Rather OT: Does anyone else weave?

Hattysattic

Hattysattic

VFG Secretary
I just wondered..

I am very much a fan of all things textile related, and lately I have begun weaving on a smallish frame loom (in a totally amateur way) and am really enjoying it.

I'm thinking I might quite like to buy a big floor loom, and just thought I'd ask if anyone had any experience/advice on the subject?

(Because there are too many hours in my day, of course... )


:D
 
I have no direct experience, but I love anything hand/loom woven. My father-in-law is a weaver - or was - he sold his loom and all his left over materials last year at 77. He had to work overtime when everyone found out because we and many others made huge orders of his tea towels (the best and they last FOREVER) etc. when he said he was going to throw in the towel (excuse the pun...:D).

I admire your patience - it can take weeks just to get the set up before you actually start weaving on those big looms.

What are you making on the small frame?
 
It's so true Deborah - even on a small scale the set up of the 'warp' seems to take forever; especially when you're used to knitting where you cast on and then can kind of see that you are making in roads!

It's only about 14" wide, so I am limited to making small stuff. I made Finlay a scarf to start with, a shoulder bag, and now I ave decided I want to make a throw so I have it on the widest setting and am making a length of about 6 feet, which I will then repeat a few times and stitch together (but you can see why a wider loom would be easier if you don't want that patchwork effect!)

Very relaxing once you get going though! :)
 
I would probally take a class on it..... I have done some hand loom stuff...... But if I werer to do a large hand loom I would definatly take a class so I can call someone and say help me!!!!

-Chris
 
One of my gazillion craft ventures as a kid was weaving, as I received a wooden loom - aboout 14" wide - way back when. It took a lot of time and I kept tightening my tension, as I was impatient. The loom sat in my parents basement for 30 years until last year when I sold it at a friend's garage sale.

I had a friend from high school who became a textile designer in college (she went to school in NYC in the early-mid 80's) and when she moved back to town, she had one of those HUGE looms in her apartment. It took up 1/2 of her living room!

Janine
 
I think a class is definitely the way forward Chris, so I can try before I buy so to speak. Unfortunately for those around me I seem to have a bigger is better mentality (i.e. why am I making these paltry scarves when I could be making HUGE throws and rugs etc) - so Janine, it's one of those giant affairs you mention that I am after.. which will probably take up half the attic room space.

So I need to shift some stock to make room first!
 
Oh good, I'm glad I'm not the only Posting Freak :BAGUSE::D

Look forward to hearing more woven tales. I'd have a loom in my living room (if I had the room), I find them warm and welcoming.

Harriet, just noticed your new pic - I really like it!
 
Yes, Deborah, Harriet's new avatar is lovely. :wub:

Harriet, those giant "Room Looms" make a great (and I do mean it in the LARGE sense of the word) conversation piece, that's for sure. :wow:

Janine
 
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