#ghostweaver project

[ghostweaver]

I don't know why, but it's so funny to me that most people who post their weaving have the same kind of angles to their video, and most of them, if not all of them, hide the chaos that's going on at the back of the loom. It's the same idea as "never ask a fiber artist to see the back of their project" with the embroiderers, or really any other craft where ends have to be managed. I know I'm guilty of it too; let's be honest, there's nothing glamorous about looking at the tangle of... 'creative' solutions to my ongoing tension struggles. But hey, for anyone curious, here's a peak behind the curtain on my latest project!

Here's some pictures too, to make it easier to see the chaos.

It's one of those things that I think is important to remember; behind every work of art is a not-so-glamorous process that you REALLY just have to trust. Everything seems so perfect when you see it online (at least in a crafting context), but it's important to know that it doesn't have to be. You can have things go wrong and still end up with an amazing product. You can have the weirdest solution to a problem, but if it works it works!

Never be afraid to mess up and work through it, even if "working through it" is messy in its own way! That's all part of the fun, friends! Trust the process, things will work out!

[ghostweaver]

Arachne approved 👍

This little friend was sitting on my loom supervising my weaving for over an hour today! There's a lot of pressure with that many eyes watching you, but it was fun to have them as my little supervisor.

[ghostweaver]

You know, something hits different about late-night weaving. Or doing any of your hobbies late at night, really. You know you should be sleeping, but in the moment, this feels so much more fulfilling. The world is quiet, there are no other commitments... it's just you and your loom in the most peaceful act of rebellion against the tediousness of everyday life.

Maybe it's just a me thing, but this will never get old.

[ghostweaver]

IT'S FINALLY OFF 🙌

Oh my god this was a learning experience, the yarn that I chose was NOT cooperative in this project. Note to self: no synthetics for tablet weaving (acrylic, nylon), stick with cotton. It works so much better.

[ghostweaver]

Y'all, I don't think I can express how happy I am to be working on this project. I know it's just a simple little 4-shaft goose-eye pattern, in relatively neutral colors and with pretty basic striping, but guys. I'm back in one of my favorite places, with some of my favorite people, getting back into the rhythm of using one of my favorite looms. It's so easy to take these routines for granted, but as we approach the end of summer and the start of the new school year, it's really sinking in how much I'm going to miss this.

But you know what?

I'm here now, and I still have some time left.

And I promise, I'm going to make the most of it.

[ghostweaver]

Back on a countermarsh loom! I'm so excited to see how these towels turn out! It's been a hot minute since I've used a floor loom, let alone one this big. It takes up a whole room! So much bigger than the inkle loom I've been using for the past year.

I'm so happy with how the hem-stitching came out (though I'm a bit nervous because the threads snapped right after I tied the final knot, so fingers crossed 🤞) and I can't wait to see how the rest develops!

[ghostweaver]

Finally finished with this band!

Don't mind the messy extra ends, when I figure out what I want to do with it, those will be removed. But in the meantime, it was a fun demo band that kept me sane for these last few months.

It can be so easy to get lost in the stress of everyday life and prioritize work over hobbies and relaxation, but it's so important to take time for yourself. Take time to explore, to create, and to play! Sometimes the best thing that we can do is listen to our inner child. Because when we craft, are we not leaning into their dreams?

Never forget who we're truly creating for.

[ghostweaver]

"Time flies when you're having fun."

That's what we're always told, but you never really realize it until the moment passes. One minute you're having a good time chatting with friends, the next you realize it's almost time to go. As I wrap up my second-to-last weekend at the Octagon House, the realization hit me like a tidal wave. I'm halfway through the first towel now, but my time is quickly coming to a close.

But just as our time together is temporary, so is our time apart.

I cannot wait to return for winter break.

[ghostweaver]

Has anyone ever done weft-faced weaving like this? I made this little tiny "loom" in my campus makerspace just for kicks (mostly to have a more portable project) but I don't entirely know what to do with it.

I've just been messing around so far, but if anyone has any tips, tricks, or patterns, they'd be very appreciated!

[ghostweaver]

Goodbyes are never easy, but this isn't 'goodbye'. It's 'see you later'!

Just as this weaving project comes to an end, so does my summer at the Octagon. Today was my last day, the grand finale of yet another summer. It was filled with everything a good finale should be: closure, heartfelt moments, plenty of tears, and time with some of my favorite people ever. I will miss them so much while I'm away, but it won't be forever.

See you later!

[ghostweaver]

Bands for a Bachelor’s, coming soon!

Finished up another lanyard! I love the colors of this set, the gold pairs so well with the royal blue. And I had enough material left to make a small Keychain too! Hopefully I'll be able to make more in the future!

All lanyards and keychains are cotton, and are about an inch wide.

Sorry that this took forever to post, y'all, tumblr has been giving me issues posting and I just kinda forgot, my bad 😅

[ghostweaver]

Just some late-night weaving :)

I'm so excited to be working on this inkle loom for the first time! I've never actually used one before now, but it's so easy to catch onto (though I haven't gotten all that far yet, so those are probably some famous last words 😅) either way, I like it so far!

[ghostweaver]

Bands for a Bachelor’s, coming soon!

I'm working behind the scenes to create a start for a woven lanyard line. All lanyards are cotton, roughly 1 inch wide. This is one of the first lanyards I've made for it! Look forward to seeing more in the future!

[ghostweaver]

I've been Very Productive! This is going to be a scarf for my bro when it's done! It was as close to a camo pattern as I could get without painting the warp 😅 honestly I kind of like this better! It's such a fun texture! I used a thick wool base and a wool bouclé for a weft to make it almost look like a tree bark or mossy texture. Very fun!

[ghostweaver]

Well, I was expecting that to take a lot longer, but~

It's all done, folks! It's about 4 yards, if I'm not mistaken, though truth be told I haven't measured.

Any suggestions on what to do with it now that it's finished? I was thinking camera straps potentially 🤔

[ghostweaver]

Bands for a Bachelor’s, coming soon!

Finished up another lanyard! I love the colors of this set, the gold pairs so well with the royal blue. And I had enough material left to make a small Keychain too! Hopefully I'll be able to make more in the future!

All lanyards and keychains are cotton, and are about an inch wide.