LIFE HISTORY OF A SCARF: DAY 7 - Weaving the Samples

Weaving samples is a virtue, they say.  Truthfully I don't always weave samples, But I DO weave samples when:

• I am not sure how to sett the yarn for the draft I am using
• I am not sure what color I want to use for weft
• I am not sure if the draft I want to use will work or if I will like it 

In this case, I was worried that the sett of 24 epi might be too loose, so the plan was to weave a sample a 24 epi, cut the sample off the loom, and wash it before proceeding.  While I was at it, I decided to try a variety of colors.

Tip: ​In the long run, sampling saves time and money!

---

I wove 13" of samples, using 6 different wefts:  royal 8/2 tencel, black 8/2 bamboo, iris 8/2 tencel, teal 8/2 bamboo, amethyst 8/2 tencel, and ming blue 8/2 tencel.  Weaving in pattern, I got about 23 picks per inch (ppi).

Sample woven with 6 different wefts

Cutting the sample off the loom. Tying the warp in slipknots to protect it before retying to the front apron rod.

I cut the sample off the loom, tying the warp in slipknots in front of the reed to protect it before it gets retied to the front apron rod.

I zigzagged across both ends of the sample, washed it in the washing machine in warm water and dried it in the dryer on a gentle cycle.  I pressed the sample with a hot iron.

---

Conclusion:  I liked the hand of the fabric so no need to re-sett the warp.  I liked 4 out of 6 of the weft colors and decided to weave the 2 scarves using the black bamboo and the blue ming tencel.

Samples done.  Now to weave the scarves!  Go to Life History-Day 8.
To review, go back to Life History-Day 6

---