Two needle method for beading on the loom

As you probably know, the usual method of bead looming is to tie a length of weft to the edge warp then load your beads, and pass through them from the top. That's how I started, and the only way I knew. Until someone introduced me to the two needle method. 

In this branch, there are two methods. In one, the needles move in opposite directions. In the other, they move in the same direction. Since discovering these, I use then (mainly the former) 99.999% of the time. That obviously tells you I prefer them! I can work with a longer length of thread, skip beads less often (not that I did much previously), and seem to add new thread less often. 

The latter method, where the needles move in the same direction, is very useful when you're working an area of the same colour. You just load one half of the weft with beads and go on your merry way. This advantage is best seen with wider pieces. I used it in one of my previous portraits for the background. I got tired of counting, and loading using the bead spinner then having to remove some!

So on that note, here is my second video. I try and explain the first of the two methods, including a few close up pictures. I hope it's clear enough and gets your interest. I don't think these methods are talked about much, at least not as far as I've seen.



If you have questions, contact me through the blog. 

I mentioned the bead spinner above. I had the lightbulb moment (I'm sure I'm not the first) when I was working on that background. Imagine counting out 150+ beads of one colour, a shiny white. Yes, you can see the concentration wondering! So, if you have a bead spinner and are working in one colour, think about dustin off those cobwebs :)

Lastly, I found a way to work on the Mirrix in a horizontal position. Just pull out the legs and place the clips behind the loom. Bobs your uncle! I'll edit this tomorrow and post the photo. 

In the meantime, stay well and happy reading.

Everything needs trying at least once

I cut the blue bracelet off the Mirrix the other day, and wanted to try using the shedding device with the next looming. I think that was a little too ambitious for the first try. Before I began, I watched YouTube video on setting up the loom for bead weaving with a shedding device. The warping was easy enough, and is now embedded in my mind.

I thought it was all systems go! Unfortunately one of the sheds was not defined. I did follow instructions to place the second lot of heddles to the right of the first lot of heddles, but it wasn't working! Through sheer frustration, I removed the second lot of heddles and started again. I continued attaching the heddles the next day, and sat back happy. I went to check the sheds and NO!!! It wasn't working!! I removed all heddles and cut the warps off! I warped for 9 beads wide and stopped for lunch. I read through the sheet that came with the loom, as well as the PDF from the Mirrix site. There was an AHA! moment. I'd rotated the shedding device the wrong way after attaching the first set of heddles! I also used the trick of passing the spring bar through the warps. I set the heddles and when I checked the sheds...THEY WORKED! I worked the first row as in traditional looming, then proceeded with working with the shedding device. I think this needs LOTS and LOTS of practice to get the hang of. It seemed ok with one or two rows before going pear-shaped!

I found it difficult to get the beads between the warps, and then get them to stay put as I pushed them down towards the V formed by the shed. I seem to have misplaced some, as you can see in the photo above. I find it too time consuming and difficult to work with. And the warp threads show more when you use the shedding device - theyre doubled. All this is most likely due to my not doing it properly. I think for next time (yes I like to punish myself), I may use larger beads to get the basics down. In the meantime, there is another bracelet in browns, gold and white, on the loom. Much faster :)

On Quality Supplies

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 :-)

Headband Progress

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!

A Challenge: Pick Up That Loom

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

The Heart Project: Finished Piece!

Done!

The Heart Project: Step Five

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!

The Heart Project: Step Four

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.

Sherri Woodard Coffey's End-Of-Blogging Survey

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

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

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. 

The Heart Project: Step Two

I've decided to make a series of small hearts. Partly to practice my heart-making and partly because I didn't warp a very thick piece. (Bad planning on my part.) Here is my progress so far:

The first heart is lacking a tip. The second is much better. I expect each heart to get better as I continue. 

I need to take out a bit of the top of the second heart here because it got too pointed, but otherwise I'm pretty happy with it!

The Heart Project: Step One

I'm starting with a small heart. Depending on my schedule, I may make this into a series. Here is my loom warped.

When I woke up this morning, Tala had made a mess of the wool I am using. She looks so innocent, but she can't resist a ball of yarn. What cat can?

I started out by drawing a heart on paper and then traced it directly onto my warps. You can see I messed up in purple and tried again in red. Hard to see, but it gives me an idea of where I should be. 

"The Heart Project"

As some of you may know, Mirrix is a family business. I (Elena, Marketing Director) am Claudia (founder, CEO)'s daughter. Claudia (also known as mom) began weaving tapestry in 1984 when she was pregnant with me and needed an outlet that didn't include ice cream and pickles. Ever since I can remember, mom wove. Our living room was always crammed with floor looms and baskets of yarn. It seemed normal, at the time. I remember once at a friend's house we came across a skien of yarn. I scoffed at the quality. I was probably 7. Anyway, another result of my mother's weaving was the art that adorned our house. It could be split into three categories: 1) Paintings and drawings done by my aunt Polly. 2) Framed prints of (what I then thought were) weird things like an abstract naked woman that I was horribly embarrassed by 3) Weavings. Lots of weavings. The picture above is a heart (see now we're getting to the point) that Claudia made eons ago. It has been in my bedroom (actually, now it is in the living room) since I was born, dragged from house to house (we moved a lot) like my old stuffed lion (Ly). This weaving has become a part of me. Seriously. It is right next to me right now under a beautiful painting by my aunt (turns out my place is decorated pretty much just like my house was growing up). 

On August 30th, Claudia has a birthday! On September 11th, she's coming to Seattle to visit me. My goal, by then, is to weave her a heart. My version, of course, and on a Mirrix. I will take pictures and write as I weave, taking you through the process. 

Check back! 

But Will It Make You Happy? A Loom?

I was browsing through the New York Times last Sunday when I came across an article, "But Will It Make You Happy?" It began describing a woman who had a lot of (a normal amount of) stuff and made a decent amount of money but was caught on the "work-spend treadmill" and so one day she began to give stuff away and live a simpler life.

The article went on to discuss the age old question... Does stuff make you happy? Researchers, according to this article, have discovered that there are several factors that contribute to what purchases make you happiest. Unsurprisingly, spending money on experiences rather than "things" make people happiest.

I started thinking about this in terms of Mirrix. Do Mirrix Looms make people happy?

It didn't take me long to realize... of course they do! Buying a Mirrix Loom is not just buying a THING, it's buying an EXPERIENCE. When you spend $155 on a loom you are both acquiring a thing and a lasting experience. It's the best of both worlds. You will find joy purchasing your new toy, in the process of weaving and with the result of your efforts.

Email me elena@mirrixlooms.com and let me know how Mirrix can make your loom buying and loom owning experience even better in order to make YOU, our loyal customers, even happier! And let me know... Does your loom make you happy?

xo xo
Elena

Look what Amy’s doing now!

This is what Amy said:

I have just finished one of the 2 little cell phone bags I am making for my daughter and my hairdresser to donate to their Breast Cancer 3 day walk auctions. There are a lot of hours put into this one but I do love the Mirrix. Part of why I like it is because I can carry it from room to room or elsewhere. I have a hard time sitting in one room for long hours. I need a change of scenery quite often.

Reading about how Amy likes a change of scenery makes me think of the new contest that Mirrix is having. Read about it below from their Facebook page.

Mirrix Tapestry and Bead Looms Claudia's Birthday Month Contest! Ends August 30th, 2010. "My Mirrix’s Day Out. A Contest." One of the great things about the Mirrix family of looms is their portability. Even our biggest looms can be picked up and thrown in the back of the station wagon.

Mirrix Tapestry and Bead Looms The smaller looms were designed to be so portable that no one would think twice about taking their Mirrix to the beach or a soccer game or that workshop across the country. We want to know where you’ve taken YOUR Mirrix.

Mirrix Tapestry and Bead Looms Take a picture of your Mirrix somewhere fun and exciting (on top of a mountain, on a sailboat, at the top of a famous landmark, at work… you get the picture) and email us that picture with a short description of the location. We will choose one winner and put all our contestants pictures in an online gallery.

Mirrix Tapestry and Bead Looms The winner will receive:-Everything to make a beautiful bead cuff bracelet-Ten small but beautiful skeins of Claudia’s own and-washed, hand-dyed, hand-spun tapestry yarn. -Two inspiring books: “The Sea” and “Myths and Folktales” (Check out our store for more information on these fantastic books.)-15% off your next order of $100 or more (you will receive a special code)

The Cube

You may remember my attempts at weaving a box. I am embarrassed to show this, but it’s finished. I promised warts and all! It’s very lopsided. Below are some while-in-progress pictures in which I tried out various line techniques.

What to do differently:

1. Have a template of the square
2. Know in advance how the edges will be stitched together

Possibilities

1. Weave in silk or mercerized cotton
2. Line box
3. Plan for a lid and fastener

Possible weaving and the mile-long to-do list

I’ve been thinking about doing some simple gradation weavings, branching out into colors that I don’t normally think of doing. When we were in the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum gift shop, my mother bought me this vase. I love the colors and the unusual shape, although the photograph doesn’t do it justice. Maybe this should also become a new weaving. This is absolutely stunning when the light shines more on the interior. The top section is more of a purple-y burgundy than it looks like here. I could be done in gradations from this direction also. Tweaking to be done….

The following is the list for today:

1. Tie on warp for ikat piece
2. Prepare tube and cover for piece that’s going to a show
3. Deliver above and another piece to show
4. Warp Mirrix.  This one is on the list, but might have to wait until Tuesday. I’ve decided to do the face and forget about more text and the warp that remains. Time to move on.

Would also like to shop for new camera, but that’s probably not going to happen. The show is for the Texas Arts Coalition Members show, for which two pieces passed jury muster, shown below. Opening reception is Friday. Nice to  have something, local so I can actually go! I didn’t realize they were both so purple until I got them together.

The weekend has been spent cooking wild mustang grapes, straining for the juice, and re-dyeing the red ikat yarns. I hope to have a before and after photo soon.

Website: http://sherriwoodardcoffey.com
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Convergence I

I tried to limit my shopping at Convergence, but still came away with some irresistible items. But before going on, take a gander at the beautiful booth that Weaving Southwest set up. A picture cannot do justice to the wonderful hand-dyed yarns! Yummy, yummy!Here’s Teresa and Rachel Brown. Rachel is the founder of Weaving Southwest. Teresa Loveless is the current owner and the granddaughter of Rachel. Doesn’t Teresa look like she’s having fun with the Rio Grande spinning wheel?I had contacted Susan at Yarn Barn about buying some heddles for my Mirrix. She graciously stuck them in her purse for the trip to Albuquerque, and now I have not-homemade heddles for when I warp next.

From John Marshall I bought some Instant indigo . Since I likely won’t be using it soon, John recommends keeping it in the freezer. He is such a nice man and very generous with his knowledge and expertise.

I have previously bought some paper yarn from Habu without any idea of what to do with it. Below is a “paper” yarn from 100% linen. I have the gold and red.After looking at the yarns again and seeing others that appealed, I have decided that I will make an unplanned textured tapestry piece on the Mirrix. The picture of the yarn below comes from Habu Textiles. On the label it says: Vegetable root sizing silk. Below is the quote from the Habu website about this yarn.

Very plain, but with a beautiful sheen. This yarn dyes very well and works perfectly as a warp yarn. It is quite springy, so suited for a sculptural knitted pieces or even basketry.

This is a

"paper" yarn. A small pieces of linen paper is sandwiched between the nylon core.

     
If these yarns work out, I may get some that I can dye in small sample sizes. However, there will be no time to warp the Mirrix for a few days, plus I have one more Text weaving to try before cutting the current warp off. After being gone for many days, the coming week is full. One of the items on my list is to pick wild mustang grapes. It’s jelly time!