I've been wanting to learn to weave for some time now, and this summer I have finally resolved to get it done. I took one class a while back at my LYS - Hill Country Weavers - it was good; while it was project specific and we didn't make any of the design decisions other than what color our scarf would be, we did learn a lot about the mechanics of a 4-shaft table loom, and we did learn the warping process.
This past week I went back for a more advanced class. This time the students were able to decide what projects they'd like to do, and make all the design decisions. Suzanne, whose knowledge, talent, and patience seems boundless, walked us through each step of the weaving process - We calculated our yarn needs, we choose our own fibers, we made our own warps, and warped our own looms. Amazing! The best bit about the class is we our able to take the 4-harness table looms home with us and continue the weaving process for one month. We can come back for guidance and create as many projects as we can or would like in that time period. Simply put, we are truly learning to weave.
Here's what I love about weaving: I love how easy it is to combine different fibers/yarns and really experiment with texture. I love how it is equally easy to work with color. I love the instant gratification - within minutes of starting the weaving process, the actual throwing the shuttle back and forth, you can see what the finished fabric is going to look like. Very different from knitting. I also love the seemingly endless possibilities - the patterns, the textures, the color work, make for a cornucopia of ideas and fabrics to try.
Don't get me wrong, I still love my knitting, and I always will, but weaving brings a different kind of satisfaction, and sparks a different source of creativity for me. And it's yet another reason to buy more yarn!
Cheers.
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