Month: December 2013

This past weekend, I stumbled upon this amazing video on Youtube. I liked it so much that I posted it to my Facebook page.

I really enjoyed watching Clara select the wool, card, spin and eventually use the yarn created in her loom. With the quilting group, I was part of, the ladies with the exception of myself were over 60. Many were in their 70s and some in their 80s. They were all happy to see me, since they told me they simply didn’t see “young folks” engaged in simple crafts such as sewing. I really got their attention when I told them I also sewed, made beaded jewelry and was interested in learning crochet. At that time, I did not know how to crochet. I did tell them there were young women (even much younger than I) who were interested in fiber crafts. Ravelry, was one of the places where I’d virtually met some of these ladies. But, I would agree with them, outside of Ravelry, shops, or events that cater to the fiber crowd, I don’t run into many that are into fiber as myself.

Often times I encounter people that tell me they don’t do anything fiber related because they’re not “good at it.” Well, guess what, sometimes it takes practice before you become good at something. Perhaps that’s what’s wrong with some folks today? If they don’t pick up something quickly, they never continue with the task at hand since they’re not good. If you think about it, it’s a bit silly to believe you’ll be awesome when trying something new. You might have to practice numerous times before you become good. That applies with many things, not just fiber related crafts. If I’d have followed that logic and given up, I never would have learned to crochet which took about three or four months before I became decent and I practiced crochet daily.

After much deliberation, I’ve decided to purchase the 32″ Kromski Harp Rigid Heddle Loom.

I’ll be able to weave a variety of cloths which I could sew, or I could make projects directly on the loom such as; small blankets, towels, woven bracelets, and  numerous other loom woven projects.

I’ve always been fascinated with loom weaving. I did simple pot holder projects as a child. As an adult, I occasionally use a small loom for my beaded jewelry. I guess in that sense, the awe comes from the fact that I’m crocheting or knitting. I’m turning strands of yarn/thread into cloth. I get that same feeling when I crochet or knit. No… I’m not going to abandon my Hiya Hiya knitting needles forever, but I most likely will put them on hold for a bit until I get comfortable with loom weaving. I did the same when I was learning crochet. Knitting was sidelined, for a few months, until I got comfortable with crochet.

What’s included with the 32″ Kromski Harp Rigid Heddle Loom

1. It’s collapsible
2. Built in warping board;  you turn the loom over and use the pegs to wind your warp (five yards plus).
3. It comes with a 10-dent heddle
4. 2 stick shuttles
5. a pick-up stick
6. a threading hook
7. 2 clamps
8. a warping peg
9. warping board pegs and the very helpful “Warp Helper”

This week is when I most likely will be purchasing the 32″ Kromski Harp Rigid Heddle Weaving Loom. I’m so excited! I’ve ordered a few beginning books on loom weaving, set aside appropriate yarn for my first few projects and now I’m eagerly awaiting to purchase the loom so I can get acquainted with this craft. Knowing there might be a learning curve, I definitely won’t be disappointed if my first several beginning projects don’t look awesome. You have to start somewhere. With crochet it took about two to three months before I was comfortable with the process and I was crocheting daily. I didn’t let how poorly I was doing deter me from crochet. I knew with practice, I’d get better. I was right. The same will hold true with loom weaving.

Raverly has a Rigid Heddle Loom Weaving group that has been a great source of information for many of my newbie questions.

Simple warping for a Rigid Heddle Loom

Rigid Heddle Weaving with PattyAnne – Beginning Pick Up Stick

Hemstitching on Rigid Heddle Loom with PattyAnne

Additionally, YouTube has a lot of videos that are extremely helpful for beginners (me) and advanced loom weavers.

Of course… once I receive the loom I’ll write a review about my beginning experiences and I will post some of my first projects. It’ll definitely be great to compare my beginning projects to the ones I complete after I’m comfortable with loom weaving.

Will I eventually purchase a floor loom?

I would not be surprised if I eventually purchase a floor loom. I’m looking at you Schacht 36″ 8 Shaft Mighty Wolf! It has I love that although it’s much larger it is collapsible! But I don’t see myself purchasing that for quite some time. For what I immediately want to do, the Kromski will do. Which is why I choose the maximum length for my Heddle loom, it gives me a variety of projects that I can do so I know it will keep me occupied for quite some time.

The past several months I’ve been thinking about the next craft I’d like to learn. I thought it would obviously be spinning. After all, I do crochet and knit. I knit more than I crochet.  However the stronger pull for me is loom weaving. I’ve been researching looms and I do believe I’ve found one that I’d like to purchase. The loom size will be at least 32″ and I will most likely will purchase it soon, who knows it might be an item that I gift for myself this Christmas.

While viewing videos about modern looms, I stumbled upon this gem. It’s a vintage loom. I imagine this is similar to what Laura Ingalls Wilder’s husband (Almanzo Wilder) mother used in her farm home.

I also stumbled upon this video about intricate loom weaving, truly fascinating!