How-To

I owe you several blogs, for example an update on the 2023 temperature blanket, the next customer projects showcase, more info for the Garment WAL, but how do I explain this blog? … You can call it a confession of an addict.

Fellow pin-loom weaver Glorian posted a picture of the cutest little purse that she discovered at a thrift store, and she added that she bought it because it reminded her of pin-loom weaving.

A closer look at this stunning little treasure revealed that it is a “summer and winter” pattern, something that has enchanted “big loom” weavers for centuries.

What is “Summer and Winter”?

Weavezine explains it well … “Summer and Winter is a block weave. This means that you can create designs by building up blocks of pattern against a background cloth. Summer and Winter uses four warp threads for each unit of design. These four threads comprise both tie-down and pattern threads.”

On occasion it had crossed my mind to see how such complex patterns like “summer and winter” do on pin looms. Glorian’s post however made me decide to try it out “right now”.

This blog summarizes very humble beginnings. Unlike my usual blogs, this is more a WIP notebook. I hope that sharing my ideas and observations may inspire others to try it out as well, and that together we may bring this beautiful pattern approach to the smallest of looms.

How I Wove my “Summer and Winter” Sample

Block patterns require 4 warps. To achieve that I wove two hexagons on top of each other: The first hexagon is in the pattern colors rose and lavender, the next hexagon on top of that is in the “background” color gray. I used the TexaTURTLE R-regular loom to have enough space in the center for one framed flower. I used DK weight yarn to make it easier to move the threads between layers (I used Yarnspirations Caron Little Crafties, which proved to be perfect for the job). For both hexagons, I wove the first part in rounds as usual, to establish the “warped” centers of the hexagons.

Sorry, no pattern … I counted the threads on the picture and tried to get as close as possible. There is enough space for one framed flower, and I added some sidebars.

Each row is woven twice. First, using the pattern color thread, I worked the pattern by bringing the threads from the underlying hexagon to the top and wove a regular plain weave for each patterned area. Each second weave is done with the “background” color … filling in the background, and diving down under any pattern threads to proceed with a plain weave there for the areas where the background should not be visible.

“Further Research Required” …

The sample is merely a proof of concept, a lot can be improved. For example:

• Proper “over/under” needs to be worked out, particularly when changing colors.
• Pattern writing and charting options need to be explored.
• For the next samples, simpler patterns than a flower in a wavy frame will help to better understand the mechanics.

A Few More Thoughts

• If you are a knitter, you may know the concept of double knitting or reversible colorwork, where you knit two layers of fabric in different colors, and switch the colors between the layers to work reversible patterns. The knowledge that you may have from this knitting approach may come in handy for “summer and winter” weaving.
• This method will work well on square or rectangle pin looms. When weaving, use any traditional warp/weft method (wind the warp only before you weave). Just wind the warp threads to get ready to weave. I suggest to weave 2 rows of plain weave before starting any patterns.
• Usage: Because this method requires a lot of concentration and patience, it is unlikely to expect a lot of people making king-size blanketsl However, as the sample shows, just one simple weavie can be a welcome treat. It’s a great learning experience, and … any “summer and winter” project will certainly make people wonder how you made it!
• If you like the pattern but don’t want to deal with a complicated weaving pattern … you can always embroider it!

Did you enjoy reading this very different type of blog? Leave a comment below!

I just finished this “new baby” gift. Easter is right around the corner, but as we know, stuffed bunnies are appreciated year round … by all ages.

All it takes is any square pin loom and some yarn (scraps are welcome). I used the Square 2″ R-regular loom, which has become my go-to loom for so many projects, from testing out design ideas to making fun things in little time. I used Yarnspirations O’Go Big Donut yarn, color 29008 Mint Julep, from my stash. This yarn is discontinued, and you can substitute any worsted weight yarn you like.

If you use the Square 2″ R loom you will need about 140 yards of worsted weight yarn for the bunny, and about 3 yards in black for the face.

For the tail, which is optional, you can either make a pompom or weave one hexagon on your Original TURTLE Loom R-regular.

You can embroider the eyes, use safety plastic eyes or little pieces of felt, or use your BabyTURTLE loom to weave them.

Here is the bunny chart …

You will need to weave 64 squares (32 for the Front and 32 for the Back).

Blue Bunny measures 13″ (ears down) and 18″ (ears up).

Assembly: Layout the squares according to the chart. If you work with multiple colors, move the squares around until you like it. Sew the squares together. I sewed the squares into long strips first as shown in the second picture, then sewed those strips together.

(left picture) Put the Front and the Back on top of each other – right sides facing each other – and sew along all sides, but leaving an opening at the side for turning and stuffing. For the paws, when you come to the small end sides, sew a straight seam (center picture). For the ears, sew along the edges and pull to close (right picture).

Turn the bunny right side out. Sew tight the ears as shown (they will stay unstuffed). Stuff the bunny as desired and close the opening.

Face: Use this close-up photo to guide you for stitching the face.

Optional limb shaping: Sew through all layers along the arm and leg joins (straight for the arms, diagonal as shown for the legs). This will add a little bit more shape to the body.

Quick variations: Use only 1 square length to make a bear, dog, or cat.

I hope that Blue Bunny has gotten hold of your heart and that you will help to multiply this rare species.
Post if you do!