LIMITED EDITION Rigid Heddle "Jewel Bag" Silk Weaving Kit (uses 8 dent heddle)

Whitney Dorband was really clever when she designed and wove this silk bag, featured in the 2018 issue of Little Looms magazine (project photo on page 77; instructions on page 86-87).

First of all, Whitney paired Jorie II and Sari Yarn. Both yarns are sturdy and strong so they complement each other.  These yarns are a perfect combo for a little clutch bag.

Secondly, Whitney understands the very random nature of the multicolor sari yarn.  For example, one skein can start out very colorful and bright, then part way through the skein the colors chanage to dominantly reds and burgundies. 

Whitney cleverly wound two spools of Sari Silk Yarn then she alternated two shuttles when weaving.  This "blends" the different colors together, unifying the many colors.  To help you out, we've split the Sari Yarn into two separate skeins.

Whitney recognizes the variations in the thickness of Sari Yarn, so she suggests weaving with a consistent firmness, rather than a consistent beat.  So smart!!

The Sari Yarn is the weft yarn.  But when making the bag, Whitney turned the handwoven fabric on its side so the Sari Yarn becomes vertical lengths of colors in the finished bag.

Whitney added macramé knotting and fringe for the bag's "flap".  This is a fun and clever way to add diagonal interest to the bag.  It also provides an easy "button hole" for the closure.

ABout Sari Silk Yarn
The Jewel Bag's texture comes from our Sari Silk Yarn, which is spun by Village Artisans in India.  Our Sari Silk Yarn is made from "never-used" strips of sari silk that have been spun into yarn. 

This yarn is strong, but the joins at the color changes can be delicate. You may find an occasisional knot connecting the twisted strips together.  You can untie (or cut) the knot and treat it as you would any weft yarn join.

KIT DETAILS
To help you get started quickly, we have created a kit for you--you can purchase the "yarn only" (no instructions included). If you don't have the issue in your personal or guild library, you can also add the "Little Looms 2018", which includes the threading plan and instructions. You'll see these choices in the drop down box when you order.

We love what Whitney created so much that we have already created alternate color schemes--Teal and Natural. Select your color option in the drop down box.

Your Limited Edition "Jewel Bag" Silk Kit makes a lovely 100% silk bag using our luscious hand-dyed 100% silk bombyx yarns and multi-color textured Sari Silk yarn.

 Azure Blue color option (turquoise yarns, as featured in Little Looms magazine)
   -- 74 yds (36g) of Jorie II silk, hand-dyed color #15 Azure
   --100 yds (110g) of Sari Silk Yarn
   --  30 yds (29g) of Jorie II silk, hand-dyed color #15 Azure (for the macramé flap)

Teal color option
   -- 74 yds (36g) of Jorie II silk, hand-dyed color #14 Mermaid Tears
   --100 yds (110g) of Sari Silk Yarn
   --  30 yds (29g) of Jorie II silk, hand-dyed color #14 Mermaid Tears (for the macramé flap)

Natural option
   -- 74 yds (36g) of Jorie II silk, natural white
   --100 yds (110g) of Sari Silk Yarn
   --  30 yds (29g) of Jorie II silk, natural white (for the macramé flap)

***The yarn for the weaving kit is designed for using a rigid heddle loom. The advantage of RH over a multi-shaft loom is there is very little loom waste.  The instructions for this kit calls for a 47" warp length, which is based upon 23" for weaving, 4" for take up and 20" loom waste.  You may be able to weave this on your 4-shaft loom, depending on the loom waste for your specific loom.

Finished size is 7-1/4" wide by 6-1/2" high, plus 5-1/2" macramé knotting and fringe flap.

And, as limited edition kits, once gone, these silk kits are retired forever!

Designed and woven by Whitney Dorband.

Photo with model is courtesy of Little Looms magazine