CREATION #158
"Indian Summer Bolero"
Cashmere & Merino 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 hypnotic and haunting rhythm that flows throughout the composition.
Along its length, the creation unfurls the poetic melody of the Boléro, with each note represented by a different color and the lines mirroring the rhythm of the composition. The fabric itself becomes a musical score.
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 burgundy red within this composition. This unique creation features ten different colors.
On the edges of the piece, the fabric bears Atelier Le Traon’s textile signature in brown and blue cotton.
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 and 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.
All 576 threads of this project are passed one by one through the heddles in a precise order that determines the pattern.
The 576 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 #158 ‘Indian Summer Bolero’ can be interpreted like a musical score: let the music unfold before your eyes and ears…
Care Instructions
Caring for the fabric is quite simple, as the natural properties of animal fibers (such as wool and cashmere) make it resistant to dirt and antistatic, preventing dust from accumulating.
For a gentle refresh, once a year, soak the fabric by hand in lukewarm water with four or five drops of a gentle dishwashing liquid. Lightly massage the fabric.
Rinse the cloth again in clean water at the same lukewarm temperature, then gently squeeze out the water without wringing.
Lay the fabric flat on a bath towel and roll it up to absorb any excess water.
For difficult stains (such as wine or coffee), it’s best to entrust the scarf to a specialist.
If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the workshop for advice. The Atelier keeps surplus threads for each piece, allowing for small repairs if necessary (such as after a snag).
