This is the my first weave on the Ashford rigid heddle loom and I think I am going to outgrow the limitations of this loom. I have thought of making a castle for it and set it up for 4 shafts. I would have to figure out a way to beat it though. Hope anyone likes it. I do. Richard

Comments

Sun, 12/29/2013 - 15:15

Weavingholiday

Lovely, and well done! Rigid heddles can be a great chance to really learn about things like selvedges and draw in, understandings that will last you a long time. They are also a great chance to let interesting yarns shine. It is possible to do quite a lot with pick up sticks, and string heddles, and combinations of both. Even before building a castle, you can always try out the string heddles by holding them up by hand. Hope you have lots of good weaving ahead!
Sun, 12/29/2013 - 16:30

Sara von Tresckow

Before thinking you've outgrown the loom, do 3 or 4 more projects with varying techniques. It is fairly common to get a first piece that looks quite respectable - getting a repeat is more difficult, as you begin to put more demands on what you're making.

Using more than 2 SHAFTS - and the correct word is shaft, not harness, is using "loom control" to achieve your results. Before letting the loom do the work, you really need to learn how to make basic fabric - now you'll need to analyze what yarns to use, which heddle works with which yarns, if your fabric has a nice "hand" or "drape", how to mix color and texture to achieve pleasing pieces, how to hem and wet finish your fabric. And then there are issues with edge control, even warp tension, keeping weft stripes running straight across the piece, and many more - all best learned on the loom that you have now.

Literally, any idiot can throw a shuttle on a warped 4-shaft loom and make a certain amount of predetermined cloth. Doing that from "scratch" is way beyond what you're able to do without delving far more deeply into making plainer fabrics.

Sun, 12/29/2013 - 17:49

Richard Haas

I know I have a lot to learn and I do sometimes go a little overboard in my thinking. Anything larger or better is way down the road. I would have to save the money and find the right loom to get. I do think I'll try the string heddles first. That will be a good way to try out the many drafts that are out there. Maybe after weaving for a good while, I'll know the correct terms and words. This picture was after washing and since it was cotton, it did shrink in a few places. Thanks for the reply and it will get better ( I hope ).
Mon, 12/30/2013 - 19:56

HarleyWeaver

You did a beautiful job. I just received the Ashford 20" Knitters Loom as a Christmas present from my husband and son. I currently have a picture posted of my first attempt at weaving on this loom. I just making a sampler of different weave patterns that I've found and have figured out how to weave.
Mon, 12/30/2013 - 22:03

Richard Haas

Your first weave looks great to me. I am working on a scarf for my daughter and having a ball with it. I have thought about getting the second heddle for mine but haven't pushed the button yet.

Tue, 12/31/2013 - 01:56

sandra.eberhar…

I think your piece is beatiful!  I think it's quite an accomplishment to make a piece that large on a rigid heddle.  I wouldn't count out a floor loom; there are a lot of unwanted looms out there, and you can sometimes get a real deal at an estate sale or from someone who has inherited one.

Tue, 12/31/2013 - 02:25

Richard Haas

Thanks Sofa Dog. There are a couple of floor looms on the local craigs list that look awful inviting. After looking at the upgrades for this loom, I would be better off getting a decent floor loom for a little more than what I would have to pay for the upgrades. Since I am so new to this, I think I'll research a little more to understand what kind I am looking at when one comes up.
Tue, 12/31/2013 - 21:40

sandra.eberhar…

I think that's a good idea.  I started out weaving on floor looms.  I have two table looms that I got with the intention of having something more portable and found that they are so slow and prone to error that I haven't worked with them for a while.

Wed, 01/01/2014 - 14:39

DebraEmanon (not verified)

I am currently working on my first rigid heddle project (place mats).  When I started shopping for a loom, needless to say I had sticker shock.  I'm retired and living on a fixed income.  But, I found a seller of a Spears Loom.  I realize that this is marketed as a "toy".  But I am definitely enjoying learning about weaving.  I've watched several videos about warping a rigid heddle loom and wondered if anyone has ever tried the process of using a warping peg for this style of loom.  Please excuse my inaccuracy in my description...still learning the terminology.

 

thanks

 

deb

Wed, 01/01/2014 - 15:31

Richard Haas

Hi Deb, I'm also on a very fixed income and I can relate to that. I have only warped from front to back since that is how the instructions showed on doing it. I have thought about making a warp board but front to back so far has worked ok. The first time I started using the peg they sent, I was all most through and the stool turned over and all the loops fell on the floor. Talking about a mess, I had one. It took me over an hour to straighten them all out. Thank goodness, no knots. Good luck on your venture. I am having a ball with mine. I can see down the road that I will be getting a decent floor loom. Just have to wait on the right price and if I have enough in my wallet. Richard

Wed, 01/01/2014 - 20:24

DebraEmanon (not verified)

Good to know that others are able to enjoy weaving on a fixed income.  I don's aspire to a floor loom but would love to master a rigid heddle.  Your comments on warping were very much appreciated.  I'll let you know how it goes.  Happy New Year.