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Heddles are threaded – check! Let’s wind ‘er up!

Here’s the view from the back of the loom. It’s completely collapsed because I was sitting really close so I could comfortably reach the heddles.

Starting position...

Starting position…

Next up, I’ll shift the entire back portion of the loom out away from the body and tighten up the supporting pieces.

The back extends open

The back extends open

And then, the back beam slides right on! Ready to wind!

The back goes on!

The back beam goes on!

My loom is equipped with a rod that is lashed to the warp beam. (I think in the past, I have confused the names of the various beams. So, for those loom experts, forgive me!) Because of the way this is configured, it allows me to weave as many inches as possible, forgoing lots of waste!

Rod wraps around the beam

Rod wraps around the beam

The yarn is tied to the rod. (I’m using the same knots/groupings as I have through the whole measuring process.)

Tying the yarns on!

Tying the yarns on!

And then, I’m ready to start with the moving parts!

All tied on!

All tied on!

Here's what's happening in front!

Here’s what’s happening in front!

Part of my goal when dressing the loom is to situate the yarns so that they have the clearest, straightest path possible from front to back!

Overhead view

Overhead view

In the winding on process, I have levers and cranks and ratchets – oh my! It’s a twisty dance that goes on. Release this pedal with your left foot while lifting a lever with your left hand, all while hanging on to the back with your right! Twister has nothing on this! I recommend a little yoga tree pose beforehand to help with the balancing!

Here we go!

Here we go!

Little by little, the yarn moves from the front, through the heddles, and around the back beam.

A little closer view of the back!

A little closer view of the back!

As you can see from the pictures, I have cords to contend with. I don’t really want them to interfere with the yarn. So, yard sticks to the rescue! I tend to go a bit crazy with the yard sticks. But, I would rather have many, many sticks in the project versus not using enough and having tension trouble later. Tension trouble – bad! Very, very bad!

And still closer...

And still closer…

It’s just getting good! I’ll have more winding loveliness next time! And then, bring on the weaving! I can’t wait! Talk to you soon!

Run 9 Winding On 16

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