Know what I've been doing? Weaving! This isn't my first time weaving. I attended a Waldorf school for my freshman year of high school. That was around 20 years ago, which makes me feel a little bit old. I absolutely loved weaving but we had a limit to how many projects we could do so as not to exhaust the supply of yarn.
To be honest, we don't really have the space for it, but I decided to add the stand to my wish list and if I got it, I'd treat myself to the loom. Thanks to my dad I'm now officially a weaver again.
What you see there is a 32" Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom and stand.
It comes unfinished, so Friday and Saturday, I oiled all the parts and assembled them. After that, I grabbed some lightweight cotton yarn I had on cones. It is really a bit too thin for the reed that came with the loom, but I wanted some relatively inexpensive fiber to work with to get my feet wet.
I didn't do a terribly good job warping this so my warp tension was all crazy. It makes it a little bit harder to get the shuttle through but I managed.
My selvage wasn't much better than my warp, but I was able to get a somewhat even tension in the middle.
The final product is an over-sized washcloth or a very small table cloth, or...something. Who cares, I wove it and that's good enough for me.
Oooh that looks like fun. I couldn't possibly add another hobby to my list...could I?
Hey, that almost looks hammock-like on the loom. It would be cool to make dog hammocks! Hamster hammocks! Hen hammocks... (ok, I'll shut up now) : )
Very cool! Weaving is something I've always wanted to do, but I'm forcing myself to be realistic about the space and money constraints, so right now, a Weavette is the best I can do! You look like you're having fun, though!
How fun!
I have a Kromski Harp rigid heddle loom which is very similar to what you have. I had never woven anything in my life when I bought it but I really wanted to learn, which I did.
My poor loom has been neglected for some time... seeing yours makes me want to bring it out for a go.
Have fun!
Oh, I am jealous! I just want a little one for scarves, but holy cow yours is pretty!
That really came out pretty! You never cease to amaze me! Glad to see you having so much fun with it! :)
You go, Marnie! Now I can indulge my inner weaver by watching you. I missed you at yesterday's get-together.
I have been thinking about weaving a lot lately. It's something that has always appealed but I've never had the opportunity to learn. I found a place not too far away that offers classes - so I'm thinking for starting in April when we get back from Palo Alto. I will definitely have to get rid of some furniture in our house to make room for a loom.
I think your tension looks very even! Nice job!!! I love to weave, but hate warping. Can't wait to see what else you create....
Now that I've been spinning, it makes weaving tremendously appealing. (I guess it's a total gateway drug.) Realistically, I don't have time or space for it in my life, but the idea weaving handspun has great appeal. Okay, I feel like I'm going off some kumbayaah deep-end now. I'm gonna have to go listen to some punk rock for a while or something.)
Ooh, a loom! I have yet to acquire a wheel- now you're gonna tempt me with this loom business? ;) I look forward to seeing your weaving projects!
That even a set of tension and beating results with COTTON after a bunch of years?! You're a natural.
You can do a heck of a lot with a rigid heddle. It's like an open-sesame tool. Simple equipment, limitless possibilities. Have fun!