Here, I explored self-sufficency through the action of building my own loom and then weaving.
Jumping off of that last action, I decided to explore another area of interest I have always wanted to understand — weaving. I’d read that a simple lap loom was very simple to put together, so I went to the wood shop and made quick work of it.
Without spending too much time researching weaving methods, I jumped in. I used a tapestry weaving guide I have access to for a little guidance, and found myself attracted to freestyle methods of weaving. I went to the yarn store and wished I had enough time to dye some myself, but instead settled for three spools of 100% wool yarn. I picked colors that reminded me of warmth, and went home, shuttle-less, but ready and willing to get started.
This quickly showed me the value of planning a textile, as I managed to literally weave myself into a box. How would I fill it in? The home-made shuttle I had was great, but not narrow enough for this pickle I’d put myself in. The puzzler in me felt this as a challenge. I had a blank page to fill in with whatever I pleased. I thought about free weaving and sought to bring roundness and fluidity to the sharp lines of warp in front of me.
Knowing now that weaving doesn’t need to be this arduous or taxing, I have tried to enjoy the obstacles I’ve given myself in this project. I’ve spent countless hours this week unknotting yarn, poking short threads through tight weaves with a chopstick, and reminding myself to have better posture to relieve my back aches.
There are many improvements I would make to this loom design, and next time I probably will. But it’s sometimes nice to do something that is tedious and difficult. I’ve come to have a relationship with this woven piece, wishing I could high-five each section as I complete it as if we were working together to fill in the gaps.