Supplies, Part 1

Ok, as with any project, in order to begin,  it is necessary to gather all of the necessary supplies. Here are some basics about getting started as well as terminology to familiarize you with weaving.

1. Loom: Since this blog is about cardboard weaving, a piece of sturdy cardboard, which will be used as a loom, a tool used to weave all sorts of materials, including yarn, ribbon and fabric. (This is just a side note, but did any of you ever play with those children's plastic looms to make potholders? I did! I made so many on our road trip (i.e. My family moved from MO to CA many moons ago. I loved crafting as a child and still do, but I digress. I am a huge advocate of arts education for children, but, more on that later.)

2. Yarn: Spun thread of either natural or synthetic fiber used in a variety of crafts, including sewing, crocheting (my favorite!), knitting and of course, weaving. I am using a variety of different textures of to experiment, but as you can see, will be a mixture of colors. Purple is my favorite color and sometimes, just sometimes, I am a bit obsessive with it as I have tons of different shades of purple yarn, but the shade heliotrope is my absolute favorite!)

3. Warp: The foundation yarn (in my case, I will be using a white cotton yarn) that goes vertically across the pegs or (slits, since I am using cardboard) of your loom. 

4. Weft: Think of this yarn as your actual weaving, your actual artwork. This yarn is the actual yarn that is woven back and forth, over and under the warp.

5. Tapestry needle: A blunt tipped handsewing needle used in needlework, such as knitting, crocheting and weaving. A tapestry needle is used, to help weave your weft more easily through the warp strands.

(NOTE: A bobby pin or a safety pin also works as well).

6. Scissors: to cut yarn

OPTIONAL:

7. Plastic fork: Nice to use to press/push the yarn down on the loom, so it your weft stays neat and doesn't lose its shape. (NOTE: you can also use your fingers.)