I am new to weaving; actually I have only worked a little on an old rug making loom but I loved it and would like to purchase a small loom to start out. However I am overwhelmed when I see all the ones that are available out there. I've looked at the Leclerc bergere, a table loom by Schacht and an Ashford. I read that the leclerc might be too high to use on a table and I am a short person. It seems there are drawbacks with each one. I NEED HELP!! I am in my late 60s with arthritis and I don't want something that will be a strain to use but at the same time want something that will give me a beautiful piece of material (when I fianlly learn how to use it) lol. Can I have some suggestions? I would appreciate hearing from anyone and everyone! Thank you so much. This is a wonderful site!
Joann
I love looms that do well what they should and then I can get on with designingand weaving. I have an AVL purchased in 1987 which works like a dream, a 22" 4H Harrisville that is for taking places like demos and workshops and several rigid heddle looms, the only one of the RH I like is the Leclerc Bergere. Not a lot of requirements for a RH loom , hold tension and have 3 RH positions, neutral, up and down. The Begere had metal ratchet and prawls for the tension and a little crank to turn for winding on. The extra height is because there is a breast beam separate from the cloth beam. This makes for a better shed and allows you to weave as much cloth as the clothbeam will hold. I've woven 8+yards on mine. I clamp mine to a little folding table that adjust in height much like a ironing board adjusts. I get it comfortable to weave sitting, and I'm 5' and slightly older than you. It is not hot or sexy, just robust and solid. I take it to a weaving group each Tue.AM. Here is a review of most of the RH looms on the market now.
Hi Joann,
Welcome to the wonderful world of weaving, I realise that you are looking at a Rigid Heddle, most likely due to cost, but have you thought of the Dorothy made by LeClerc? I ask as it would be a lot easier to find this loom used, it is a small table top loom, I would suggest purchasing a small laptop type table from IKEA to sit it on. I suggest this as it would give you a much greater range of weaving- as it's a 4 harness. And if the Dorothy is not what you want to use anymore or you decide that you want to invest in a floor loom then it's really easy to sell the Dorothy and you would most likely get exactly what you paid for it as people are always looking for a small tabletop loom that you can take to workshops. I have had some not so great moments with a rigid heddle where it was wearing on the warp and wore through it and broke it in several places. Good luck, I don't know if you have taken any classes yet but you might try that and try a few different kinds out before you actually buy. Good luck and I wish you all the best.
While there are many table looms out there that could fill your needs, I'd not recommend the Dorothy very highly. The loom has a major issue with lack of depth. The standard 4-shaft model is only 20" deep - check against other brands and you'll find them 24" - 30" deep. Loom depth is a significant factor in producing good fabric - if the loom is too short, you don't get much give and stretch in the exposed warp and the working area for weaving is terribly tiny resulting in far too frequent advances.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=...
This link takes you to a spreadsheet I put together - so subjective - and posted for folks to use as a starting point. Obviously, different folks assess things differently - a "good" or "bad" rigid heddle seems to be mostly in the eyes of the weaver! In any case, these are the RH looms that I could find for sale new, and marketed to adults rather than kids. --Trish
Thank you all for your help and comments! I seem to be leaning to the leclerc especially after reading that review Karren! I am about 2 hours away from a place where I could take lessons so with winter coming on that is out of the question for now. The place I am looking into gives a weeks worth of classes and I think that will have to wait until spring but I want to get into some weaving NOW! The winter will be long and I am excited about trying my hand at it with LOTS of help from all of you! What is the name of that table Karren? I don't think I have ever seen one that had adjustable legs but that sounds good. And trpir95, I really liked your chart but why didn't you have a prefernce? If you all have any more info to offer I will be checking daily and am giving myself about 2 weeks to make a decision so keep those ideas coming PLEASE!!!! Thanks, Joann
Depending on where your arthritis is, a floor loom may be a better option than a rigid heddle or table loom. With those you do all motions with your hands. Even a well-designed one can be hard on the hands. If they already hurt, it isn't going to help. With a floor loom, even a little simple one, your feet do the work of changing the sheds, leaving your hands free to just send the shuttle through. Splitting the work between hands and feet puts less strain on both. A four or more shaft loom will give you a faster and more versatile way to do patterned weaves than finger manipulation on a rigidi heddle (again, can aggravate arthritis). If the loom fits you well, it should be comfortable. Try out as many
looms as you can before buying. Weave for an hour if possible on each
type to get an idea of where the stress is. Good luck!
Laurie Auito
I've never used one, never even seen one in real life, but the pictures of the Dutch Master looms made by the Woolgatherers, have certainly caught my attention. It's not cheap, but you get what you pay for. I'm sure that it's made to the exacting specifications of a very fine weaver. To see it, click the profile of Sara Von Tresckow, above and follow the link.
That dutchmaster loom looks really nice but I would like something just a bit bigger, at least to be able to make a shawl. As for the arthritis, well you know how that is. when you have it it is usually everywhere but sharing the load between legs and arms makes sense. I just don't have the option of going somewhere to try out all of these different looms right now. Everywhere I could go is at least a 2 hour drive one way, my husband is scheduled for some surgery in a week and I would not drive that distance alone. (sigh) But keep the ideas coming. I am absorbling them all and still have almost 2 weeks to make my decision. I have given myself a deadline of the weekend of the 19th. :-) Thanks Joann
We make that DutchMaster loom - it is nice - but probably not with arthritis in the hands. Using a floor loom or a table loom that comes with treadles would definitely split the motions to something comfortable for you.
Joann, If you post your location, you might find a Weavolution member who would be willing to let you try a loom, or find out about a shop or school you don't know about. Or, try searching on your state in the people section and see if anyone turns up near you.
The good thing about looms is that they hold their value fairly well. If you get one that doesn't suit you or you grow out of, you can often sell it to someone who will find it perfect.
Laurie
Hi, I have a Leclerc Nilus floor loom and love it to death. When I looked into buying a small table loom I really became confused, however, in the end I choose the Ashford because it was very portable, great shed, easy to use because the levers on on the front and take very little to push them up and down. The beater/reed is exceedingly easy to use I'm 65 so all that was important to me. Hope this helps. Michele
I have owned a few table looms and have use many differnt ones at round robin workshops. My absolute favourite is now the Jane by Louet, so much so that I had to buy one! It is very portable and works very well. However, my floors looms are my best choice for at home work because I can be seated comfortably and use all my limbs for weaving. I have a Leclerc Minerva and a Leclerc Nilus, both 8 Shaft and both purchased second hand. It really is best if you can try before you buy.
When I was searching for a small floor loom, I made a trip to a weaving
store showroom. The one revelation in the place was the smaller Louet Jane on
its stand. Seeing it in person, I was very impressed with the build
quality. Even standing up, it was almost effortless to use, which I really hadn't
anticipated. I couldn't bring myself to buy it, only because I was still
searching for the one perfect loom to meet all my needs. Now that I
have a floor loom, I think a 40 cm Jane will be next
in my future. There are issues with doing pickup, I hear, but perhaps that's true of table looms generally.
I am having so much fun reading all these posts and talking to you all! People are so kind and helpful here! Okay, Ikautio, I guess I can just post here where I am from and maybe I WILL be lucky and find someone around me who can help. I am in Johnstown PA, the town noted for the great flood of 1886 (or was that 87?) I have lived here all my life but dates are not my strong point. :-) And now I'm off to look at ashfords and Louet Janes on the net. I've got notes all over the place! lol
Looks like you have been getting a lot of help trying to find the right loom. If you go to the top of the page and go to Groups and Forums then go to Groups on the top left you will find guilds here on Weavolution or you can go to this link: http://fiberarts.org/directories/guilds/Pennsylvania to find PA fiber guilds.
Michael
Hi Joann,
I agree that having treadles may be the best for you. But to give you an idea of how the rigid heddle loom works, write to me at joanne@glimakrausa.com and I can send you by email the instructions for warping and weaving on the rigid heddle loom. That way you can see what is involved. Joanne
Michael,
Thanks for the link to the guilds in Pa. But I have to tell you, after looking through it there is no place closer than at least a two hour drive. And being that I live in an area with mountains that have to be gone over no matter which direction I go, that is just not feasible for me during this time of the year. Pittsburgh would be great if it was only not over the Laurel Mountains. :-) I am planning on going for lessons at the Manning in the srping but I can't wait that long to at least start weaving something so I will keep following leads from all of you for now.
Joanne, I will be getting in touch with you. That sounds like a good idea to me and I appreciate it.
By the way I really liked the Jane but it was a little pricy for what I want to start. Maybe some day. Keep those ideas coming. You folks are GREAT!!
Joann, choosing the loom is the complicated part. Don't feel alone if the options seem a little overwhelming. I know I felt pressure to consider all the angles and make the best possible decision. Took months of my life that could have been spent learning to weave. Maybe starting anywhere is good.
The issue with treadle looms could be going underneath to do the tie-up. Maybe look at the Glimakra Julia. It is compact, but has treadles and a overhead beater and you don't need a separate loom stand. Because it is light, you can put it up on blocks to make the tie-up more comfortable. They are beginning to come up on the used market, including this one on weavolution. There was a floor model at Mannings the last time I was there.
If it is a 4 shaft loom you can tie each treadle to one shaft (called a direct tie) and you will never have to change the tie-up. You press one, two, or three treadles with your feet. Easy and you will get a good understanding of what it happening when you weave. For more than 4 there are side or even computer tieups. Lots of options. The Julia is a sweet little loom.
Laurie Autio
Thanks MaryMartha and Ikautio!! I think with all the feedback I am finally leaning very strongly to the Julia. It seems "meant to be". But I am not sure just what kind of a loom the Julia is! Is it a Jack, a counterbalance, what? MaryMartha, I am hoping to go to the Mannings this weekend (Sat.) and if that Julia floor model is there I will be SOOOOO happy to be able to try it! I am two hours away from there, west of Berlin PA but it is going to be a nice day for a long ride. Are you lucky enough to live close to the Manning? I could spend a day just looking at all the yarns! :-) I contacted Joanne about the one that is for sale but that is out in Wyoming. Wonder what the shipping would be on that! Wow! I hope you all stick with me through this. If I get the Julia I am going to be on here asking all kinds of questions.
Mannings is a 3 hour trip for me, so I don't go often. My friends rave about the instructors, especially Tom Kniseley. I have also bought from them on mail order.
The Julia can be purchased as either a counterbalance or countermarch, from two to eight shafts, and switched or upgraded later on. A two or four shaft counterbalance would be like your union rug loom? I do not know how well direct tie-up would work, because it was designed for counterbalance or countermarch. Joanne Hall is probably the best person to advise you (she's one of the premier US distributors for Glimakra).
I think the floor model at Mannings was the "prototype" version. The newest ones are, I'm told, a little more robust. But if it suits you, see if Mannings would be interested in selling you that one. I hear they've sold items off the showroom floor before.
Enjoy your trip (I'm assuming husband's surgery went well). Do join us over at weaving 101 group, if you haven't already. Along with lots of beginners like me, some very experienced people drop in to give advice.
Well, we just got back from The Mannings. Quite an interesting visit! After seeing the Julia I have decided that I must look elsewhere. I really liked the Louet Jane that they had there but it does not weave wide enough for me. But....it was sooo nice that I may have to give it more thought and put off the bigger loom for after I take my class in the spring. The baby wolf was amazing but the price put me off for now. They use a lot of Leclerc looms there and I liked the Nilus counterbalance but that too was more than I want to spend right now. Oh MY!! Well, at least I had fun buying some yarn for knitting! As for the looms? I need a sign! lol
Keep your eyes open for used looms, the Leclercs sometimes come up for sale here and on kbbspin.org. Watch craigslist and ebay and be sure you ask lots of questions if you find a used loom. I believe Weavezine has an article on how to buy a used loom. Floor looms are more affordable used than new.
Claudia
And, when you take a class, you may realize that you really do want treadles.
Joanne
Oh I am definitely going to keep my eyes open. Thanks Cladia for that other site to look on and the article about how to buy a used loom. And Joanne, I ALREADY know that I am going to want treadles, but which ones? :-) (I need to find out how to put smiley faces on here!!)
Weaving loom, the idea is actually derived from traditional mode.
Nowadays, there is lots of advancements in weaving. However, there is
still so many people who like handmade crafts. I am also one of them. I
like traditional and antique piece because it gives me different kind of
pleasure.
Joann, check out the following sites.
http://www.homesteadweaver.com/usedequipment.htm
http://www.herran.com/textile/discuss/
http://www.kbbspin.org/taxonomy/term/6
http://fiberarts.org/classifieds/listads.html
http://www.michiganweaversguild.org/marketplace.html
http://glimakrausa.com/used-looms.html
This last site gives you a way to search Craigs list.
MIchael
Wow! Those sites will keep me busy tonight as I digest my turkey with all the trimmings. Between cooking I have been looking at a Cricket and a Flip by Schacht. Anybody use them and what do you think of them? Since I cannot seem to find a bigger loom right now that i can get to travel wise I am looking at these just to get me started. I watched a few videos on warping the cricket and it looks so easy to use. I know, it is no where near what I want in a loom but for now?? Comments please!! And a happy Thanksgiving to everyone.
Joann, now that you are looking for a loom with treadles the question becomes "front or back." Meaning, on some looms the treadles hang from the back and on some from the front. For years Cheryl used a loom with the threadles attached at the front. When I gave her a Macomber for her birthday she fell in love with the light action of the threadles being attached at the rear of the loom.
Michael
Can you weave rugs on a baby wolf? Just saw one for sale near me and sounds good but I don't know about the rugs. HELP! All comments welcome.
No, this loom is really not heavy enough to get a good solid rug out of it. You might get one once in a while but you will have to work hard and perhaps make some modifications to the loom. It's good for light use, cotton, wool, tencel (too shallow for linen), making scarves and placemats, or clothing yardage. A nice little portable loom, but will not do everything. Look for something heavier and deeper for rugs.
Laurie Autio
Thanks Laurie for the info. Looks like it was not meant to be anyhow but you have taught me another bit of info that I needed to know. I am thinking that I will just get myself a little cricket to play with until I take a class in the spring. (sigh)
Keep looking for a floor loom. In addition to the good sites Michael listed, join the WeavingSalesAds yahoo group, talk to Tom Beaudet, let everyone know you are looking and something will come your way. I'd take any floor loom and most shaft bearing table looms over a Cricket, which will not weave a rug either. For an almost no cost start a backstrap loom might be better.
Re classes, yes, take all you can, and join a local guild. I bought a Harrisville loom kit and taught myself to weave out of a book (Joy of Weaving by Osma Gallinger Tod - there are others that might be better) then took classes later. It is possible to get going without classes if you learn well from books. At any rate, keep asking questions. Good luck!
Laurie Autio
No local guild Laurie! But I am going to check into the backstrap for now and keep looking for the floor loom. That is my dream anyhow. I am good with books.....avid reader and taught myself to knit and quilt. But you can be sure that I will keep up with the questions until you all get tired of me. :-) Joann
As for classes, we have lots to offer right HERE on Weavolution. Most classes are starting up in January and you can see the calendar by click on the link in the first paragraph of the Cyber-Fiber description or here. Several people have taken Weave Now with Amelia Garripoli and weaving software with Judie Eatough and really enjoyed the experience. It would be a good adjunct to working from a book on your own.
I do not have the depth of experience that Laurie does but have enjoyed working on a rigid heddle loom. I don't know if I would have pursued learning more about weaving if I had started with a backstrap loom. You might enjoy it but it's a very different type of weaving. Simpler perhaps but I find it a bit more challenging in some ways than a floor or rh loom.
I started with a baby wolf and now work on a Glimakra Standard and a rigid heddle loom so I have the best of both.
Claudia
Checked into the classes and liked what I saw but first I have to have a loom! :-) Have just about decided definitely (talk about being indecisive) on the Flip as a first loom but not sure about the size. Leaning toward the 20" but wondering if that can be leaned against a table? The floor loom will come later, after I am sure that weaving is for me. How can it not be though since I have been wanting to do it for years?? Maybe it is that old age? lol
Joann, in this high tech world there are a ton of video clips on every weaving subject you can think of. A lot on etube, private sites and on manufactors web sites. But there is nothing like hands on learning. I will keep a eye out for a loom for you.
Michael
Joann, I have sent you a PM listing a number of looms in PA. NY& OH
Michael
Thank you so much Michael. I have an email sent to the one leclerc in Hanover. That is not too far, a few hours. Waiting for a reply. It looks like a really nice loom. I do have a problem with travel right now though because my husband had prostate surgery on Monday and will not be driving for a few weeks. But if it is meant to work, it will. I really appreciate you taking the time to look these up for me ! After finding you people on this site I have a greater faith in the kindness of people in this world!!!!! Will let you know how this one progresses.
A few years ago I purchased a 56 inch 16 H Macomber from a lady in MI in OCT. She held the loom untill June of the next year untill MI warmed up. Cheryl and I spent two weeks driving all over MI before picking up the loom and returning to GA.
Michael
Oh my goodness! You are into some serious weaving with a loom that size! Nice of her to keep it for you that long but she was probably snowed in anyhow. We had some icy roads here today. That time of the year for us.
Joann you can see the loom here: www.handweaver.us I was told today about a 60 inch free loom. I will get more information
Michael
a free loom? seriously! Dude that would be great! I hurt my back again (I have spina bifida on the last half of vertebrae, chronic back spasms, fibromyalgia, and problems with my sciatic nerve- and because of this its left my feeling fatigued, depressed, and angry all the time) so building my loom is off my to-do list, I'm left looking to buy one for when I can sit better. Weaving and knitting is my release, my destressor.. I dont know what I'd do without it! Just have to save money first after all my medical bills are paid. Hoping to get one by New Years..
So yeah a Free one sounds AMAZING to me right now!!
The free loom is gone, it is going to be picked up on wed.
I did post a big loom at a great price on the for sale site, this loom is in philly, PA.
Michael
Sara, I am making my wife a small table loom and took your advise and I'm making it 24" deep by 16" weaving width. Thanks for the deepth measurement advice..............Steve
JoAnn, when I was very young, I learned to weave on frame looms my grandfather made me,
and later some on a simple floor loom, taught by elder relatives. I've been wanting to get back to weaving for decades, and finally decided to go for it. I am in something like your situation, about your age, small and with some shoulder and neck problems. I knew I needed a floor loom to use my whole body, so that my shoulders wouldn't tighten up, but don't have a lot of money. I hoped to get one I could do rag rugs on as well as other kinds of weaving. I did a lot of research, and while my ideal would have been a sturdy counterbalance with an overhead beater, I figured given my circumstances, my best bet would probably be a used LeClerc Nilus. Looked for months and couldn't find one close enough for me to get to! Finally settled on a nearby Artisat, which I got at a very reasonable price. My first project was a rag rug to get the feel of the loom (and clear out my old clothes and remnants!). To my surprise, it turned out pretty well (I was able to hide most of my mistakes!). Now I'm warping up for another rug, a little lighter in weight. Then I'll start doing up some projects using the stash of yarn I got at a weaver's sale. I found that warping front to back is easier on my back than back to front, but that might be a personal thing. Right now my left foot is in a walking cast, so I'll be treadling with my right foot only for a few more weeks-- ok for the simple treadling for a rag rug. I guess when one really really wants to weave, one can find a way!
Good luck with your search. I know you'll find a loom to meet your needs, with patience. Eventually, I think I'll try to find a Union rug loom just for doing rag rugs.
Neshobe,
Thank you for your post! And welcome. I see that you are new here. You will find that everyone is so helpful and kind. Checking for new posts in my groups is one of the highlights of my day.
You do sound a lot like me. Weaving seemed to be something just outside my grasp for most of my life except for the little I did on a friends old Union loom and with that I just helped him warp it (didn't even know the terminology) and then he let me weave a small carpet with rags. And our aches and pains sound a lot alike also. No broken bones for me but I did have back surgery (need it again actually but I will put it off for as long as I can), had a total knee last summer. You know how it goes.
It sounds like you got a beautiful loom and I am happy for you! I looked up the artisat and it looks very interesting. I also was leaning toward the nilus but I saw the counterbalance at work at the Mannings and that is a dream for me. However, like you, used looms are rare in my area and we are unable to travel at this time due to the surgery my husband had. So....I decided that I just HAD to start somewhere so I just got a Flip 20 inch loom this week. Am so excited! Tonight I got the warp started but did not have the paper bags that I am going to use so the rest will have to wait until tomorrow. With Christmas around the corner I know I won't have much time to practice but if I can at least start this week I will be happy.
I am going to be taking a class on beginning weaving at the Mannings this spring and I am hoping that after the class I will know which loom is for me...........and which one I can afford! :-) And hopefully by then my husband will be all better and we will be able to travel a bit if a loom is available in a nearby state. But for now I am going to be happy TRYNG to make scarves and little things on my Flip and getting lots of practice. And my friend is keeping me in carpets but he says that I must learn to do them myself soon. lol
Please post pictures of your carpets! And again, welcome!!
Joann
Perhaps a bit OT, but... remember that rag rug weaving is about the hardest weaving you can do (hardest on the body, that is)
There is so much weaving that does not require that hard beating - IMO, almost any other weaving is much easier (still on the body, you understand).
Also remember that both counterbalance and countermarch looms have much lighter treadling than have jack looms.
Yes, I have heard that about the counterbalance anc countermarch looms and that is why I am still dreaming of one of those. Maybe some day.
I agree, Kersten-- that's why my dream loom would be a counterbalance with an overhead beater and some weight for doing rag rugs and other heavy weaves. Both JoAnn and I have the same dream! But the Artisat was available at a price I could afford.
I wanted to start somewhere and clearing out my old clothes was a good way to go.
As for the effort required, that is true too. It might not be possible for some people to do a rag rug on a lightweight loom such as the artisat. In my case, I have spent a lifetime doing work (and play) out-of-doors, and despite my problems, my overall strength is good, thanks to physical therapy and training. Beating rag rugs is actually good for me, as the muscle movement and effort keeps my neck and back from tightening up and keeps me supple and strong-- good for the back. Ditto the treadling. So the extra effort is not necessarily a bad thing. I am not necessarily recommending the artisat to anyone else, but for now, it works for me, as long as I keep my body strength up (and I intend to!).
My hope is to eventually own a heavier loom specifically for rugs, and use the artisat for lighter weaving.
Neshobe,
I also have strong overall strength. Years of gardening, working and still taking care of the elderly with the lifting etc. If you do it right it helps keep you in shape. My mother was incapacitated with severe rhumatoid arthritis and I have some of that and the osteo but the answer is to keep on going! One thing I notice though is too much repetition with the same muscles can create sore spots. I just stop doing what was causing the problem for a few days and try to take breaks, stretch etc. When I knit now I use a circular needle because I can rest my arms in my lap. When I quilt I set a timer so that I will stop and get up and move around. I am doing that now with the weaving. All these things seem to help me.
I saw that rug that you made and it is beautiful! Wonder if I could make a small one on my Flip? :-)
Neshobe, do you know about the lean and press beat for a rug? It really saves on your shoulders. Jason Collingwood and his dad used that on their rug production and teach/taught it. You throw your weft and then you beat your fell line and then lean back with your body weight and press. It helps pack in the rug weft. Of course they also attached weights (such as lawn mower weights) to their beaters but the press and lean back beat helps take the pressure off of your arms and back.
JoAnn, that's exactly what I do, too! I can sense when my body needs a break, and I've learned to do things in shifts. Timers help keep me from doing that little bit extra too much. Thanks for the compliment on the rug! It's a bit rustic in appearance, but that fits my house nicely. As soon as my foot allows, I'm going to rewarp for another rug to give to my daughter. A friend of mine does little bitty rag rugs on her table loom for placemats and doll houses.
Deb, from the way you describe it, I think that's what I'm doing. I studied the Alendander technique years and years ago, which teaches how to use the body so that muscles, tendons, and bones are working together for efficiency and minimizing stress on joints. What you are saying sounds very similar. The result is that in beating I use my body weight rather than my shoulders to do the work. Amazing what one can accomplish that way. (I'm also going to raid my son-in-law's stash and see if there's a decent metal bar I can tape to the beater.)
That metal bar will really help, not just with the beating but also keep that loom in one place! :-)
Hello all!
*smiles and waves*
I'm also looking at buying a tabletop loom. I currently have a 20" RH loom that I got at a yardsale to see if I even liked weaving. Turns out I LOVE it but now my little loom no longer works for what I want to do. It's very flimsy, with plastic sides and gears, and will NOT hold much tension. I'm wanting to get a 4-harness loom but don't have the first clue as to where to look or what would be a good buy. I spend 1-2 days a week working on a 2-harness floor loom at a nearby non-profit making rugs so I know the basics. I'd love to be able to do
more delicate and detailed work than the rag-rugs. I tried searching Google but got so overwhelmed with information I thought I'd better ask for help before I went and bought the wrong one. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
The new Handwoven magazine (January/February 2011) has an entire section on choosing looms, complete with an explanation of what type of weaving each kind is suited for. I'm thinking my next purchase will be a jack loom, but that'll be a few years in the future.
I have only woven one project so far on my Flip 20" and today I warped it for some towels but I really like it! It holds the tension well, is easy to warp and use and is light enough to take with you. Beautifully made also.
Happy Holidays!
I was in Ireland last spring and have wanted to purchase a loom like they use at Avoca. Is anyone familiar with the company? and/or their looms? It used peddles so you didn't have to use your hands to weave the blanket.
Thank you!
I can't find a brand name, but I did find this Wiki page on them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avoca_Handw...
The closest looms on the market are probably the bigger AVL looms.
Hi, If you want to know about making blankets contact Cathy at www.phaneufpharm.com. she is also on here but I don't remember her weavolution name.
Michael
It looks like a four shaft counterbalance. The closest to this made today would be Leclerc Looms. They make counterbalance looms and they can be very wide.
Joanne
Hello everybody,
I'm new here and I've never woven anything in my life (only crocheted and knitted a bit), but I'm intrigued by the idea of weaving scarves and shawls. What kind of loom would you recommend for a total newbie like myself for such projects?
There are no weaving classes or clubs nearby, so I would have to teach myself with the help of books and online videos.
Any input you can give me will be greatly appreciated!
Weberknecht, could you identify some scarves and shawls that really appeal to you, perhaps here at weavolution in the projects section? That might help clarify your loom choices. There's a great deal that can be done on a wide rigid heddle loom, along with color-and-weave or pick-up. But if what really moves you are complex patterns, it could be an 8-shaft table loom might be a better starting place. And in Northern Europe, used floor looms might be what's most readily available. I like 3/1 twills, and so skipped right past the rigid heddle phase to a 4 shaft loom.
Here's a site I stumbled on that appears to list looms for sale in Germany(?). I think I also saw a German-language weaving forum somewhere, but I can't find it just now.
I'm not sure how much this helps, but I like geometric patterns and variegated, soft and/or shiny materials.
I live in Northwest Florida and have to watch my spending, so buying a loom in Europe isn't an option. I looked for used looms on Craigslist but there are none in my area. :(
Maybe I should start with a simple frame or even cardboard loom to experiment a little before buying a "real" one?
Hi Weberknecht. I don't know how much you can spend or how far you can drive, but check out the Florida weaving guild web sites. Florida Tropical Weavers Guild has looms for sale. Likewise Weavers of Orlando and Polk County Fiber Guild. The Florida Tropical Weavers Guild has a page with links to other guilds in Florida. And check the various used equipment web sites too.
Weberknecht, there are beginning weaving classes in Tallahassee, Florida. That's in the northern part, anyway, and people there might be able to help you find somebody closer to you. The weaving guild in Tallahassee is very nice. It is called Sever Hills Handweavers, and there is a great yarn source there as well.
http://www.textilelinks.com/guild/fl.htm... This is a list of guilds in the state of Florida.
Good luck! You can learn on your own with a book and/or DVD and Internet connection, but it saves lots of time to take a class or two.
Bonnie Inouye
I would definitely not try to weave a rug on a Baby Wolf. I have tried it and it did not work out well for me. I could not get the tension tight enough. The Baby Wolf is an X frame loom, which folds, and therefore has some give in it. The Baby Wolf is a great loom, but not a rug loom. A good rug loom is a box frame, which, when you look at it set up, the outer edges of the loom are shaped liked a box. The sturdiness of the box frame is great for creating high tension for rugs. Also you can place a weight on the beater bar to get a nice heavy beat. Sometimes you can find an old inexpensive rug loom on the internet. A newer one is more costly. If you can be content with a 4H rug loom, then there are some good buys on the internet. The 8 or more tend to be expensive.
Diane Kelly (one of the tech editors of Handwoven mag) has a weaving studio called "Firesong" in Bedford, PA (a lot closer to Johnstown than the Mannings although the Mannings is a great place). Diane gives weaving lessons so you might want to talk to her. She lives on a farm in MD but comes up to Bedford mainly on weekends for the studio, shop, and lessons. The phone # off her business card is 301-854-4848.
Diane's farm is called "Firesong Farm" -- her farm and studio in Bedford (also Firesong) is in the blog for Somerhill Farm (don't know the relationship). Anyway, probably best to call her if you're interested in lessons. She has a website for the studio but it's under construction so for now you just see the title page (www.firesongstudio.com) The shop is closed till spring but Diane has been coming up to give lessons. Bedford is a really nice place to visit-- small but we can claim to be home of the Whiskey Rebellion (George Washington slept here!).
