November? Really? Where did the last 10 months go? So we are on the countdown to the holidays. Are you working on presents or is it just the normal routine? I did not accomplish as much during Halloweave as I wanted but I did advance on the towel warp - the never ending towel warp - that has been on the MW for 2 and a half years. That will be off the loom this week and I am getting ready to warp the loom for the color challenge project. Share your progress, lack of progress, frustrations and triumphs as we near the end of the year. Weave on!

Comments

Fri, 11/18/2016 - 03:25

Queezle

I'm obsessing a bit about a used Toika Jaana that has a reduced price, and it reasonable.  The current owner never did get it to work, and unfortunately, it has an underslung rather than hanging beater (I hear what you say, Joanne, and think its wise advice to get tools that are good for your body).  I've only used jack looms, and am quite intrigued by countermarch. 

So I would love to hear more about your experience, the loom model you have, and how it compares with other looms you have used.

Fri, 11/18/2016 - 06:50

Gone

Honestly Queezle, not knowing anything about these looms other than the one I have, I'd do some serious investigation into it!  LOL. 

This is a whole new experience for me, but I can't say enough about the quality of this loom and the ease of assembly/disassembly. I had it taken apart, hauled upstairs and back together in 20 minutes! There are no screws! They are nothing like American/jack looms. There are LOTS of people using CM looms so they can't be that difficult to learn. It's just s different way of thinking. (down is up and up is down - Hah! That and everything gets tied up!)  If I learn this thing, I'm sure you'd get it in a snap! I don't know yet how it will be physically to weave on, but I won't be using the wooden stool anyway. I use a padded piano bench. I'm still learning the most comfortable positions for threading and such. All learning curve there. But warping was a breeze!  They're constructed of Birch wood, which is a durable, stable and solid wood but lighter than maple or oak. Very smart.

From what you're saying, if the owner couldn't get it to work it's possible it was 'operator error' rather than any inherent flaw in the loom itself. I mean, aside from the shafts, jacks, lams, beater and rollers, there are only 8 pieces to the loom, including breast and warp beams! If it didn't work, and all the parts are there, then it had to be set up incorrectly (unless something was broken).  If you are serious about a CM loom, I'd do some real investigation into what the problem was that caused the owner such grief. That might give you a good hint as to whether it's a flaw or a 'nut loose behind the wheel' ;-)

But first check the age of the loom. A pre-80's loom, you might not be able to get parts for. If yours has a worm gear warp advance, it is the most recent upgrade, so parts are still available. If not, then 'blue' metal ratchets was the oldest. The silver metal being the second. Mine is 1982 and the metal parts are a 'cream' color - go figure! I don't know why, but it wasn't repainted either. Nice neutral color and it matches the wood too!

I was told by Leslie Bestor at WEBS that Toika had 2 upgrades from their original designs. Some of the parts from the previous 2 changes are not available now. I'm lucky everything was included with mine and I don't have to buy anything. 

Toika's are solid looms - and I don't even know how to use mine yet! I just haven't had the time lately to devote to 'getting it'. But things have freed up now and I have the next couple months to get to know my new friend.

Underslung v. overslung beater? I can't say. No experience with overslung. But I've only ever used underslung and the beater is adjustable and it's got some 'heft' to it too.

All that said, WEBS is the only dealer in the US for Toika. They only ship every 3 months = The one drawback.  You can't order directly from Toika. I ordered some treadle spacers. They'll be coming some time in January.  :-(  Thankfully they're not a necessity.

 

Fri, 11/18/2016 - 15:26

Joanne Hall

Here is what I have experienced.

When you have a hanging beater, the motion is easy on your arms and shoulders.  A fast beat gives you a harder beat. 

The Finnish looms have heavy beaters, especially on the wider looms.  If you have a lower beater and you want a lighter beat, such as for a balanced weave, for a scarf, or a fabric that you don't want to be stiff, you need to keep the fell line very close to the beater.  If you advance the warp a little further than usual, the beater can fall against the fell line and you have a harder beat.  So, you have to advance frequently and not too far to keep an even beat with a heavy beater if it is not a hanging beater.

Joanne

Fri, 11/18/2016 - 15:35

Joanne Hall

The Toika Jaana is a loom meant to be compact and short.  I recently taught a workshop at a shop that had one and we wove one of the workshop samples on it.  I thik that it is the 39 inch one, but it also came in 32 inches weaving width.

The breast beam height is very low, so all the lamms are on the same level.  There isn't enough height for the lamms to be on two different levels.  It is not common to have more than 4 shafts in this case, since the lamms get spread out too far.  We only used it with four shafts, so I don't know how it would work with 8 shafts.   

If you get it, plan to put it up on blocks of wood to add some height for more leg space, unless you are very short. 

It would have the advantages of the countermarch, giving you a good shed, which means that the warp threads on the bottom of the shed would be just as tight as the threads in the top of the shed.  And you can weave with the warp tensioned very tightly, which makes weaving easier. 

Joanne

 

Fri, 11/18/2016 - 19:51

Gone

That's an interesting note Joanne! Thanks for that heads-up.

Weighting the lams? I will certainly watch for this. I should be able to spend some time this weekend on it.  Maybe actually throw a shuttle too!

Tom

Fri, 11/18/2016 - 19:56

Erica J

I was excited to see the announcement of Convergence 2018. I'm not sure how we are going to work logistics, but we've got a bit to figure that out!

I have the 9 meter warp wound, rough sleiged and it's ready to go on the warp beam this weekend. Wish me luck!!

Fri, 11/18/2016 - 22:16

ShawnC

I have 2 Varpapuu looms. One is the Finlandia (similar to the Liisa). I don't mind the underslung beater, but don't enjoy having the closed sides (think Glimakra Ideal). It also means you can't easily hang another set of shafts for 2 harness weaves. The other Varpapuu I have was made for Berga and is the Savonia. Open like the standard and similar to the Eeva. I prefer it, though the Finlandia has a worm gear. So, if I were to be buying a 'new' one, I'd go for the open sided loom (like the Standard Glimakra).  Just my 2 cents.

Sat, 11/19/2016 - 13:56

Erica J

I'm beaming on the wool warp .  I did finish up the warp repp table runner. I possibly have enough warp left for some place mats, but I think I'm moving on to exploring 4 shafts weaves again! :)

Sat, 11/19/2016 - 20:32

Queezle

Thank you all for your input.  After a lot of thought, I am going to hold off on this loom for now.  Its fairly small, possibly an awkward size.  It did make me realize that I want to play with a countermarch loom. 

Things are too hectic at the moment to actually go buy a loom.  My husband had emergency eye surgery yesterday (seems to have gone well), and with thanksgiving, there is just so much going on.  If the loom continues to languish in the classifieds, I will reconsider in December, and possibly go in with an offer that is in line with my ambivalence. 

Meanwhile, I did give the vision-challenged husband all the instructions for ordering me a Glimakra band loom for christmas.  After many years, I realize that subtle hints are not sufficient.  Only time will tell if this new strategy is any more effective. 

Oh and I also listed the Georgia Yarn Store gift certificates as something to suggest to family. 

 

Sun, 11/20/2016 - 08:08

Erica J

Thanks to the trapeze Oli J built me from Kati Meek's book, I was able to beam my 9 meter warp in under an hour yesterday! So I'll be threading and sleighing the reed on Thanksgiving (TJ goes to an English school and all the friends we're having over for Thanksgiving work English schedules, so Oli and I are home along for Thursday and Friday). Here are photos of the trapeze in action!

Blue wool warp from the back of the loom under tension.

Mon, 11/21/2016 - 03:07

theresasc

Queezle,  you finally caved to the Glimåkra band loom thread - made me laugh when I read that :-)  It should be a lot of fun to weave on.  I don't think that it is a bad idea to wait on the floor loom.  You should see if you are able to find someone near you that has a Swedish CM loom set up.  They are an impressive piece of equipment.   Of course,  if you are ever in Milwaukee or Chicago,  let me know.  I am in the middle of the two cities and you are welcome in my studio to check out my equipment:-)

Erica - love the trapeze pictures.   It amazed me at how much it helps to beam a warp on using one.  I rough-sleyed a reed with the last warp as well.  It took longer to set up vs. using a raddle, but the warp went on the loom smoother.  It seems with each new loom I am learning different techniques. 

 

 

Mon, 11/21/2016 - 14:21

sally orgren

My new Ashford Inklette, patiently waiting near a cairn on Comb Ridge, Utah.

The pattern is Dixon's "Baltic 13", but a different warp and treadling than my first (star motif) band.

I love the new tensioning peg that replaced the paddle. It means the loom fits in my computer bag or backpack, and fully warped as shown, produces 2 yards.

 

Mon, 11/21/2016 - 05:18

Queezle

Sally - I hope you are loving Utah.  There are so many amazing places in this state.

Theresa - I DID decide to get a band loom.  I blame it on the bag obsession that I think you gave me - haha.  I want matching straps for the bands, and I will start making loops for my dishtowels. 

That floor loom, sigh, drives me crazy.  But we had a medical issue here - my husband had a detatched retina, surgery on Friday, and that put things in perspective.  I have such ambivalence, and that is probably meaningful.  I will wait till after thanksgiving.  If the loom continues to hang out in the classifieds, I might go look at it with a weaver who understands countermarch.  And maybe make a low-ball offer that, if accepted, I could recover in sale of the same loom.

Everyone - have a great and safe Thanksgiving.

Mon, 11/21/2016 - 05:26

Yarnsnthreads (not verified)

I have been thinking a lot about inkle weaving. My mom is here visiting thorugh mid January, so my studio is now where my oldest daughter is sleeping and my baby wolf is folded up. I have a Schacht inkle loom that I love. I also have a 3D printed mini inkle but I am afraid to put too muvch tension on it. So I have been thinking about a mini inkle. I might just have to think a bit harder. While I can't weave on my "big"loom I am also thinking about making up some warps to handpaint and maybe for some towels which I really do need to make. My personal ones look just terrible.

Mon, 11/21/2016 - 15:08

Joanne Hall

The band loom will be fun to weave on during the holidays.  And you will have time to study the countermarch subject without the pressure of a decision about purchasing. 

Check the Glimakra website now and then, as countermarch looms are listed there. 

Joanne

PS  $1,000 is a lot to pay for a very short loom and I don't think that they are made anymore.

Tue, 11/22/2016 - 03:19

sally orgren

Loving Utah! This is maybe our 5th year hiking the southeast corner.

I usually bring two traveling looms and some spindle spinning when traveling. When not traveling, I prefer my shaft looms. And I don't have a wheel, I need the space for looms!

However, it is remarkable how much you can accomplish with smaller tools. "Slower by the hour, faster by the week" or something like that...

Mon, 11/21/2016 - 19:29

Erica J

It is great to follow your travels as always Sally! My advetures in weaving today were my explorations in blockweaves/ summer and winter. I only wove half of this design and then composited the entire design in Photoshop, which is farily obvious since my photo was not exactly square with the fabric.

Blue and white summer and winter with small blocks and large blocks.

Tue, 11/22/2016 - 13:25

Queezle

Sally, if you ever want some weaverly company hiking in Utah, let me know!  It would be fun to meet.

I finally finished the last of my purple rain dish towels, yes, that means I actually hemmed them.  At least one will be gifted this holiday weekend.

Wed, 11/23/2016 - 20:03

10ashus

Weavers with Medical Issues - backs, tendons, arthritis, weak grip, motor skills, memory

Many people's ailments could be helped by weaving. Many weavers adjust to an ailment - their projects, techniques, equipment, tools. I would like to start a group to collect the problems and advice. What would be a good name for the group?

Thu, 11/24/2016 - 18:28

Erica J

I am thankful for this great community! And boy was I weaverly today! I used my day off from the "other" job and enlisted the help fo Oli J in recording my next online class! This is my first time recording a class where I am mostly demonstrating the technique, so I am assuming this will need a lot of editing, so please don't expect to see teh class launch anytime soon. We need to record a few more segments tomorrow and then I need to do the set up shots and finally the editing. The good thing is though once I recomd my Warping Back to Front class I should have 2 new warps on looms! I am excited!!!

I am sure most everyone else is actually spending today with family. As we live in the UK and most of our American friends work a British schedule we are not having our big Thanksgiving meal until Saturday. So in the meantime I will be weaverly and look forward to seeing what you all get up to this weekend! :)

Thu, 11/24/2016 - 18:28

Erica J

I am thankful for this great community! And boy was I weaverly today! I used my day off from the "other" job and enlisted the help fo Oli J in recording my next online class! This is my first time recording a class where I am mostly demonstrating the technique, so I am assuming this will need a lot of editing, so please don't expect to see teh class launch anytime soon. We need to record a few more segments tomorrow and then I need to do the set up shots and finally the editing. The good thing is though once I recomd my Warping Back to Front class I should have 2 new warps on looms! I am excited!!!

I am sure most everyone else is actually spending today with family. As we live in the UK and most of our American friends work a British schedule we are not having our big Thanksgiving meal until Saturday. So in the meantime I will be weaverly and look forward to seeing what you all get up to this weekend! :)

Sun, 11/27/2016 - 16:16

laurafry

Spending the weekend teaching six new-ish weavers.  Two are returning after a long hiatus so need to refresh. :)

was so busy leaping from loom to loom helping each there was no time for photos.  :) 

so so happy to see more people wanting to explore making textiles!

Sun, 11/27/2016 - 17:57

Queezle

I am sure you are an amazing teacher - and such a good textile ambassador.

I just "helped" my husband to purchase a glimakra band loom for me for Christmas.  Just love the black friday on-line deals, which helped to give me a push.  I am pretty excited about this, and the fact that I can easily make handles for future bags, shoelaces, and loops for dish towels.  And just plain fun.

Mon, 11/28/2016 - 00:55

laurafry

WoW!  Am I ever tired!  And I hardly did anything today but answer a few questions.  (And lecture for a couple of hours, but...)  Great group.  Amazing progress.  New weavers taking on challenges and nailing them.  Makes my little heart go pitty pat.  :^)

Tue, 11/29/2016 - 00:48

Joyce (not verified)

is nearly complete.  It's off the loom and the fringe will be finished tonight. Pictures are in my projects page.  I'm nervous about throwing it in the wash to finish it.  Thinking a cold water, gentle cycle is the best route to take.  Thoughts, suggestions?  

Tue, 11/29/2016 - 01:23

10ashus

Progress. Today we went past the good idea stage and took action to move my weaving tools downstairs. (I requisitioned the tiny dining room. It is the size of a walk-in closet.)

No more waiting until someone has time to help me up the stairs. Hurray. Happiness is weaving with your own biorhythms.

 

Tue, 11/29/2016 - 03:02

sally orgren

I typically try and post only weaving-related images, but I couldn't resist sharing these two images from the Superstition Mountains in Arizona, taken yesterday morning.

This was the view looking back while hiking up the canyon:

And once we got to the top, this was the view of Weaver's Needle:

I was bummed to realize we missed an opportunity to visit tapestry artist Rebecca M, who is doing an artist-in-residence at Petrified Forest National Park.

Queezle (and any other weavers, spinners, or textile artists!) are welcome to join us on our next western hiking adventure.

Next up, I am bracing for work and holiday deadlines that are right around the corner.

Tue, 11/29/2016 - 05:23

Queezle

Oh what beautiful photos!  Do let me know next time, I will try to get away to meet you and hike!

I'm too sick for work, but not so sick that I cannot get out of bed.  Put the day to use measuring out a warp and dyeing some silk scarves.  This was my first attempt at Shibori, with three folded and clampted for a resist, and one wrapped around a PVC pipe (though too narrow) and crimped.  It was a lot of fun.  I used old procion dye (>20 yrs old), and I'm really quite happy with them.

 

Before:

After:

Wed, 11/30/2016 - 17:17

Erica J

How is it the last day in November already?!

I did get some weaving done on the organic cotton warp. I need to weave one last scarf on that warp. I'm weaving point twill on a straight draw threading, truly magical. :)

Wed, 11/30/2016 - 17:27

10ashus

Shame on you, Queezle. My Russell has been secluded in his workshop for 2 days building a rag rug loom for me. Now I want to try Shibori. That fabric is fantastic. Shibori rag rugs?

Wed, 11/30/2016 - 17:48

Queezle

... it is so fast.  The opposite of weaving.  I ordered a big box of white silk scarves, and now want to give a dyed on to everyone.  The hands-down favorite of the group is the one on the right, which is done by wrapping the scarf around a pipe, and then scrunching it down to make small pleats.  Mine came out more like sets of feathers.  Its also easier than ironing all the folds into the fabric.  This process is also getting me ready for ikat dyeing a warp.  I won't be super critical on the striping, but want some organized chaos in the warp colors. 

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