Posted by Marla Mallett on April 04, 1999 at 18:07:48:
In Reply to: Re: Pairs of asmalyks posted by Wendel Swan on April 04, 1999 at 17:12:24:
Dear Wendel (hopefully spelled right this time),
Of course the practice of producing more than one piece on a single warp can apply to any kind of weaving--and it does. Often the type of loom and the way it must be warped determine the warp length. So if the weaver wants a piece shorter than the maximum, she/he is a silly fool to not weave a second (or third) piece on what's left of the warp. That goes for anybody...anywhere. I suspect that this explains the appearance of some of the extremely small, odd-ball pieces--like spoon bags, spindle bags, etc.--that turn up now and then. They were a prudent way to use up a bit of left-over warp.
On some looms the length of the warp can be shortened by extending a rod from the warp beam, but this is not so practical with the tension that is required on a rug loom.
Of course with roller beams, a longer warp can be put on the loom, and each finished piece cut off as it's completed; then the warp is re-tied at the front end.
If you'd like to see more than one piece on a loom, just go to the Wissa Wassef page on my web site (www.MarlaMallett.com). The charming young Egyptian girls in the first and third photos are each working on a second tapestry; in each case, the finished piece has been pulled around the bottom beam and up the back. Children who set up their own looms quickly learn not to waste any of that warp.
I don't know if this answers the questions?
Regards,
Marla