CREATION #156
"Don't Stop Me Now"
Wensleydale Rare Wool
October 2024
THE PATTERN
Weaving Music
In the width of this creation, the pattern unfolds in a succession of broad and narrow columns. This specific geometry transcribes the opening verse of the song, each note represented by a color, the rhythm of the bands following the music’s tempo:
Tonight,
I’m gonna have myself a real good time…
Along the length of the piece, the weaving unfurls the dynamic melody of the verse:
I’m a racing car passing by like Lady Godiva
I’m gonna go, go, go, there’s no stopping me…
Finding The Key
At the start of the fabric, the piece’s ‘G Key’ is woven: between two beige lines—later used in the weaving to represent rests—each note is depicted by two threads of its designated color, organized in the order of the musical scale.
To aid orientation, the note G is marked by a wider line of four threads—in grey and in brick red within this composition. This unique creation features ten different colors.
Accidentals (sharp, flat) are represented by the use of alternating threads of the two adjacent solid notes: in this piece, B flat is represented by alternating teal (B) and dark grey (A) strands.
THE MAKING OF THE PIECE
Warping
This step involves preparing the warp threads, which will later be installed on the loom. These vertical threads will be crossed by the horizontal weft threads.
Threading & Sleying
Once the warp threads are rolled onto the loom, they are threaded individually through the heddles, which link them to the loom frames. During weaving, these frames will be raised and lowered in succession to insert the weft threads between the warp threads.
The threads are passed one by one through the heddles in a precise order that determines the pattern.
The warp threads are then sleyed through the slots of the reed, which will beat in place the weft threads introduced by the shuttle. Once fully threaded through the reed, the threads are secured, the tension is adjusted, and the weaving can begin.
Weaving
Weaving is a true dance that engages the body, heart, and mind. In a precise sequence dictated by the pattern, the feet press on treadles that activate the frames supporting the warp threads, while the hands introduce the shuttle carrying the weft thread.
Off The Loom
At the end of the weaving process, the piece is unrolled and removed from the loom.
The fabric is then fulled—washed, and kneaded, massaged—to make the fibers ‘blossom’ and bind together, resulting in a final soft and light texture.
Finally
The creation of #156 “Don’t Stop Me Now” can be interpreted like a musical score: let the music unfold before your eyes and ears…
