The Rug Is In The House!

Well here it is in it's new home. You raise them from just a couple of threads, you put them in order and show them the way and what do they do? They go and live in someone Else's kitchen. I don't know what to say to you out there raising your own rugs but get used to heartbreak and sorrow. It would seem that every rug I raise has left and gone on to a better place in life. All I have left of there lives are a few empty cones and a pile of left over riped up rags. Come to think of it I am kinda like Frankenstein. Remember that a smile is just a frown turned upside down! (insert retching sound here)

Sew Frickin What

She has been waiting patiently for these rugs so being the smart person I am, I decided to stay away from the restaurants,coffee shops, bars or the studio tonight to sign and sew up the ends of the rugs. So I found the movie Strange Brew and settled in for the night. This used to be my favorite part but lately I don't feel likes it as much fun. I bet it's because I don't have TV. Well I have to stop watching crap anyway. FOOD FOR THE MIND!  Don't forget to wear your rubbers they are calling for rain!

Follow the Yellow, Red, Black and 2 Greens Brick Rug Till You Get to Johns Feet

OK Folks! Few short days ago I finished weaving the rugs and took them off of the loom and laid them on the floor at Johns feet. If you look carefully you can see them at the end of the rugs. I am so happy at how this weaving turned out I took all my clothes off and rolled around on it. OK I really didn't but it would of been a hoot. Who know John and Jim might of joined in. OK they wouldn't and that most likely would of been awkward. Eat more Pickle's!

I Don't Feel Like Typeing Because I Am Tired And I Am Whatching A Christmas Carol But Here Are Some Frikin Photos

All the ends tied to the warp beam

I hang weights to give the warp some tension as I am

winding it on the warp beam. Anyone want to help next time?

It is easier with 2 people.

Threads on the floor. I like this picture.

Got the cross in to help me get a better tension.

Warp all tied on and wove some junk to spread it out

Header all wove and I even got a couple inches done.

Look At This!

Is this not a cool swift or what? It is like a Ferris wheel for yarn.

From the top to the ground

the yarn rides in the round

the life of a skein is a twist

then as whirl then a ball in a swirl

After The Big Burrito

I was told I could use up 2 hours of my 32 hours of vacation time at work today because we were slow for the first time in a long time. So I had to run home get some paper work and go pay some bills. I was in the mood for something Mexican for lunch because my supervisor was eating something with cumin today and it sparked something in my foggy brain. While driving down Fruitville Pike I saw the sign, Neato Burrito right there in front of me. Well, "what the hell" my foggy cumin thinking brain said with fire and vigor. Turn your ass in that parking lot an try that out. I got the Crunchy Cowboy burrito and all I can say is YAHOO! It shure hit the spot, and the decor was cherry too! I believe I will hit that again soon. After the climax I called lunch I paid my car insurance bill and off to the studio. I was there for about 5 hours and got all the threads through the headles. I am happy with my progress, and I didn't even get my paints out (though I wanted to and kept looking at the canvas) Tomorrow night before the music breaks out at 7 I will wined it on the warp beam, tie it on and GIDDY AP! I am hoping to weave like crazy on Wednesday night so that I can go to knit night Thursday with a clear foggy, cumin thinking head. Don't for get to put fresh foot powder in your shoes so they have that fresh morning sent!

Jingle Ball's, Jingle Ball's

Here is more photos from the really cool Christmas birch tree next to the studio. I love this tree and I can't stop looking at it. One of these day's I will have my camera with me when the tree is filled with that yummy golden light right before sundown that fills your heart with so much warmth you need to pee! Welcome to my world! Remember always sing carol in your heart, they are better than the ones you here on the radio over and over and over again.

Too The Job At Hand!

Here it is, I promised myself that as soon as Ava's mother picked her up I would stick my nose in the warp that is just lying around waiting to be rolled on the loom. Well me being me I painted some more, had some coffee and then some beer and went right to work... PAINTING! My conscious got the better of me and I finally did stop painting. I wound out the inch I missed on Thursday and got ready to pull the warp through the headles. Just then it happened, Jeff and Mike wanted to play some music for a little bit. Well, me being me had to jump right in with them. I did bring my instruments so I couldn't just let them sit there in the corner all by them selves so I played right along with them. I had a blast but the warp just sat there.

Jeff and Mike waiting for me to tune.

Well after a couple of tunes back to work I went. Just them my ipod died and I was without WITF and I was sad. This American Life was on and I had work to do. I turned on Jim's crappy radio and listened to it from across the room. I just barley came in and there was lots of static but that didn't stop me from moving forward on getting this sucker on the loom. I got the reed mounted in the beater and I pulled about 8 inches  of the warp through and had to run so I could drop Ava's coat off at her house because for the third time I forgot to put it on her. This keep happening to me. I am going to get a tattoo on the back of my had that said. " IF YOUR KID IS FREAKING COLD YOU FORGOT HER COAT AGAIN JELLY BRAIN" I would still forget and be out the $4.34 that I spent on the tattoo. Were did I come up with jelly brain?

Warp through headles, sounds like a concept album?

Painting With Popcicle!

Today was "Paint with Dad Day". Ava and I went out for breakfast then went to the studio for some painting. I got her 2 canvases to go crazy on and I have to say that she did. The first one on the far right is called "Brown Pony" and the one on the far left is called "Pink beach" The pony one was a gift to her mother and the other was given to the studio. Now, in the studio painting you see 4 figures. 3 of them are her mother, Ava and a friend from school, I don't remember her name. Now here is the funny part, the fourth figure is John Weaver having a rest on the beach. We all had a laff at this because honestly why the hell would John, the owner of the studio be on a beach with my ex wife. She is so frickin funny at times and I have know idea were she gets it from. We painted for 4 hour. I will never forget this day. Oh, the other painting is mine. I think you would have guessed it.

It's Begining To Look Alot Like Christmas

This is the neighbor's tree next to the studio. I really think this is one of the coolest Christmas decorations I have seen in a long time. Balls just hung willy nilly in a tree. This my friend's is what it is all about. F@#! YOU MARTHA STEWART!

Got Some Paints

I felt like painting for the first time in a long time. Everybody else in the studio paints so I thought I would give it a try so I can get into all the wonderful conversations about PAINT! Not shure if this will turn out to be anything I would hang in the studio or even the basement but I had fun getting to this point. I may show it when done or maybe I won't but stay tuned and find out. I really should be working on the rug. Well I did work on the rug. I got all the treads through the reed, painted a little and played a few song with John Weaver (he's not a weaver). I am about to go out to the studio now and get the warp through the headles and tomorrow I will wind it on the loom and maybe start to weave. I wonder if I can leave the paint alone?

Threads through reed in progress!

No Turkey Tilll You Winde Your Warp!

Well I got in the studio Thanksgiving day and I went to take a photo of the wound warp to show all you out there in never land what I was doing and the batteries are dead. Well, lucky for the world that Sheets is always open, and besides I needed some coffee. Got the coffee and the batteries and back to the studio and found that I left the memory card in my computer at home so I had to settle for my phone camera. I hope you can see what I was doing. It is like chasing threads back and forth. I do have to say that it is fun to try to go as fast as I can. I have hit my knuckle's a number of time but as my Nana always said "if it hurts rub it!" She also said "If it is yellow let it mellow, if it is brown flush it down" But that is another story another time. DON'T FORGET TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH!

Boiled in His Own Pudding and Buried With a Steak of Holly Through His Heart

I love this time of year because I can get out my collection of Scrooge movies. This has to be my favorite story. I love the imagination there is to it. I have seen all these movies over and over and I don't get sick of them. Anyone up for A Christmas Carol movie night? I just need the black and white one and that new animated one with Jim Cary as Scrooge. I really am a geek sometimes.

Brown Paper Packages Tide Up In Tape

I love coming home and seeing a box from Great northern weaving. That means a new project has officially begun because I remembered to order the warp and it all wasn't a dream. I am making some rugs for this wonderful women that has put up with me and my drama for a while now. She has been waiting patently. She wants rugs to match her curtains that she also had hand made. I do have to say that I am using all new materials on this one. I am going to document this one as much as I can so stay tuned to find out what happens next. I am sure all you out there are on the edge of your seats.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMM!

I had to pick up my car yesterday so of course I had some time to kill. I got a ride to Akron my former home town.  Well, as some people do I went to the local bar to do well, what it is that you do in a local bar. As I was sitting there shelling my peanuts and throwing them on the floor (and What a great tradition this is) I caught a whiff of this heavenly smell. It took a while to pinpoint it but the smart person I am figured it out.  It was a fresh pot of coffee being brewd. MMMMMMMMM I thought to myself and took in all the wonderful fumes. But that is just it, I smelled coffee brewing. Do you see were I am going with this? There was no veil of cigarette smoke to dilute the hole experience. It really was a wonderful thing. I still want a cigarette now and then, and if there was a comet screaming its way to the earth and we only had one or two days to live before the carnage I would LIGHT RIGHT THE HELL  UP! But I have to say it was one wonderful moment.

LOOK AT ALL THOSE FREAKING COLORS!

I have so Meany old cones of warp lying around the house I decided to challange myself, the only color I may buy is black and I have to use what I have avalable in the studio for color. Well this is what the heck I came up with. I stared to weave last night but there was a studio emergency, created by me and my stupid decision to be nice and help someone that made one of the members really mad at me. So I had to play the cord of dred on my guitar and scatter home and hide behind veil of beer and my comfy down comforter. Needless to say I only wove off 5 or so inches and I am hoping the next time I show my face in the studio I don't find my warp cut.  (I really screwed up this time)

If I Could Only Sleep In For Once

As it is I get up for work at 3 am to be at work at 4. This has been going on for a while now so I have gotten used to getting up early. Today I had the perfect chance to sleep in and enjoy one of my favorite things in the world, sleeping under my down comforter. This being said I woke up at 3 am and could not get back to sleep so there was knitting that I started the night before wile watching The Big Labowski (my friend Sara told me I had to watch it). Anyway, I said what the hell! I turned on the radio and started working. I FELL BACK TO SLEEP! I woke up a 6 am turned on Sleepy Hollow, took my vitamin and got myself a beer. I ended up with the knitted piece that you see before you. I can't tell you what it is or who it is for because it is a top secret project given to me by Michelle Obama her self. KNIT ON!!!!!!!

WERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN!

I have been away doing crap that I have know business doing. It has been one crappy couple of weeks and the worst Halloween ever!  I don't want to go into detail but my heart, soul and car were wrecked. But on the bright side I have a new old car. I have to learn not to be so freaking nice and help out others who need it. I do have to say that I don't think I could ever give up being a nice person. Oh well I am sure down their road I will lend yet another shoulder to cry on. I LOVE BEEIN A GOOD PERSON!

A Weekend Away

I took off and went to New Paltz Ny this past weekend. I used to do a craft show there and I thought I would renew some old friendships. To my surprise most of them moved on to other show for the Labor Day Weekend. I don't blame them for I to have moved on but for other reasons. But I my good friend Jeff from Funky Rock designs was there and he was the one I was most excited to see. This is a picture of Jeff in all his glory and yes that is the smile he has on his face all the time. I am thinking Deer caught in the headlights don't you think? He is really allot of fun. Here is one for all you single ladies out there checking out me blog.

Here is some of the crazy things he makes. Yes, that is a rock that dispenses liquor. He sold all 10 of them he brought with him basically on the first day. I got a lamp from him I have to say now my future is allot brighter because of it, or is it he 100 watt bulb? Well any way we laughed, drank and ate prime rib. I was a grand old time and I am the better for it. Look him up on the web  Funky Rock Designs.

This is Sarah and Adam Spector. They are 2 of the niece's people that I have met in a long time. When I first met them, Adam was doing his own thing with pottery and now the 2 have joined forces and are making some wonderful wears. I traded him a rug and a bag for this really cool bird that dispenses olive oil and a beautiful pitcher, that is how we met. He still uses the bag and the rug lies inside there in laws front door step. What a place of honor for both of my piece's. I hope you 2 really make a mark in the world with the beauty you put in it. Check them out and do your best to support them they deserve it. Google them  Spector Studios

Ok, So all good thing have to end, so I hopped in my not so sexy mini van and headed south. I had to stop and take a photo or 2 of the pumpkin carnage that came from the hurricane that ripped through the east. I am sure you all know what I am talking about. The first photo is of a sign by the road. Check out the pumpkin vines just draped over it. I can't image, they said that this area was covered in 5 feet of water. Both of these were taking right along the road 100yards from the river. There were pumpkin's everywhere. The price of Jack O Lanterns will go sky high this year. I did make it home safe and sound just in case you were wondering. I did stop for something to eat in this wonderful little town right over the Pa border called Millford. I want to spend a weekend there sometime.  Anyone want to join me?

Witness by Marc Von Em - SongNest - "sound stage moments" 10.6.10

All Sewed Up and Know Where to Go!

This is what my bags look like when they are done. I put allot of love into each of them as I am making them so they have a glow about them. In this pictures the glow is because of the sun, but trust me if you are in your room at night and the bag is there with you and there is this weird glow in the room, that my friend is the love that I put in. I have know idea why it glow but it does so enjoy the light it give off. I also eat cheese every time I am sew a bag so take that into consideration. I love you guys!

I Heard "Sew What" To Meny Times In My Life

This is me sewing my straps together. I have this piece of wood strapped to my sewing machine table to use as a straight edge because I can't sew straight. I have to tell you that it looks professional when I am done and I would guess that is what I am working toward I think. I love this sewing machine, I think it would sew through cement if I would give it a try. I always whistle wile I work if you were wondering. I don't know the tune but I think it has entered my subconscious by osmosis from warm 103. They listen to that were I work everyday and the fact that every song is played 2 or 3 times a day may just be why. Who knows I am a music snob.

Here I am sewing on the strap to the bag. This part is not really exciting so if you feel like going and watching some Will and Grace reruns, please feel free because that is what I am doing as I am typing. I so own 4 seasons of that show on DVD. For some reason I have to watch a sitcom before I go do bed. I don't know why this is but I do. I hope you don't feel ill of me because of this little OCD thing that I go through every night but I bet you have a few little dark secrets. I have lots and I will reveal them as I move on in this blog. Excuse me I have to go pee! 

Crap That Flows From My Mind!

RUGS ALL AROUND!
RUGS TO EVERYBODY!
EVERYBODY SHOULD HAVE A RUG!
DO YOU NEED A RUG?
GIVE HER A BIG RUG FOR ME!
I NEED A RUG!
RUGS MAKE THE WORLD GO AROUND!
RUGS AND KISSES!

sorry I am sorry for my behavior but I sometimes cant control it.

Out and About

I went to Mount Gretna Art show today to look at some really great stuff and catch up with some old friends. I was really amazed this year with the wonderful stuff people are making. I wish I could post some picture for you but I forgot me camera and I do feel bad about taking pictures of other peoples stuff. I was not a big fan of it but I did let it happen.
 First I ran into Deb, she makes wonderful wood and fused glass wall hangings and ornaments. She is a really a good person, she gives me home ground tomatoes that are out of this would. I really enjoy talking with her and the tomatoes.
  Then I ran into me rug weaving buddy Rebbecca. She is my main competition but we get along like best Buddy's. We always share weaving secrets and enjoy a milkshake. She makes some rugs that I wish that I would of thought of. Oh well they are in the back of my mind and I may use parts or color combos in the future but I will not copy. She deserves that respect.
  I moved on and look a some amazing art but my favorite work for the past 2 years was this guy that makes these characters out of steel that have counter waits and the pivot on a point and rock back and forth. The best ones he made were the cowboys and Indian's. There were 4 cowboys on one side and the same amount of Indian's on the other and they popped out from behind trees. They have this silly creepy whimsy that I just seem to fall in love with. I hope you get a chance to see them if you are every in his presents.
   Then I ran into a great basket weaver and friend Sylvia. She was one of the people that pushed me to get juried into the Pa Guild Of Craftsmen. For that I am great full. She is trying to get me to come back to the guild show and I promised her that I would give it my best to make it to the November show. So if you are thinking about attending it look for me because I just may be there because of her. THANK YOU SYLVIA!
 Then I went to Peggy and Scott's booth. She Is a terrific potter. She make these vases that have lots of holes in them that if you would put a candle in it it would make wonderful patterns of light on the wall. She was chosen one of the top ten artist of the show witch means that she gets to come back next year for free and doesn't have to go through the jury process.Give her a hand please!
  On to Phil and Lauren. Phil is also a wonderful potter. I have one of his mugs. it is really cool because he wrote some words about love really small and stuck it inside a little window one the mug. I love it! Lauren is one of my very best friends. We met at knit night at the first Lancaster Yarn Shop a bunch of years ago and have been close friends ever since. They are both wonderful people and I a grateful that they are in my life.
  Then there was a peasant surprise, running into Brain. He is one of my newer show friends and in fact I never really did a show with him. I met him when the band I am in played at a small art show In Chester county.  He is a painter and he also won top 10 artists of the show. Do I hang out with the best or what?
  All said it was a really good day. Had some really good conversation, met some new friends and ate some food that was out of this world. Now I have to go back to work in the morning, I don't think it will be as fun. But there is some good friends there also so it will be a goo week.  I hope your weekend was a great on also.

Strange Litte Man In The Studio This Week

Walk in the studio Saturday and this little fellow was standing there all nice and shiny like a new penny. Saw him a week ago and he was a algae covered mess with crack up his arm. It is almost like he was a drug addict that cleaned up his live, went to rehab and bought some new duds. Give the jockey a hand!

Straps From Scraps

Here is an old pair of jeans that I found at a yard sale. What I do is chop them up into quarter's, tear off the pockets and cut them into 3" strips. I can get 4 pair of straps out of each pair of jeans but this pair was a bonus because the waist was 44" so I got 5 pairs out of them. I guess I could go out and find new fabric for this and get alot more straps out of it but I do enjoy going out and finding my supplies for 25 cents.

Here is one quarter of the jeans cut up into 3" strips. You can see the out line of the pocket there that I leave in if I can because it is proof that I use recycled materials. I love those wood floors, don't you? I am so lucky in the fact that I am part of this creative atmosphere in the studio I belong to. I am the only weaver the rest are painters.

I like to iron them first before I sew to keep the fabric from moving. First I fold the ends together in the middle, iron the whole length flat then I fold it in have and put bonding tape inside to keep it folded till I get around to sewing it. I love that iron. I have had it for 4 years and it still streams up my glasses. I am a GEEK!

Things I Have Done ( and they are not all bad!)

I think at last count I have woven a little ove 500 rugs, bags and table runners. For those of you who know me I bet you ar saying WHAT THE!!!!!! Yes it is true, for the last 7 years I have made my mark somewhere in this world. So next time you are at you friends house look down "ON THE FLOOR"  I might just be lieing there under your feet.  TELL YOU FRIENDS ABOUT ME!

A Place In Maine

Here is a rug that I wove for my friend in Maine. It was fun and I wove a little barbed wire in this one just for giggles but I haven't heard if he found out yet. You see his feet are huge and I thought he would get a laugh out of it. Oh, and by the way those aren't banjo's they are just cardboard cut outs. It makes him feel better having them there.

Hello

My Name is Eric Weit and I am a rug Weaver. My plans are to let you know what I go through with my creative proses and what goes through my mind during it. Sometimes it isn't pretty but most of the time it makes no sense that is just who I am. I hope to talk to you out there and hear your stories so lets get going here.