I resisted sampling for years because I thought it was a waste of yarn. Just the opposite is true; sampling will save you yarn and time. It is the most liberating part of the weaving process.
Tips for making the most of sampling
- Put on a very short warp. I use a 1yd warp length about 8'' wide. This uses about 200 yards of yarn for a sett of 12, less if the sett is lower.
- Try lots of different color combinations, including ones that you don't favor or are convinced won't work.
- Make a mistake in the color order or threading? Leave it. The results just might surprise you.
- Finish each end differently. Leave enough fringe to try out new knotting techniques.
- Take good notes before you wash your sample.
- Wash your sample more vigorously than you think the yarn can handle. This is the opportunity to see what the yarn can take.
- Write notes about what you learned. I use the little hangtags in the photo and put pre-washing specs on one side and notes on the other.
- Display your samples for inspiration
- If you don't have enough yarn for a full sample, put on extra warp and do some sampling before you start your project.
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