Does anyone have a Loom?

[ChattanCat]

OK, that's it. The loom is coming up out of the basement.

I have a 36 inch LaClerc 4 harness, 6 treadle jack loom and I have woven tartan on it before. I did two Great Kilts for Renfest friends, but that was close to 25 years ago now.

One of your selvages will be nicer than the other one - make that side your hem side. - pay attention to your twill line - it should be 45 degrees in the FINISHED (and fulled) fabric - so swatching a BIG swatch is necessary - a full yard square isn't too much. Divide it in half. Full and finish one half yard like you will the complete length. Keep the other one by your loom for a reference.

That Weathered McKenzie sash that I've got in the back of my head..... TOO MANY PROJECTS!!!!

There have been THREE projects (JC's kilt, my dress and sash) added to my to do list just this WEEK!

Wow, were practically neighbors. Let me know how things work out, I may have to do some weaving in between my kilting.

[Iain Robb]

Wow, ChattanCat, weaving tartan AND making kilts? I'm still just daydreaming about either one. But just think: If you do that, and then move to Scotland and raise your own sheep and shear them yourself and spin your own yard and grow the plants you need to dye it yourself, AND make tartan and hand-sew traditional kilts, you could be a real kiltmaker!

(Notice for the humor-challenged: The above implication that one must live in Scotland, raise his own sheep, spin his own yarn, dye it from plants he grew himself, weave the tartan and hand-sew traditional kilts to be considered a real kiltmaker is meant only in jest.)

[cacunn]

As I read this I feel like a warped loom and am in need of electroshock.

A possible resource (you all are probably already aware of this) is The Mannings Handweaving School and Supply Center near Harrisburg, PA (between Gettysburg and Harrisburg)
http://www.the-mannings.com/

I've walked through their shop and they have a dozen looms setup for classes and what seems to me to be a large supply of yarn ect.

[ThreadBbdr]

There's a GREAT weaving and knitting (and spinning and other fiber arts) store halfway between ChattanCat and me. The Yarn Barn in Lawrence Kansas (not affiliated except as a customer).

They have weaving classes there and rental looms! Great people. And they have an online store and do mail order.

Iain, I can't claim to have lived in the Highlands or actually RAISED the sheep, but helped herd in and shear, spun and dyed the yarn, and wove/knit/tailored the entire garment - yep, several times. It gives one a HUGE appreciation of what our ancestors had to do just to stay clothed and fed. And in all of that, they made things that are not only functional but beautiful. Astounding.

ChattanCat, are you going to Tartan Days at the Highland Games site in KC Saturday? I'm debating coming in.

[ChattanCat]

There's a GREAT weaving and knitting (and spinning and other fiber arts) store halfway between ChattanCat and me. The Yarn Barn in Lawrence Kansas (not affiliated except as a customer).

They have weaving classes there and rental looms! Great people. And they have an online store and do mail order.

Iain, I can't claim to have lived in the Highlands or actually RAISED the sheep, but helped herd in and shear, spun and dyed the yarn, and wove/knit/tailored the entire garment - yep, several times. It gives one a HUGE appreciation of what our ancestors had to do just to stay clothed and fed. And in all of that, they made things that are not only functional but beautiful. Astounding.

ChattanCat, are you going to Tartan Days at the Highland Games site in KC Saturday? I'm debating coming in.

Yes, I plan to be there. I already informed the wife that it was tartan day. She will be out shopping with my daughter... all day ... what will I do???

[Iain Robb]

Iain, I can't claim to have lived in the Highlands or actually RAISED the sheep, but helped herd in and shear, spun and dyed the yarn, and wove/knit/tailored the entire garment - yep, several times. It gives one a HUGE appreciation of what our ancestors had to do just to stay clothed and fed. And in all of that, they made things that are not only functional but beautiful. Astounding.

Agreed. Wholeheartedly. That's why I enjoy doing some things by hand or in other old-fashioned ways now and then, and why I appreciate those of you who weave.

[Cyndi]

A loom is on my wishlist. I've been hoarding everything I can find to read about weaving.

[Dukeof Kircaldy]

I lived with a woman who had a Nilus Leclerc 45" loom and Kromsky spinning wheel. My expertise with both machines was in assembling and disassembling them anytime they needed to be moved. I did pick up a rudimentary knowledge of spinning and weaving though. To that end, I save my dog's hair for the day I buy my own spinning wheel and will make yarn of that!

The yarn barn is super. I believe that was the place I bought the Kromsky.

Otherwise, we picked up the Leclerc used for $700, which was a super deal for her.

[kfreeouf]

You folks with loom knowledge speak your own language. I learn so much from this forum...even nomenclature for weaving. Very impressive and informative.
Thanks for this thread!
Semper Fi,
Keith

[ThreadBbdr]

Yep, weavers are a little "warped" and spinners put a different "twist" on things. Knitters, on the other hand, tend to be 'loopy'.

Karla < ducks the pelting of rotten cabbage for bad fiber related puns.