Fiber Art - The Process

Artwork Woven on a Multi-harness Loom

Some of the most important decisions in the weaving process are made before warping begins. One decision is choice of weave structure, which is informed by the vision of the finished cloth. At times, disparate weaving techniques are adjusted to allow them to be incorporated into a single piece woven on my loom, with 16 to 24 harnesses involved. Many other pre-warping decisions contribute to the finished piece, including the chosen width and length, the materials used, the sett of the yarns, and the dye colors and dye processes decided upon.

Putting the warp on the loom includes winding the warps, sleying each warp through a dent in the reed, threading individual warps through heddles held on harnesses, and winding the warp on the warp beam with even tension. Once the warp yarns have been tied onto the cloth beam, the weaving process can begin. A group of harnesses are raised to form the shed to place each weft yarn, thus creating the woven textile. At times I incorporate materials such as paper or metal during the weaving process.