The Loom                                               Fall arrives! I begin to create the backstrap. For this I need the second part of the Tenger's gift. Grapevine! Here I am using it to secure the weaving of the backstrap which I am just beginning by stringing the warp threads. It's is quite durable once you learn to use it.  I tried a few methods of braiding it to see which worked best. The backstrap threads are actually made by spinning together three different plant fibers-linen from the flax plant(tan),hemp (brown), and rami(white).  Each of these come from plants that have served native peoples for thousands of years!                                                                                                                               * Here's the weaving of the backstrap. The fabric is fairly thick with the plied threads and has tremendous strength. please click here to continue                                                                                                                                                                                      * courtesy of A Luminous Diamond (Bright) Crystal Show productions.