Fresh off the loom

Swizzle is an interplay of color and weave. The stripes correspond with the change of direction in the herringbone weave structure, creating an effect of colorful swizzle sticks set against a chartreuse background. It is neutral from a distance and delightfully colorful up close. This wrap is dense with a lovely drape and glide and will be comfortable with small babies and toddlers alike. It is so soft and inviting - I couldn't resist taking it out for a spin! These will be available for sale on Tuesday, May 27th at 9:00 AM Pacific.

The warp is Egyptian Cotton. Below are the wefts and lengths that will be available. In each case the color weft is Natural. The wraps with Egyptian Cotton weft weigh approximately 347 grams/m^2 and the hemp blend weighs approximately 353 grams/m^2. Each features a hand-embroidered middle marker.

Egyptian Cotton weft, 4.55 meters $386.75 

Egyptian Cotton weft, 3.75 meters $318.75

Egyptian Cotton weft, 2.8 meters $238

40% hemp/60% organic cotton weft, 5.15 meters $437.75

Nibble's Grotto

A twill weave gradation with colors ranging from cobalt blue through aqua marine to ice blue.  The warp is a fluffy cottolin. Wefts, sizes and prices (as pictured, from top to bottom):

Aquamarine Egyptian Cotton weft, 4.6 meters $368.00 

Aquamarine Egyptian Cotton weft, 3.85 meters $308.00 

Aquamarine Cottolin weft, 4.0 meters $360.00 

Aquamarine Cottolin weft, 3.35 meters $301.50

Cobalt Cottolin weft, 4.67 meters $420.30

These will be listed in my shop on Wednesday, May 7 at 12:00 pm Pacific. 

The name is courtesy of my five-year old. 

Egyptian Cotton weft

Cottolin weft

Cottolin weft

Wefts in Waiting

There's no more waiting on yarn but this week the yarn waits on me. These freshly wound skeins of hand-dyed hemp are all ready for me. But with my youngest two suffering from a bad stomach bug there has been no time to weave. Hopefully, I'll get to it today if all goes well. These are meant for the cottolin warp below, shown with a cottolin weft above and an Egyptian Cotton weft below. Again, if things go well, I should be getting to the end of this warp  in the coming week. Let's hope nobody throws up today!

Cottolin Warp with blue cottolin weft

Cottolin warp with Egyptian Cotton weft

The warp colors

The new loom!

Order is restored!

The new loom is finally up and running! Formerly a pile of wood in a graduate student's bedroom, Wilma has been lovingly reassembled and is dressed with her first wrap! It's been quite a job getting her to this point and it's so rewarding to finally get a chance to weave. It's my first experience with a countermarche. It's very different from my trusty old Mac. I think I love them both for different reasons. Wilma is spacious and airy - she inspires a lofty feeling sitting on the bench. Freddy is no-nonsense - totally practical and grounded. They make a great pair! It's not likely to increase my productivity but having a second loom will allow me to work more efficiently. I'm often falling in love with a specific weft and then waiting ages to get enough to finish a project. No more worries about waiting on yarn! So you can appreciate the journey - here are some progress pics...

The pile of wood.

The kids are convinced I'm setting up a new play structure.

The only thing I had to add - a sectional beam. This picture was taken after hamming in all 240 metal pegs!

Ah, the string heddles! They slow me down but they sure are pretty!

Nora demonstrates my excitement.

Midnight Kisses

Midnight Kisses 

Weary mama, calling babe

Sleepy kisses in the night

Soft, slow strokes of messy hair

Babe tucked in close, eyes shut tight

Milky breath upon my face

Sweet caress of softest skin

Snuggled close, I hold one tight

While another flutters within

Motherhood’s great joys

Fleeting moments, like morning mist

Gone in a blink but held in my heart

And so I treasure each midnight kiss

Christina Barba 1/12/14

Midnight Kisses 

Four of these wraps will be listed in my shop tomorrow at 5 pm Pacific.