with a journey loom?

www.weavingalife.com/index.php

I keep looking at it and it certainly appeals, I think because of its simplicity as well as its philosophy. I like equipment I can just pack up and take with me.

Comments

Fri, 06/26/2009 - 11:26

Cheekyredhead (not verified)

I've been looking at the same loom for the same reasons.

Fri, 06/26/2009 - 13:13

kathkol (not verified)

 Well, that makes three of us!  But I don't know of anyone around me who has one or any experience with one.  I was particularly taken by their garden loom.  I have been working hard on my gardens this year (summer here Caroline:)) and I think that something like that would be a perfect addition.

Fri, 06/26/2009 - 13:31

francorios (not verified)

Yes, I've seen that website before.

If I had $100 to spare, I would buy one of the Journey looms. The wood looks nice, the design looks good.

I like little frame looms. I would like to try a big frame loom too.

I make little frame looms out of stuff I find at hand, but having a "professionally" made loom would be nice.

Have a good day!

Franco Rios

Sacramento, Calif.

Fri, 06/26/2009 - 14:38

Cheekyredhead (not verified)

Now that I think about it (needed a bit more coffee to get my brain going this morning) you might want to ask the same question in the Tapestry Weavers forum since this s a tapestry loom.  I'm the list mom there. *headdesk*

Fri, 06/26/2009 - 15:00

Caroline (not verified)

Mmmmmmm! wouldn't it be lovely in a garden! and the larger indoor one for demonstrations, I could sell myself on a set of these quite easily, lol! And made by someone else! No matter how basic or simple, its the made by a craftsman bit that also appeals as like Franco I tend to use whatever is handy to make a loom when I need one.

I'm not knocking home-made looms, quite the contrary! You cannot beat the simple frame loom that can sit in your lap, or against the table or whatever, and where you can get really engrossed with what you are doing so that you are part of it. But just as I appreciate  the feel of fine wood when I am using my Greensleeves spindle, I'm sure I'd feel the same about the exotic ( to me) wood of the Journey loom.

I guess I'd better start saving! ;-) !

Mon, 06/29/2009 - 14:35

bolivian warmi

i'm intrigued by all this talk of the Journey loom. Is it an Ashford or is the brand name Journey? i would like o check it out.

Oops! Scratch that-I just saw the link at the top of the page-thanks Caroline!

Sun, 07/05/2009 - 15:59

Weaver

 I have a Journey loom and it is delightful. There is something so Zen about sitting on the rocks by the shore, weaving by the simplest means. It is primarily a tapestry loom, but with a finer warp, tied over some tensioning sticks, you can weave balanced cloth.

I have a photo essay about my Journey loom on my blog. 

Mon, 07/06/2009 - 00:17

Caroline (not verified)

Ooooh! how could you!!!!!!!!!! <grin> I must seriously consider this as my next purchase, like I really need another loom! But its so neat that it packs up in a bag. My upright charkha packs away like that. Since I spindle spin, unless doing a large run of the one fibre,  this seems to be the logical way for me to go.

I think with a little imagination one could weave anything on this loom! And that would be great. I'm off to have another little coveting session.

Wed, 07/22/2009 - 06:25

Caroline (not verified)

Well, my Journey Loom has arrived! I picked it up on my way to spinning/weaving group this morning. One of the bolts provided with it wasn't quite long enough, but I have still had it up and running. Its very nice to use!

I want to sit quietly and read and digest the book, or perhaps even just listen to it instead on the cd, because there are all sorts of intriguing things to try. I like the idea its so spiritual and simple, and it packs up beautifully into its bag. As I was setting it up I was already planning on what I could put on it to take to spinning group, so  I will soon be wondering how I managed without it! That is once I've worked my way through all the projects that come with it, lol!  I really want to experiment with the face masks!

Wed, 07/22/2009 - 12:01

kathkol (not verified)

 You got one!  Congratulations!  I am anxious to hear all about it  Those masks are intriguing.  

I am still thinking about doing something like the garden loom in our yard.

Wed, 07/22/2009 - 19:49

Cheekyredhead (not verified)

I ordered mine yesterday!  I just couldn't resist.

Wed, 07/22/2009 - 20:14

claudia (not verified)

Please send us pictues as you get it going.  I would love to see it in action.

In case you haven't had a chance to try putting pictures in your post, the easiest thing is to click on the last icon on the bar above the reply box and follow the directions in the help section "Uploading pictures".  That's how I learned.  Alison and team did a wonderful job on the help topics and I have found them very useful (I'm marketing not technical in the team).

I have a Navajo loom which looks very similar to the Journey loom but is not very portable.

I have this one:

Wed, 07/22/2009 - 20:22

francorios (not verified)

I'm jealous.

What are the dimensions of the loom? It looks like it could weave something the size of a sheet of paper.

Have a good day!

Franco Rios

Fri, 07/24/2009 - 05:19

Caroline (not verified)

Here is the first picture, warped upside down, because I was in such a hurry to play, lol!

Its 25 inches long, and about 13 inches wide, and the weaving space is about 18 x 11 inches. Its nice to use, and it all fits into a long slim bag if you want to take it anywhere. A good introduction to tapestry weaving for someone who is not into DIY, and for those into DIY, its always a treat to have a loom made by someone else and this one feels right.

I've been reading the book, and there is a lot to take in. It explains Susan Merrill's philosophy of life, and I'm usually not keen on those sort of books, but this one is easy to read and think about. I shall do each project in the order she specifies, and the first thing I want to do is get the book recorded onto an MP3 player so I can weave and listen to it at the same time. She's not promoting anything, not even her own looms, and its an interesting read, so I'm pleased I bought it!

Sat, 07/25/2009 - 00:10

djfiberarts (not verified)

You mean you can't just slip that loom right into your purse? ;)

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 14:30

SaoriSaltSpring (not verified)

Well, you've all inspired me and I've just ordered one.  Great to have a loom to take with me - even on a hike.   My Saori looms travel well in the car, but not in my pack....

Weave on...

Terri

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 15:17

Weaver

Enjoy your Journey loom! Mine has brought me much pleasure, and I am looking forward to weaving the final project in it.

Take a careful look at the diagonal braces along the top. The notches in the sticks should interlock together. I can't tell for sure, but it looks like you might have the notch facing up on the right side brace, the one that is on top. I'm not sure it does any harm, but it must have been difficult to attach the bolt.

Tue, 07/28/2009 - 21:30

Noreen Crone-Findlay

I have the Journey loom and love it. The book is wonderful, and definitely on my list of favorites.

I am sad about my Journey loom, though, because I used it in my upcoming book, The Woven Bag, and my publisher is keeping it for photographs. I won't be getting it back for another 5 months! ack!

I miss it!

Enjoy your Journey Loom - it's lovely.....

wistfully

Noreen

PS: I tried to upload a picture of a doll that I wove on my Journey loom, but can't figure out how to do that! When I hit the image button, it sent me to a strange place and wouldn't let me access my photos.

How confusing!

Wed, 07/29/2009 - 14:07

Caroline (not verified)

hi Noreen, they have changed the uploading method for photos, so we can no longer access our old photos. I couldn't find my calculator to resize the photos I wanted to post so it came out far too big! I posted a thread on "weavolution help" asking what the problem was, but after an initial response, I am still waiting to find out if we can get our photos back. None of yours are visible in your profile anymore, but a few members still have their avatars visible when you click on their photos tab.

 

Wed, 07/29/2009 - 16:15

Noreen Crone-Findlay

Hi Caroline

I don't understand how Weavolution works, so I need to take the time to read the help files... I am sure that that will make it more user friendly for me. At this point, its all baffling! Which means that I am not very active on it!

Now.... to find the time to do that.... hmmmmm

LOL!

Noreen

 

Thu, 07/30/2009 - 23:32

Cheekyredhead (not verified)

My Journey Loom arrived today.  Instead of the the post cards I was sent the DVD and instructions for building an Earth Loom which I think is so cool.  I'm going to see if my husband will build me one in our back yard.  I'm going to read the book tonight and get started on my first weaving tomorrow.

Fri, 07/31/2009 - 10:58

Caroline (not verified)

Thats fantastic! We will have to organise a "show and tell"  when we are a bit further along with our weaving and reading. I didn't order a DVD because we are in a different region for dvds to you guys, grrrr, not that I really understand too much of what that means, or why it should be.

I've just realised we are all proud mums to some beautiful tabby cats, ;-)!

Fri, 07/31/2009 - 12:47

Cheekyredhead (not verified)

I'll post pictures when I get my amulet done.  Yes we do have wonderful kitties!

Fri, 07/31/2009 - 15:33

Weaver

I really enjoyed weaving my amulet. I used some old handspun wool.  Madder-dyed red and natural black and white. The wool was a bit springy, and I remember using a dinner fork as a tapestry beater. It looked awfully plain when it was done, so I added beads. This piece set a theme for the rest of the pieces. I am trying to use some handspun or hand dyed wool in all of them.

I am now at the point of planning the final keyform, the shawl. The book has made the entire series more than just a weaving project. It has encouraged me to use my weaving time for meditation or setting intentions. The rhythm of weaving really opens me up to relax and receive.

Sat, 08/01/2009 - 01:32

Caroline (not verified)

That looks great! I've taken mine off the loom, but haven't finished it. The how to decorate it bit has me stumped, as the beads I have look too artificial, and the natural stones I have are the wrong colour. I used the yarn that came with the Amulet kit, which is linen warp and wool singles weft, but I have just had an idea, so hopefully I shall have a photo to post later, if it feels right.

Yes, the book does give a totally different perspective! I haven't read very much yet as I want to do the projects as I read, but I'm looking forward to doing each one, and gaining insight as I go.

Sat, 08/01/2009 - 09:00

Caroline (not verified)

I finished my amulet this afternoon! I'm quite pleased with it, despite all the faults.

The warp is natural linen, and red cotton, and the weft is wool. It came as a kit with my loom.

From now on, its my choice of yarn, so I am hunting up where I've hidden my stash, hehe!

 

Sat, 08/01/2009 - 13:22

Weaver

Your amulet is beautiful!

I like the combination of linen warp with wool. I know I have a spool of linen somewhere in my studio. 

To my mind, this is a very expressive and personal style of weaving. Much like Saori weaving, in that there are no faults, only only the subtle individuality and beauty of Nature Herself.

Tue, 08/04/2009 - 05:04

Caroline (not verified)

I love your receiving bowl! Did you use sari silk for this? I like using sari silk singles in tapestry weaving as it gives a lovely texture like moss, very organic, and the colours are wonderful. I spin my own so I can control how the colours change, and actually produce a sequence of colours if I need to. Its also a much softer and finer yarn than the commercially spun yarn from Nepal, which is how I prefer it, but its also more fragile as I put in less twist, and only really suitable for small pieces.

Tue, 08/04/2009 - 14:39

Weaver

Yes, it's sari silk.

This is the second receiving bowl that I've woven, and I was curious how the weight of the yarn influences the shape of the bowl. I used strands of needlepoint wool for my first bowl, because I have lots of it that I dyed with natural dyes, and it came out a bit soft and more oval than round.

This is commerically spun sari silk, quite firm and heavy. It produced a bowl with slight ribs on the bottom, and it's very firm. Also mossy in texture, which I love.

However, it is also oval, but in the opposite direction.

There must be an optimium yarn thickness that will make a perfectly round bowl. Such is the challenge of working from instructions rather than a cartoon of the desired shape.

Clearly, I have received the gift of curiousity in my bowl.

Thu, 09/03/2009 - 17:42

Noreen Crone-Findlay

Joy! joy joy! My Journey loom is now home again (along with a box full of other small looms- they had been sitting at my publisher's for a year) ... can't wait to get warped up again!

:o) Noreen

Fri, 09/04/2009 - 12:14

Michael White

Well Claudia I would guess you are very happy about all the people that have respondent to this thread. This is what Weavoution is all about, bring weavers together to talk, ask questions and just have fun. I do not have a comment on the Journey Loom, but it does look like fun. I am posting a picture of one of our two cats, this is Cashmere. Her fur is as soft as the name implies, yes, her eyes are that blue.

Michael

Fri, 09/04/2009 - 12:54

Caroline (not verified)

Thats great news Noreen! Mine is a little neglected between a nasty ear infection and the backstrap WAL, so I must get back to it and get myself grounded again. I want to do another receiving bowl, i have some special yarn that is calling to be used.

Fri, 09/04/2009 - 13:07

Caroline (not verified)

Michael, she is a very beautiful cat!

Yes, the Journey Loom is fun - its very simple, and that is what its all about. No harnesses, or treadles, just fingers, natural fibres and a simple over and under to create something. For me, its a form of meditation, and I like it because it fits in with my use of a drop spindle for spinning - it keeps me grounded and relaxed in an ever-increasingly fast , violent and selfish society.

 

Fri, 06/26/2009 - 11:26

Cheekyredhead (not verified)

I've been looking at the same loom for the same reasons.

Fri, 06/26/2009 - 13:13

kathkol (not verified)

 Well, that makes three of us!  But I don't know of anyone around me who has one or any experience with one.  I was particularly taken by their garden loom.  I have been working hard on my gardens this year (summer here Caroline:)) and I think that something like that would be a perfect addition.

Fri, 06/26/2009 - 13:31

francorios (not verified)

Yes, I've seen that website before.

If I had $100 to spare, I would buy one of the Journey looms. The wood looks nice, the design looks good.

I like little frame looms. I would like to try a big frame loom too.

I make little frame looms out of stuff I find at hand, but having a "professionally" made loom would be nice.

Have a good day!

Franco Rios

Sacramento, Calif.

Fri, 06/26/2009 - 14:38

Cheekyredhead (not verified)

Now that I think about it (needed a bit more coffee to get my brain going this morning) you might want to ask the same question in the Tapestry Weavers forum since this s a tapestry loom.  I'm the list mom there. *headdesk*

Fri, 06/26/2009 - 15:00

Caroline (not verified)

Mmmmmmm! wouldn't it be lovely in a garden! and the larger indoor one for demonstrations, I could sell myself on a set of these quite easily, lol! And made by someone else! No matter how basic or simple, its the made by a craftsman bit that also appeals as like Franco I tend to use whatever is handy to make a loom when I need one.

I'm not knocking home-made looms, quite the contrary! You cannot beat the simple frame loom that can sit in your lap, or against the table or whatever, and where you can get really engrossed with what you are doing so that you are part of it. But just as I appreciate  the feel of fine wood when I am using my Greensleeves spindle, I'm sure I'd feel the same about the exotic ( to me) wood of the Journey loom.

I guess I'd better start saving! ;-) !

Mon, 06/29/2009 - 14:35

bolivian warmi

i'm intrigued by all this talk of the Journey loom. Is it an Ashford or is the brand name Journey? i would like o check it out.

Oops! Scratch that-I just saw the link at the top of the page-thanks Caroline!

Sun, 07/05/2009 - 15:59

Weaver

 I have a Journey loom and it is delightful. There is something so Zen about sitting on the rocks by the shore, weaving by the simplest means. It is primarily a tapestry loom, but with a finer warp, tied over some tensioning sticks, you can weave balanced cloth.

I have a photo essay about my Journey loom on my blog. 

Mon, 07/06/2009 - 00:17

Caroline (not verified)

Ooooh! how could you!!!!!!!!!! <grin> I must seriously consider this as my next purchase, like I really need another loom! But its so neat that it packs up in a bag. My upright charkha packs away like that. Since I spindle spin, unless doing a large run of the one fibre,  this seems to be the logical way for me to go.

I think with a little imagination one could weave anything on this loom! And that would be great. I'm off to have another little coveting session.

Wed, 07/22/2009 - 06:25

Caroline (not verified)

Well, my Journey Loom has arrived! I picked it up on my way to spinning/weaving group this morning. One of the bolts provided with it wasn't quite long enough, but I have still had it up and running. Its very nice to use!

I want to sit quietly and read and digest the book, or perhaps even just listen to it instead on the cd, because there are all sorts of intriguing things to try. I like the idea its so spiritual and simple, and it packs up beautifully into its bag. As I was setting it up I was already planning on what I could put on it to take to spinning group, so  I will soon be wondering how I managed without it! That is once I've worked my way through all the projects that come with it, lol!  I really want to experiment with the face masks!

Wed, 07/22/2009 - 12:01

kathkol (not verified)

 You got one!  Congratulations!  I am anxious to hear all about it  Those masks are intriguing.  

I am still thinking about doing something like the garden loom in our yard.

Wed, 07/22/2009 - 19:49

Cheekyredhead (not verified)

I ordered mine yesterday!  I just couldn't resist.

Wed, 07/22/2009 - 20:14

claudia (not verified)

Please send us pictues as you get it going.  I would love to see it in action.

In case you haven't had a chance to try putting pictures in your post, the easiest thing is to click on the last icon on the bar above the reply box and follow the directions in the help section "Uploading pictures".  That's how I learned.  Alison and team did a wonderful job on the help topics and I have found them very useful (I'm marketing not technical in the team).

I have a Navajo loom which looks very similar to the Journey loom but is not very portable.

I have this one:

Wed, 07/22/2009 - 20:22

francorios (not verified)

I'm jealous.

What are the dimensions of the loom? It looks like it could weave something the size of a sheet of paper.

Have a good day!

Franco Rios

Fri, 07/24/2009 - 05:19

Caroline (not verified)

Here is the first picture, warped upside down, because I was in such a hurry to play, lol!

Its 25 inches long, and about 13 inches wide, and the weaving space is about 18 x 11 inches. Its nice to use, and it all fits into a long slim bag if you want to take it anywhere. A good introduction to tapestry weaving for someone who is not into DIY, and for those into DIY, its always a treat to have a loom made by someone else and this one feels right.

I've been reading the book, and there is a lot to take in. It explains Susan Merrill's philosophy of life, and I'm usually not keen on those sort of books, but this one is easy to read and think about. I shall do each project in the order she specifies, and the first thing I want to do is get the book recorded onto an MP3 player so I can weave and listen to it at the same time. She's not promoting anything, not even her own looms, and its an interesting read, so I'm pleased I bought it!

Sat, 07/25/2009 - 00:10

djfiberarts (not verified)

You mean you can't just slip that loom right into your purse? ;)

Mon, 07/27/2009 - 14:30

SaoriSaltSpring (not verified)

Well, you've all inspired me and I've just ordered one.  Great to have a loom to take with me - even on a hike.   My Saori looms travel well in the car, but not in my pack....

Weave on...

Terri