Posted by Marla Mallett on April 04, 1999 at 16:13:28:
In Reply to: Re: Pairs of asmalyks posted by Wendel Swan on April 04, 1999 at 13:51:34:
Michael and others,
You asked about the differing amounts of time required for weaving a pair of asmalyks sequentially on one warp versus producing them separately on two different warps...And the advantages of one over the other.
1. When using a single warp, to insert heavy filler to accomodate the irregular shape, assure even warp take-up and thus ready the warp for beginning a second weaving, would require a total of 3-5 minutes at most.
2. To weave the pieces on separate warps, i.e. to wind the second warp, dress the loom, make a new set of heddles, etc. would probably require an additional 2-3 hours. We must also consider that extra warp length is required as there is considerable waste beyond the fell of the cloth and beyond the heddles (the extra length necessary to open a shed). This would be a serious waste of good long-staple wool suitable for warp use. Moreover, this extra wool had to be hand cleaned, combed, spun, and plied, adding a few more hours to the time above. Let's make a wild guess that the total extra time might be 5-6 hours, minimum.
No, I've never witnessed asmalyks being woven by tribal weavers. Have you? But I've done a good many shaped weavings myself, have had students do so, and am quite familiar with the ways that other contemporary weavers go about it. One need only apply a little logic to devise a workable methodology.
I've never seen asmalyks that were woven with the pile lying upward, and can't imagine why they would be woven upside down and the designs flipped.
Best wishes,
Marla