Needleweaving with Bamboo—2

Here is the nearly finished needlewoven necklace—Clementines and Sage. Bamboo yarn was used for the majority of the weaving. Its thicker weight made the weaving go quickly, but I had some trouble along the edges.

The threads outlining the bottom edge
are the warp tails.

To create a rounded edge along the bottom of the necklace, I took the long warp ends (tails) from each side and wrapped them under the row of bottom pins. This outer thread was then incorporated into the weaving. (Usually the tails are pulled above the necklace and used for the neckstraps.)

I’ve used this method before with better results. I think the thicker fiber doesn’t produce a clean edge the way perle cotton does. It is harder to compact, and the looser weave makes a softer edge.

Would adding dangles of beads along the bottom have helped? I decided keep it simple. At the center-bottom, I tied the warp ends together, then threaded a large bead onto the doubled threads. Next, I added a #6 bead and tied the warps ends with a square knot, clipping the threads to about ½ inch.

Using pins, I positioned the large bead so that the knot was facing up, and added a few drops of clear-drying glue to the knot. The next day, I cut the ends flush. Later, I used the same process to secure the bead used as a clasp.

A simple finishing technique—glue!

This was a new technique for me, and I like its simplicity. Each project seems to come with new challenges and solutions. The needleweaving process is self-sustaining. By the time I’ve finished a necklace, I’ve thought of two or three more ideas I want to try out.

Share your biggest challenge or favorite weaving solution, by clicking on the title of this post and leaving a comment. To see the finished necklace, visit my website.

Clementines and Sage

Often it’s hard to tell what influences what (the chicken or the egg dilemma). I started my latest necklace between two major holidays—Thanksgiving (my favorite) and Christmas. Did this influence my color choices?

The pale sage colored yarn was a gift. (How did my sister know my favorite color?) Made from bamboo, it‘s stretchy, soft and luxurious. Looking for beads to complement it, I chose a vintage button (another gift) and various clear glass baubles. I love the color and flavor of sage. What would turkey dressing be without this flavorful herb?

Orange is one of my least favorite colors, yet for some reason I was drawn to it for this piece. It reminded me of a tangerine hiding in the toe of a Christmas stocking. I found the acrylic fiber at a flea market—one of several colors in a bag. The bargain price blinded me to its fiber content. I didn’t think I’d use the orange, but it there it was, just when I needed it.

Here is the necklace about one-third complete. Because it’s symmetrical, it’s a back-and-forth process. Work on one side, then the other. Next step is to start on the right side. Check back to see the finished piece.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are family holidays. I'm thankful for the gifts from my sister and daughter that I used in this necklace. I'm also grateful for the Christmas memories of tangerines (now replaced by  Clementines) that were passed on from my parents. These thoughts are the real weft in this work.