You know how I constantly insist that weaving is so amazingly cool? Well, a huge part of that is the equipment that comes with the job – especially the looms. So I think it’s time for us to start sharing our loom stories.
What is a loom story, you ask? Well, a loom is a pretty unique item and not everyone is going to own one. It’s not a can opener. Thus, there is going to be an interesting story of how you came to own a loom, or know someone who owns a loom. It’s a small, but fantastic club.
So, why not share our stories? It’s a great opportunity to bond over our love of these beautifully crafted frames that do so much more than hold yarn. I can’t wait to hear your story! I’ve shared mine in this week’s video. Take a peek!
Show Notes –
Lifestyles in Valparaiso – If you ever get the chance to visit lovely Valparaiso, IN, stop by the charming Lifestyles! It has exactly when you didn’t know you needed. Tell them Chris said, “hi”!
Duneland Weaver’s Guild – This is my guild, based out of Chesterton, IN. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more talented and generous group of weavers!
Famous Loom Story – Do you watch the Big Bang Theory? There’s an awesome episode in the very first season where Sheldon loses his focus and ends up with a loom. Click here to see the hysterical segment! (I’m very sad that Sheldon didn’t stick with weaving. I’m guessing his edges would have always been precise.)
Jacquard Loom – Joseph Marie Jacquard invented a type of loom that could be programmed to weave very complicated patterns. The Jacquard loom uses a series of punch cards to dictate the order of the threads, like a player piano. The great significance of the Jacquard loom is not only relevant to the world of weaving, but also to technology. See, the loom became inspiration for how computers work! What a loom story, right?
My Loom Story – In this week’s video, I talked about my table loom. And while I don’t have an image of Margaret’s adorable loom that inspired its purchase, I do have a tour of mine. If you haven’t seen it yet, cruise over here to see what it’s all about!
Your turn!
I cannot WAIT to hear your personal stories of the looms that have come in and out of your life! Thank you so much for sharing them with me! Happy Weaving!
After going through cancer treatment I was walking out and saw a lady demonstrating on a floor loom from the guild. She allowed me to do some weft threads until my ride arrived. The next treatment I hoped to see it again but no one was demonstrating again and eventually the loom was removed. However I decided to get a small loom to try at home and got a 16″ Sampleit from Ashford. I made scarves and table mats but then tried to use fine thread. I’m sure other people can figure out how to use fine threads on a Sampleit but I could not get the tension right. My weaving was always too loose. So I recently bought a large table loom and then a 24″ rigid heddle loom both from Ashford.
Wow, Tanya! What a great story! Thank you so much for sharing. I hope you are well and healthy. And I can’t wait to hear more about what you are creating on your fabulous new looms! Thank you!! – chris
I always wanted to take a weaving class, so when I retired in 2015 I enrolled at our local Art Institute. I really had no concept of what in entailed. Then one day I was telling my crafty cousin about my class, and she asked me if I wanted a loom. She had purchased a 4 shaft floor loom in the 70’s, and she had it in storage. I borrowed it and then purchased it from her. As I wove more, I dreamt of an 8 shaft loom. I had a friend who had inherited 2 looms from an aunt, and one of them was an 8 shaft Baby Wolf. My husband said “Why don’t you see if she wants to sell that loom.” I said she got it from her aunt, she won’t sell it. One day our husbands were out together, and my husband asked hers if she would consider selling that loom. He said “Absolutely”, and I now have 2 looms. I have really appreciated them during quarantine, because I always have something to keep me busy.
Maureen, I love this!! And look at you go! Isn’t it amazing how looms drift into your life? Keep up the fabulous work!!