THE DANCING BLANKET Handweaver ~ Printmaker Cynthia Motian McGuirl
P.O. Box 163 Two Fox Farm Drive Thomaston, Maine 04861 USA (207)354-0929
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THE DANCING BLANKET Handweaver ~ Printmaker Cynthia Motian McGuirl P.O. Box 163 Two Fox Farm Drive Thomaston, Maine 04861 USA (207)354-0929
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View available inventory by clicking buttons on the top of the page. How To Order Phone (207) 354-0929. If I am not at home, leave your name and number, and I will call you back. You can also e-mail cynthia@dancingblanket.com with your phone number and the item number you are interested in. I can answer any questions you may have and tell you the total price including shipping (actual cost of UPS, usually around $15.) and sales tax (5% when shipped to a Maine address only). I accept credit cards (MC and VISA) by phone only. Items are shipped within 48 hours. If you prefer to send a check or money order, I will hold your purchase until I receive payment. All items are unconditionally guaranteed. Weavings in excellent condition may be returned or exchanged for any reason. Fabric Samples There is no substitute for feeling and seeing the actual cloth. If you would like to see a fabric sample of an item you are interested in, e-mail cynthia@dancingblanket.com with the item number and your USPS address.
The Fabric I hand weave (on a 16 harness dobby loom) a
fine silk warp into
limited edition yardage. I use a weave structure called summer and
winter weave. It can be woven in different variations of structure.
The one I use the most is called polychrome summer and winter. It is
mostly used in rug weaving. The warp (the silk that is threaded onto the
loom), is almost completely covered by the weft (the yarns that travel back and
forth interlocking the warp). Using the proper density, this makes a very
strong fabric. The bold pattern shapes I weave are created by using 2 alternate
wefts, usually of contrasting color and/or texture. The wefts I use vary from rayon chenille to
paper, wool, silk and alpaca. The final fabric has between 36 and 72 threads per square inch. When the fabric is cut from the loom, it is
machine washed and dried to give it a luscious drape. This
preshrinking before sewing assures that the finished product is stable in
sizing and shape.
The Sewing Process Each item is individually sewn. Every seam encases the edges of the cloth and is triple stitched to ensure that there are no raw edges anywhere. Most items are reversible. Sleeve lengths are noted for each garment. Some are 3/4 length, some full length. Sleeves can be shortened at no charge. Care of Fabrics Most weavings are dry clean only or hand wash. Instructions come with each piece.
Dry Clean Only I recommend dry cleaning at home using "Dry Cleaner's Secret" (or a similar cleaning sheet that you put in your dryer, available at grocery stores). Be sure to use LOW heat, and a 10 minute cycle. If your garment is still damp, dry for 10 minutes more. Put a fabric softener sheet in, too. Store your garment folded. Hand Wash Use cold water and a non detergent soap, such as “Ecover Gentle Wash” or “Ivory Flakes”. Agitate gently. Refill sink with cold water to rinse twice. Roll your garment in a towel several times, pressing gently to remove excess water. Lay flat to dry on a towel. You can also use a washing machine set on “hand wash cycle”. Put your garment in a lingere bag first. Store your garment folded or on a nonslip hanger. If you need to iron, use very low heat and/or a Teflon shoe on your iron.
click to link to other pages: Prints Handwovens Scarves Hats Garments Blankets Shawls Print Show Catalog What's New About the Artist Shows & Galleries Gallery Print Process Weaving Process Links
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To be notified of website updates, sales and events, send your email address to: cynthia@dancingblanket.com . I will not share your address with anyone.
Questions and comments are also welcome.
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