Hi all,
I am considering buying a countermarch loom, possibly a Julia, and was wondering if it's possible to get a firm enough beat to use for rag rugs? I am used to my heavy Tools of the Trade but after almost 2 years of being unable to bond with this loom, I am selling it. I want to replace it with a loom that I can weave everything from scarves, shawls and household items (think linen) to rag rugs. I want something with an intuitive and relatively easy tie up.
I'm open to loom suggestions.
Claudia
I have the glimakra ideal and find it terrific for weaving everything. I have not tried the julia, but I know it is a lighter loom, so when you beat hard you may get some loom walking. The Ideal does not walk. It is great for rugs, linen and fine, very fine wool. I really do like the glimakra product.
My impression of the original Julia was that it was a little shaky, but didn't I hear somewhere that Glimakra has modified it? Joanne at GlimakraUSA is well worth contacting with this question.
Hi,
The Julia frame is very sturdy, as are all the Glimakra loom's frames. But the lighter a loom is the more likely it is to move. I put a little square of rug backing under the front legs of the Julia and it does not move. It usually does not move on a carpeted floor.
The other consideration that it is not a jack loom and it has a hanging beater. So, you do not need to beat hard to get a tight weave. I just wove a weft faced wool runner and I had to remind myself to beat lightly as it is possible to beat it too tightly.
Joanne
Interesting that your Ideal doesn't walk. I have a standard which I've been working with for about a month, and it walks! I will soon put some braces to hold it in place, but for now it moves a foot or more with just a few inches of weaving. Loom dancing! I'm loving this loom!
Aunt Janet
