I wanted to use my double-sided sampler strap to replace the generic strap that came with my iPad case. I used the laser cutter to make leather loops with preset holes to fit the existing hardware.
I cut the ends of the woven band and secured the loose threads with glue. Using a glue stick was surprisingly effective.
I used waxed nylon cord and two needles to saddle stitch the ends to the band.
The band works well and is much more satisfying than the bland ivory band.
In September 2018 I was experimenting with crocheted doll clothes specifically for the “made to move” series because I thought the articulation in the doll’s limbs was cool. I went about the shaping of the pieces as with an amigurumi project: tight single crochet with increases and decreases for shaping.
I started crocheting on a trip, and finished waiting in the car-rider line, which is why both photos were taken in the car.
Here is another photo of a different crocheted dress but the same doll from 2016.
I do think the ability to pose these dolls is fun.
It has been awhile since I pulled out my inkle loom and did some tablet weaving. I wanted to try a double-sided design and use some size 3 pearlized cotton from my stash.
I used the online pattern maker Tablet Weaver Designer App and made several designs as I went. The band ended up being more of a sampler piece as I experimented with letters and music notes.
The designer app now also shows if the pattern is balanced— that each card has the same number of forward and backward turns across the pattern. As weaving progresses for tablet weaving, twist builds up in the warp.
There are a number of ways to deal with warp twist, I find making a balanced pattern the easiest. Using the design app I discovered that adding an extra row between two of the same motifs reverses all the forward and backward turns, balancing the pattern in double sided weaving.
To keep track of rows, I cut two slits in a piece of cardstock and slid it over my printed pattern.
I did keep track of time for this project. It took me 1.5 hours to warp the loom, and I wove for 6 hours and 10 minutes. I used a timer in a knitting app to track the time.
The next step is to add ends on the strap.
Fang the long-haired black cat has decided to integrate into the meadow colony. He is trying very hard to figure out how to deal with me as a human, meowing at me, and walking between my ankles (an irritating “trick” he learned from Mr Tom the cat). He has even begun to accept being brushed. He is looking much more put together lately, I suspect Shadow the other long-haired black cat has been helping (he helps Mr Tom too).
Yes, I now brush three long-haired outside cats.
Here are all the kinds cords I made laid side by side:
Apparently I can’t make charts in the app I use to write this blog, disappointing.
For i-cord, I found the knitting dolly gave the most even output, but if I needed long lengths quickly and didn’t care as much for the look or feel, I’d use a latch hook cord maker. If I needed a strong cord that wouldn’t stretch, I would weave it, but if I needed it long, I’d use a Lucet. If I wanted a spectacular demonstration of partner cord making, I’d do finger loop braiding. If I wanted something short but beautiful, I’d use a disc braider.
So each type of cord has its uses. My least favorite was crocheting an i-cord, but if crochet is what you are most comfortable with, it will work. In my tiny crochet days, I would slip stitch beaded rope, which in 30 minutes I would maybe make an inch!
Critters and Craft 