I've been thinking of drawloom weaving for several years and am finally ready to get started. I have a Glimakra Ideal and a Toika Liisa and would like to build an attachment on one (or both) of them. I think the most versatile would be a single unit - what is the correct name for that? I realize it is slower weaving than the shaft draw, but I really want to do free-form designs. However, I want to start with the weaving sword and half-heddle stick.
So, my first question is about the ground heddles. I'm thinking of tying my own for this experiment. Should they be the same length as the heddles currently on the loom? How do I determine the length of the eye?
Second question is about resources. I have the book Damask and Opphamta and Becky Ashenden's DVD "Dress Your Swedish Drawloom" (which I love!). What other resources are recommended for learning how to set up a loom and how to design for damask?
Thank you,
Robin