Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Revisiting the Weaving Issue

In an earlier post I shared some wavy weaving with everyone.  Some people have since asked how it is done.  I have tried to find some reference and instructions via Google, but have come up empty handed.  I feel a little reluctant to say too much here as this is not my idea, but I will share a little of my play with you.  When this was first brought to my attention [via a patchwork friend], the method explained was pretty sketchy.  I was told to take two fat quarters, place them together and make wavy cuts in them, both identical of course [and to make this easier one could purchase a special wavy ruler!!].  Then take each one and place them side by side, giving one a quarter turn.  I actually didn't want to make a big item [the other ladies were making a cushion top].  I wanted to use the technique in a much smaller way.  I used two nine inch square pieces of fabric, and cut lots of wavy lines in each.   I was afraid to deviate from the 'instructions' for fear of retribution by some far away weaving police.

However, yesterday, I decided to take two pieces of paper, both identical in size, but both rectangles.  I cut one into wavy pieces on the short side, the other on the long side, just cutting where I felt like it.  I can now tell you, this works, ie any wavy lengths seem to weave into one another, so if you feel like being a bit rebellious, get out your paper and have a go before you move onto vliesofixed fabric...............

As you can see here, I have quite an attractive piece of wavy woven paper.  







Since playing with this technique, I've been reminded of something else I saw in a magazine some years ago, but to date have not tried.  If any of you buy a magazine/booklet called Magic Patch, you may have issue #19.  There is an article and instructions in this magazine for a technique called Mesh Work [Japanese].  It's essentially to promote Clover products, but I am leaning towards trying this technique using vliesofixed fabric strips.  I have seen a book available for purchase, so will include this link for The Craft Mailbox.

I hope some of this has been helpful, and please don't be afraid to play.  I'm off to do some embroidery, and next week I must try this Mesh Work, it looks like having possibilities.......

6 comments:

michelle said...

This is great Linda ! thanks for sharing ! i will have a play with this it looks cool !!

DIAN said...

Thanks Linda, now it makes more sense. The paper looks fabulous. What will you do with it?

Frances Leate said...

Thank you for sharing this interesting technique. Your work is very effective.

Jensters said...

Wow that came out well Linda....thanks for sharing with us x

Radka said...

No, I haven't got no 19, just my luck!
But I have a book "Japanese Inspirations" and in it is a pattern for a screen, using the wavy shapes which then fit together.

Linda said...

Thanks ladies. It's fun to play a little and take photographs along the way. I'll try to remember to do so more often. Radka, I'd be interested in seeing that screen using wavy shapes. I love anything Japanese, except the food.......LOL......well, I do eat Sushi.....LOL.
Dian, I'm not doing anything with the wavy woven paper [and I assume you recognize that paper.....], it was just an experiment, but I'll be doing some 'rectangular' wavy weaving in fabric some time soon!!!