Weaving frames and samples

After hours of research and planning the time has come to finally make the weaving frame for my exhibition piece for the American Museum. 

As I intend to make three 6' long narrow tapestries, I decided to make the frame large enough to fit all three strips across the warp, running parallel to each other. This will  reduce the amount of warping up needed and will allow me to develop the composition to flow well.

The frame will be used on its side, horizontally for eccentric weaving which fits best with the long vertical rust patterns of my design.


At first I was concerned about the tension in the middle of the frame due to possible deflection in the over the long length of timber but under light pressure it held well. So fingers crossed. 

To gauge the best size warp I am making small samples on a make shift mini frame using different sizes and types of warp with the same design so that I can compare  the results. 

This first sample did not go too well as the warp needed to be fairly loose to weave on the short frame which led to a narrowing of the work.  Further samples are being made on a larger frame to avoid this problem.