I'll be getting a tapestry loom pretty soon, but I have to make up my mind and I need help!!! I've never done any kind of weaving (except pot holders when I was a kid), but I know I want to do tapestry and not the other sort of weaving-just yet anyway.  I would like a good loom with good instructions and tools included.  I've looked at and read about Leclerc Penelope II, which seems to have all you would need to get started, also Archie Brennan-not sure if anything comes with that loom, Schacht, I think it has everything too and a Mirrix, which I don't think has anything with it and it's really to pricey for my budget.

Here lies the problem-I've read reviews and personal accounts at different weaving sites and forums and it seems, according to a few people,  that the Penelope II is a great loom, but if you tighten up the tension that you will need for tapestry, the loom will torque.  That can't be good. Penelope II was really my first choice, but then I read that and thought maybe I should check out other affordable looms in the 23"-25" size range. So. if this is the case, if I get any of the others, I'm going to have to come up with more money for the extras I will need and how much more will I have to buy?

I need a loom I can use, probably for a lifetime. I seriously doubt I will be able to afford another loom as I am about to retire and funds will be a little tight. Fortunately, I will be doing my own yarn making, I spin and have access to free wool so that part of the process is OK.  Most of the projects I have in mind are going to be decorative in nature-wall hangings, sculptural weaving and perhaps some tapestry pieces for clothing or books. (My head is full of ideas!)

Any help will be appreciated. Your opinions are welcome. Your experiences with any of these, or others, will also be most helpful!

 

Thanks so much!

Pam

Comments

Thu, 03/29/2012 - 11:13

tommye scanlin

My opinion on this is that the Archie Brennan style loom will be the most versatile and inexpensive way to go. Yes, it's simply a frame but the design is such that it can be built to any size you want (even if you want to go quite large, the plumbing pipe or even scaffolding can be used). This loom type, however, is a simple frame and the sheds would have to be made by a rod through one shed (every other warp end would be held forward on a dowel), and either finger picking the opposite shed or tying leashes. Leashes are not hard to make but sort of tricky to do, at first. And there's not really a good diagram/description of how to make them out there to be easily found. Archie Brennan shows the leashing process in the DVD that he and Susan Maffei have made. The DVD is a wonderfully rich resource to use to learn about tapestry--it has a hefty price (over $200) but it's as if you have a "permanent" workshop with you all the time! About commercial looms of the brands you've mentioned... I'd say that the Mirrix would be the best -- even if more expensive. If you could venture into a commercial floor loom range... my highest recommendation would be for the Fireside Cantilever Tapestry loom. Email me privately if you want more info. Good luck on your search! Tommye
Thu, 03/29/2012 - 12:07

Artistry

Pamela, I have worked on a small pipe loom ( in Tommye's workshop) and it was easy to warp and use. I have several tapestry looms. My favorite of your size is the Mirrix because of it's strength, you can really get a good tension. Perhaps you can get one used? I've had the the small Schacht and the bottom rod did warp from tension. Good luck!
Thu, 03/29/2012 - 22:12

Pamela Hunt

Tommye and Cathie thanks so much for your input on this!  I've done quite abit of research today and I have made a decision about my loom. I don't think I will be disappointed with the Mirrix, so that is what I am going with. I like that it is so versatile and it seems that, should I ever want to sell it and get something else, it has a good re-sale value-not that I think I would ever want to sell it-I can see the wisdom of having more than one loom for the same reason I have two spinning wheels! I am especially pleased that there are four coils(dents) giving me any size I could possibly want! I'm anxious to try that feature out as I am interested in one day being able to use my fingering and lace weight handspun yarns in tapestries.

So, now to wait for the end of April when my check arrives and I can order!!  Meanwhile, more reading and learning about weaving before I actually begin!

Thanks again, ladies!! I so appreciate your good help!

Pam