Ramdom warp

Tonight I have been rolling the warp onto the back roller of the loom. At this stage, with the threads more neatly spread, it is easier to begin imagining how the finished shawl will look. I'm such a colour addict.

The pair of lease sticks at the top of the image keep the warp threads sorted. Alternate threads go under or over. Once I finish dressing the loom, the sticks will be removed.

I keep circling the loom. I have to go around back to wind the warp on, making sure there are no snags, looking out for broken threads, and gradually pushing the lease sticks forward. Then I return to the front and even the warp by pulling, flicking and combing it. Repeat.

My oldest brother's first wife had long, dark hair and I liked to brush it for her when I was a boy of 10 or 12. I've always liked running my fingers through hair. Combing the warp reminds me of that. The snags gradually fall away. The threads become straight and ordered. It is a calming process.