Once in a while it’s good to revisit an old pattern, re-examine an old way of doing things–it shows you how far you’ve come, but also, there’s almost always more to learn. I’ve done this week’s WAL pattern before–a number of times–but not recently. If I dare say so, I’ve come a long way, baby. I’ve been experiencing this pattern over again as if for the first time: seeing it presented from someone else’s perspective.
“Diagonal Stripes,” versions 1-4
UPDATE: I’ve rewritten this pattern so it doesn’t involve using R16 as part of the design. You can find the rewrite on this page. Scroll down through several patterns till you get to “Ribbon Loop (rewrite).”
Though it’s not a symbol I’ve ever used before, when someone on the Pin Loom Weaving Support Group asked if there was a pin loom pattern for a breast cancer pink ribbon, I said to myself, “Why not?”
I’m in the middle of cataloging my collection of patterns and squares, but that’s really boring work. Creating patterns, weaving, and even winding skeins of yarn are all more alluring activities. And staying up later than too late–who could resist?
I drew this last night and refined it a little this morning. It’s off-center, so if you’re trying to follow the graph move the whole pattern one square to the left, and, uh . . . Don’t try to follow the graph.
I wove the ribbon up today while I was supposed to be cataloging. I know a graph isn’t an accurate depiction of what the finished square will look like, but I was concerned about the “corners” on the depicted ribbon loop. The loop looks more like a diamond than an oval. (In fact, the pattern is essentially, if not exactly, a mirror image of itself: two incomplete diamonds.)
***Remember: you can click on a photo to see a larger version. Click the back arrow to return to these instructions.
“Ribbon Loop” prototype
Reverse view of “Ribbon Loop”
Through the magic of Paint, I was able to alter the prototype without actually making another square.
The doctored version.
This all-over pattern is the result of asking, “What if . . .?”
Or, more specifically, “Can I . . .?” Can I make a square that looks like lines of alternating chains?
The columns of alternating Os reminded me of a beaded curtain from the 1960s. But a slightly different warping configuration gives it an entirely different appearance.
Now it’s your turn to ask yourself, “What if . . .?” What happens if you try different colors in different warping configurations? Will the same pattern stitches always look like the same square?
“Alternating Beads” in three warping configurations.
***(20 March 2019 UPDATE: see Loomette Sunken Square)***
I didn’t host this week’s Weave-Along, but I wanted to post the pattern in my notation style. Everyone’s mind seems to work a little differently and my mind likes to know when there are repeats in a pattern–that way, my brain doesn’t have to reset itself for repeated rows. I’m one up if I’ve already performed the steps successfully.
Thanks to LK Stimeling for making the job so much easier for me! Pin Loom Weaving Support Group, WAL, Week 4
“Sunken Square”