Glimakra Julia

I'm wondering as well.. any Julia weavers out there?  I wonder how well that small footprint works, being a bit Standard Glimåkra weaver (110cm) as well.  Is it sturdy, solid? all those things we love so much?  marie

 The Julia is designed as a counterbalance and works beautifully with 4 shafts and 6 treadles. Makes really nice cloth.

The footprint is just a bit tiny to expand much on that. A larger loom would accommodate the extra shafts and countermarche action somewhat better.

I am also considering the Julia. I am looking to change from a jack loom to a countermache and the Julia now comes with 8 shafts.  I would love to find someone who has used it and can tell me what the tie up is like and if I can weave rugs on it.  I am going back to weaving rag rugs and am looking for a sturdy loom.  Small is not essential but nice.

Claudia

  I want the loom for table runners, towels, more cloth type weaving than rugs or heavier fabrics.  I have a Glimakra standard also and love that loom.  Mine belonged to and 80 man in Indiana who unfortunately went to live in Assisted care and had to sell it.  But he wove on it for years.  It is all dinged up from years of use and I love every ding.  I saw the Julia in Handwoven and it just looks like the perfect small loom.  the shop near me does not have one for display.

 I am just in the process of setting up a new Julia 4 harness/6 treadle counterbalance model. I replaced an older CB Murphy loom because with two other 8 harness looms ( 42 & 43" weaving widths)I wasn't using the Murphy for anything much wider than 20 inches. After a pretty exhaustive search I settled on the little Glimakra. So far, she has been easy to set-up and warp.

I am threading her up now while I wait for a 10 dent reed to arrive. It really is a nice small loom, sturdy, and well made.

I can't say much more since I have not woven on her yet, but I can tell you there are a few things I do like. One of which is a nice high breast beam. I'm not tall but I really appreciate being able to not have my knees hitting the cloth beam.

Theresa

PS: photos of the loom are on my blog.

Thank you for sharing all that Theresa.  I read your blog post and drooled a little over your new beauty. 

You mentioned something about a Louet, what are the 42 & 43" looms you currently own?  Is the Louet also a cb or a cm?

I am hoping to sell my 8s Tools of the Trade loom and want to make the quantum leap to a cm loom.  I am learning all I can about various looms before I decide.  The Julia is in the running, I am hesitating because I may want 36" and I definitely want 8s but not sure if I want cb or cm.  The other thing I need and want is a loom heavy enough for rugs.  That's the main concern I have in purchasing the Julia, will it be able to handle the high tension and hard packing of a rag rug.

I appreciate any further information on other looms, if not in this thread then in one of the others in the Weaving forum.

Thanks,

Claudia

Claudia-- if you're not sure about CB or CM remember that you can always convert, although with 8 shafts I'd go for the CM. I've never woven on an 8 shaft CB but it seems like it would be a few too many pulleys to deal with.

marie

This post has been deleted by ingamarie

 Claudia,

While you could probably do a rag rug or two on the Julia, I wouldn't buy it for rug loom. Myself, I wouldn't do a rug on it at all, but then again, folks do rag weaving on RH looms, so what do I know. I own a Louet Delta and Louet Hollandia. They are both somewhere around 43" in weaving width.  Both are countermarche looms. The Delta is certainly beefy enough for rugs and I would suspect the Hollandia is too but frankly, doing rugs is not one of my favorite things, so it's nice to be able to once in a while but not more than that. 

I bought the CB model because it fit in my budget and I like a CB loom. I've never woven on a jack loom but for a few shots on a loom set up here and there. It was enough to know they weren't for me.

If you truly want to do mostly rugs, a larger Glimakra or a Harrisville Collingwood loom would be my picks. My Dad owns a Collingwood rug loom and it really is a marvel in so many ways, but also BIG and heavy. I think the Ideal that Glimakra makes is 39" which is close to your target. Joanne and Ed Hall at Glimakra can probably fill you in on it's suitability for rag rugs,and a thorough explanation of CM vs CB. Rag rugs may not as high tension as say doing wool rugs, but that is something you might want to ask them. They are wonderful to talk with and extremely helpful.

With rag rugs, it's not just the tension. I can get high tension on my Emilia Rigid Heddle. It's the solidity-- to make a good rag rug you really need to BANG it together-- at least that's how I make them.  A smaller loom just doesn't have the heft.  And as Sara has pointed out in another forum, all  the Scandianvian style CB and CM looms are very similar-- so I wouldn't stop at Glimåkra and Cranbrook, but also check out the Finnish looms and Öxabäck.  

The stars seem to be in the proper alignment for me. I am ordering my Julia tomorrow and they say  8-10 days for delivery.  I was expecting to hear months to get one.  I was happy to hear that the assembly seemed pretty straight forward.

I believe that Glimakra also makes a 31" Ideal cm or cb loom.  That would probably be hefty enough for rugs.  Mine has a piece of angle iron screwed to the back of the beater to give it more oomph for beating rugs.

 How exciting, Mine came in 6 days but OR may be closer to MT than you are.

So...are you getting a red one? :-) CM or CB?

Alas, I have almost completely abandoned the Julia.  I have moved on to the Glimakra Ideal (possibly new) or a used Standard.  I am exploring options and hope to decide by the end of next week or sooner.  I have sold my 8s loom and will definitely want/need to replace it.  I need to start by buying Laila Lundell's book because I have only woven on a Cranbrook a few times and not had any other cb or cm experience.  This will be a whole new world and I'm counting on the support here on Weavolution along with whatever books I can get my hands on.

I am looking forward to hearing about your new Julia.  How exciting and so many people love it.  I just need something heavy enough for rugs, I love making them and have committed to several for friends and family. 

Claudia

Joann Hall at Glimakra USA has a wonderful book that she wrote about tying up countermarche looms.  It is a very complete tutorial for both vertical and horizontal countermarche.   My friend has two of the ideals and she loves them for rugs, hers are cb's.  I think they have a larger shed.  The shed on my cm is quite narrow but my selvedges are fantastic (no brag, just fact).  Joann said that is something the swedish looms are known for.  I always double sley my last 4 dents and thread thru separate heddles to give a good firm selvedge too.

Will be watching to see what you end up buying.  I have never had a brand new loom, so this is exciting for me.  Been weaving for 12 years but always on used looms.

In addition to JoAnn's excellent book on countermarche looms, this article from a Weaver's magazine is a very good resource in how to tie up to get a good, even shed.  I bought the magazine off Ebay and then found this article was available online. 

Tina

Thanks so much for the article link, I printed it out.  My big loom is a Glimakra countrmarche.  I think I'll go all through it step by step.  I still have a couple hitches in my set up.  I think this might fix me right up.

You're welcome.  It helped me a lot.  I switched my tie-up of the treadles to use the method in this article and like it a lot better.  Now, though, I'm thinking about changing it once again and using a homemade version of Woolhouse Tools 20+ tool to handle the tie-ups.  I'm still thinking about that, though, because it will require yet another investment in texsolv and other materials.

I picked up my loom last night.  The directions for putting the loom itself together look pretty straight forward but all the cords for the countermarche tie up are pretty daunting.  I am hoping the dvd they sent is very good.  I have another countermarche so at least I have an idea what they are saying but there must be 100 texsolve cords to install.  Will get started on it this am.  Good thing I am pretty mechanical and my hubby is a freaking genius.  Say a little weavers prayer for me.

Congrats on the loom.  I am sure the DVD will lead the way.  You must be so excited.  Please take a picture of yourself sitting at the new loom once you get it together.

Claudia

You'll be fine. The DVD is helpful for assembly and towards the end I think covers CM tie-up, but there should be a few very complete written pages also, which for me, where most helpful. i bought the CB model though, a 4/6 and it sounds like you went for the 8 harness CM? 

Yes I got the 8 cm.  I have the frame together although I cracked one of the pieces on the cloth beam where the set screw tightens.  They should say in the video that that piece is plastic.  I gave it  one more little crank and SNAP.  Looking for superglue now.  I thought it was metal. 

On to the cm assembly

Oh bummer! The beam itself is metal I believe, are you talking about that big plastic washer that keeps it locked in?

Well, have fun with the rest of the set-up!

Theresa 

Hi Cathy. Regarding the plastic part that snapped . . . if the super glue doesn't work, we can "borrow" the part from the loom I purchased for a shop display unit and I can order a new one. When putting in the new one (or the fixed old one), don't tighten beyond "snug" as you'll want to remove the beam when doing the tie ups.

Regarding the CM tieups, make sure to read the written material in conjunction with the DVD.

Also, as with any new loom, start with something simple - no matter how many years of weaving experience. Get acquainted with "her" before you put her through her paces.

Check your regular email for some additional instructions.

Good luck and enjoy your new tool!

Joan

All is going well now.  The DVD is excellent for putting the actual loom together.  By following the steps in the handout the countermarche tie up is also going well.  Too much worry for nothing on my part.

I AM WEAVING!! YEAH!   Hooked everything up and no adjustments needed.  Will post pics when I get a few inches woven.  So far so good.

I am sorely tempted.  Could you post a pic of the damaged piece and your repair? Even a pic of the assembled loom pointing to the location of the difficulty would be useful.  Thanks.

Here are a couple pics of the little beauty.  a pleasure to weave on.

thanks for looking!

Oh, look!!  Does drool ruin computer keyboards?

Claudia

Very Nice!  

Thanks.  Definitely the clearest pictures I've seen.  I don't know what it is with those advertising photos. They are all taken at an angle.  Loom cheesecake.

My interest in the broken part was in case I get one, so I don't make the same mistake. Overtightening would come naturally to me.  The washer was on the cloth beam? 

inside the frame or outside?

Hi, my name is Liz and I live in the UK, i have just joined this site.  I am very interested in your pictures because I too have just purchased a Glimakra Julia as an eight shaft countermarche loom.  I have to say it sounds as though your experiences were much better than mine. 

I purchased my loom through Fibrecrafts in the UK and am apparently the first person in Europe to have the eight shaft.  However I did order the natural wood loom and got sent a red loom with all the other pieces in natural wood.  I dont mind too much though, its nice and bright. 

Can I ask though, did you get good instructions on how to put your loom together?  I got two sheets with a basic diagram printed on them with pieces lettered A, etc to fit together but was told to put the metal bar in across the top part of the loom only to find afterwards that the jack holder doesnt fit right up against the beater cradles if you do, so had to loosen the loom off afterwards to take that out.  Also my treadle spacers were not included and I had no dvd.  The dvd I was told by Glimakra is only distributed in the US but they are sending me a complimentary copy along with the missing treadle spacers.  I dont know how long they will take to get here though as all our aircraft are currently grounded due to the Icelandic volcanic eruption. 

I have finally found instructions on All Fiber Arts website on how to tie up a countermarche loom as I have not had one before and again only had a very basic tie up diagram with no written instructions.  Finally, after four days of toil and stress I can now begin weaving in the morning, I have already put on my warp and tied up my treadles.

I should love to hear your experiences regarding these looms from yourself and other people who have purchased them.  I am sure that when it is up and running I shall be pleased.  I have been weaving for about six years but only had table looms up to now.

Hi Liz,

Welcome to Weavolution, so glad you found us.  Good thing the volcano hasn't prevented Internet service.

Sounds like a few trials and tribulations to get your new Julia up and rolling.  Have you tried visiting the Vavstuga website.  They have some great resources here. And Glimakra-us which is here has lots of information that you might find helpful here.

My Glimakra Standard arrives April 29 or 30.  I can't wait since I waved goodbye to my TOTT loom on Friday.

Claudia, Weavolution co-founder

You might also chase down a copy of Laila Lundell's book  The Big Book of Weaving. It's recently come out in English (originally in Swedish). It has great instructions of tying up CM and CB looms.

marie

Oh what a shame. Along with the usual set-up instructions ( printed) I got a wonderful handout with tie-up information for both CM and CB. It might be available on line at Glimakra USA site which Claudia gave you the link for . 

Once you get her up and weaving I'm sure you'll like her. It's a very nice loom.

And Claudia, congrats on the new loom coming out to you and the sale of your old one!

Hi to everyone, thank you for your very helpful comments, and your warm welcome,  I shall certainly have a look at the Vavstuga website and try to find a copy of that book as well.  I have two weaving books here but would you believe neither of them tell you how to tie up a loom.  I finally found instructions on All Fiber Arts website and have now realised that for every shaft you tie up to go upwards, another one in balance has to come down.  Now I understand that I shall be fine.  Its just all those bits of string at first, really confusing.

I shall try and post some pictures of my first warp on the loom and more details.

Off to get the children back to school now as they have been home for two weeks on Easter holidays.

Hi Lizziejane

I actually got wonderful instructions with my loom.  The DVD was most helpful with assembling the loom itself, but I have to say even with that, I did the same thing you did with the jack holder and had to loosen my frame all up to put that in.   I got  a whole booklet that told step by step how to install the cords and clips and beads.  It still took me  a while as crawling around on the floor took it's tole on me.  I have decided that once I get a tie up completed, I am going to weave several projects before I change to something new.  But that is true with my other countermarche also.  It is a laborious process but I love the results you get with a countermarche.

I do wish there was a wood piece that went across in front of the treadles to rest my feet on.  It is a big step up to the treadles.   I put a box on the floor in front of them to rest my feet on when I am not treadling.  My larger Glimakra has that.

Good luck when you get your first project going.  Post pictures and welcome to Weavolution.  You can find the answer to anything weaving here.  Cathy

Hi everyone, thanks again for the comments re the Julia loom.  I have woven three scarves now using a four shaft threading and tie up and last week decided to put on a cotton warp and weave some light floor rugs using and eight shaft twill threading.  So I wound my warp, got it on the loom and tied up the treadles, as mentioned a very labourious process.  However nothing I do seems to get a good shed which is strange because I got a really good shed before on the four shaft tie up.  I have checked and re checked my threadings to make sure all is correct but still a very poor shed.  Has anyone got any suggestions.  I found a website www.weaversschool.com with an article in it about tying up the countermarch loom by raising the top lams so the end furthest away from the rod is about two and a half inches away from the bottom of the shaft.  I got as far as tying up some of the treadles but not all as its a public holiday here and my girls are home from school so I wanted to spend the afternoon with them.  Tomorrow I shall go into my workroom and finish the job and see if it works, has anyone else tried this?  I would be grateful for any tips anyone can give as I am a very very confused person at the moment.

Why don't you try posting this to Countermarche loom forum?

I've just been reading back a bit on here and see that some of you have tried this other tie up and got a good result so that fills me with hope for tomorrow!!  Sometimes weaving can be a bit isolating as there is not another weaver near me for miles and no local places to go for weaving lessons.  Its good to talk.

Hi, thanks for suggesting this, I didnt realise there was a countermarche loom forum being fairly new to the site.  I have posted this there and await replies with interest.

I think that is one of the brilliantly wonderful things about Weavolution. Weavers are scattered far and wide, this gives us a place to come together!

I am still considering the CM Julia to learn on for a couple years before investing in a more robust CM loom.  but  I've seen several used 8S cm julias being offered for sale soon after they were purchased.    The 4S/6T  CM gets good reviews, but I have seen speculation that the 8S configuration might be a bit too crowded.   Any satisfied 8S users out there to reassure me?

I want to order a Glimakra Julia loom.  I am a beginner weaver and I am thinking that a CB model with 4S/6T will be fine to start instead of the CM who has a different et much difficult tie up to do. Am I right?   

If you would like to ask about the counterbalance tie-up, you can contact me for details, joanne@glimakrausa.com.

The counterbalance tie-up uses fewer treadle cords and lamms, but gives you the same shed as the countermarch.  The difference is that when you have a very narrow warp width, you need to add an extra tie-up to the counterbalance tie-up. I can send you by email an instruction sheet which shows how this is done.

Joanne

I have a Glimakra Standard and have both the CB and CM beams and lamms and everything.  When I first set it up, I put on the CM and followed the directions from Joanne Hall"s book, Tying Up the Countermarch Loom (HERE).  Everything worked out beautifully.  

When I put on my third or fourth warp, I decided to change to CB and had a much greater challenge getting clean sheds and I was not enjoying myself.  So, in the middle of weaving, I switched back to the CM and was much happier.  My sheds were cleaner and I enjoyed the weaving much more.  I know lots of people have CB looms and do not have any problem with the sheds.  I figured if the CM works better for me, that's the way I will go.  

This is all personal opinion and personal choice.  I would suggest you consider what you are planning to weave before you buy the loom.  The Julia is a very sweet loom but is light weight and would have to be modified if you are considering making rugs or heavy items like that.

Good luck and keep us posted on what loom you choose.

Claudia

Could you elaborate on how the footprint of the Julia effects the countermarch action?

'Mon, 03/22/2010 - 6:50pm #2
Sara von Tresckow
The Julia is designed as a counterbalance and works beautifully with 4 shafts and 6 treadles. Makes really nice cloth.

The footprint is just a bit tiny to expand much on that. A larger loom would accommodate the extra shafts and countermarche action somewhat better.'