Introducing the Schacht Arras tapestry Loom

We’re so pleased to share the latest edition to the Schacht tapestry loom line-up - the Arras Tapestry Loom.

Schacht have taken a classic loom design with all the conventional elements of traditional tapestry weaving and applied a modern design aesthetic and innovative technologies to produce a functional and ergonomic loom fit for today’s weaver.

Starting with a base of hard-wearing maple timber, the solid construction will endure high tension warps typical to tapestry weaving, warp after warp.

Built for comfort the loom is loaded with adjustable features to aid warping and weaving, plus ergonomic handles and grips for fine tuning.

A generous warp width, mechanical shedding device, colour-coded warp guides and cartoon holder provide endless possibility for when inspiration strikes.

The Arras Tapestry Loom is a serious but user-friendly upright tapestry loom with all the bells and whistles that will no doubt suit both the passionate tapestry weaver and the beginner with optimistic enthusiasm.

FEATURES YOU’LL LOVE

  • Durable and hard-wearing maple construction guaranteed to withstand the rigours of high-tension tapestry warps.

  • A generous weaving width of 50.8cm (20'') and warp length of 114cm (45'') using the continuous warping method. Its modular design will allow for a future upgrade that will include a beam kit with ratcheted cloth and warp beams.

  • The loom can be warped in a horizontal or vertical position, improving your efficiency and comfort while direct warping.

  • Both loom height and weaving angle can be adjusted to suit your working conditions ensuring optimal comfort.

  • Precise controls with ergonomic hand grips for fine tuning warp tension.

  • A Smooth-working, hand-controlled shedding device that can be adjusted vertically to suit your working height. Conveniently, the hand lever can be installed on the either the right or left side of the loom.

  • Includes four warp guides fixed at 4, 5, 6, and 8 dents per inch. Warps can also be doubled in the dents increasing the sett range to 10, 12 and 16 ends per inch.

  • A handy cartoon holder that snaps into place below the warp guide.

  • At 4.6kg (10lbs) the loom is portable, folding support legs make it convenient for travel or storage.

OUR THOUGHTS

We think Schacht have really out done themselves here in terms of their thoughtful design and overall functionality of the working loom.

With so many great features we encourage you to check out the product specifications and inclusions.

We think this will be an exceptional and long-lasting tapestry weaving loom for weavers of all skill level.

We look forward to the official release in April 2020.

The Arras Tapestry Loom is available for pre-order now!

 
 

Let’s get started…

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Summer Spinning With Louët
Loom & Spindle - Hand Spun Yarn

We've spent our summer spinning up a rainbow on one of our favourite wheels, the Louët S17.

What can I say, the S17 didn’t skip a beat as we worked our way through 300g of stash fibre to come up with six yarns for Andrea Mowry’s Nightshift shawl.

Working from prepared wool top and spinning for a worsted weight 2-ply yarn, the project spun up quickly and we had our palette ready to go in under 4 weeks!


In other news, we’ve been busy adding all our 'in-stock' Louët inventory to the online shop.

It’s now just a click of a button to shop parts and accessories for our Louët spinning wheel range.

You’ll also find a new addition to our lineup - the Louët S95 Victoria spinning wheel. 

The S95 is arguably the lightest (just 3.6kg!) and most portable upright double-treadle spinning wheel on the market today.

Our first S95 wheels will be arriving mid February, pre-orders are now open.

+ FOR A LIMITED TIME LOUËT ARE OFFERING A FREE 40CMX60CM LISA FRAME-LOOM VALUED AT $129 WITH EVERY S10C PURCHASE.
*Offer ends 30th April 2020.


S17 Spinning Wheel
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S10c Spinning Wheel
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Studio Projects

A little of what we’ve been working on…

Spinning from our stash for Andrea Mowry's Nightshift shawl. We used one of our favourite wheels, the Louët S17.

Spinning from our stash for Andrea Mowry's Nightshift shawl. We used one of our favourite wheels, the Louët S17.

 
Testing out some stranded colourwork in Bio Shetland by BC Garn. This cute child's sweater is a free pattern by Junko Okamoto - Child and Mam ( Child ).

Testing out some stranded colourwork in Bio Shetland by BC Garn. This cute child's sweater is a free pattern by Junko Okamoto - Child and Mam ( Child ).

 
More colourwork... and a steek! This is the Tiger Lily shawl by Amirisu Magazine featuring Loch Lomond Bio in silver, graphite and schwarz.

More colourwork... and a steek! This is the Tiger Lily shawl by Amirisu Magazine featuring Loch Lomond Bio in silver, graphite and schwarz.


Thank you for reading!

Like to stay in touch? Subscribe to the Loom & Spindle e-newsletter and get a 10% discount on the Loch Lomond Bio range!

 

More studio projects…

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Field Notes on Working Three-Colour Colourwork
Loom & Spindle - The Throwback Swatch-8.jpg

Upon its release last year we were instantly drawn to Andrea Mowry’s The Throwback - a top-down knit cardigan with cool retro-inspired colourwork detail around the yoke.

We thought the unique woolly texture and warming heathered shades of Loch Lomond GOTS would be a perfect match, so we got swatching. 

Translating and working Mowry’s design into a swatch was easy enough until we hit the three-colour colourwork... worked flat!

Though we had some initial hesitation, we were up for the challenge.

We’ve detailed our swatch notes below, including a little trick we found for controlling that third unruly yarn.

Enjoy!


PROJECT

Swatching The Throwback by Andrea Mowry in Loch Lomond GOTS by BC Garn

Loom & Spindle - The Throwback Swatch-1.jpg

AIM

To explore:

  • The fabric’s hand-feel at the resulting gauge

  • The suitability of Loch Lomond GOTS for colourwork, and

  • A method for working three-colour colourwork

SKILLS

  • Casting on

  • Casting off

  • Knitting flat

  • Reading charts for colourwork

  • Familiarity with different knitting styles:

    • Continental (yarn held in left hand)

    • English (yarn held in right hand)

TOOLS

  • 4 mm (US 6) circular needles (we used Chiaogoo Spin Bamboo Interchangeables)

MATERIALS

Colour A, Moss

Colour B, Beige

 

Colour C, Curry

Colour D, Fire Red

 

PATTERN

The swatch is for The Throwback sweater pattern published by Andrea Mowry of Drea Renee Knits. This pattern is available for purchase on Ravelry or at dreareneeknits.com.

The pattern provides a gauge of 18.5 stitches and 26 rows over 10cm (4'').

Loom & Spindle - The Throwback Swatch-11.jpg

PROCESS

THE DESIGN

Casting on 38 stitches, we started with a base of 4x4 rib running into stocking stitch to test Loch Lomond GOTS in the knitted fabric.

The colourwork chart was incorporated to explore the relationship between the yoke detail and chosen colour palette.

 
Loom & Spindle - The Throwback Swatch-4.jpg
 

THE SWATCH

We tried a few different needle sizes on some pre-swatch swatches. We found a satisfactory fabric was obtained on 4mm (US 6) needles, with a resulting 5 stitches per inch pre-blocking.

For the colourwork component we began by working the two-colour sections with one yarn held in each hand and catching the floats behind the work at regular intervals.

Having had some experience working the yarn from both the left and right hands, this method was quite comfortable for us and we had no trouble working either the knit or purl sides of the fabric.

THE THREE-COLOUR SECTION

Applying our colourwork method to the three-colour sections proved more challenging.

When working with a third yarn (in either hand) we found it difficult to maintain tension, catch floats evenly across the back (particularly on the purl side) and avoid disastrous tangles between the three strands.

After a few attempts at using various stranding techniques and re-organising our yarns we settled on a method that simply removed the problem!

Our solution… working only two colours across the row and slipping the stitch that required the third colour. The row was then worked again, slipping the previously worked stitches and only knitting the stitches required to complete the three-colour sequence.

This simplified working the purl-side, as the colour pattern was already established from working the knit-side and could simply be repeated – purling with two colours across the row, then working the row again with the third.

Given only six rows of the chart are worked in three-colours we found this to be a quick and easy solution.

FINISHING

The swatch was soaked in a bath of cool water for around 5 minutes, the excess water pressed out using a towel. The swatch was pinned out on a blocking matt, attention given to aligning the stitches and smoothing out the colourwork.

The final measurements:

  • Overall dimensions, 18cm x 20cm (7'' x 8'')

  • Gauge, 20 stitches and 24 rows over 10cm (4'')

INSIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

GAUGE

Though we didn’t quite reach the pattern’s gauge, our measurements indicate that this yarn would be a viable option for The Throwback. A quick calculation tells us that we would only need to go up one size to accommodate the variance.

Here’s what we did (using inches for simplicity):

Our size - Size 3, Bust 43''
Our gauge - 5 stitches over 1''

Number of stitches required for our size:

43 (bust size) * 5 (our gauge) = 215 stitches (around the bust)

At Size 3 (bust 43'') and the pattern gauge of 4.6 stitches over 1'', we would have too few stitches:

43 (bust size) * 4.6 (pattern gauge) = 198 stitches (around the bust)

198 (no. stitches at Size 3) / 5 (our gauge) = 39.6'' Bust

At Size 4 (bust 47'') and a pattern gauge of 4.6 stitches over 1'', we get a close match:

47 (bust size) * 4.6 (pattern gauge) = 216 stitches (around the bust)

216 (no. stitches at Size 4) / 5 (our gauge) = 43.2''

Therefore, our corresponding size with the required stitch count is Size 4!

FABRIC

Loch Lomond GOTS bloomed to produce a smooth and homogenous fabric with well-defined colourwork detail.

The woolly texture and tweedy appearance make for a wonderfully rustic hand-feel that is both light and warm to the touch.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This little swatch was an experiment that quickly became a great lesson in working three-colour colourwork.

The colourwork method we used was particularly suited to this project given the piece is worked flat with the three colour sections only occurring over six rows.

Ultimately, giving ourselves the space to explore and experiment via swatching took away any initial apprehension we had and gave us the confidence to tackle the larger project in the future.

Loom & Spindle - The Throwback Swatch-7.jpg

THANK YOU FOR READING!

Would you like to save this swatch for later?

Add this swatch to your Ravelry favourites HERE.


+ Subscribe to the Loom & Spindle e-newsletter and get a 10% discount on the Loch Lomond GOTS range!


 

Keep on swatching…

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Introducing DHG's Extra-Fine Merino Wool Tops

A Natural Dyes Collection

We’re proud to have partnered with Dyeing House Gallery (DHG) of Italy to bring you a collection of naturally dyed, extra-fine Merino wool tops.

These seventeen new colours are dyed with natural dye extracts obtained from plants and cochineal. They produce a palette of cohesive and unified shades, a unique quality of naturally dyed fibres.

The extra-fine Merino is sourced from both Australia and South America from strictly mulesing-free lots, carefully selected to ensure consistent quality over time.

Supporting sustainability, DHG ensures the dye process complies with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and is done in a dye house which is GOTS 5.0 and GRS certified.

With its next-to-skin softness and luxurious hand feel, the Natural Dyes Collection extra-fine Merino wool tops is a versatile fibre for a range of textile applications.


THE FIBRE

NATURAL DYE EXTRACTS: Chestnut, Cochineal, Coreopsis, Cutch tree, Indigo, Logwood, Madder rich, Madder standard, Rhubarb, Sorghum, Turmeric, Weld
FIBRE CONTENT: Extra fine Merino wool tops, 19 microns
CONSTRUCTION: Combed sliver
ORIGIN: Fibre sourced in Australia and South America
PRODUCTION: Dyed and milled in Italy
NET WEIGHT: Approx. 23g/m
YARDAGE: Approx. 4m/100g
CARE: Cold hand wash (see notes below)

Colourways Available

ABOUT NATURAL DYES

Fibres dyed with natural dye extracts will behave slightly differently to traditional commercially dyed fibres – specifically, they have a lower resistance to light and reduced colour fastness. Over time this product may change in colour or release some dye when washed.

To extend the colour life of your project we recommend that they not be placed in direct sunlight for extended periods and only be washed in cold water, limiting the soaking time to 10 minutes.

ABOUT WOOL TOP

Wool top is a commercially prepared wool product in which the wool fibres undergo a mechanical combing process to straighten and align the fibres.

The result is an extremely smooth, silky fibre preparation favoured by hand spinners and textile artists.

Use wool tops for hand-spinning, weaving, needle and wet felting, giant knitting and a myriad of textile art projects.

ABOUT DHG

Dyeing House Gallery have been in the business of dyeing textile fibres and yarns since 1952. Their mission, to make their long-standing expertise available to all artists, artisans, designers and crafters.

 
 
 
 

LET’S GET STARTED…

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Knitting Lydia Gluck’s Woodwardia Pullover
Loom & Spindle - Woodwardia Swaeter-1.jpg

A Spring Project

Heading into Spring we’re enjoying the warming weather. Though, with crisp mornings and cool evenings we’re still seeking out layering pieces to transition the day.

The Woodwardia pullover by Lydia Gluck (co-founder & editor of Pom Pom Quarterly) is the perfect spring staple. With its relaxed fit and understated silhouette, it offers both comfort and warmth all with a lightness in hand.

We recently added this piece to our spring wardrobe, having worked it up in Hamelton No. 1 by BC Garn. With its top-down in-the-round construction and botanical design details it was an enjoyably simple knit.

Below, we take a closer look at some of the finer details of Woodwardia and review Hamelton No. 1.

Enjoy!


PROJECT

Knitting Woodwardia By Lydia Gluck in Hamelton No. 1 by BC Garn

Loom & Spindle - Woodwardia Swaeter-2.jpg

AIM

Knit the Woodwardia pullover to explore:

  • Top-down, in-the-round construction

  • Knitting with Hamelton No. 1, its suitability and yarn characteristics, and

  • The resulting fabric and hand-feel

SKILLS

  • Knitting in the round

  • Simple increases and decreases

  • Casting off in pattern

  • Wet blocking

TOOLS

  • Body: 4.5mm (US 7) circular needles (we used Chiaogoo Spin Bamboo Interchangables)

  • Ribbing: 4mm (US 6) circular needles (we used Chiaogoo Spin Bamboo Interchangables)

MATERIALS

Loom & Spindle - BC Garn - Hamelton 1 - Baby Pink-2.jpg

Hamilton No. 1 by BC Garn
Colourway BABY PINK (112)

 

PATTERN

The Woodwardia pullover pattern by Lydia Gluck was first published in Pom Pom Quarterly, Issue 28: Spring 2019 and subsequently in Ready Set Raglan in 2020. It is available to purchase HERE, on RAVELRY or the POM POM website.

Loom & Spindle Woodwardia Pattern.jpg

Process

The pattern was worked as written with one design modification to the neckline.

Loom & Spindle - Woodwardia Swaeter-14.jpg

SIZE

We knit a size 3 for a finished bust circumference of 120cm (47.25'') – to be worn with 20cm (8'') positive ease.

SETUP

We knit the pattern as written for the body and sleeves and modified the neckline.

MODIFICATIONS

As the Australian spring can be relatively temperate we thought the rolled neck collar might be a bit too warm for our climate.

We opted for crew-neck style neckline. The modification was simple, we followed the instructions for the collar as written and cast-off in pattern after 9 rows of ribbing was complete.

Adding short rows to the back neck was briefly considered. However, having tried on the pullover before the neckband was started it was deemed unnecessary as the neckline was quite generous and sat evenly around the shoulders.

Loom & Spindle - Woodwardia Swaeter-3.jpg
Loom & Spindle - Woodwardia Swaeter-6.jpg
Loom & Spindle - Woodwardia Swaeter-8.jpg
Loom & Spindle - Woodwardia Swaeter-7.jpg

FINISHING

To finish, the garment was immersed in a bath of cool water for around 10 minutes, the water was drained and the pullover pressed in a towel to remove the excess. The piece was pinned out on a blocking matt, attention given to shaping the jumper to the dimensions provided in the pattern and aligning the stitches.

Once dry the gauge measured at:

  • 18 stitches over 10cm (4'')

  • 28 rows over 10cm (4'')

 The total yarn used:

  • 482g (17oz) / approx. 964m (1054y), or

  • 10 balls Hamelton No. 1

Loom & Spindle - Woodwardia Swaeter-17.jpg

INSIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

CONSTRUCTION

Being comfortable reading knitting patterns, we found the top-down in-the-round construction easy to follow. And, being familiar with the pattern skills, the garment was straightforward to knit. The purl stitch detail on the raglan sleeves was intuitive and easy to remember.

Though the styling was simple, the design included some smart design elements for a relaxed and comfortable fit – lots of positive ease, a longer back hem and generous neckline.

Knit in a worsted weight yarn and with some dedication to the project the pullover worked up quickly.

Loom & Spindle - Woodwardia Swaeter-15.jpg
Loom & Spindle - Woodwardia Swaeter-16.jpg

THE PULLOVER

Using Hamelton No. 1 and the needle sizes suggested, we were able to achieve the gauge specified. The measurements of the finished garment matched those stated in the pattern. Yes!

Our modification - the crew neckline, sits flat and evenly around the shoulders. 

We came in just under 500g to complete the project. The resulting pullover is lightweight and warm, and we can confirm very wearable throughout the day!

Loom & Spindle - Woodwardia Swaeter-11.jpg

THE FABRIC

We love the look of Hamelton No 1 in the knitted fabric. The worsted 2-ply construction results in a somewhat textured surface, reminiscent of handspun yarn in hand-feel and appearance.

The slight lustre of the yarn remains bright in the fabric. We have experienced some pilling on the elbows, but this can be expected on a worsted spun 2-ply yarn with moderate twist. We think after a few brushes this will settle, making for a hard-wearing sweater.

Our tester did note a slight pique to the yarn. Though wearable against the skin, they did prefer to wear a long sleeve garment under this yarn.

Loom & Spindle - Woodwardia Swaeter-18.jpg

FINAL THOUGHTS 

For those new to knitting garments, the Woodwardia pullover would make a great introduction to top-down in-the-round construction.

The skills required, and the layout of the pattern would be approachable for those interested in extending their knitting skills.

Hamelton No. 1 produced a light yet warm fabric with interesting surface texture.

The piece itself is extremely wearable with lots of positive ease for layering-up on those spring days that start cool, and warm as the day progresses.

Loom & Spindle - Woodwardia Swaeter-13.jpg

THANK YOU FOR READING!

Would you like to save this project for later? Add it to your Ravelry favourites HERE.

Knitting Woodwardia? You’ll need a worsted / 10 ply weight yarn with the following meterage:

  • Size 1  - 730m

  • Size 2 - 845m

  • Size 3 - 940m

  • Size 4 - 1035m

  • Size 5 - 1130m

  • Size 6 - 1225m

  • Size 7 - 1345m

  • Size 8 - 1500m

  • Size 9 - 1590m

  • Size 10 - 1720m

 

Let’s Keep Knitting…

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