Posted by Hanne Vibeke on Wednesday, 5 April 2006, at 4:52 a.m.:
I am an experienced weaver using a countermarche floor loom. I have noticed a gradual increase of distortion being introduced to my rugs (smiling) where, although the tieup at the start of a rug is square and the end of the rug is, apparently, square whilst on the loom - once removed from the loom, the newer end is curved upward at the edge (as a smile). This is appearing in both woollen and cotton warps.
I use high tension as I am weaving rag-rugs and course woollen rugs.
The loom is of sound construction but may be wearing after substantial use over the years.
Is the problem likely to be:
1 - the apron becoming misshapen?
2 - wear in the takeup roller bearings?
3 - incorrect tie on? (unlikely)
4 - other
I would welcome any input to this problem and am happy to supply answers to any particular enquiries.
The number of handweavers in New zealand is small and it is difficult to get answers to technical questions such as this - I am hoping someone is able to help.