Blocks/Point Draft/Beams

I decided to try weaving in blocks, it was important to use 2 beams as I planned to weave heavily in block A (shafts 1-4) and leave floating threads and sections in block B( shafts 5-8). I used a point draft for the threading.

Rolling the warp onto the table was more difficult than usual as the beams on the loom could not be removed.

Winding on the 2 beams was more difficult but the pre woven sections helped keep the threads in place and the tension even.

When weaving began, many threads in block B, the linen section broke,  it wasn't suitable for a warp.

Weave Diary

Winding the warp on a warping mill.

A raddle is used to separate the warp into sections when it is being detangled and wound onto the loom.

A threading hook is used to pull the warp threads through the headles.

The warp is then threaded through a reed using a denting hook.

Sections are then woven throughout the warp so that the threads don't slip during printing.

The warp is then unrolled onto the printing table.

 Reactive dyes are mixed.

The warp is printed, 13 different screens are used for Abbotsford. 

When the print paste is dry, the warp is rolled back onto the beam to be carried back to the loom. 

The warp is then re-threaded, re-dented and re-tied back on the loom,ready to be woven.

Bobbins are made using a pirin or bobbin winder.

Fabric is made using a plain weave structure.

It is then steamed and washed to fix the dye stuff.