Feb 03 2008
Old is New
I guess you could say that I did not waste much time. I knew what I wanted… all I had to do was find it. So, I got a little obsessed with the search. I found her on craigslist, and started corresponding with the seller. Things looked a little dicey at first (there was another interested buyer!) but things worked out so well – almost like it was meant to be!
Yesterday morning, Kris and I drove down to DC and picked up my new loom, a Schacht Baby Wolf, the loom I used at The Mannings last weekend. It was a wonderful transaction: the seller was so kind and gave me some great information about the loom. We managed to fit her in my compact car (a feat in itself) and brought her home along with several accessories like the warping board, the shuttles, the bobbin winder, a swift, etc. (Of course, this is not to say that I had very much room for her yet…)
Loom in a little room
Buying the loom was the catalyst I needed to get organized. I agreed to the sale on Thursday night, and I spent the evening culling through old papers and my bookshelves in an attempt to consolidate. Still working on the consolidation bit… and while it is a little tight, the loom is still perfectly usable in this room. It didn’t stop me from warping it up - er, trying to warp it up.
Warping is time-consuming. There is no way around it. However, I realized that when I changed my attitude – ugh, warping to all-part-of-the-process – it became more enjoyable. Knitters can see a parallel here; while warping comes at the beginning of the process, it is akin to seaming up a sweater. It isn’t necessarily fun, but of course, a very necessary part of the craft. Without the warp there is no weave; without the seams there is no sweater.
Plus, I used this time to truly test my knowledge retention. I took the introductory class last week – how much did I remember? How much could I recreate? I used my detailed photoset from the class, as well as the go-to book, Deborah Chandler’s Learning to Weave. Kris was interested in the process too, and helped me with a few of the mechanical bits and using the warp board. Throughout the warping, I realized that I still have SO much to learn. There are so many little steps to remember, but as I go along, I am hoping that they will become second nature. We shall see.
This morning, I finished the last step of the warping – tying the appropriate knots on to the rods – and actually started weaving. I realized pretty soon that I had tension issues, and I tried to rectify them as best as I knew how. My first little sample was not pretty. If I were to grade myself, I would give myself a C. My knots need a lot of work, as they control the tension for the piece. Much like knitting, your tension (gauge) really matters.
… A pretty picture doesn’t make a pretty sample, unfortunately…
I used TLC Essentials, one of the nicer acrylic yarns, for my weaving practice. The color is just too pretty and perfect for Project Spectrum 
Beautiful new loom, now I just need to learn all about her! The key is practice, and I am hoping to have some of my issues cleared up soon – at least I know what I did wrong!
If you are knitter who relies on the web for a lot of instruction and education, whether it be knitting-help.com or Ravelry, blogs, or any number of forums or listservs, say a little thank you. I sure did. I have used the web for years to teach me little things about the knitting arts – from different techniques to different yarns. It truly is amazing how much a beginning knitter can learn from the web. This is not the same story for a beginning weaver, unfortunately. I am finding a few interesting websites, but nothing with the same comprehensive approach. This means a lot of practice, and trial and error. Things are much easier when you have an experienced teacher to help you out! I am determined not to let this lack of instruction deter from my passion for weaving. If anything, it will help me truly understand the process…
… and lest you think I left knitting behind…
I cast on for a perfect Project Spectrum scarf – I coined it the Embers Scarf, because the colors reminded me of hot coals. The yarn was a gift from Kimberly a few years back. She bought it on one of her frequent trips to China, and sent it my way. It is Olympus James Dean Road, an aran-weight wool blend. I am using the Lopi Lace Scarf pattern from Weekend Knitting.
Gosh, that was quick. And how lucky to have found the loom you wanted straight away!
I can’t wait to see examples of your weaving – different colours, different fabrics.
Oh yay! Congratulations! Why wait when you know exactly what you want, right?
I can only imagine how interesting it must be to figure out all the little details. What a learning experience! And what a great feeling when the trial and error slowly develops into trial and success. Can’t wait to follow your weaving here on the blog.
Love your determination, enjoy your new apparatus!
I am coming to visit. No, seriously. I will find a place to stay that is pet-free, and then I’m coming!
I am so excited to see you pursue this! Do you mind if I live vicariously through you in this process? It is a long-term dream of mine as well.
Oh, wow, a loom of your own already? How exciting! It’ll be fun to follow your weaving here…a little bit of vicarious living, I guess!
The colors of the yarn you’re using for your PS scarf really do evoke fire!
congrats! Look like weaving has lit a fire within…(Sorry had to go there!)
WOW! That’s so wonderful. I love how you embrace learning something new. I have a hard time not getting stuck OR getting in over my head. I guess I should embrace the tortoise philosophy of slow and steady wins the race, but I am more a “gotta get it now” sort, though I’m trying to steady myself. You are an inspiration in that pursuit as well as many others.
Thanks!
A
She’s beautiful, how fortunate you are!! Weaving is the next hobby to I want to give a shot at…and I too will be buying a loom I’m sure!!!
Congratulations!!!
Amazing! I had a feeling when I read your post about the weaving weekend that you’d be looking at looms – but wow, you didn’t waste any time!
Funny how spinning has never interested me, but I keep seeing weavers and thinking that is something I’d like to try.
I’ll be watching your progress with great interest, you have such a wonderful sense of colour and design.
She’s a beauty! *^v^*
I don’t like warping, either… But I like sewing up the knitted pieces of a sweater. Strange, huh? *^v^*
Gosh, that is fab you found a loom so fast, the colours look great in your first fabric.
Way to go, Lolly!
You are truly determined and great that you found what you were looking for locally. Enjoy the journey.
Congrats on finding a loom so fast – I really want to learn to weave someday, so I am really enjoying reading about your journey.
A bold new adventure that is sure to yield beautiful and inspiring results… I can’t wait to see what you make.
very exciting. i’m eager to hear about your new passion as it develops.
Oh my gosh, she’s a beaute! Have you given her a name yet? I just aquired an 8 shaft baby wolf, my first loom, along with 11 apple boxes full of unused cones, all the accessories and loads of books for free. It was a gift from heaven above. Now I just need to learn. I wish I lived in an area where there were schools like the one you attended. I’m so glad I can check in with you and watch your progress. Your a great source of inspiration.
ohhh look at your loom! Thanks for the close-up of the heddles, last night my husband was asking me, if my loom is a ‘rigid’ heddle, then what other kind is there? I wasn’t sure- but now I can show him a pic. I wonder if it isn’t up to us beginning weavers to start writing helpful blogs about beginning weaving? Something I have been pondering of late. Enjoy your loom!
How exciting! I can’t wait to read about your weaving – you always have such informative, interesting posts. Have fun with your new toy!
Oooh how exciting Lolly!! Don’t forget there’s always weavecast.com – a podcast for handweavers. And Syne Mitchell, the host, is also starting up a weavezine too
Check them out if you haven’t already!
Congrats on not only getting your baby wolf, but also getting it warped and weaving so quick!
way to go after your desires
and I still think the red looks pretty… now to start knitting me something red too!
Way cool. You are inspiring me to learn how to use the loom I have been given on long-term loan…. It has been sitting — all wrapped up and carefully protected — in our barn since it was given to me.
I love the color of your scarf yarn. I decided to go with just orange for now for February/March. Can’t wait to see your weaving progress
Once you master weave you should try spinning.
I remember my first attempts at warping and readying the loom. lol I do know that my teacher was very good and we had a notebook that we drew our pictures in.
We tied our threads in bundles and then used a group of threads to wrap them to the rod, you could adjust the tension of the groups by adjusting the wrap and butterfly knot. Were you taught something similar?
Congrats on your new loom. Love the color of the scarf too… that is going to be great!
Wow it’s huge! Seriously you impress me all the time with your fearlessness to try new things. It’s really inspiring
I am so jealous! That’s a beautiful loom, and I’m sure it will be tons of fun to play with. I can’t wait to see what you make with it! Enjoy your new baby. =)
How exciting – I know you’ll soon have it all sorted – I like the idea of getting the seams out of the way at the start of the project
)
Love your PS scarf – great yarn.
Wow – your newest interest sure escalated quickly! But I can sure see how, weaving is maaarvelous.
Congratulations on the loom! I can’t wait to see some more of your weaving.
you wasted no time!!! did you fit that in your office????? wow!!!!
Ooh, gorgeous scarf! I love the colors.
oh WOW, that’s a big (literally and figuratively) investment, way to go!
the embers scarf is looking beautiful…so much red!
Congrats on the new loom!! How exciting! I can’t wait to see your first piece – loose tension and all!
Congratulations – what a thrill
I felt this way with with my first knitting needles (though on a much smaller scale) when my SIL left me after teaching me to knit and purl…. You are spot on – I can no longer name the number of tricks, techniques and times that other online knitters have helped me out, I hope you will find a growing online weaving community as more people take it up. Thanks for sharing your excitement and learning process!
It’s so amazing how so many people who I usually associate with “knitting” somehow cross over into other fiber arts. It’s not that knitting in and off itself is “not enough” it seems to be that we all want to learn more of the world of the fiber arts, rather than one small piece of it.
How exciting – what a wonderful new toy you have!
I just loved your post on going to the class, it sounded so fun and fascinating and you made me really want to learn how to weave.
Congrats Lolly! What an exciting purchase
BTW, I love that you call your loom “her,” like a new friend!
Wow, you really did move fast! I think it’s great – a long time lapse could cause you to forget some of what you learned. Hopefully, as you said, you will now be on the path to retention and mastery! The sample does indeed look really lovely in the photo. I hope that a bit more practice increases your skill. I’m so interested to see where you go with this craft!
I love the scarf pattern. I should be really pretty with that interestingly-named yarn.
I’m so impressed by you! Can’t wait to see more of your gorgeous work!
Yay! Congrats on you baby wolf! I *heart* mine! you’re definitely inspiring me to work on it now! Did you know there is a strooler you can buy for it? It raises it up a bit, makes working on it more comfortable, and has casters so when you need to fold it up, or more it, you roll it right along. That’s been on my wish list for awhile!
So cool!
A baby wolf is what I’m borrowing from my local weaving guild. I absolutely love it. And it does fold up so nice. If I had the space I’d rather have something I can weave a wider width cloth on, but this fits perfectly in my craft room. I’ll be sad to give it up. You should look into a guild in your area. I’ve found weavers to be the nicest people around. I love my guild more than I’ve ever loved any local knitting group.
Congrats on the new toy! Hope you enjoy your new adventure.
Oooh, I am so envious of that gorgeous loom! I know just what you mean about the relative lack of weaving resources online – I was unable to find even a diagram explaining how a loom works, or a list of terminology, when I was researching looms. Maybe this can start a call for the weavers reading out there to share their love of the craft? I will try to write more about my process, although I am such a newbie, I doubt I can be of much help!
Wow, look at you! How exciting! I can’t wait to see all the projects you make on that new toy of yours!
Just looking at your pictures has reminded me of the sound a loom makes. (That great chhhhhk-cha-chik noise) Now I’m all nostalgic for summers at my aunt’s house, knitting on her couch with my cousin while she weaves after dinner.
Wow – that is such great news! and quick…..and you’re warped up and weaving already!
Since I started weaving in the Saori way, I really enjoy the process of warping as well as the weaving. At each stage I am still making choices and changing my mind and designing. Choosing the colors and yarns, choosing where they go in the warp, the sett of the warp (which can vary). These days I get my loom warped up and weaving much faster than all the planning that I used to do.
Happy Weaving,
Terri
Oooh, congrats, Lolly! I had a feeling it wouldn’t be long. Your enthusiasm for for weaving was obvious after your class. I am looking forward to seeing all sorts of wonderful textiles here!
Congratulations, Lolly! It’s absolutely beautiful!!!
I am so envious! Very exciting. Isn’t The Mannings a cool place? We’ve been talking about possibly in a few years moving up that way….
I am so fascinated by the thought of weaving. I have a feeling if I started with it, I would be consumed by it.
I don’t know much about the weaving community online, but I would refer you to Sara Lamb’s blog, http://saralamb.blogspot.com, she dyes, weaves and knits. She may be able to give you some pointers. She often blogs about her weaving.
Also, I believe there is a podcast, Weavecast, put on by Syne Mitchell (I think is the host). She’s also a sci-fi author, but she’s a weaver and each month she puts up a podcast about various topics in weaving at : http://www.weavecast.com/, if that’s at all helpful to you.