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Sept - Oct - Nov - Dec 2006 |
Making Weave Variations Classes New Tools |
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Making Weave Variations Many students of maille are fascinated by the idea of inventing a weave or creating original designs. But with 640+ known weaves (and counting!), is there anything left to invent? Yes, of course there is! I've found the best way to invent a new weave is to simply sit down with a pile of assorted rings, and just start experimenting. Below are two basic ideas you might want to try, and next issue will include a few more ideas. You can click on any photo for a larger image. Use the back button on your browser to return to this page. 2. Mõbius Some or All Rings. For just a few select rings, or the entire weave, mõbius (intertwine) 2 rings. If you have space, mõbius 3 or even 4 rings. When the 3 connector rings of Byzantine are mõbiused, for example, this is known as Flowers in Cages. Some weaves look very elegant mõbiused; others may look disorderly. Instead of mõbiusing, you can also simply double specific rings in a weave. Doubling and mõbiusing are effective techniques to fill space in weaves that are too loose. A Mõbiused (double) spiral is one of my favorite weaves, because not only does it look like a DNA helix, it also holds its shape, unlike regular spiral. Note, though, that you have to mõbius the rings in the same direction as the overall spiral, or the weave won't look like the photo below. Next issue will include a few more ideas for varying weaves. Until then, have fun trying out the ideas above with as many weaves as you'd like. It's important to have fun! Don't get discouraged. You might make a lot of unusable patterns before discovering something that works. I have lots of scraps from failed experiments, but the successes definitely make it worth the while. Current Classes I've updated my class calendar through the end of December. New classes include Intermediate Earrings and several seasonal classes: Holiday Ornament, Winter Pendant, and Wrapped Maille Ornament. Other classes include Japanese Ball, Spiral II (Jens Pind), and Japanese Bulls-Eye.
Contact the specific store or gallery for a schedule or to register for a class. New Tools and Supplies for sale I've expanded my selection of pliers and other tools. If there's anything you'd like me to carry, please let me know and I'll see if it is feasible. All tools and findings are found within the supplies section. Some recently added items:
Feel free to contact Rebeca as always with questions or comments. |