An Inkling

Day 104: For anyone wanting to learn to weave, here is a relatively inexpensive and uncomplicated way to get an inkling of what is involved. Now whether or not the words "inkling" and "inkle" are etymologically related is a matter of some debate. A good dictionary will tell you that the former most likely has its origins in the Middle English term "yngkiling," i.e., to indicate or hint at, but on the flip side, the authors of that same dictionary are bound to refuse to commit themselves to identifying the root for "inkle." More liberal sources may suggest that it derives from Old Norse, though to me it suggests Scotland which, all things considered, would be a logical extension. In any event, the inkle loom or something which was built along the same principles was used widely throughout Europe for centuries before our time as a means to create sturdy, warp-faced bands from a variety of weaving fibers. The manner in which the warp is wound over pegs allows the weaver to create two different sheds by raising or lowering half the threads with a single motion of the hand. The shuttle is then passed through the gap and the weft thread is beaten into place. By alternating "up" with "down," a simple over-and-under weave is created. Variations may be used at the weaver's discretion using the "pick-up" process to raise or lower threads not affiliated with the current shed, allowing more versatility in creating unique designs. Tablet weaving may also be done on an inkle loom.