So now I want to jump in feet first and do some decorative weaving. I understand the basic concepts but I have one concept/question (for now) which I can't seem to work through in my head. If I have one row along the rod (is that warp or weave?) that requires multiple colors, how do I carry the threads along the same line? How do I get them to come out properly if they need to be right next to each other? For example (X-Black background B-Blue Y-Yellow):

XXXXXXXXXXXXX ...
XXXXBBBYYYXXX ...
XXXXXXXXXXXXX ...

I've had to carry the blue/yellow together behind the black and then had the yellow appear right next to the blue at the second transition. If the blue and yellow are next to each other on the blank won't I have a small gap as I try to move them sideways? As a corollary, what is the maximum reasonable number of colors (meant for one row) that one can carry down the length of the blank?

So this leads to the next question: obviously I'm missing some basic concepts so could somebody point me in the right direction for the basic books / DVDs. It seems to me that I read something about a new Doc Ski book but I can't seem to locate it in the sponsors list.

Thanks

Doc has a great DVD on weaving that is available from Mudhole and probably other sponsors. You might also e-mail Doc with any questions you might have. He is always ready to pitch in with help for anyone needing it!!! Docski377@aol.com

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Steven; The design threads of different colors for any row are stacked one on top of the other when you place the threads on the rod to begin with. In your example you would stack Blue and Yellow one over the other at the same location. Then after four wraps on the fifth wrap take the Blue thread from the stack on the right and move it to the left and leave it there for three wraps (complete turns of the rod blank). At wrap 8 you would take the Yellow design thread to the left and bring the Blue thread back to the right. You then make three wraps and then bring the Yellow thread back to the right and continue on wrapping. One of the things you want to keep in mind is doing the exchange in the same way each and every time. If the Yellow thread passes outside (farther away from you ) of the Blue when they swap sides do it that way every time. That will keep you from creating unsightly gaps. Remember that on the exchange you have two threads coming from the same hole so you don't want two going in the same direction side by side. That wouldn't show in your example above but would if you added more rows of design threads.

I am going to assume that you are using some sort of weaving jig. If not get one, make one or borrow one. Trying to weave using the tape rolled back on itself so the sticky side is out or even the double sided tapes available today is an exercise in frustration you don't need. Besides Doc Ski's DVD there are also two back issues of RodMaker Magazine that have articles on Basic Weaving and Color Change Weaving with plenty of pictures to show details.

As to the number of threads you can use for color change weaves, that will depend on your ability and to some extent the blank circumference. The more threads you stack one on the other (even though actually they don't stay one on top of the other) creates a hump or thicker area along the axis where they are stacked. Depending on how you handle this will determine how the finished product will look. I will often make each layer equal in number just to keep from creating a high center for example and to keep the threads in line. Sort of spacers to keep everything where it belongs. I have used as many as 8 different colors and I know Doc has used at least 10 and perhaps more but it does create it's own set of problems. Sometimes you can lay them out like a multi-color weave, side by side and eliminate part of the problem but that's a pattern making problem.

If you have other questions just ask I'll try to help.

Jim when you did the baby dragon weave did you use very fine thread like madeira?also how many threads did you use I think thats the most impressive weave ive seen

Steve; I used Madeira #40 Polyneon for the design over Gudebrod "C". There are 7 colors: Yellow, Green, Light Green, Light Blue, Red, Chartreuse, and White. As I recall 180 design threads and about 220 wraps. There were so many color changes that each wrap took about 20 minutes to complete.

Joey, Just a heads up!!! The rules of this forum require a full name (first & last) or the post will be automatically removed. Just letting you know so you can repost.

<ike

Mr. Upton,

You mentioned RodMaker's magazine has two back issues illustrating basic weaving. Do you know the month/year of the issues?

I'm a newbie too, more so than Steven. I'm in the "trying to understand it stage".

Thanks,

Joey

Joey; Volume 5 issue #4 Decorative thread weaving. Volume 6 issue #5 Color Change Weaving.