Posted by Penn on Wednesday, 1 March 2006, at 3:13 a.m.:
In Reply to: Re: Can looms be cut down, to make them narrower? posted by Beth on Monday, 27 February 2006, at 2:44 p.m.:
Hi Beth,
I hear you on the problems with making a loom sound after a major operation. The possibility of having a loom out of whack, or one requiring constant tinkering, also crossed my mind.
The class at the Mannings was on finishing, and I finally learned how to do several of the end finishes I've seen in books, but could never figure out. Damascus edge I especially like, and it was great to learn what I'd been doing wrong with twining. Tom also taught us more variations on hemstitching, fringing, braided finishes, and other ways to protect the warp, as well as great ways to set up failsafe fringe allotments when weaving series of items. We also did some fabric finishing work, and went over the different requirements of wool, linen, cotton, rayon and tencel, etc. About the time my fingers started feeling sore from all the hemstitching we were doing, it was nice to plunge them into hot Orvus suds and stir the pot of wool samples. A great day, just wish there was more time for shopping at the end of it! When I finally get my "big" loom, I'll sign up for one of the classes on learning to use 8-harness looms. Tom's a great teacher, and you learn tons and have a wonderful time in his classes.
- Penn