Okay… so my selvedges need a little work, but not bad for my first attempt, eh? I used Peaches & Cream for this. I wouldn’t recommend it. It started pilling really early and made it difficult to get a good shed after a while because all the threads wanted to stick together. That’s why the piece is so short. I got tired of fighting it.
I wove the above piece with the backstrap loom anchored around me feet. I had a hard time with that. It’s like a juggling act keeping things just right being “tied” to the loom at the waist and feet. Felt a little like a contortionist at times.
Here’s what I love about backstrap weaving. It’s eaaasy. It’s cheap. It’s portable. It’s easy. Did I mention that it’s easy? Also, did I mention that it’s cheap? This would be a fabulous way to introduce kids to weaving. I think I spent mmaaaybe five bucks on it.
So after I took the little sample piece off, I warped the loom for the backstrap pattern that Laverne Waddington showed in the videos and Weavezine Episodes which I believe are gone of the net now. If you give this a try, be sure to watch all the videos. I didn’t and couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t get the shed open on a wider project. Then I watched the videos again and saw the way to open a wider warp. No problems after that.
Here’s everything ready to go. I used a pillowcase for my temporary backstrap. See how portable it is? It would all easily fit into a bag (which I think is my next project). I may try the feet thing again after I get better. I like it better that way because you can sit anywhere and do it and don’t need to anchor it on anything else. I think it’ll be easier when I’m used to the movements and all.
This time I used Sinfonia that I bought at Hobby Lobby (Varigated Blues and Royal Blue) with a 40% coupon. Dan bought a skein and I bought a skein so we could use two coupons. Hey. Every little bit helps. lol. This yarn was easier to work with than the Peaches & Cream. It is a little thinner than what Laverne uses I think, so my backstrap ended up not being as wide, but it beats the pillowcase out of the ball park.
This time I decided to try anchoring to my dining room chair as suggested by a member of the Backstrap Forum at Weavolution.
Not an attractive picture, but I wanted you to see the full set up and how easy it is:
Once I got all set up and comfy, I finished the weaving of the backstrap in about an hour and a half. I had a hard time with the end warp threads loosening up so I’ll be more careful in the future. I’m really pleased though and I can see really getting addicted to this.
Well done! Your strap is beautiful!!I am glad you changed yarns and had a better time with this new one. Is it mercerized?
Laverne
Oooooo! Those blues sure are pretty! Fine work.
WendyBee
Oooh, that blue is really pretty and your weaving is beautiful! The peaches ‘n cream is really deceiving — it looks like a much larger gauge yarn.
That’s beautiful! You’ll be very stylish when you weave, now.
I love the idea of using the backstrap itself as a learning project.
With this setup, it looks like you can get a workout and produce woven projects at the same time. The backstrap turned out great!
Another great thing about living in Texas – Hobby Lobby. I used to love going to the one in Killeen when on TDY. Had to keep in mind that whatever I bought had to fit in my suitcase to come home.