ghostweaver

[ghostweaver]

(Adding your tags so they don't get buried)

First of all, thank you!

Doing a bag like that would be so fun! I'd just wonder if the bands I can make on my inkle loom would be long enough? Definitely worth a shot! Might try it first on something simpler, like bookmarks or coasters or something- we'll see!

Doing the tablet weaving idea would be so cool! I definitely need more practice tablet weaving before I try that though, I've only ever really done it twice 😅 maybe someday! I need to get better at that weaving math too haha. Prototyping with fabric or material that you aren't as worried about ruining definitely helps though!

The only thing I'd keep in mind with prototyping vs your actual project with the bands is that, at least in my experience, bands tend to be a lot thicker than any other fabric. It doesn't mean you can't do it, but the final project will probably be more textured than the prototypes, if that makes sense. The folding capability of bands is definitely different than regular fabrics, that I know. But honestly? That might even make it more interesting!

It occurred to me that I haven't posted here in a hot minute- Academics sure do get in the way of that. I'm still working on projects though! I finished the band I was working on previously:

Then I decided to do something new with it, but that will be coming soon once I get it to a good place that doesn't look like I'm just tacking it together for the sake of it. I can't wait to show it off!

And then, of course, I put something new on the loom.

(Yeah, its the same pattern, and it's just as messy to keep the tension.)

We're doing our best, And that's what matters.

I don't entirely know what I'll do with the second one, but I'll figure something out. It's just there to keep me sane anyway, gives me something to do that isn't school-work!

[ghostweaver]

@telomar

Okay wait a minute, weaving woven bands together would actually be so cool???? I want to try that so bad omg, is it okay if I do?

It occurred to me that I haven't posted here in a hot minute- Academics sure do get in the way of that. I'm still working on projects though! I finished the band I was working on previously:

Then I decided to do something new with it, but that will be coming soon once I get it to a good place that doesn't look like I'm just tacking it together for the sake of it. I can't wait to show it off!

And then, of course, I put something new on the loom.

(Yeah, its the same pattern, and it's just as messy to keep the tension.)

We're doing our best, And that's what matters.

I don't entirely know what I'll do with the second one, but I'll figure something out. It's just there to keep me sane anyway, gives me something to do that isn't school-work!

[ghostweaver]

Oh my god guys I'm so embarrassed I completely spaced on actually showing what I did with that first band.

I made a little bag!

Sorry for the funky pictures, it's hard to position the bag one-handed. But yeah!

I wish I got more pictures of the process (because trust me, it was quite the process. So many safety pins...) but basically what I did was sew the edges of the band in a spiral, almost, starting from the middle (which would make the bottom of the bag) and work my way to the ends (which is where the D-rings for the handles connect). The way I sewed it was completely by hand, and was meant to make the seam almost invisible, at least on concept. I need a lot more practice, though.

That second band with the same pattern is going to be the strap, I just need to get the right size connectors before I can sew them :)

It occurred to me that I haven't posted here in a hot minute- Academics sure do get in the way of that. I'm still working on projects though! I finished the band I was working on previously:

Then I decided to do something new with it, but that will be coming soon once I get it to a good place that doesn't look like I'm just tacking it together for the sake of it. I can't wait to show it off!

And then, of course, I put something new on the loom.

(Yeah, its the same pattern, and it's just as messy to keep the tension.)

We're doing our best, And that's what matters.

I don't entirely know what I'll do with the second one, but I'll figure something out. It's just there to keep me sane anyway, gives me something to do that isn't school-work!

[ghostweaver]

Hmm?

It occurred to me that I haven't posted here in a hot minute- Academics sure do get in the way of that. I'm still working on projects though! I finished the band I was working on previously:

Then I decided to do something new with it, but that will be coming soon once I get it to a good place that doesn't look like I'm just tacking it together for the sake of it. I can't wait to show it off!

And then, of course, I put something new on the loom.

(Yeah, its the same pattern, and it's just as messy to keep the tension.)

We're doing our best, And that's what matters.

I don't entirely know what I'll do with the second one, but I'll figure something out. It's just there to keep me sane anyway, gives me something to do that isn't school-work!

[ghostweaver]

@nitrogennightmare

Thank you!!!! They were gifts for some of my mentors this past year, so I wanted to make sure they were meaningful and unique! I hope I accomplished that :)

The other day, after countless hours of weaving and sewing with painfully-countable hours of sleep, I finished my most recent project: a set of multimedia shadow-boxes to commemorate some of the lessons I've learned this past academic year.

The butterfly is meant to symbolize how small actions can make a big impact, combined with a touch of messaging about the importance of Conservation.

The paper plane is meant to symbolize the necessity of play when it comes to learning and innovation, and how small, seemingly trivial tokens can spark incredible, meaningful inspiration.

It's difficult to see here, admittedly, but each has a backdrop of laser-engraved fabric, the butterfly with a milkweed stem and information, and the paper airplane with blueprints of a real plane. The quotes in front were laser engraved as well, onto acrylic this time, and the divots from engraving were filled in with silver acrylic paint to make the words more visible.

I'd love to make more like this someday. But for now, I'm so happy with how these worked out :)

[ghostweaver]

@rebecca-clarke-fanboy

@everytimewetouch-dot-mp3

Guys, thank you so much!!!! I'm so happy that y'all like my projects :)

The other day, after countless hours of weaving and sewing with painfully-countable hours of sleep, I finished my most recent project: a set of multimedia shadow-boxes to commemorate some of the lessons I've learned this past academic year.

The butterfly is meant to symbolize how small actions can make a big impact, combined with a touch of messaging about the importance of Conservation.

The paper plane is meant to symbolize the necessity of play when it comes to learning and innovation, and how small, seemingly trivial tokens can spark incredible, meaningful inspiration.

It's difficult to see here, admittedly, but each has a backdrop of laser-engraved fabric, the butterfly with a milkweed stem and information, and the paper airplane with blueprints of a real plane. The quotes in front were laser engraved as well, onto acrylic this time, and the divots from engraving were filled in with silver acrylic paint to make the words more visible.

I'd love to make more like this someday. But for now, I'm so happy with how these worked out :)

[ghostweaver]

The other day, after countless hours of weaving and sewing with painfully-countable hours of sleep, I finished my most recent project: a set of multimedia shadow-boxes to commemorate some of the lessons I've learned this past academic year.

The butterfly is meant to symbolize how small actions can make a big impact, combined with a touch of messaging about the importance of Conservation.

The paper plane is meant to symbolize the necessity of play when it comes to learning and innovation, and how small, seemingly trivial tokens can spark incredible, meaningful inspiration.

It's difficult to see here, admittedly, but each has a backdrop of laser-engraved fabric, the butterfly with a milkweed stem and information, and the paper airplane with blueprints of a real plane. The quotes in front were laser engraved as well, onto acrylic this time, and the divots from engraving were filled in with silver acrylic paint to make the words more visible.

I'd love to make more like this someday. But for now, I'm so happy with how these worked out :)

[ghostweaver]

@gentianghost

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! I can guarantee you'll see more of my shenanigans soon :)

I have done a laser engraved butterfly before! I think I put it on one of the other reboots, but here he is:

I've only really done the one before this, though. And I've been hesitant to laser engrave on my woven bands just because of the imperfections in them, I have a feeling they'd be quicker to wear down or burn. When I have more time and/or when I have some more material made that I can experiment with, I'll give it a try.

As for other origami, I'm gonna be so honest, I really only know how to fold butterflies, so I haven't done much else yet. But I'm going to try more things in the near future!

I forgot to show you all the little fellow I made the other day!

He's one of the prototypes for a multimedia project I'm working on now, and I am so proud of how he came out. He's entirely woven, sewn, and folded by hand using the bands I've made on my inkle loom (I'm sure anyone who's seen my other posts recognize this pattern!) I do wish I took more progress pictures during the sewing process, but alas, I didn't think of it at the time. It was definitely a process you really had to trust.

Even so, with enough creativity, anything is possible! There are no limits that can't be surpassed, no boundaries that can't be shattered. In art, rules are there to be broken, and in those cracks, you'll find the most interesting creations.

Use a medium you've never tried! Go into a process blind and see where you get on the other side! What is mundane to some is uncharted territory for others, fascinating and wonderful. Yes, he is just a small token of that creativity, but I love him all the same. I hope you all can find projects you're this excited by too!

[ghostweaver]

@nitrogennightmare

Haha, yeah! If you have the right settings, the laser will (hypothetically) only burn away the dye without burning through the fabric. A few words of caution though:

1. DO NOT USE SYNTHETICS FOR THIS! They're much more susceptible to burning/melting, and the fumes they give off when burned are no joke.

2. When washed, the dye will (to some extent) diffuse back into the engraved area. Keep that in mind: for some things, that may work in your favor, but in others it can be annoying, depending on the effect and the extent of diffusion.

3. Avoid engraving on wearables or things that'll be washed. In addition to the potential fading, there is a chance that the fabric rips post-wash even if it survived the engraving itself. I've had t-shirts completely fade and rip on me after going through the wash. It's better for Decorative or lightly-used projects (ie the framed butterfly above, or something like a purse or handbag that won't be washed often and/or would be hand-washed).

4. Heavier/stronger fabric works best. I've had the best luck with a dark denim. Dark colors are ideal, but delicate fabrics are easier to burn or rip. Best place to start would be a navy denim or any other dark-colored cotton-based canvas type fabric.

Hope this helps!

I forgot to show you all the little fellow I made the other day!

He's one of the prototypes for a multimedia project I'm working on now, and I am so proud of how he came out. He's entirely woven, sewn, and folded by hand using the bands I've made on my inkle loom (I'm sure anyone who's seen my other posts recognize this pattern!) I do wish I took more progress pictures during the sewing process, but alas, I didn't think of it at the time. It was definitely a process you really had to trust.

Even so, with enough creativity, anything is possible! There are no limits that can't be surpassed, no boundaries that can't be shattered. In art, rules are there to be broken, and in those cracks, you'll find the most interesting creations.

Use a medium you've never tried! Go into a process blind and see where you get on the other side! What is mundane to some is uncharted territory for others, fascinating and wonderful. Yes, he is just a small token of that creativity, but I love him all the same. I hope you all can find projects you're this excited by too!

[ghostweaver]

@batbetbitbotbut

I didn't know either! No one told me I could! But no one told me I couldn't either. And that's the beauty of art, isn't it? With enough determination, creativity, and a handful of Sneaky little tricks when you need them, you can do just about anything! Never let what's been done already shield you from what else is possible. It's so easy to get locked into the same few expectations, but what's the harm in exploring beyond that? You never know what you'll discover!

I forgot to show you all the little fellow I made the other day!

He's one of the prototypes for a multimedia project I'm working on now, and I am so proud of how he came out. He's entirely woven, sewn, and folded by hand using the bands I've made on my inkle loom (I'm sure anyone who's seen my other posts recognize this pattern!) I do wish I took more progress pictures during the sewing process, but alas, I didn't think of it at the time. It was definitely a process you really had to trust.

Even so, with enough creativity, anything is possible! There are no limits that can't be surpassed, no boundaries that can't be shattered. In art, rules are there to be broken, and in those cracks, you'll find the most interesting creations.

Use a medium you've never tried! Go into a process blind and see where you get on the other side! What is mundane to some is uncharted territory for others, fascinating and wonderful. Yes, he is just a small token of that creativity, but I love him all the same. I hope you all can find projects you're this excited by too!

[ghostweaver]

@nitrogennightmare

Yeah! :D Truth be told, he's not the first fabric butterfly I've made. I made one out of denim from a thrifted pair of jeans that I laser-engraved to give it a pattern. But! This one was the first one I made completely, from weaving to final touches sewing. Only thing I didn't do is spin the yarn! One day I'll learn how to do that, though :)

This was the denim one:

Getting the fabric to behave while laser engraving it was a pain, so I opted out of it for the final project, but it was still fun!

I forgot to show you all the little fellow I made the other day!

He's one of the prototypes for a multimedia project I'm working on now, and I am so proud of how he came out. He's entirely woven, sewn, and folded by hand using the bands I've made on my inkle loom (I'm sure anyone who's seen my other posts recognize this pattern!) I do wish I took more progress pictures during the sewing process, but alas, I didn't think of it at the time. It was definitely a process you really had to trust.

Even so, with enough creativity, anything is possible! There are no limits that can't be surpassed, no boundaries that can't be shattered. In art, rules are there to be broken, and in those cracks, you'll find the most interesting creations.

Use a medium you've never tried! Go into a process blind and see where you get on the other side! What is mundane to some is uncharted territory for others, fascinating and wonderful. Yes, he is just a small token of that creativity, but I love him all the same. I hope you all can find projects you're this excited by too!

[ghostweaver]

@gentianghost

@batbetbitbotbut

Guys, I can't express how much I appreciate y'all, I'm so glad that people like what I'm doing! It brings me so much joy every time! Thank you!

Also if you'd like to make one of your own, it's just like folding an origami butterfly with paper! Only difference is obviously you're using fabric here :) then you just sew everything into place, then boom! Lil butterfly!

Happy crafting everyone!

I forgot to show you all the little fellow I made the other day!

He's one of the prototypes for a multimedia project I'm working on now, and I am so proud of how he came out. He's entirely woven, sewn, and folded by hand using the bands I've made on my inkle loom (I'm sure anyone who's seen my other posts recognize this pattern!) I do wish I took more progress pictures during the sewing process, but alas, I didn't think of it at the time. It was definitely a process you really had to trust.

Even so, with enough creativity, anything is possible! There are no limits that can't be surpassed, no boundaries that can't be shattered. In art, rules are there to be broken, and in those cracks, you'll find the most interesting creations.

Use a medium you've never tried! Go into a process blind and see where you get on the other side! What is mundane to some is uncharted territory for others, fascinating and wonderful. Yes, he is just a small token of that creativity, but I love him all the same. I hope you all can find projects you're this excited by too!

[ghostweaver]

I forgot to show you all the little fellow I made the other day!

He's one of the prototypes for a multimedia project I'm working on now, and I am so proud of how he came out. He's entirely woven, sewn, and folded by hand using the bands I've made on my inkle loom (I'm sure anyone who's seen my other posts recognize this pattern!) I do wish I took more progress pictures during the sewing process, but alas, I didn't think of it at the time. It was definitely a process you really had to trust.

Even so, with enough creativity, anything is possible! There are no limits that can't be surpassed, no boundaries that can't be shattered. In art, rules are there to be broken, and in those cracks, you'll find the most interesting creations.

Use a medium you've never tried! Go into a process blind and see where you get on the other side! What is mundane to some is uncharted territory for others, fascinating and wonderful. Yes, he is just a small token of that creativity, but I love him all the same. I hope you all can find projects you're this excited by too!

[ghostweaver]

It occurred to me that I haven't posted here in a hot minute- Academics sure do get in the way of that. I'm still working on projects though! I finished the band I was working on previously:

Then I decided to do something new with it, but that will be coming soon once I get it to a good place that doesn't look like I'm just tacking it together for the sake of it. I can't wait to show it off!

And then, of course, I put something new on the loom.

(Yeah, its the same pattern, and it's just as messy to keep the tension.)

We're doing our best, And that's what matters.

I don't entirely know what I'll do with the second one, but I'll figure something out. It's just there to keep me sane anyway, gives me something to do that isn't school-work!

[ghostweaver]

Finally finished with this band!

Don't mind the messy extra ends, when I figure out what I want to do with it, those will be removed. But in the meantime, it was a fun demo band that kept me sane for these last few months.

It can be so easy to get lost in the stress of everyday life and prioritize work over hobbies and relaxation, but it's so important to take time for yourself. Take time to explore, to create, and to play! Sometimes the best thing that we can do is listen to our inner child. Because when we craft, are we not leaning into their dreams?

Never forget who we're truly creating for.

[ghostweaver]

@telomar

Yeah, it works surprisingly well for how ridiculous it looks! 😂

I don't know why, but it's so funny to me that most people who post their weaving have the same kinda of angles to their video, and most of them, if not all of them, hide the chaos that's going on at the back of the loom. It's the same idea as "never ask a fiber artist to see the back of their project" with the embroiderers, or really any other craft where ends have to be managed. I know I'm guilty of it too; let's be honest, there's nothing glamorous about looking at the tangle of... 'creative' solutions to my ongoing tension struggles. But hey, for anyone curious, here's a peak behind the curtain on my latest project!

Here's some pictures too, to make it easier to see the chaos.

It's one of those things that I think is important to remember; behind every work of art is a not-so-glamorous process that you REALLY just have to trust. Everything seems so perfect when you see it online (at least in a crafting context), but it's important to know that it doesn't have to be. You can have things go wrong and still end up with an amazing product. You can have the weirdest solution to a problem, but if it works it works!

Never be afraid to mess up and work through it, even if "working through it" is messy in its own way! That's all part of the fun, friends! Trust the process, things will work out!

[ghostweaver]

Embroidery and knitting are both so cool! Wish I knew more about them.

But yeah! Learning in general is so, so important, no matter what you're learning. Any skill can be valuable in the right circumstances!

If you want to start learning how to weave, those one-shot workshops are a great way to start! Depending on where you're from, there may also be guilds or organizations that teach weaving lessons, and those places are also worth checking out! That's how I first got started! Or, if you're more of an at-your-own-pace, figure-it-out-on-my-own type of learner, there are plenty of patterns, blogs, and other resources both online and likely in your local library (though the physical copies of books may be harder to come by nowadays). A lot of what weaving is is experimentation and seeing what you think looks good, at least once you have the basics down. I tend to notice that everyone has their own styles, their own preferred patterns and color palettes, their own favorite yarn type, and their own way of troubleshooting problems that come up. It's really incredible how far you can get by starting off with the basics and seeing how far you can bend those rules to your liking.

If you do get started and ever need any advice or have any questions, feel free to reach out! I'd talk your ear off about this stuff if you'd let me 😂 and any questions I couldn't answer, I'm sure someone else in the weaving community could! Never be afraid to ask!

I don't know why, but it's so funny to me that most people who post their weaving have the same kinda of angles to their video, and most of them, if not all of them, hide the chaos that's going on at the back of the loom. It's the same idea as "never ask a fiber artist to see the back of their project" with the embroiderers, or really any other craft where ends have to be managed. I know I'm guilty of it too; let's be honest, there's nothing glamorous about looking at the tangle of... 'creative' solutions to my ongoing tension struggles. But hey, for anyone curious, here's a peak behind the curtain on my latest project!

Here's some pictures too, to make it easier to see the chaos.

It's one of those things that I think is important to remember; behind every work of art is a not-so-glamorous process that you REALLY just have to trust. Everything seems so perfect when you see it online (at least in a crafting context), but it's important to know that it doesn't have to be. You can have things go wrong and still end up with an amazing product. You can have the weirdest solution to a problem, but if it works it works!

Never be afraid to mess up and work through it, even if "working through it" is messy in its own way! That's all part of the fun, friends! Trust the process, things will work out!