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Crazy as a Loom

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Making noise.

The studio wasn't its usual quiet today. My friend Alice came and vacuumed the entire house for me, which was a huge help. The floors are spotless, and I love it
From Crazy as a Loom


It always feels so good to have it look like this.

Tammy came to weave, and she was intent on making a pile of rugs.

From Crazy as a Loom

She is doing a great job, as usual. I could take the credit for teaching her, but I must admit, she is a natural.

I had a couple of customers drop in to shop. That's always a good thing.

Then my favorite looper lady dropped off 70 lbs of socks cut and looped. Actually, right now, she is my only looper lady. She takes a 75 lb box of socks home with her, cuts them into strips, chains them together with the toe clips, and brings them back ready to make rugs.
I call it my little 'cottage industry'. The waste of these socks keep me busy, and provides income along the way for my helpers.

I was weaving on the Weavers Friend, that's the loom over in the corner by the window in the top picture,; my black stool is sitting in front of it. If I haven't told you about it before, it is the loom that has no treadles. The bottom of it is similar to the action of a treadle sewing machine, and with every two beats of the beater bar, the harnesses change. For those of you who are interested, or have nothing else in the world better to do, you can see it in action right here.

Thanks to Alice, my videographer.






This is good for upper body strength, ya think??
You can sit down at this loom, or stand. I do both. When my butt gets numb, I stand, til I get tired of that, then I sit for awhile.

This is one of the rugs I finished. They are mostly wool, with some cotton, and they measure 32"x60"ish.



From Crazy as a Loom


All in all, it was a very productive week. I have only one placemat order pending, and I am caught up. I am looking forward to a little time to weave things I am imagining. Those are always the best.
Tonight I am just grateful to be safe and warm in my own home, unlike so many other people in the world. I am blessed.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

A great deal of work goes into each of your projects. Do your shoulders, arms and back get tired? I'm not sure my body could withstand it. I love your work!

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Michael said...

That is just ridiculously cool. Loved the vid. :)

LA said...

The studio looks very spiffy!!! I know you were glad to have Tammy around for a bit. Thanks for including the video...it's always helpful to see how other looms work.

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

Gorgeous rug from a spanking clean studio - you must be very proud!

Country Girl said...

Yes, you are truly blessed. And those finished rugs are works of art. Beautiful, Hilary. As are your floors!

Theresa said...

What a neat loom! Enjoyed the video, thank you.

Anonymous said...

What a crazy littel loom ! Thank you for showing the video.

Viele GrĂ¼sse Patricia

MrBohland3r said...

So does the take up work along with it? Or do you have to wind the rug along manually yourself?

Hilary said...

Yup, you have to advance the rug manually, there is a release on the bottom right that you step on to release the back beam so you can crank it forward.

Anonymous said...

Well, glad you found me, and now I've found you! ... LOVE your work, colors and textures are beautiful. I'm thinking I need one of these for This Old House! Will get back to you on that - four months till we're in!

Love your attitude on life, too... :-)

bspinner said...

Neet loom!!! I've never seen one like it before. Clean floors. Doesn't to much better than that.

Yes, I think everyone reading your blog is blessed in some way. I know I am.

Sharon said...

That was great - thanks for both the shot with the temple and the video. This week I will finally start on rags, in spite of only having a stick shuttle. I was happy to see that you're shed is just about the same as mine. Hope to have two sets of placemats by Friday. Thanks for all your help!

Anonymous said...

I covet your studio Hilary! I love the great colours in the wool/cotton rug...
Karen, Rural Revival's Mom

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