Q&A

I realized yesterday that I haven't been really good at answering questions readers ask in the comments on my blog. Here are a couple of responses to recent queries.

In regard to using a length of hem tape as a makeshift tape measure, Matthew asked if I take into account the difference in length of woven cloth when it's under tension versus with tension released. I don't really worry about it, as it's a fairly insignificant difference when working with tencel, silk, or other not-very-elastic yarns. With an elastic yarn like wool, the difference is greater, but still not enough for me to consider it statistically significant.

Besides, there isn't a legal limit for scarves like there is for fish, so if it's a tad shorter or a tad longer, no sweat. (I've got much more important things to worry about than 1/4 inch here or there! Life is too short to obsess over things no customer has ever complained about.)

Christine asked if the warping wheel I use is made by AVL. It isn't, although the basic design is similar. I borrowed one from a fellow weaving guild member, used it, and decided I needed one. DH asked "How much do they want for it?" and when told the AVL price, declared he'd build one for me for much less. Since he's a wood-turner and general handy person, it was relatively easy. My warping wheel is tailored to my height (I'm nearly 6 feet tall), whereas AVL's is adjustable, because they have to take into account a broad cross-section of users. I think that makes mine a bit more stable, because the vertical part is all one piece, not two pieces connected by bolts.

The only component we had to purchase from a specialty supplier is the comb, which is basically a very short 10-dent reed without a top. Everything else came from the the lumber stash in the garage or the hardware store. I found a man who can make all kinds of reed-related products. I ordered two combs, just in case something happens to the one that's on the warping wheel now. Now that I think of it, I also bought a 20-dent reed from him at the same time. Good prices and good service. I'll try to dredge up the information on how to contact him, and post it later.

Also, I asked Mike to make my warping wheel with more possible positions for each arm, so I can adjust the circumference so the warping wheel will make the exact length of warp I need for a given project. I'm not sure, but I think AVL's can be either 2 yds or 3 yds in circumference - not as much flexibility. I don't weave samples, so I hate to have a half-yard left on a warp, it's just waste to me (and my Scots grandfather turns over in his grave at the thought!).

There were a few other minor modifications DH made at my request. I don't have a counter on mine. I keep track of how many revolutions I make - even I can count to 10 without too much trouble. I figure out how many threads to wind together based on my weaving pattern, and put a number of threads in each dent that will divide evenly into the ends-per-inch of the intended warp. As I wind, I count the filled dents, and when I get to the number I've calculated, I stop. If that's more than an inch wide on the comb, no big deal, because I can swivel the comb so the section feeds onto the beam at an inch wide.

The only modification I still want to make is something to weight the base. I wind onto the beam with high tension, and if I don't keep one foot on the base, the warping wheel would tip right over. Maybe some kind of sand-bag? Or maybe a big weight-lifting disk in a holder that rests over the base? Dunno yet.

Okay, that's it for now. Keep the comments and questions coming! It's always nice to know there's an audience out there!