Finished Bedford Cord samples

This photo shows 2 finished Bedford Cord samples side by side. The picture on the left has a mixture of aqua and pink, aqua and red and aqua and purple weft pairings, whilst that on the right has a mixture of lime green and orange, lime green and red and all red wefts.

The picture above, whilst not very sharply in focus, shows how altering the treadling sequence and colour sequence affects the appearance of the finished cloth. The sample is turned 90 degrees, and the section to the left uses the traditional Bedford Cord treadling which weaves two picks of the odd numbered cords with one weft colour, followed by 2 picks of the even numbered cords (or alternate ones if there is an odd number of cords overall!) with a second weft colour. Where tiny red triangles can be seen at either side of each cord rib, (top and bottom of the ribs in this photo) this is where the red wefts and green wefts intersect in the grooves as plain weave. In the picture to the right, one pick of one colour alternates with the next pick in the second weft colour with a treadling which weaves one pick each of adjacent cord ribs alternately. Here, the intersections in the grooves are slightly different as a result-they are no longer a true plain weave and the ribs do not appear quite as pronounced-personally I prefer the appearance of the version on the left, although the second version is easier to beat evenly.

Bedford cord sampler

Now here is a weave structure I have never even considered before, and what a joy it is! This sample warp is in 8 colours, paired as warm/cool throughout, on 6 shafts, with a narrow selvedge...I have an idea to design a fabric suitable for a narrow origami-style jacket....so I am playing with colour. The first sample is now off the loom, and I have already seen how altering the colours and sequence of colours in the weft can dramatically alter the finished cloth by emphasizing or playing down the colours of the warp ribs created. Very exciting! More samples to follow!

Here is the first, unfinished sample straight from the loom, face side up.

And here is the equally stunning reverse side. Photos of the finished samples will be posted shortly.

Finished project!

Some of the 13+ metres of fabric lying relaxing (like me) after removal from the loom. Posted off today and now I am making a completely different type of warp! 12 metres in thick Lancashire Hill Breeds wool to weave twill blankets and yardage in a Rupert Bear check! from one extreme to the other.....