting for me to be struck by a bolt of inspirational lightning. So far… nothing. And I’m continuing to embellish the first weaving with beads. So, hopefully I’ll be able to post both of those by the end of the month.

Social Market for a Mirrix Video #14

2011-01-31T14:00:00.000-08:00

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-01-30T13:58:00.000-08:00

I don't have much of a voice today so I'll be posting this week's video on Monday instead of today.

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-01-29T13:53:00.000-08:00

Remember the sampler I did earlier in January? Well, it’s migrated from the collage elements pile to a collage. One more UFO down. I mounted the weaving on a canvas board that had been collaged with rice paper and a scrap of gold fabric, then embellished with a piece of repurposed jewelry.

I wanted to show these pieces so you’ll know the weavings that come off the loom that might be considered “failures” can still be used. Maybe not in the way you had originally envisioned, but still, not a complete loss. I have piles of “failed” experiments in my studio but most of these pieces will eventually find a home in a collage, an assemblage, or on a collagraph plate for printmaking. And just remember “one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure”. If you attend a class or workshop, you’ll be amazed what other artists might want to trade for from your stash.

The weaving on the loom is progressing slowly. Normally I would be obsessing over the fact that my edges aren’t straight but I’ll be able to correct a lot of sins once it’s off the loom. And since this one will also be part of a collage, I’m not too concerned at this point.

A loomed Needle Case!

2011-01-27T18:26:00.001-08:00

This can be a very simple pattern to loom. It is quick and enjoyable!

I like to use a wine cork, to secure my scissors from damage. To make this a complete set, I am thinking about beading around the cork! If I do, I'll be sure to share the set.

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-01-26T17:36:00.001-08:00

"Sushi" 2011

Okay, this piece is finally finished. I just couldn’t get happy with the yellow beads. I’m not a huge fan of yellow so it’s a difficult color for me to work with. Does anyone else have that problem with certain colors?

I wrapped the chopsticks with the same silk yarn I used in the weaving, then bundled the 3 chopsticks with an assortment of fancy black yarns, letting the excess yarn hang down. I finished the bundle off with the addition of a Swarovski crystal component. I then mounted the weaving on a canvas board that has been collaged with handmade paper and sprayed with iridescent watercolor. Now it feels finished. Finally something has moved from the UFO (unfinished object) pile to the completed pile.

The weaving on the loom is progressing slowly. I’m making adjustments to the design as I go along because some areas just need to be tweaked. They look okay on the cartoon but once the sections are woven with the darker yarns, some minor adjustments have to be made to balance the colors and to control where the slits occur.

For anyone who might be interested in entering, the Handweavers Guild of America is sponsoring “Small Expressions”, an annual international juried exhibition. The deadline is March 7, 2011. Details and entry form can be found here.

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-01-25T07:24:00.000-08:00

I came across the following video this morning and thought I would share it.

Social Market for a Mirrix Video #13

2011-01-23T14:39:00.000-08:00

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-01-22T17:50:00.000-08:00

So, after a couple of sessions of weaving and unweaving, I finally decided the direction I wanted to go in.

I mentioned at one point, in last Sunday’s video I believe, that I wanted to outline each section in black so the weaving would have a Mondrian look to it. Let’s just put it this way… it looked better in my head than it did on the loom. Although it might have worked on a larger piece. Anyway, I went back to the cartoon and added in some additional small areas of black to break up the color a little more and anchor sections.

The other change I made was not to use the warp interlock technique but to use the slit technique when changing colors. What this means is that instead of the weft running continuously across the width of the weaving, there will be a slit between each color. There’s a method to my madness.

During one of the archaeological digs in my studio as I was looking for tapestry needles, I came across some handspun art yarns that I had picked up years ago and never used. What I think I’m going to do is work strands of beads into the art yarns then pull them through the slits in selected areas so they cascade down the front of the weaving. The entire piece will then be mounted on a canvas board that I’ve collaged with handmade paper and painted with iridescent watercolors.

I know, I know. My thought processes and how I create seems really disconnected and random at times. But, for me it’s a process of experimenting. Sometimes the experiment works, other times, not so much. And as you’ve probably noticed over the past few months, I’m not afraid to just scrap what I’m working on and start over. And there’s always the infamous future collage elements bin that projects get consigned to if I finish them and decide I’m not happy.

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-01-19T16:33:00.000-08:00

I was cleaning up my hard drive and computer files this week when I came across some pictures of a number of small samplers I did when I first received my Mirrix loom. I think I wandered off on a tangent at some point and never posted them. Most of them aren’t that interesting and are in a pile to be used in collages but I do like this one. I was experimenting with a Tibetan weaving technique – a technique that’s meant to be used on a different type of loom -- a friend had demonstrated for me so it’s extremely irregular. But, I think that’s why I like it. It’s rough and funky and I love the colors. I also love the feel of it since I used scraps of silk yarn to weave it, both for the warp and the weft.

We’re now 3 months into the “Social Market for a Mirrix” campaign. It’s been an interesting experience and I’ve been thinking about the impact it’s had on how I work. I’ve found that it’s a bit difficult to work with people “looking over my shoulder”. I’ve also realized that “traditional” weavings are of much less interest to me than mixed media, experimental weavings. So, all good revelations.

As for the current work-in-progress, I did go back and color in the sections on the cartoon to correspond with the yarns I’m using. It took a couple of versions before I was happy with the balance.

Also, I’m collecting questions as they come in and will address all of them, as well as provide links to a number of online resources, in my final post at the end of February.

Social Market for a Mirrix Video #12

2011-01-16T16:23:00.000-08:00

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-01-15T16:58:00.000-08:00

Image #3 it is.
I did a little test with the Tahki Cotton Classic yarn and decided to enlarge the cartoon from 6x6 inches to 8x10 inches in order to accommodate the yarn I selected. I also waffled back and forth on whether to warp with the 8-dent coil or the 12-dent coil. I finally went with the 12-dent because of the number of small sections. You’ll notice that I’m not using the shedding device and heddles on this project. Since I’m working on numerous small areas, it’s easier for me just to work the sections with a needle.

I volunteer one day a week in the Collections Department at the International Folk Art Museum here in Santa Fe and the project that I’ve been working on the past couple of weeks is processing photos of their textile collection. As I was working last week, I found myself being drawn to the pieces that were primarily earthtones… beige, brown, brick red, orange. So, I dug through my stash and pulled out the following colors to use. I’m a little ambivalent about the turquoise at the moment but I’ll see where the weaving takes me. Because there are so many sections in this weaving, I may color in the individual areas with colored pencil so I have a more detailed pattern to follow. I have a little more prep work to do then I’ll be ready to start weaving.
I have a feeling this weaving is going to take a while so it may very well take us through to the end of the “Social Market for a Mirrix” campaign which is scheduled to end on 2/28/11.

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-01-12T17:47:00.000-08:00

Image #1

Image #2

Image #3

And it’s time for audience participation…

I’m warping the loom in preparation for the next project. While I’m doing that, here are 3 cartoons (each is 6 inches by 6 inches) and I’ll let you decide which design goes up on the loom next. I’m warping with the 8 dent coil and will be weaving primarily with the Tahki Cotton Classic in a variety of colors. Just leave a comment and let me know which design you prefer by midnight on Thursday, January 13^th. If I don’t hear from anyone, I’ll just randomly pick one.

Since up to this point I’ve been focused more on various yarns and how they look when incorporated into a weaving and less on technique, I thought I would use this piece to demonstrate some of the various weaving techniques from “Tapestry Weaving” by Kirsten Glasbrook. This will give me a chance to work with techniques that I rarely work with and will hopefully show you how different techniques look when used together in a tapestry. And since the weaving is only 6 inches by 6 inches, I should be able to complete it fairly quickly. I’m trying to avoid larger, more complex projects that will drag on.

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-01-11T09:10:00.000-08:00

So, here's where I'm at with embellishing the weaving. The yellow beads aren't quite as glaring in person as they appear to be in this photo. (Note to self: Actually READ the user's guide that came with the camera.) It's still a work-in-progress. Right now I'm thinking about layering the entire weaving with embroidery on Solvron to "veil" the weaving and collage elements in order to give it more depth. I also need to shorten that piece of yarn at the top that's curving. For some reason, that's really annoying me.

Social Market for a Mirrix Video #11

2011-01-09T16:38:00.001-08:00

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-01-08T14:41:00.000-08:00

I’m still working on the sampler demonstrating how different yarns look in a weaving. This little guy is 4 inches tall right now. Starting at the bottom, here’s what I’ve used so far… black #5 pearl cotton embroidery thread, a thin multi-colored chenille, a very thin boucle with a silver metallic thread running through it, a thin multi-colored boucle, a purple eyelash yarn, and a medium boucle.

Pearl cotton embroidery thread is always a dream to work with and it comes in 300+ colors so it’s one of my favorites. I use both DMC and Anchor. I also love the look and feel of chenille but it’s been my experience in the past that using chenille over large areas can be problematic because it sheds and you can sometimes end up with bald sections. But because I was weaving a small area, I didn’t have that problem this time. The eyelash yarn is interesting but I don’t think it will hold up well in wearable items like a tapestry cuff. And there are so many types of boucles that it really just depends on the fibers as to whether it weaves well or not. Ones with fuzzier fibers tend to be more difficult.

Loomed Earrings!

2011-01-06T17:45:00.000-08:00

I just bought the cutest little loom, perfect for making loomed earrings. This is an idea I have been working on for many years, but only feel I am finally perfecting the perfect method. Be sure to look at the Mini Mirrix, here on their website. The 'Mini' is not only perfect for travel, able to handle lengths of looming from credit card cases to cuffs, but now that I am working out some patterns and directions for earrings, this would also be great to make loomed earrings too!

Quickly, I am sharing one earring, of one particle pair. I named these, "Navajo Blankets". They are loomed with sterling findings and hand woven triangle drops. I have many more to show, but I still want to work out some of my ideas before I share them too!

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-01-05T12:43:00.000-08:00

I received a request on my blog to create a piece using a variety of threads and a finer weave but with no beads. So, here goes.

I warped the loom using the 12-dent coil with a warp thread through each dent and I’m weaving with #5 DMC Pearl Cotton embroidery thread and mixed fibers from Ancient Earth Echoes. The piece is only 1 ½ inches wide. Once this piece is finished, it could be used as a bracelet but I will probably use it in a collage at some point.

The Ancient Earth Echoes fibers are bundles of disparate yarns in defined colorways that were marketed by Maria Teresa Stoa of Ramah, NM. I used to buy them from Joggles.com but Barb no longer appears to be carrying the line. Fortunately I stocked up on them in various colors when they were available. They’re perfect for projects like this since each bundle was made up of short lengths of a variety of art yarns. The hunt is on for a new source.

I’m still contemplating how I’m going to embellish the last piece I finished. It definitely needs a little “something” but nothing I’ve tried feels quite right.

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-01-03T07:03:00.000-08:00

Here's the finished piece (10 in. x 10 in.) ready to be cut off the loom and embellished.

Social Market for a Mirrix Video #10

2011-01-02T14:43:00.000-08:00

Social Market for a Mirrix

2011-01-01T18:10:00.000-08:00

Welcome to 2011 everyone!

It’s a new year and there’s a new weaving on the loom. It’s so nice to finally be back in the studio weaving that I’m just enjoying the process and letting this piece evolve. I’m using an 8-dent coil and the loom is warped with a warp thread through every other dent to accommodate the bulk of the yarn I’m working with. The width of the piece is 10 inches and I’ve started out with Tahki Maya yarn. I love, love, LOVE this yarn because you get such an interesting texture when you weave with it. Right now I’m not sure what other yarns I’m going to be using. I have a box of candidates sitting beside my work table and I’ll just see what strikes my fancy when I finish the sections I’m currently working on.

One of my goals for 2011 is to be more aggressive about promoting my artwork and part of that process is going to be entering shows. The first show on my calendar is the Handweavers Guild of America’s Small Expressions 2011 with a deadline of 03/07/11. So, I’m hoping some of the pieces I finish between now and the end of the “Social Market for a Mirrix” campaign on 02/28/11 will be viable options for submission.

Social Market for a Mirrix

2010-12-29T16:33:00.001-08:00

Ever try to warp a loom with a cat in the house? Let’s just say it’s a bit of a challenge. Once the loom was warped though, Midnight was a very attentive student. That is, until he decided I was sitting where he wanted to sit. So he bit me.

I’ve finally made actual progress on the Dragon Lake, Siberia tapestry. And the clock is ticking. Someone with a particular affection for that part of the world wants to buy it. And he wants it by Friday. So, it’s going to be an all nighter at the loom. The upside to this is that I’ll definitely be starting a new piece on Saturday which I’m really excited about. I’ve already started gathering up all of the yarns that I want to use.

In an effort to make things a little more interesting here, I’ll be focusing on more experimental pieces for the remainder of the “Social Market for a Mirrix” campaign. I find weaving the tapestries based on the LandSat photos very relaxing and meditative but they’re just not that interesting from a viewer’s perspective. So, I’m moving the tapestries that I’ll be working on for show deadlines off to another loom because they’re larger pieces that are, for the most part, just straight tapestry weaving. They won’t be very interesting to see from week-to-week.

Social Market for a Mirrix Video #9

2010-12-28T19:20:00.000-08:00

Social Market for a Mirrix

2010-12-25T18:00:00.000-08:00

And it's a blast from the past! Once again I'm working on one of the weavings I finished back in October.

After taking a break, I finally decided the weaving needed a little oomph so out came the beads. And, okay, I'm cheating a bit and using several of the Bead Gravy glass bead mixes, one in greens and one in golds, from Joggles.

Oh, while I'm thinking about it, this week's video will be posted on Tuesday, December 28th instead of Sunday, December 26th.

Anyway, back to the embellishing. All along, I've thought this small weaving looked like a Southwest landscape. But, the greens were a little too green. The beads I'm working with have a variety of shades of green so the embellishment adds a little depth and personality to the piece, I think.

I also found a package of some really interesting silk waste in sunset colors (blues, oranges, purples) in one of my bins so I'm planning to work that into the sky.

There will also likely be an appearance by some of the fibers by Ancient Earth Echoes as embellishment on the cliffs.

Don't forget Mirrix Looms Bead & Tapestry Cuffs Workshop at Village Spinning and Weaving in Solvang, CA on February 5 - 6, 2011. The registration deadline in January 15, 2011.

Social Market for a Mirrix

2010-12-22T13:28:00.001-08:00

I finally just said enough is enough, hid myself away in the studio on Monday, and spent some time weaving. So there’s been a bit of progress since the last post. I’m looking forward to finishing this weaving because I have a couple of techniques I want to experiment with once it’s off the loom. I’ll share more of those details once I’m closer to being finished.

Remember the first piece I completed?

I needed a portable project so I’ve finally started embellishing it and will have something to show you on Saturday. Working on that first weaving again reminded me how much I like weaving with yarns that have variegated colors and textures.

Mirrix is having a post-holiday loom sale so everything is 15% off in the Mirrix store with the code: 15offeverything. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to the Mirrix Loom newsletter. Each week you’ll receive information about the latest deals, “how-to” videos, classes, contests, and featured artists. It looks like Elena and Claudia have lots of new content heading our way in 2011 and I know I’m looking forward to seeing what they’ve been working on. I seem to remember seeing a tweet recently about a new loom.

Social Market for a Mirrix Video #8

2010-12-20T09:57:00.000-08:00

Trice Looming!

2010-12-20T09:22:00.000-08:00

Time, these days, is so precious to all of us! Even I am looking at ways to create the same level of quality looming within a shorter amount of precious time! I want to share a technique I have been perfecting for a while, "Trice Looming"! This method allows you to 'loom & edge' at the 'same time'! Below are the steps in pictures.

String your loom as you would start any new looming project, warping one thread more then the number of loomed beads wide. Now string on a good number of edging beads, usually something round, not tubular like a Delica. This type of bead lays much nicer for this simple line edge. You will want to thread 5 or so more number of beads than the rows you plan to loom. These can be added after the initial warps are strung or string the beads first and warp the loom with the two extra warps stacked with beads.

Attach your weft to the outside warp of your looming row, not the same thread holding your edging beads. Loom the first row as if the two outside warps with beads are not there!

Just after exiting this row, slide an edge bead up and run your needle inside, towards you.

Now add the next number of beads needed to loom the next row, in this case there are ten beads creating this narrow banding.

Before turning your needle upwards and running it back inside the same row of beads, above the warps (the usual looming methods), pick up another edge bead from the other side.

Now you can continue the usual looming technique of going back through the row of beads, keeping your needle above the warps.

When you exit on the starting side, pick up another edge bead, just as you did in the first step described. Continue looming these steps until you reach the desired length of looming you need.

This Trice Looming Style, creates a simple edge with the edge beads sitting on their sides. This also finishes the looming to a classic look, no holes or threads showing!

I have many other variations of this same method, creating edges much more intricate then this simple line. Those will be shared in my book! In the meantime, you can experiment with adding more or less beads and additional warps full of beads! If you plan on creating a scalloped type edge, you'll need to keep those warps free for movement as the warp threads will be used up or longer, than what you attach to the loom.

Finishing a loomed cuff with an adjustable clasp!

2010-12-19T17:29:00.000-08:00

I just completed another cuff, with a design fit for the season! This is titled, "Who-Me Deer?". It is a 30 bead wide loomed cuff. When I create such a wide cuff, my main staple of clasp choices become a slide tube clasp. They have a long presence, mostly 35mm. I never cared for the design of a 'single loop' or 'small single clasp' on a wide cuff, because I wouldn't want it to flip or flop around on the wrist. I also feel that a single, small clasp, of some sort, on a wide looming, just doesn't offer a proper 'balance in design'.

The adjustable aspect, of this design, is also something I am sharing. It can be difficult to loom cuffs to an exact fit, without having the model to refer, so an adjustable design can be a great feature.

I call the end caps, seen in the photos above, my 'crunchy clasp' method. The reason being that beads are 'cracked' when they are attached. It can be very uneasy to think about the beads breaking, but my technique keeps the cracking of beads into consideration, long before I have to attach the 'CC's' to the ends!

The one end of this cuff is finished with a copper chain, for the adjusting part, topped off with a dangle, a custom made 'snow globe lamp work bead'. On the other end is a copper wire hook clasp and matching stones, again wrapped in copper wire.

Above is a montage of the edging. The large beads are 'copper barrels' aligned perfectly between four rows of looming. There is a 'stop bead' two beads inward because I wanted the barrels to lay directly next to one another. This stop bead allowed me to enter a row of looming then exit the same row of looming. To secure the large barrel beads further, I strung a strand of copper 11/0 glass beads, directly inside the entire row. This will keep each barrel bead in line, especially while being worn or bending the cuff. The opposite edge was finished in a simple copper color Permanent Finish 11/0 glass bead.

This method of clasping a loomed cuff can be the simplest way to manage the warps and still complete a cuff in a professional finished manner!

Social Market for a Mirrix

2010-12-18T19:20:00.000-08:00

Here's a close-up shot so you can see how the warp interlock technique looks.

I've been working at the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market's Pop-Up Shop this past week so time in the studio has been non-existent so I don't really have anything new to show today. And unfortunately, other than a few hours on Sunday, I won't really be back to a regular studio schedule until December 28th because of the holidays.

Since I don't have much of my own work to show right now, I want to introduce you to the weavings / embroideries created by members of Artesanias WARI URPI (Macedonio Eduardo Palomino Torres and Luzmila Huarancca Gutierrez0 from Peru.

These colorful representations of the flora and fauna of Peru are just a sampling of the beautiful textiles being sold in the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market's Pop-Up Shop this weekend. These works reflect the traditional embroidery of the WARI-URPI's ancestors and can be traced back to the 8th century B.C. Worn daily by the WARI women of the Huanta-Ayacucho region, woven and embroidered shawls called"llicllac" are frequently used to carry children, crops, or wood. Special garments are also woven and embroidered specifically to be worn during the feast of the Virgin of Cocharcas.

Social Market for a Mirrix

2010-12-15T17:06:00.000-08:00

The weaving of Dragon Lake, Siberia is coming along and you’re starting to see a little more of the lake and tributaries being defined now. I do have a spot on the bottom right corner that’s bothering me a bit but I’m confident I’ll be able to resolve that issue once the weaving is cut off the loom. The warp interlock technique is definitely giving me the jagged areas of color that I was looking for so I’m happy with that.

There’s been no rest for the wicked this week as I’m getting a few minutes in the studio each evening and that’s about it. I have to admit I can’t wait for the holidays to be over so life will get back to normal and I’ll have more time to spend in the studio. Fortunately, for me life starts to get back on schedule the week between Christmas and New Years. I have a stack of land sat photos waiting, as well as a number of deadlines looming, so I’m anxious to finish this one and start the next.

Just a quick reminder that Sunday, 12/19/10 is the last day to order a loom if you want it to arrive in time for Christmas.

Social Market for a Mirrix Video #7

2010-12-12T14:48:00.001-08:00

Social Market for a Mirrix

2010-12-11T16:43:00.000-08:00

I had hoped to get a mid-week video posted but suddenly it was Saturday and no extra video. Not quite sure where the week went.

In the ramp up to the holidays, there hasn't been much time to spend in the studio so the weaving is coming along slowly. But I'm loving these colors. And so far I'm happy with the raggedness of the green area. I'm being careful that the weaving doesn't become too linear and symmetrical. The darker splotches you see on the pattern will be done in the darker purple Tahki Cotton Yarn.

One of the things you have to be careful of when you first start weaving is not to pull the weft too tight otherwise the sides of the weaving won't be straight. I usually measure the width of the weaving after every inch to make sure everything is okay. As you can see, the warp threads are still evenly spaced. If you see that warp threads are starting to pull together, you can use a bobbin to space them out again if you catch the problem early in the weaving. Using heddles and the shedding device also helps keep the weaving even. Right now I'm weaving with a combination of needles and butterflies instead of stick shuttles or bobbins.

I'll be working at the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market's Pop-up Shop next weekend. We've received some really amazing textile work from India and I'm hoping there are some weavings waiting to be unpacked. If I come across any, I'll share pics on the blog next week.

Social Market for a Mirrix

2010-12-08T13:57:00.000-08:00

I’ve started weaving the LandSat photo of Dragon Lake Siberia and that Tahki Cotton Classic is a dream to weave with. I’m actually further along now than this picture shows but I wanted to show the beginning of the weaving.

The beige threads at the base of the weaving are the hem. The purpose of the hem is to space out the warp threads evenly and it gives me a foundation to work on. Once the tapestry is finished, I will remove the hem before knotting the warp threads. Some weavers turn the hem under and stitch it to the back of the tapestry.

I mentioned in a previous post that I will be using 3 colors of the Tahki Cotton Classic in this weaving. You can see 2 of the colors above. There are a number of tapestry techniques to consider when weaving and I’m using a warp interlock (wefts in adjacent areas share a common warp) technique here. The warp interlock technique creates a more jagged edge where the 2 colors meet. Since I’m working from a LandSat photo, I wanted to avoid the hard edges that can sometimes be the result of using a slit technique.

One of the subjects I meant to cover in the last video was tools for passing the weft thread through the shed. I make my decision based on the design and use either bobbins, stick shuttles, butterflies, or long needles. In my opinion, butterflies are the easiest for the beginning weaver to start with.

Again, I would highly recommend Nancy Harvey’s Tapestry Weaving: A Comprehensive Study Guide or Kristen Glasbrook’s Tapestry Weaving if you’re just getting started.

Social Market for a Mirrix Video #6

2010-12-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

Social Market for a Mirrix

2010-12-04T14:53:00.000-08:00

This is a LandSat image of Dragon Lake, Siberia and the design for the tapestry I'm preparing to start this evening.

I came across NASA's LandSat website, started looking through their image gallery and was immediately hooked. Some of the images are really amazing and will make beautiful abstracts so I downloaded a number of them for possible use as tapestry designs. I'm starting with one of the simpler images and if I'm happy with the results of the first weaving, it might make for the beginning of an interesting series.

The loom is warped for the new piece which will be 10 inches wide x 8 inches high and you can see the printout of the design behind the warp threads.

Using Adobe Photoshop, I applied a filter to the original image and stripped out some of the detail in order to make the pattern easier to following as I'm weaving.

I'll be using Tahki Cotton Classic yarn for this piece and these are the colors I've selected. This is a 100% mercerized cotton yarn that comes in a huge range of colors (125 colors) and has a bit of a shine to it. It reminds be a lot of the Pearl Cotton that I use in my smaller pieces. It also has a nice smooth texture to it so it's quick and easy to weave with.

I feel like I've had so many false starts and am just now beginning to develop a good working relationship with the new loom. It was a bit of an adjustment getting used to using the shedding device since I was used to using treadles. I never realized how much I work on auto-pilot until I started working with the new loom.

Social Market for a Mirrix

2010-12-01T12:15:00.000-08:00

I’ve tried to think of a positive way to spin this but the reality is…

The Southwest landscape weaving is now residing in the wastebasket beside my work table. I just wasn’t happy with it and the more I worked on it, the more frustrated I became. It was the sky and the valley area that was causing the problems for me. I just couldn’t get that illusion of depth and distance that I was looking for. When I found myself starting to dread going into the studio to weave, I decided life’s too short to spend time working on something that wasn't making me happy and it came off the loom. No, there are no more pictures, it was that bad.

One a more positive note, someone contacted me Monday evening about commissioning a small tapestry so that will likely be the next project. But, while I'm working out the details for that project, I decided to work on a quickie project and use up some of the remnants of yarn, fiber, and ribbon I've been collecting.

For this piece, I warped the loom using regular bulky yarn instead of C-Lon cord then used the same yarn for the weft, incorporating the scraps as I worked. The piece is about 10 inches wide and about 12 inches high. I’m thinking about attaching a handmade mask in the middle of the weaving then mounting the piece on a black background and framing it.

Social Market for a Mirrix Video #5

2010-11-28T17:25:00.000-08:00

Creating Dimensions in Looming!

2010-11-27T17:47:00.001-08:00

There are many ways to create dimension, to a 2D looming pattern. One way is to add an outline, as I did here, for the basic design of my Lotus SLN. This gives depth without adding much more, but for me, it is adding an additional layer that I wanted to add.

It is accomplished much like you would complete 'bead embroidery', stringing three or four beads, taking a stitch then going back through the last two or three beads added. When I make my stitch, I am careful to only pick up either the warp or run my thread through a set of loomed beads. This way, I won't have any threads showing on the underside of my looming when finished, nor will I have to back my design.

To create the next level of dimension, I thread a 6mm Permanent Silver Metallic bead onto the thread, securing this bead in between the level I am adding and the base below. You can notice a few of these large beads, placed in between my petals. Some areas, I chose to add two instead of just one.

If you are familiar with 'Paper Tole', the art of cutting out the same design and reassembling the picture using silicone glue to make the picture look 3D. I call my method of creating dimension on this SLN, 'Bead Tole'.

Looking from different vantage points, you can see the dimensions come to life. I am even including some 'cupped' petals which will also create a realistic feel, as in the petal on the lower right side.

From the front view, you don't notice the levels of dimension, but after adding more, you will be able to notice this picture from any angle.

There is many more parts to chart/graph and hand weave, which will finally bring me to my total picture. I have attached all that I have completed, to this point, and will be graphing out other portions to hand weave. The green leaves, in the lower part of the Lotus, will be some of the last parts added, as they stand further forefront.

Social Market for a Mirrix

2010-11-27T14:17:00.000-08:00

Here’s where I’m at right now with the Southwestern landscape. There hasn’t been a lot of progress since Wednesday’s blog post due to the holiday but I’m looking forward to having some dedicated time in the studio over the next few days to get some weaving done.

I cropped and rotated one of the photos to give you an idea of what it will eventually look like when it’s finished.

I’m still working out what I’m going to use for the sky. One of the things I love about living in the Southwest is the sunsets but replicating those colors is always a challenge. Nothing that I’ve tried so far is quite right.

And I may do the next version in 3/2 Pearl Cotton instead of my original plan. The Pearl Cotton has such a beautiful sheen to it and there are so many colors to choose from that you can create incredibly nuanced details in weavings.

There have been so many new ideas that I want to try coming up lately that I’ve started keeping a journal on my work table to make notes of ideas and color combinations. There just aren’t enough hours in a day.

For those of you interested in seeing some truly beautiful tapestry work, take a look at the Artist Pages on the American Tapestry Alliance’s website.

Social Market for a Mirrix

2010-11-24T15:19:00.000-08:00

Okay, here’s where I’m at right now. As you can see, the rock faces that make up what will be the left side of the tapestry are done and I’m working my way up what will eventually be the bottom of the tapestry. I’m not sure I’m completely happy with the way the rocks currently look but I’m reserving final judgment until the piece is completed and off the loom.

Once this piece is finished, I’m planning to do another version using the same yarns but with the cartoon oriented correctly. I think it will be interesting to see the similarities and differences between the two pieces based on the direction of the weaving.

I’m heading to the Needle’s Eye this weekend to see if I can find some yarn for the sky that will make me happy. Something variegated with blues and sunset colors.

On another note, I’m loving the recycled silk yarn from India. Such lush vibrant colors. Right now I’m picturing it combined with black yarn in a large wall hanging. Maybe with some gold or bronze metallic fibers. And beads. Lots and lots of beads.

If you have a few minutes, check out Weaving Today’s blog post “Of Memory and Hope” and the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco, a nonprofit organization working to promote the history and production of traditional Peruvian textiles.

Social Market for a Mirrix Video #4

2010-11-21T15:40:00.000-08:00

Lotus SLN

2010-11-21T11:14:00.000-08:00

The Mirrix is perfect for an SLN!

My next looming is something I have shared earlier, but needed to take some time off to complete a few commissions and other projects. I'll be looming full force on this SLN, (split loomed necklace), from now on. To start, I am sharing a picture of where I am to date.

In the picture above, you notice the loomed base of my SLN, being the large part of my pattern, A Lotus. Also attached are a few of the petals, I am hand weaving. The entire Lotus will be completed with 3D petals and leaves. Here are few that I haven't attached yet.

After I complete the bulk of the 'petal additions', then I will complete the lower end of the looming, all the while I will be scribbling and graphing out some interesting designs for the upper looming. The warp weights attached are giving me 'creative license' to make some neat designs! The Mirrix is also perfect for utilizing the warp weight method!

Social Market for a Mirrix

2010-11-20T13:08:00.000-08:00

I started a small tapestry this morning. In order to create my cartoon, I pulled up the photo I wanted to use in Adobe Photoshop (I’m using Creative Suite 4), re-sized it to 7 ½ inches high by 10 inches wide, set the Mode to Grayscale, applied the Photocopy filter, then printed a black and white version, as well as a color version. This is basically the same process I use when I’m creating transparencies to create solarplates for printmaking. There’s really more detail than I need in the cartoon for this version of the tapestry but it will be useful later.

The black and white version is placed behind my warp threads to provide the pattern for me to follow as I’m weaving and the color version hangs on the wall in front of me as a color reference. Picture red rock cliffs, a valley, blue sky with the beginnings of a sunset.

As you can see, I have the cartoon rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise. Since I’m using a variegated yarn for the rock faces, working in this direction gives the rocks a more natural look. Once again, I’m using the Feza Fiona in earth tones for the rock faces.

While I was mucking about in Photoshop earlier I created a number of cartoons for future tapestries including a couple of abstracts that I’m really excited about. The color variations are gradual and very subtle so they’re probably going to be a test of my patience. And I need to find just the right fibers to work with.

One thing I’ve decided after working on the 16” Mirrix is that I’m going to upgrade to the largest Mirrix loom in 2011. I’m really starting to feel the need to begin working large.

Don’t forget to stop by WeaveZine to hear Syne's interview with Claudia. I have a very eclectic (okay, okay, I’m more than a bit eccentric) background so I’m always fascinated by how people got started doing what they do.

Also, check out the blog ‘the gift half understood’. She’s doing some really interesting sculptural work with weaving "influenced by monolithic standing stones, burial rituals, stone surfaces, and offerings".

Claudia Chase Interview on Syne Mitchell's WeaveZine Podcast

2010-11-19T11:02:00.000-08:00

Mirrix President/founder/soul Claudia Anne Chase was interviewed last winter by WeaveZine editor Syne Mitchell. Listen to the podcast and learn more about Claudia and Mirrix.

http://www.weavezine.com/audio/54-claudia-chase-mirrix-looms

Sharing 'A Glorious Day', completed!

2010-11-18T11:52:00.000-08:00

I named this Cell Phone Bag 'A Glorious Day' because the inspiration photograph was taken by Jean Upton, while she was on a walk/bike ride. The most appealing part of this photograph is the solid black background. I have been sharing stages of completion, but now I am glad to share completed pictures!

Below is a close up picture of the '3D Butterfly Wing', added as a focal to this panel.

The opposite side is loomed using the same color palette, of 44 different Delica Beads, but different Delicas were used as the predominate colors. My choice to keep the color theme going, had to do with how the fringe and strap are finished, reflecting both sides, of the cell phone bag.

Creating a spiral rope section, seems to be a good answer, keeping the strap strong. In this case, I used 10/0 hex cut, matte finish glass Japaneses beads. It spiraled up faster and offered that chunkier feel I wanted to acquire. The bead tubes carry out the same colors, as in both panels. Gems and Stones were also selected to match. I prefer to include sterling silver in between every bead, stone, gem or spiral, when I string up a strap.

As with many bags, cell phone or otherwise, they are more heavily used. Therefore, I always bead an epaulet, for each side. This way, I secure the four sides of the epaulet and attach the closed jump ring to the center. This gives a more security to the attached strap. I use jewelry wire to string my straps, ending with a lobster claw clasp. This can be removed, from the bag, for use as a wallet, or can be easily swapped out with an alternate handle. Notice that I also include three jump rings for the lobster claw clasp to hook on to, so there is additional strength.

A close up of the fringe shows how I used sterling silver caps. This, along with the opaque bicone Crystals, created the weight I was looking to acquire, making the fringe lay perfetly.

Looming a cell phone bag seemed to be something no one wanted to consider trying, thinking of all the warps needing to be managed. What I love about the loomed bag, is how they are supple yet sturdy and have no need to be fabric lined!

Social Market for a Mirrix

2010-11-17T14:37:00.000-08:00

Well, the weaving is off the loom and the warp threads are tied off. Now I can start thinking about the additional fibers that will be integrated into the piece, as well as the beads. It definitely needs more texture and color and I think it’s going to be one of those pieces that has to be totally over-the-top in order to work. I’m still not a fan of the Ozark Handspun so I probably won’t be working with it again.

But, enough of this silly experimentation and down to serious business. I just received the Call for Entries for “Small Expressions 2011” from the Handweavers Guild of America. Three pieces (less than 15” in any direction) can be entered and the deadline is March 7, 2011 so that gives me plenty of time. Unfortunately, this also reminded me that the deadline for the American Tapestry Alliance’s show “Small Tapestry International 2: Passages” is November 30, 2010. Oh well, there’s always next year. I need a better system for tracking deadlines.

Anyway, the next piece that I’ll be working on will be a more traditional tapestry for entry into the HGA show. I’ll have the first cartoon done, the colors selected, and the loom warped and ready to start for Saturday’s post.

Social Market for a Mirrix Video #3

2010-11-14T11:32:00.000-08:00

Social Market for a Mirrix

2010-11-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

And now for Plan B. As I mentioned in the previous post, I wasn’t all that warm and fuzzy about the way the new weaving was turning out. So, I pulled out what I had done and started fresh with a new direction. This is much more what I had envisioned so I’m feeling better about the piece now.

Here’s what the beginning of the first weaving looked like before I dismantled it. Yep, that’s it… pink and lumpy.

I thought I would show you a picture of the warped loom with shedding device and heddles attached. The loom is warped with black C-Lon Fine Weight Bead Cord.

And here’s the new yarn I’m starting with. This is Maya cotton bulky yarn by Tahki Yarns in black.

And here’s where I’m at with the new piece.

The pinkish / grayish areas are sections of the Ozark Handspun from the previous piece that I’m using to randomly fill in areas. Once the piece is finished and off the loom, I will be turning it 90 degrees and embellishing with beads and maybe some found objects. I want the texture to be running vertically instead of horizontally because I think it gives the weaving more of a feeling of movement.

Social Market for a Mirrix

2010-11-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

Well, after several false starts, the pieces seem to be holding together. But, it’s not quite what I had originally envisioned.

I started by weaving a ½ border at the bottom with #5 pearl cotton embroidery thread in order to give it some stability. The piece is 10 inches wide and right now is feeling a little too “bunchy”. I’m not sure I’m all that wild about the Ozark Handspun yarn either. So, here’s where I’m at right now…

The first picture below shows the Ozark Handspun yarn. As you can see, it’s a very rough, unfinished fiber. The second and third pictures show the additional fibers I had planned to pull from.

Before I invest any more time going in a direction I don’t think I’m going to be happy with, I may pull out what I’ve done, start with selections from the random yarns, then fill in smaller sections with the Ozark Handspun because I really do like those “feathery” sections.

I’m still going for a fiber collage and I did say this was going to be experimental so please bear with me while I sort things out. I think once I get going in the right direction, the piece will come together fairly quickly.

Social Market for a Mirrix Video #2

2010-11-07T14:15:00.001-08:00

Social Market for a Mirrix

2010-11-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

The first small (5 inch x 7 inch) tapestry is finished. This first picture shows the completed piece before I cut it off the loom. As you can see, there was more than enough space to warp for a second weaving if I had planned ahead.

This second picture is a close-up of the piece while it was still on the loom. You can get a better idea of the colors and texture in this photo. It still feels like a southwestern landscape to me. I'm going to live with it for a couple of weeks before I make a decision on embellishing it with beads.

This is before I tied off the warp threads. For some reason, in this photo the weaving looks really uneven but my ruler says it isn't.

And a close up to show the color and texture variation.

One of the things that I really like about the loom is that it's very well-constructed, and at 6 lbs., doesn't shift around while I'm weaving.

So, lessons learned and things I would do differently:

Using the shedding device would definitely have made weaving this piece much easier and faster especially because of the fibers I selected.
In order to incorporate the beads I want to use into the weaving, I'm going to have to experiment a bit more to come up with a solution that I'm happy with. I spent a lot of time unweaving sections to remove beads because I didn't like the way they looked.

I'll be posting video #2 tomorrow showing the start of the next piece. Also, I'm getting the projects set up on Weavolution so you'll be able to follow along there if you're so inclined. I'll post a link to the projects when they're ready. There's also a Mirrix Looms group on Weavolution.

I'll leave you with some eye candy... Maximo Laura, a Peruvian tapestry weaver. I want to be him when I grow up.

The Adorable Mini Mirrix!

2010-11-04T08:27:00.001-07:00

I just received the 'Mini Mirrix'. It is so cute! The looming table is appx. 2" wide, so that will relate to about 36 beads wide. This also extends to a 7" looming length, unless you want to turn your looming as you continue to loom. I'll bet you could also add extensions, if you don't want to turn your work, but that will have to be looked into.

It also comes with a warp bar, which is necessary to hold the warps. I opted for 'two' warps bars, in hopes to save thread and not have the warps running behind my looming, while I loom. I'll have to give more thoughts on this, after I work, with the loom.

It would be a perfect size for cuffs, credit card cases, glass cases, or even a small change purse. I plan on working up some 'earring' patterns! Yes, I did say, "earrings on the loom"! I promise to share!

Adding Character Using Beads for Lift!

2010-11-04T07:35:00.000-07:00

A few more stages, including the addition of a '3D' wing to recreate a more realistic feel of the butterfly, have been completed.

After hand weaving a wing, using the same colors and sizing larger then the one in the beaded panel, I stitched the one edge, of the butterfly wing securely. To complete this lift and secure the opposite side, but not sew down, I attached the other side of the wing by including a 6mm Permanent Metallic Silver bead.

This will give the wing the 'lift' I wanted to keep, and allow it to stay secure enough that it won't be 'flapping' around, while wearing the bag. This is a technique I do often, in my 3D building, adding beads underneath!

I have also completed a 'beaded spiral' and beaded some bead tubes, to finish the strap. The beads in the spiral are 8mm cut glass, matte finish. I love how they give the texture, in this spiral. I also used them in the center of two bead tubes! These, along with stones and gems I purchased and showed earlier, I will string the entire strap and secure.

The bottom of the bag is also closed, at this point, and I'll be fringing it with a short fringe, to include all the colors of the bag.

Social Market for a Mirrix

2010-11-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

Here’s where I’m at right now with this small tapestry. The piece is currently 4.5 inches wide and 5.5 inches long. I’m thinking 7 inches long will be about right. So, another 1.5 inches to go. Once it’s off the loom, I’ll decide whether to embellish it with beads or not. It feels a little bit like a landscape to me.

I’ve started thinking about the next project and pulling supplies out of my storage bins. I have some great Frabjous Fibers Sari Ribbon that I haven’t worked with before which could be interesting. The colors are jewel tones and are absolutely gorgeous. Maybe embellish the piece with embroidery and beads once it’s off the loom. Or maybe monoprint the final piece before it’s beaded. I think it would have to be a fairly large piece in order to do the Sari Ribbon justice though.

I’m also thinking about doing a monotone piece using yarns of different textures for variation. Maybe all in white or shades of white. I never work in white so that could be a challenge.

I also came across some Ozark Handspun in pinks and greys during my scavenger hunt which could be interesting to use in a freeform piece. Sort of a “fiber collage” type of weaving.

And then there’s the fabric that I monoprinted during my printmaking days that could be torn into strips and woven.

Social Market for a Mirrix Video #1

2010-10-31T16:35:00.000-07:00

Small Tapestry Started

2010-10-30T13:14:00.000-07:00

A new piece has been started which will be a small tapestry. Originally I had planned to incorporate beads into the weaving but I wasn't satisfied with the way they looked so I removed them. They may make an appearance later in the piece or I may just wait and add them as an embellishment after the tapestry is completed.

I'm finally adjusting to weaving on a different loom so I'm starting to get back into the flow and not feel as though I'm all thumbs. Still getting a bit organized though... heddles and a bottom spring kit have been ordered which should smooth out some of the rough spots and speed things up. Although, I'm one of those weavers who likes to work without much of a plan so I tend to try things and if I'm not happy, I spend time undoing what I did instead of just living with it. This piece is actually moving along fairly quickly though.

I'm working with Feza Fiona yarn which is a combination of a narrow plied strand, superfine nylon string, and a fluffy single fiber of acrylic, nylon, and mohair all twisted together. I love the color and texture variations but it's kind of a pain to work with.

Since I do most of my weaving on Saturday and Sunday, I will be posting to the Inside Mirrix blog on Wednesdays and Saturdays and I will be posting a video to YouTube on Sundays.

Welcome to Social Market for a Mirrix

2010-10-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

As you can see, the 16" Mirrix loom has arrived.

Not having worked on this type of loom before, I wasn’t sure how long it would take me to get it set up and warped. But Mirrix has really great documentation available on their website that took me through the process step-by-step. So, all things considered, the first warping experience was fairly quick and painless. I haven’t worked on a tapestry loom in a while so things felt awkward at first then I got into the flow.

My goal is to complete at least 2 different projects per month during the next 4 months of the “Social Market for a Mirrix” campaign. This first project was started using #5 DMC pearl cotton and will basically be a sampler for me to get used to working on the loom and for me to test different fibers and beads before embarking on a larger and more ambitious project.

There is a multitude of ways to follow the projects depending on your social media preferences…blogs, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. You can follow the projects at:

Mirrix's blog: Inside Mirrix

My blog: Dakini Dreams

Twitter: Sapphire_Dakini (hashtag #mirrix)

Mirrix's Facebook Page

My Facebook Profile

My Facebook Page

Securing Beaded Panels

2010-10-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

Since my last updated post about this cell phone bag, I have completed finishing off the warps, which I complete while still on the loom. Now I can begin the assembly of each panel and the strap.

My first step is to connect the two panels. I am using 11/0 jet black 'cut' seed beads, for shine. I'll layer them in groups of (3) beads between the panel, allowing the 'bend' for the bag. The looming is not forgiving when it needs to lay in a circular shape, unless I loomed this from the other direction (beads loomed top to bottom). For ease of looming, I like looming 'side-to-side'. So the connection between the two panels have to be more bendable. With each pass, in between the loomed beads, I am adding one 11/0 Permanent Silver Metallic Glass Bead. This gives more support for 'pull' if the sides are stressed, as opposed to me running the thread directly in-and-out of the looming, only.

The underside is just as flexible. I don't include the additional bead on this side, but I do make sure my needle passes in the outer edge of each bead, not below the looming threads. If you look close, you can see the looming threads but on the top, you can only see the bead edges.

I have also been planning the strap, for the bag. These are the beads I have selected, which are colors from 'both' sides of the bag. The large round black beads, at the top, were a great find. They are 'matte' finish with a 'glossy' dot, again, picking up the finish from the black used on both panels! I'll also be creating a beaded spiral section, to go behind the neck, using matte cut beads and weaving a few bead tubes to include in the strap.

I am still thinking about the fringes, what-how-beads-length, which is something we all do 'while still beading'....planning (dreaming) ahead!

Adding a bead, 'Sticky Style'!

2010-10-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

I am finishing up the last few rows of this panel, for the cell phone bag. (I got a bit 'side tracked' with another beading projects and some book writing!) There have been times, through out my looming, where I missed a count or left a bead color off a row, having to pull all the beads off and recount or find the place I dropped. There are many ways of correcting this mishap, but I found one way to be the easiest.

Enlarge the row of beads, in the picture below. Notice how many different colors are added to the needle, row for row. At any given time, a bead color can be over looked or a count of any bead can be missed. Instead of pulling the entire row off the needle, I like to use my 'sticky method' of replacing that 'missed bead'.

Using a white 'paper tape', I tape down a strip, sticky side up. This is something I keep by my side, while I loom, often. The paper tape does not leave any 'glue residue' and is 'just as adherent as any other tape.

After noticing there is a bead missing, while punching the beads upwards, between the warps, I recount to find the bead I must be missing. My first thought is how I hope it is one of the last beads put on the needle. Of course, it can't always be that easy! When I find the 'needed bead', I'll stick the row of 'keeper beads' on to the sticky side-up, of the paper tape. Then I pull out the thread and needle, exiting the entire row. The tape will keep the row in order, so I can re-thread the same beads, without having to follow the pattern again!

After I add the 'needed bead', then I run the needle back into the row, stuck on the tape. I can then continue to loom!

I wrote an earlier post, on how I remove an 'extra' bead, from my needle and thread. Again, I use a pair of pliers or small wire cutters, to catch 'just the edge of the bead I want to remove' and 'crack it' away-from-the-thread. Cracking any glass bead, directly over the thread it is threaded, will cut the thread.

Mirrix Project: Cat Collar (dog collars could be done in a similar manner)

2010-10-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

My cat doesn't like collars. Since she's an indoor kitty, we usually let her go without one. Sometimes, though, like on trips to the vet, she needs identification. Her current collar was a $4 number I bought when she was a kitten (it still fits, she's furry but little).

The other day it came to me. I should make her a new collar! I would use the hardware from her old collar and just weave a new one. Easy!

Follow my collar-making experience here!

Tala. Waiting for her new collar.

The little one in the middle is the new collar.

Wave Good-Bye to 'First Row Ripples'!

2010-10-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

This present bead looming is considered a 'wide looming', 67 beads wide, opposed to many pieces loomed by beaders. Cuffs can get wide, maybe even 40 beads wide (2 1/2"), but not as wide as this cell phone bag panel. This is a good time to reiterate how to deal with a 'long wavy first row'.

I receive numerous emails, asking me this very question, "Is it OK that my first row is not laying straight?". To answer this question, I will share some of my first few rows, on this cell phone bag panel. It may have been discussed before, here on my Blog or in my Website, but I feel it is worth discussing again.

Below is a picture of my first row, 67 beads wide, secured on the warps, as any other loomed row of beads. Notice how wavy this looks. This is exactly why some loom companies offer a loom they feel is created for 'various types of beads', (Czech, Delica, etc., but all 11/0). It's the spacing of the 'weft separator' that we are told makes all the difference. I strongly disagree, with this assumption. I use the same loom, some width separators, for most of my loomings, (The only time I change up looms is to acquire a larger 'loom table', for larger pieces, sized larger then the loom.). If you start in the center of your loom, center of your pattern, any loom will work. The other option is to just ignore the wavy reaction, as I do here.

If you prefer to start out with a 'straight row' of bead looming, or feel you just are not sure it will work out as planned, then cut a length of 24 gauge craft wire. Thread this through the entire first row of beads. You can see in the picture below, it will straighten out the beads perfectly. Since you are not running your needle back through that row, then it can sit till you feel comfortable enough to pull it out, or if you need to remove it for your finishing techniques.

I feel comfortable keeping the row of beading as it is, without the wire support, especially for long rows. My hand is not wide enough to reach across the row, without rippling the beads, to run the needle through the rows that follow. Therefore, I can almost, 'grab my long row of beads' in my hand and release the row as my needle is threaded into the next row.

Below is a picture of how the rows will 'shake out' straight, if you don't thread the row with wire. You can still notice a wave, but it is getting much better.

Now that I have completed 28 rows, of the pattern I created, the 'wavy first row' is no longer an issue! It gets even better, after the piece is cut from the loom!

The best advice is to make yourself feel comfortable about what you are looming. Use the wire technique if you feel you need to see a more uniform look, or just let it work itself out, as the rows increase. Looming takes a lot of 'special time' and the last thing anyone wants is to feel they have to cut the warps and start over!

Pushing '2D Bead Looming' into 3D!

2010-10-11T08:07:00.001-07:00

I have completed the one side, or panel, of this cell phone bag. Included in the picture of my looming, still on the loom, is a picture of my inspiration. This photo was taken by an amateur photographer named Jean Upton. She shares her photographs on Face Book and it was there I found all of her pictures to be gorgeous! She gave me permission to use one in a looming!

Posting this picture, gave me a idea to share some of my thoughts on 'subjects' selected for 'bead looming creations'.

Bead Looming is unlike many other methods of bead weaving. Since the canvas stays at a two dimensional flat surface, a pattern can make the difference. Oh, of course you can add to the flat loomed surface, by embellishing and attaching a focal, but for the most part, it is a surface that stays flat. When you see a looming that bowls you over, it usually is because the pattern and color selection over whelmed you, as opposed to a wonderful hand woven piece that is constructed to defy all beading strategies, standing 'up & out'. Not much use for a well thought out pattern or struggle over the 'right color' bead needed to draw out a subject, as it is in looming the seed beads.

Patterns can be considered in many ways. Maybe a graphic is needed to offer a modern feel, or cultural idea, or out of a need for a pattern in general. I prefer to consider a subject, one that is understood and seen right away. It is through my desire to create photographs in beads, that I have acquired my best 'bead color lesson'.

Programs, which are the norm of use, for many beaders, have their faults. One of the biggest is the program's desire to constantly offer the wrong color for the same color seen differently by the eye! There is no such thing as 'instant perfect pattern', with any bead pattern program! I am versed in them all! Whether they are offered for sale or free on the web. I am also comfortable in using a method I created, before 'bead pattern program creation', using a graph acetate over a photograph. All of these methods, of creating patterns, need to be 'tweeked'. Its' the tweeking that teaches you more.

I am including a chapter, in the book I am finalizing, about bead programs and suggestions for 'tweeking' them. But if you want to get the best education on bead programs, use them! Loom some patterns and see how they play out. Make the changes in your program to not fall into the same 'mishap' again (wrong bead color selection, etc.). Try out creating a 'specific pallet' of some colors you see in the photograph and use the program to create the pattern with only those selected colors! Change up the bead width and length, even if it hinders your pattern width/height. One slight change of the bead number, makes a huge difference in a pattern! (Remember, it's the pixels of the picture the program is reading!)

Above all, apply yourself to use the programs and don't feel defeated if the bead looming does not relate to your mind's eye, as well as you hoped. You did learn something, and now own a gorgeous piece of looming that only 'you' know has unfavored color choices!

Attaching a new weft thread!

2010-10-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

It is faster and easier to use the length of weft, which is the most comfortable for you to use, during any particular size looming. The more 'beads wide', the more times you will need to attach a new weft thread, because the rows are longer and use up the thread faster. I prefer to swap out my weft thread in a way that I do not have so many 'tails' of weft thread hanging around my looming. Let me share with you how I swap out my weft thread.

After tying off and cutting the short weft thread, just completing some final rows, I thread my needle on to the tail of the new thread spool, 'just thread the needle directly to the new thread spool'. Run this threaded needed into the first bead on the last row, or the same bead you exited when you finished up the row prior, still with the spool attached to the other end.

Follow through the entire last row of beads, exiting out the outside right bead, still leaving the spool attached to the new running thread, and entering the first bead in this row. Tie a double hitch knot on the outside warp, in between the two end beads of the last two rows.

After tying a tight knot, run the needle and small tail of weft thread, into the 'last bead of the second-to-the-last' row of beads. This will also pull the knot 'center' of the last two rows.

If your looming is wide, then exit the needle halfway through the row. If the looming is more narrow, then run the needle completely across the row, existing out the fist bead on the second row up, (the same row you just entered). Pull taught, then cut the new weft thread, close to the bead it was exiting.

Now you can move back to the 'spool of new weft thread'. Pull out as much thread as you feel comfortable using on your needle. Some like to use a thread just long enough for one complete arm length and others like to include extra so the new weft thread lasts longer (I prefer the extra weft thread, myself!). Cut the new length of weft thread from the spool, thread your needle and begin looming again. There are no tails to get in your way and no tails to clean up later. Also, the knot is situated in between rows, which will allow me to insert the needle, comfortably, later when I am edging or completing my finishing method.

In a future post, I will include a way to attach warps with two wefts, thus eliminating the need to change the warps often, if you are bead looming very wide rows!

Looming another Cell Phone Bag!

2010-10-05T19:01:00.000-07:00

My methods of finishing the warps, worked out so well with my last bag, that I can't wait to dig into another! I am able to complete 26 rows, before I have to add a new length of weft thread, so it is a good time to share a picture!

This loomed cell phone bag is 67 Delica beads wide, with 68 warps across. I'm planning on completing 90 rows, but could go a bit further for a longer bag. A loomed bag sized at 67 beads wide by 90 beaded rows long is a perfect size for any phone, including a IPhone and Blackberry.

Notice I am using black thread for the warps. I am also using a black weft, in this particular piece, unlike any other looming where I use a white weft. Since all of the beads are opaque, I can use a black weft and not worry about it changing the bead colors.

Stay tuned for further completed rows, so you can see what the subject matter of this Loomed Cell Phone Bag will be! I'll also offer some other ideas and methods, as I go along, until this is completed!

Basics of a Mirrix Loom

2010-10-05T09:49:00.001-07:00

The Heart Project: Finished Piece!

2010-09-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Done!

The Heart Project: Step Five

2010-09-10T13:30:00.000-07:00

There is something very satisfying about "filling in" in tapestry. Sort of like coloring. This is my last heart.

The finished piece. Ready to be cut off!

Finished!

Fear of Warping

2010-09-08T14:04:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of fears. The fear of accidentally leaving the stove on. The fear of the alarm clock not going off. The fear of forgetting to turn off my hair straightener. The list goes on. One fear that has always eluded me, though, is the (quite common) Fear of Warping. (Cue horror movie music.)

Yes, warping a loom is probably not the most enjoyable part of bead or tapestry weaving. It takes a bit of concentration and a few repetitive motions, but it is not beyond anyone's reach. Once you have decided what you are warping for (Tapestry with the shedding device? Bead weaving without?), what spring size to use (which determines how close together your warps are) and how big you want your piece to be, you're all set to begin.

Perhaps going a little bit into the reason we warp the Mirrix Looms the way we do will help ease your fears. The concept is simple: The warp is the canvas on which you will create your masterpiece. It is typically not seen (although in some types of weaving, it is) and needs to be both even and tight. This, I should mention, is one advantage a Mirrix Loom has over other looms. Its strength and design create the basis for excellent tension, which can mean the difference between a perfect piece and a failed piece.

Depending on what type of weaving you are doing and whether or not you are using a shedding device you will warp your loom slightly differently. For bead weaving with a shedding device, you will put two warps in each dent of the spring and then put heddles on those warps to separate them and allow you to place your beads between them. This makes for fast, even bead weaving. For tapestry weaving with a shedding device you will put one warp in a dent (or every other dent if you so desire) and then will insert heddles in order to pick up every other warp. The tension on a Mirrix Loom makes keeping your tapestry even during the weaving process much, much easier. For weaving without a shedding device, you will simply put warp in every (or every other if necessary) dent of the spring and weave from there.

The basic concept of warping is simple. Tie your warp to the warping bar (which should be suspended on the back of the loom using clips) and start wrapping around the loom.

The sequence goes roughly like this:

1) Tie warp around warping bar

2) Bring the warp over the top of the loom, around the front and under the loom until you reach the warping bar again

3) Do a u-turn around the warping bar and bring the warp back down and under the loom, this time from the back

4) Continue up the loom and over the top until you hit the warping bar again

5) Do a u-turn around the warping bar

6) GO BACK TO STEP THREE UNTIL YOU HAVE REACHED YOUR DESIRED WIDTH

7 Tie off on the warping bar

As you can see, it is simply the repetition of a few simple steps. Make sure you are doing these correctly when you begin, and warping will be an easy success.

Make sure to use our .pdf step-by-step warping instructions the first time you warp!

http://www.mirrixlooms.com/warpinginstructions.html

Easy, easy! Are your fears at rest?

The Heart Project: Step Four

2010-09-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

Heart number 4 beginning in aqua.

The last heart, outlined on the warp using a Sharpie market

This piece was getting too long for the loom so I loosened it and advanced the warp to the back of the loom. This allows you to weave a much longer piece than you would if you just had the space on the front of the loom to work with.

A Bead Loomed Cell Phone Bag!

2010-09-07T15:55:00.001-07:00

I completed the cell phone bag! Some of the steps were shared in early blog posts, but now that I have finished, I'd like to say that this has to be the absolute best way to create a beaded bag, either cell or otherwise! Looming a purse or bag, is faster and more enjoyable then if you were to 'hand weave' similar size bags! Not only that, I think I was able to make better decisions on thread choices, also working towards making the cell phone bag more secure and strong, to the point of not adding a lining!

The picture above is one side of this cell phone bag. I loomed 67 beads wide, making the finished bag approximately 3 3/4" - 4" wide. It is also 81 bead rows deep, with the finished depth being approximately 5" long. I added some fringe, which increased the depth of the finished project, 7".

The other side is a different picture, but still representing something from the owners life.....in particular, her Dad's life as a Tuskegee Airmen! Notice the medal I attached. This was purchased from the internet, bead bezeled, then attached to the beaded bag.

The fringe was something I felt could have been added or not. Because of the way this is loomed, I was able to complete the bottom seem, using some 11/0 Permanent Metallic Toho beads. This way, fringe could have been optional, as this 'zipping' looked just fine as it was!

Using those 11/0 metallic beads, I attached a fringe. I also beaded some matching earrings.

Not to get off this topic, but I did include a pair of matching earrings because such a piece, worn around the neck, will take on an appearance of jewelry, so the earrings help lessen the gap of what to wear with this cell phone bag!

The Mirrix Loom is perfect for looming larger pieces, like a purse or cell phone bag. Not only because of the 'large loom table' you have to create each large size panel, but you are offered a choice on which loom process you would like to use, heddle or tension looming method.

This cell phone bag was loomed in the 'tension looming' method. This means I did not use a shuttle or heddle, but my warps were tied taught, top to bottom of the loom frame, creating the proper 'tension' needed for looming. Then a weft thread passed across the width of the panel, adding the 67 beads. Tension Looming needs 'two' passes of weft thread, to properly loom. Therefore, you will need to make sure the beads you loom have wide holes, like Delicas or other fine Japanese Seed Beads. If this same cell phone bag was loomed using the 'heddle looming method', then there are double warp threads for each one needed, and only one weft thread passes through the rows of beads, 67 beads wide. This is good to use if your beads have smaller holes, similar to what is found in Czech or Chinese Glass Beads.

Of course, either way of looming makes a very sturdy purse or bag. You'll either work with double warps or double wefts. The Mirrix allows you to make that decision, based on your beads being loomed. I love having the freedom to use any bead I want with one loom, as opposed to having to settle for the beads needed to complete!

I hope to offer more insight, in to finishing the warps, but need to take some time to get instructions printed and offered to the beading world. In the meantime, I am using my loom to create various pieces of wearable art, i.e., cell phone bag, wide loomed cuff, split loomed necklace, etc., so I can work out perfect warp finishing techniques for whatever can be created. AT this point, I have figured out that my method of 'finishing the warps' can work with either looming method, tension or heddle looming!

Sherri Woodard Coffey's End-Of-Blogging Survey

2010-09-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

End of Blogging Survey:

How would you rate your overall Mirrix experience? Once I finally warped, I enjoyed the loom--its sturdiness and portability are real pluses.

What did you like best about it? Whoops! See above

What (if any) faults did you find in it? Warping was my big bête noire.

What would you change about "Social Market for a Mirrix" for next time? My problem was that I felt like I should be writing about Mirrix every post, but there's just not much one can say while in the middle of a slow project--had to branch out to other ideas

Did you find the criteria for "Social Market for a Mirrix" to be too stringent? No

What was your favorite piece created on the Mirrix? I don’t have a favorite yet.

What is your favorite thing about the Mirrix? The shedding, sturdiness, portability

What is your least favorite thing about the Mirrix? Warping...but it should get better with practice, practice, practice

What plans do you have for weaving on your Mirrix in the future? I still have ideas that will work best in this smaller format that I hope to complete in the next year. Time is the issue!

The Heart Project: Step Three

2010-09-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Update! Every heart is coming out a little different which I love. They all have their own little personalities and use different techniques.

Mirrix Looms: An Escape From The Screen

2010-08-26T17:39:00.000-07:00

Mirrix Looms: An Escape From The Screen

After listening to an interview on NPR about the effects technology has on the brain, I started thinking about my own life and my own consumption of technology. My morning went like this: Woke up to the alarm on my Blackberry. Groggily turned on the coffee machine and plopped down on the couch with the news on and my iPad in front of me. My husband went straight to his laptop. The phone rang. At 6:45 am. He answered. I started up my iMac. He removed his iPod from the dock and kissed me goodbye. I called in for my morning Skype meeting and my day (in front of the computer) began.

I assume I fall somewhere in the technology-heavy side of the population but I’m sure many people have similar mornings. And evenings. And afternoons. The interview that brought this up discussed a retreat (sans cell phone reception) of several scientists studying the effects of technology on the brain. The goal was to go on vacation and see the device-less time “through a neurological lens”. Plainly put, the scientists’ general conclusion was that people need time when they are not stimulated by technology to process information. In studies done with mice, after learning new things, it took a removal from stimulating situations for new neurons to grow. It can be similarly concluded that humans need time away from devices, including enjoyable stimulation like games, to process things they have learned.

There are many different ways to get that non-stimulated time… lying in bed, meditating, going for a run (perhaps without that iPod?) or, even better, weaving! I always knew it was good for you. Just a few minutes a day in front of your loom (or, yes, most art projects) gives you just a little more time without technology a without (often fruitless) multitasking. Which, it seems, isn’t doing our brains much good.

The moral is: You know weaving makes you feel good (if you don’t, I suggest a Mirrix Loom to help you change your mind) but it looks it’s good for you too. Take some time today away from the computer (yes, I know you’re there, you’re reading a blog) and sit somewhere nice and quiet with your loom and some beads or some yarn and just weave. You’ll be better for it.