First and foremost I hope I'm posting this in the right area.
It's been a dream of mine since I was a child to weave my own fabrics, tapestries, and perhaps even artistic hangings. I think I may now have a chance to bring my dream to fruition.
I am/was a professional sewer for over 20 years so working with fabrics, even hand woven fabrics, is not something new to me. I've watched for years in fascination others who weave their magic and have finally gathered the courage to leap in with both feet. Though I have watched and read much, I am very new to weaving. I have read many books, watched videos, and am kind of familiar with the basic functioning of a loom. I've woven fabrics together in sewing, but never woven my own fabric.
Like I said, I have been a sewer for the last 25+ years and since I was a boy I remember being fascinated with weaving. Recently I came across what I thought was a table top loom in a second hand shop on which I could finally learn to weave so I bought it. (Picture below.) The price was incredibly inexpensive ($125 minus markdowns at a resale shop) so I thought it would be a small thing on which I could learn the basics, but when I unfolded it I was taken aback - I had bought a small folding floor loom. It is in very rough shape and I am very willing to put the time and effort into fixing it. In face I have already taken it apart to begin the sanding and staining process and already have the beater assembly finished. I've bought new ropes, new hooks, screws, and should have the whole thing stained in the next week, but one thing has me stumped on the loom. The four heddles appeared to hang from the top bar by rubber bands which appear to be lowered by the treddles - at least that's the way the previous owner had it set up. This seems counter intuitive to me, but like I said, that's the way the previous owner had it set up. So, I bought some light springs which should work better than the rubber bands.
I'd like to honor the previous owner, but I can't seem to find any information online about such a setup. I'm including a picture of the loom below. My wife thinks I'm nuts, but I think this loom has promise. There are no markings anywhere on the loom that I can find. It may have been hand built for someone or by someone, but it seems professionally made. Again, I have no experience with looms so I am somewhat out of my league here. In taking it apart I did find out the reed is a 15 dent. The whole loom is about 27" wide and has 4 treddles.
I know I need some supplies for this loom. It did not come with a shuttle, threaders, springs, or other small items. Also, the crank handles are fairly well rusted. It needs love and attention which I am very willing to give it. I believe it will be a fantastic tool for years of weaving.
I'm looking forward to taking classes, or other instruction, and am on the hunt for resources for supplies. So far trying to contact local organizations and suppliers has been fruitless - no responses to emails or phone calls. I think that's kind of disturbing, but so be it.
Thank you so very much for your time, patience and help.
Sincerely Yours,
Ken in Milwaukee
