Some of you may remember those "Amazing threads" that I posted of back in October and then again in December. You may also have remembered my grumblings about the Baby Macomber loom that I was using.
Normally I am a huge Macomber fan, as I have the big 48 inch version and love it, but the baby mac...."not so much"
As much as it pained me, I ended up having to cut off the pinwheel dishtowels that I had been working on. Seven yards of cottolin,that was rendered unusable.....ouch. I will take the above sample and make a placemat to put a bowl on, but to say that I was bummed to say goodbye to the rest of it would be an understatement. No matter how much I wrestled with that loom, the karma was not good and I finally said enough is enough.
The man who I purchased the Baby Mac from was kind enough to work with me on getting another loom that was a better fit for the type of weaving I would be doing. So Wednesday, I took the long trek to Westfield, Mass and picked up this new 8 harness Leclerc Compact loom.
All of the heddles are finally on, the treadles are tied up and this afternoon I will wind the Tencel/Rayon warp that I had purchased earlier this year at The Mannings. I figure that I will weave something a little less demanding to get familiar with the loom this time around :-)
What's missing you might ask? Hmmmm........that cabled vest? I'm having some trouble finding my MoJo this week.........more about that this weekend :-)
Um, I have some placemats for exactly that reason! I love your new header!
Posted by: Christine | Sunday, February 04, 2007 at 09:46 AM
Your weaving is certainly beautiful. I am glad you will recycle that piece. I love the contrasting heels on the socks.
Posted by: Maureen | Saturday, February 03, 2007 at 01:42 PM
You may be experiencing creative set backs, but the socks look to be right on track. Love the contrasting heels and toes.
Posted by: Wool Winder | Saturday, February 03, 2007 at 09:14 AM
Argh. I bet you were sick. The weaving is gorgeous, Kim. I want to learn to weave so badly. I had a big rigid heddle but want a "real" loom one day when we're settled. I plan on taking a class or two at Harrisville in the next couple of years. The socks are great, too!
Posted by: Jean | Saturday, February 03, 2007 at 05:42 AM
Love those red socks!
I really want to make tea or dish towels.
Dont know what type loom to get.But itll
have to be a small one.
Mary Ellen
Posted by: Mary Ellen Dadds | Friday, February 02, 2007 at 10:15 PM
The cloth looks so nice to me. But if you aren't enjoying the process, better to move on!
Posted by: Mary Beth | Friday, February 02, 2007 at 06:49 PM
I have no weaving experience but I would imagine it's a little like the way some people work better with certain spinning wheels than other ones. Heartbreaking to lose all that work but nice to know you're making a wise choice by moving ON. :)
I love those red socks!!!
Posted by: Laura | Friday, February 02, 2007 at 04:36 PM
That loom makes my rigid heddle loom look like a toy! I can't even imagine warping that. Have fun!
Posted by: Annie | Friday, February 02, 2007 at 03:17 PM
How sad, I love those dishtowels.
Posted by: Cheryl | Friday, February 02, 2007 at 02:45 PM
Such a process! The loom drains the energy from all else.
Posted by: Laurie | Friday, February 02, 2007 at 02:27 PM
The loom must have taken a lot of time and work to set up. No wonder you're content knitting Red Sox.
Posted by: Carole | Friday, February 02, 2007 at 01:18 PM
It's hard to find Mojo for ALL the things we like to do. Mojo ebbs and flows...you'll find it soon. That is just a pitty about the loom! Hope this one is better for you>
Posted by: margene | Friday, February 02, 2007 at 01:14 PM