Pin weaving is a simple portable way to weave even if you have no loom. All one needs is some material in which to push pins, or fine brads easily, and some yarns and ribbons to weave. A double or triple thickness of corrugated cardboard, or some plastic foam like that used to secure fragile objects in packing will work nicely. The project below will demonstrate the basic techniques for you.
PIN WOVEN PILLOW
Materials:
Corrugated cardboard pieces larger than the project
simple vest pattern
various yarns and ribbons of different weights and textures
pins -- push pins work best
iron on under facing to stabilize work
Method:
Copy your vest pattern onto a piece of brown paper, or if using cardboard just trace onto the cardboard. Take the heavier strands of yarns and ribbons and place them long ways over the pattern and arrange until you like the design. Pin the strands in place with the pins.
Now lay colors and textures in a side ways fashion over the up and under the down yarns (warp) until the design looks the way you want it. Weave the side ways yarns (weft) in going over one strand and under the next (plain weave or tabby. )
Voila! You have created cloth without a loom. To stabilize your work you then
Iron the interfacing onto it. Use a very light fusible bond as you don't want the cloth to be too heavy. Join the pillow by machine or hand sewing, or if you don’t sew, by fuse it together with steam iron bonding tape.
Then trim the rough edges a sew your vest. I'm sure its lovely and its a wonderful way to use up scraps.
You can also use this technique to use fabric scraps up to make other home accessories.
Check out:
www.Fabric.com for prices on ribbon and yarn scraps
as well as your local discount stores and yard sales.
For other Free Sewing Patterns check out:
Sewing Org. Free patterns and projects.
http://www.sewing.org/project/index.html
Smocking Org. has all sorts of heirloom sewing patterns and smocking projects donated by members.
http://www.smocking.org/
Coats and Clarks:
http://www.coatsandclark.com/free_stuff.htm
Coats Patons:
http://www.coatspatons.com/Free_Stuff/free_stuff.htm
Lion Brand Yarn:
http://www.lionbrand.com/patknitt.htm
Monsanto Yarn Division:
http://www.thesmartyarns.com/project1.html
Check out these Frugal Living Books!
Complete Tightwad Gazzette
The Complete Tightwad Gazzette
Declare Your Finanacial Independence
Declare Your Financial Independence
Complete Cheapskate
Mary Hunt's Complete Cheapskate
Miserly Moms
Miserly Moms
You Can Afford to Stay Home With your Kids
You can Afford to stay Home WIth your Kids
