None of these textiles were woven with a floating selvedge or temple. In my experience – depending on yarn size – a 3 or even 5 thread float at the selvedge is not a problem.
Rather than worry about a textile having a plain weave selvedge I would far rather see weavers focusing on being consistent. Learning how to hold and throw their shuttles well. Learning how to advance and re-tension their warps. Learning how to beam their warps so that they go on under consistent tension. Learning how to wet finish their cloth. Learning fibre characteristics so that they can make appropriate choices for their textiles. Learning at least enough theory to make changes to the project notes found in publications – or recognize when there is a mistake in the printed format.
But none of that is necessary if the weaver is enjoying what they are doing and are happy with their results. If they aren’t, then perhaps they need to dig a little deeper and learn more….
Speaking of which, there are now 7 students enrolled in the John C. Campbell Folk School class in March. I’ll take up to 12. It also looks like the workshop in Durham is a go with a few more empty spots. Not sure about Sarasota or Asheville.
Currently reading The Midsummer Crown by Kate Sedley