For those of you who don't know, a rug will shrink off the loom. In fact, I usually weave things 20% longer than I want them to be. That shrinkage is called 'take up'.
I was hesitant, though, to add 20% to a 30 ft rug. That would have meant weaving it 36', and for the life of me, I couldn't imagine that it would shrink that much.
So I unwound it from the loom, draped it over the top of the loom several times, covered it with a large piece of fabric, and let it rest.
This morning, we measured it with the tension off, and it measured 21" longer than the 30 ft I wanted.
After some consultation, I wound it back on, put the header on, and finished it.
I tied the fringe, and we headed down to the parish house to measure it. There was no place big enough in the studio, and the customer did not want CAT on her rug, since she has some allergies, so I was very careful not to leave it exposed at any time, prime cat perching spot that it would be.
We laid the rug out, and measured. Nerve wracking, I might add.
Wow, this is one LONG rug. But it measured 30 ft, plus 7" extra.
Perfect.
This is going in a lake house on Lake Michigan. I was going for the lodge look.
Do you like it??
This stove is in the kitchen at the parish house. I love it. This is for some serious cooking.
The rest of the day was spent cleaning. We have been trying to do a room at a time downstairs. Weaving rugs can be messy. Today we attacked the old dining room. I have to admit that L did a lot more cleaning than I did. My foot is screaming, still waiting for my orthotics. I am in pain.
Besides, she has a cleaning gene that I do not have.
We put up some shelves, some hooks to hang shuttles on.
It always feels so good when things are organized.
All in all, a very good day. The studio is looking good.
Maybe tomorrow I can get back to my placemats.
I am officially "orderless" as of today.
Why am I so happy??????
that's an amazing rug/runner. must be some lakehouse! glad the size was more than ample and i'm sure they'll love the color combo.
ReplyDeletei hope you don't remain orderless for too long! altho i'm sure you'd appreciate a break.
The rug is lovely!
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful rug! Perfect for a lodge look style.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking the only way they are going to be able to wash that long old rug is in the lake... :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrific looking rug! I used to have the cleaning gene but I lost it somehow. Hmmmm, is that possible??
ReplyDeleteYou are gonna weave whatever you darn well want to. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful-they will love-love-love it I'm certain!! Spring cleaning is highly overrated-just open doors and windows and let the fresh air blow in and blow the dust away!! (So says my maintenance man!!)
ReplyDeleteWow-that"s a lot of rug-but beautiful! And here I was patting myself on the back for just finishing my very first rug that's 3 feet long. Reading about you and your rugs gave me the courage to give it a try)
ReplyDeleteYour eye for color delivered for you in my opinion and I think the lake look was spot on. Before I forget, I do love the pink cowboy boots in the header - Gabby?
ReplyDeleteThe hit and miss placemats are an absolute joy. It's going to be like when I started making soap - everyone got soap for Christmas and then I had to start selling the overflow. Only this is more fun than making soap.
I am so happy that you are happy... it means you can accept some DOWN TIME!! my guess is you'll fill it with... work. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a rug!!...
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ReplyDeleteThe rug is great! I like those colors. Must be some lake house!
ReplyDeleteI think it is always more fun to do any type of cleaning with a friend, or apprentice, or kid. Especially when that friend, apprentice or kid has the cleaning gene.
I was wondering how you would handle the allergy thing. Now I know.
Sorry about the delete. My keyboard is in a funk.
FANTASTIC RUG!~!
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Karen and Steve
(Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard
http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/
I admire you coming out that close to your projected length. I have people ask for 6' or 8' rugs, and I always tell them I can't guarantee to the inch. Makes me right nervous, too, until I get it off and tied properly.
ReplyDeleteThe 'lodge' colors are lovely -- makes me think of water and pine forests.
A wonderful rug!! You must be please with it. So long, must have taken a while. I use to weave for my mother, she had what she called a weaving studio. Feels like another life time ago.
ReplyDeleteYes, it does look "lodge-y" Beautiful colors. That's a dramatic rug! Interesting to learn that rugs really do have to rest.
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