Hello, all. I'm thinking I would like to purchase a Mirrix loom. I've seen them at fiber festivals and bead shows and I'm finally sold. However, I cannot decide if I want the 16" Big Sister or the 12" Little Guy.  Most of my crafting that can be done on the couch is done on the couch. I even spin yarn while sitting on the couch. I do have a Cricket Loom and have used it on the couch when I put a small flat lap desk in my lap.

So my main concern is can I use the Big Sister in my lap? Everywhere I've read that the Little Guy is perfect for your lap, but the size of only 9" wide weaving space seems a bit limiting. I've read websites that say you can fit the Big Sister in your lap, but it doesn't fit as nicely, and I've read websites that say you really can't use the Big Sister in your lap. Does anyone have a Big Sister and use it in their lap? 

I would love the extra few inches for wider tapestry pieces, but I'm not sure if I want to give up the ability to use it in my lap. The price is not really much of a difference, so that isn't a concern. 

 

Thanks for any input you might have.

Comments

Sat, 07/20/2013 - 11:14

Artistry

Hi Mutz, I just saw your post. One of the tapestry looms I have is a Big Sister which I use a lot on a table. But after seeing your post I just went and tried it on my lap sitting in a chair resting the the back of the loom on the edge of a table. ( although the couch sounds way more comfier, I couldn't visualize how you'd do this ). I had a couple of concerns and you may already be aware of these things. The Mirrix loom has the warp continue along the back of the loom, so when you rest the loom on something tables, knees, etc. you're effecting the warp, could lead to tension problems. The second concern I had was achieving a good angle for beating. I get a much nicer angle with the loom sitting on the table. In my lap, it was hard to get the weft to pack down as well, maybe this just takes practice. I would suggest e-mailing Mirrix looms and hearing what they have to say. They will know way more about it then I do and they are a good company ( no Affliation) Good luck with your tapestry endeavors! I hope you can find a way for the Mirrix to work out for you. Oh, as to size, I didn't find the Big Sister unmanageable. Cathie
Sat, 07/20/2013 - 11:35

Artistry

Mutz, me again! I was just thinking the Archie Brennan copper loom is used in the lap propped on the table with no tension problems. It has the continuous warp as well. So maybe the Mirrix would work if you rested it against a table, but I would be hesitant about knees for instance where your putting pressure on some areas of warp and not other areas.
Tue, 08/13/2013 - 00:06

mbs

Hi Mutz, The 16" is certainly more useful than the smaller one. The Mirrix has sturdy legs and can sit on a coffee table in front of the couch. Or if you sit sideways on the couch and have the loom next to you, that might work too. Usually you want a stable surface so you can beat the weft into place without the loom bouncing around. You might have to get off your couch - or maybe not - but I would get the Big Sister if I were you.