Posted by Sharon on Sunday, 9 September 2007, at 9:52 a.m.:
In Reply to: A beginner weaver wants to know.... posted by Akiko on Saturday, 8 September 2007, at 6:47 p.m.:
Akiko,
A countermarch loom like the cranbrook or glimakra can be quite a challenge to set up for a beginning weaver who has just woven on a rigid heddle loom. I owned one countermarch loom earlier in my weaving career (it was 8 shaft) and I struggled to get it tied up to use 4 and wove one project on it before I sold it. I have an oxaback drawloom and it was very challenging to get set up and I still have problem with getting a large enough shed. The Schacht wolf looms are wonderfun jack looms and on the mighty wolf you can do anything from fine threads to small (36") rugs and runners and tapestries. I think that you are early enough in your weaving career that you need to do some experimenting to get a better idea what types of things you want to weave. Tapestry weavers ususally just weave tapestries. Rug weavers ususally only do rugs. I myself have done a very few of both and generally prefer to weave anything from 40/2 linen laces to chenille throws. I have leclerc looms, schacht looms, a gilmore loom, an AVL loom and the oxaback. I would recommend getting hooked up with a weaving guild and see if they have a floor loom you can rent and play with or attend a round robin workshop where you get to weave on many different looms. Where are you located? I am in Omaha NE. Maybe some of the other weavers can give some suggestions???? You have missed all the regional conferences this summer. Convergence is in Tampa FL next summer and will have a huge vendor area where you can check out many different looms.
Good luck,
Sharon