I was a mad weaver last week.  This piece started out as an experiment in sett really.  I had a draft but wanted to use something other than what it called for, because I didn’t have access to the required materials and I just HAD to weave SOMETHING.

The warp is a Berroco’s Ultra Alpaca Fine which is a  wool/alpaca/nylon blend, the color – Potting Soil Mix.  The weft is Berroco’s alpaca in red.  The pattern is an overshot called Orange Peel.  The name alone made me want to weave it in orange.

I am proud to say that this project went off without a hitch – from warping to finishing.  It also happened in 5 days.

We were going to a nephew’s 30th birthday party on the 6th (yes, I am that old) and I needed a gift.  After asking Bill if he would wear it (no, he can’t put anything around his neck), I decided to give myself that deadline.  The biggest problem I ran into was finishing.  Living in a house with no air conditioning in the middle of a humid heat wave is not conducive to air drying a 72″ wool scarf.  I confess to putting it in the dryer on air for a half an hour without adverse results.  I also didn’t realize how hot I would be twisting fringe.  The results were worth it.

This piece is yummy – so soft and warm.  I’m sure it will get used in San Francisco.  I was a little sad to see it go but had woven it with the recipient in mind, those are always the best projects.

Now I have to admit that I’m just a little on edge because there is nothing on my loom right at the moment.  I have a number of choices right now but I think I will weave a gamp of Harrisville wool that I just purchased.  I figured Harrisville was the way for me to go because I love the way their wool is spun and dyed.  So 18 colors, 72 inches – I can’t wait to get it started!  On the other hand if this heat keeps up maybe I should consider making something in cotton.