Tapestry Sampler

I never thought I would really ever want to try tapestry weaving.  Although I admire greatly the work of those who do it, I always thought it looked rather boring and tedious.  However, in anticipation of taking a Navajo rug weaving workshop, I decided to try my hand at it.  I made this rather garish sampler following the directions taken from Kirsten Glasbrook's book "Tapestry Weaving."  It is a good little book with some really cute small beginning projects.  The sampler, as you would expect, shows you all the basic techniques.

I already own a tapestry loom but it was too big for such a small project so I went out to the local junk shop and bought a wooden frame.  I removed the glass, the guts and the backing and strung the warp over it.  I used 8/4 rug warp and Lamb's Pride worsted weight for the weft. 

What I learned:  That my 8/4 rug warp was a bit too light for my weft so I have ordered a heavier seine twine to try out on the next one.  I didn't like the fact that you just leave loose ends at the back of the work.  I found that to be messy and untidy.  I think when I take the Navajo weaving class, I will learn how to have a neat surface on both sides.  One of the techniques I was completely hopeless at and will require more practice but otherwise it was an entertaining little project.

Now, what do you suppose I should do with the finished product?  Hide it in my studio!