I have just gotten through dressing my first loom. LOL Ok so I survived that. I have the rag rug handbook. Looking through all the patterns and  I finally figured out I have 12 dpi reed, I decided to do a 12 dpi sett since that is what most of the patterns call for in the book. Now I have some beautiful mill ends from Great Northern that I ordered but there is nothing in the book about the mill ends. I really can't resist trying them. How will those work with a 12 dpi setting? It took me three days to get to this point, do I really need to use a different sett for them?

Comments

Cat Brysch

But what are these yarns?  Cottons, wools?  And what are the sizes that are on the labels of the mill ends, such as 3/2, 8/2, etc.  If you can't really tell what sizes the yarns are, could you post a photo of these yarns loosely wrapped around a ruler, so we have an idea of the size of them?  This would greatly help us know what you've got to weave as weft.  Also, I think I have that book to which you are referring...what is the full title, author and page number of something you are interested in weaving? Depending on the sizes of your yarns, a twill would work just fine as a weft.  Can you post a photo in a reply? Congratulations on your loom dressing....I know you must be excited and ready to weaveweaveweave!

Fayed

It is a mixed lot, I didn't find any numbers. Most of it is over an inch wide, just ends cut off upholstery. I have no clue on the fibers either. However I did finally find a paragraph in the book that mentioned using harnesses 1 &2 then 3& 4 and it seems to be working fine. Sorry I don't know if there is a name for that. LOL. I will try to get a picture of the weft and the rug I am working on. I really didn't follow a pattern and yes I am very very excited :)

ruthmacgregor (not verified)

Ahh -- so the mill ends you're working with are strips of fabric rather than yarns? That changes everything! :-)

"Mill ends" isn't a very precise term, because it can mean yarns, or fabrics, or scraps, or even fibres -- all depending on what's in the mind of the person using the term.

So if I understand correctly, you're weaving strips of fabric as weft in a warp set at 12 ends per inch -- is that right?  (Cool!)

Do you like the appearance of what you're weaving?

Looking forward to a photo!

Ruth

Fayed

http://www.greatnorthernweaving.com/index.asp

I bought some of the little bits sale, they have a picture on the home page and that is very close to what I have. It weaves up beautifully but not as fuzzy as I had hoped. Sorry I had no idea they were more things called mill ends. Where do I get those ? LOL

Joanne Hall

It looks really nice.  The only thing I would add is a temple.  If you are not familiar with a temple, go to:

glimakraUSA.com and click on weaving FAQ, then on selvages and temples.

Joanne

ruthmacgregor (not verified)

That does look nice!  Some of the "fuzz" may wriggle its way free of the warps as the rug is used -- so don't give up on it yet.  That fuzzy appearance you'd hoped for still may happen. :-)

Ruth 

Cat Brysch

Anyway, that's what I learned as the term in Texas as we were touring a mill and it showed the machines literally cutting off the selvedges!  (Boy, was that a noisey experience!)  Yes, the rug does look FABULOUS!  These mill cut-offs also are wonderful for placemat...yummy.  If you plan to wash it, expect a TON of lint in both the washer and the dryer, so you'll need to check on both machines several times during washing and drying. If it's a rug, you might decide not to wash it!  I bet you are excited and we are all so happy for you!!!!!!!!!!

Fayed

Thank you all so much, I am very excited. Funny, how you think you have been weaving for 20 minutes and two hours have passed. LOL

Fayed

Thank you all so much, I am very excited. Funny, how you think you have been weaving for 20 minutes and two hours have passed. LOL

debmcclintock

To stretch out those mill ends consider throwing a shot of warp in plain weave between your mill end shots. It will stabilize your rug. It looks great as it is but if you have another rug planned for that warp give it a try.

ellen santana

your rug is great, a nd you are very brave to post a picture of your first rug.  i may never get that brave.  the temple you have put on your wish list is so expensive.  buy 2 tarp clips on t he internet and get some weights you can tie to them. that will save you about 80 bucks.  you can also use this for any width rug.  some of the other temples must be only used for certain widths.  es

sandra.eberhar…

The weight and clip type of "temple" only works if you have side rails on your loom.  I have never cared for them.  Temples are not that expensive, and they are widely adjustabe.  If you have several of the same brand, they can be combined.

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