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.
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Comments (12)
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!
Posted by Deborah Robson | February 22, 2009 2:07 PM
Posted on February 22, 2009 14:07
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!
Posted by Nonnahs | February 18, 2009 10:55 AM
Posted on February 18, 2009 10:55
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.)
Posted by kristi | February 17, 2009 7:42 AM
Posted on February 17, 2009 07:42
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....
Posted by Terry M | February 16, 2009 6:09 PM
Posted on February 16, 2009 18:09
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.
Posted by Donna | February 16, 2009 3:40 PM
Posted on February 16, 2009 15:40
You go, Marnie! Now I can indulge my inner weaver by watching you. I missed you at yesterday's get-together.
Posted by MJ | February 16, 2009 1:28 PM
Posted on February 16, 2009 13:28
That really came out pretty! You never cease to amaze me! Glad to see you having so much fun with it! :)
Posted by Ruinwen | February 16, 2009 9:16 AM
Posted on February 16, 2009 09:16
Oh, I am jealous! I just want a little one for scarves, but holy cow yours is pretty!
Posted by Hattie | February 16, 2009 7:35 AM
Posted on February 16, 2009 07:35
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!
Posted by Marie Grace | February 16, 2009 4:45 AM
Posted on February 16, 2009 04:45
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!
Posted by --Deb | February 15, 2009 8:28 PM
Posted on February 15, 2009 20:28
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) : )
Posted by Aileen Holmes | February 15, 2009 7:56 PM
Posted on February 15, 2009 19:56
Oooh that looks like fun. I couldn't possibly add another hobby to my list...could I?
Posted by Angela | February 15, 2009 7:43 PM
Posted on February 15, 2009 19:43