Learn the Basics of Weaving

Weaving is a form of art that has been popular throughout time; many cultures used woven tapestries to document their history, and many people still today weave as a passion. Weaving is easy to do and it does not require costly items. I have always wanted to try weaving, but I was always slightly intimidated by it. I have found it to be relaxing and meditative. It is also easy and inexpensive to make a loom at home, and here or some instructions in the basics of weaving to get you started on your first woven masterpiece.

A simple loom can be made at home from cardboard. Do not use a piece of cardboard bigger than 8x10 inches because it will become "unwieldy" (Young, 1972, p.173). Now cut notches in the top and bottom of the cardboard; these notches should be from a quarter of and inch to half an inch apart. The closer the notches are the tighter the weave will be (Young, 1972). Remember to use a ruler to make sure the notches on both ends match up correctly.

Now make a knot in the end of the yarn and "slide it into the upper left hand notch" (Young, 1972, p.174). Next wind the yarn into the bottom notch, around the back, and back up to the next top notch, and continue with this until all of the notches are full; this is called the warp.

Now thread a knitting needle or ruler through the strands going under and over each strand of the warp. Wrap your weaving yarn around a small piece of cardboard and slide it through the space left by the ruler. Remember to leave at least 3 inches of yarn outside of your warp; this will be woven into the piece later (Young, 1972). Now using a second knitting needle or ruler pick up the opposite threads from your first ruler. Slide your yarn through this spot and use the ruler to push those threads up so they are tight and even together. Continue alternating rulers until your piece is complete. When you have completed the weaving of the piece simple tie the final piece to one of the cords your have been weaving through. To secure the entire project remove the strands two at a time from the cardboard and tie the two strands together in a knot. This will make sure none of your weaving comes undone.

This simple craft is rewarding, and it can be done with scraps of yarn and cardboard that would normally be thrown away. So now that you have the basics you can become a weaving master!

References:

Young, J. (1972). Woodstock craftsman manual. New York, NY: Praeger
Publishers.

Straw Bale Gardening Basics

 

Knowing the straw bale gardening basics will allow you to make your first straw bale garden thrive. Straw bale gardens are a great way to garden without having to worry about the condition of your soil. Straw bale gardening is a great way to create a raised bed and help your plants thrive. This article will discuss straw bale gardening basics in detail.

When first deciding to plant a straw bale garden you may be wondering what type of straw to use. Any straw will work for your straw bale gardening needs, and it is best to go with what is available in your area. The important part to remember is to not use hay. Hay is different from straw and it will sprout grass that is extremely hard to pull. Using hay will cause more work than necessary; so only use straw bales for your straw bale gardening needs.

Now that you have the straw bales you will be gardening with it is important to consider where and how your will create the structure of your garden. First it is important to remember to not let the string tying the bale together touch the ground. The string must not come in contact with the ground because this contact will cause it to rot. If the string rots your straw bale will fall apart, and so will your garden. Well kept straw bale gardens can be used for up to two years so this simple step is important. When placing your straw bales to form your garden there are a variety of patterns and designs you can create. Feel free to be creative with the design. As long as you can reach the top of the bale to add plants and weed than your straw bale garden placement is successful.

Now that you have the gardening layout set up you must wet the bales completely. When you wet the straw bales they will get hot. This is the composting process and it will take about a week for the bales to cool down. After the bales have cooled down feel free to weed them and add about 3 inches of soil to the top of the bales. If you are going to be gardening with transplants the soil is not necessary because you can plant right into the straw bales. If you are starting this garden from seed you will need to add the soil and sow seeds the same as you would in any other gardening situation.

Creating a straw bale garden is fun and easy. It adds an interesting touch to your garden and helps out in areas where the soil is not good for gardening.