It all happened so fast! There I was, sitting by my computer, working on drafting patterns, when an email came in. It was from a gentleman in San Jose who was looking to sell or donate a small loom.
I had been idly considering getting a second loom – primarily to weave samples for my articles in Handwoven – but wasn’t motivated enough to pay $300+ for it on Craigslist. This gentleman said in his email that he wasn’t really interested in the money, mostly trying to get rid of it and/or get it somewhere where it would be used – so I gave him a call, and we arrived at a price that worked for both of us.
Now, of course, came the problem of where to put the loom. I hastily cleared some space out of the garage, put a couple things up on the Craigslist “free items” classifieds, and within a few hours had enough space. Mike was kind enough to go with me to help load it, and I am now the proud owner of a 4-shaft, Harrisville 22″ loom. Which I have promptly named “Harry” – short for “Harrisville”, of course.
There is, alas, no room for Harry in my studio, so he’s going to live in the garage. Fortunately, I live in a mild climate, so temperature and humidity swings shouldn’t be too bad, and it should be warm enough to work there (well, most of the time, anyway).
Here is a pic of Harry, newly arrived:
Harry came with a rusty 6-dent reed, but fortunately the beater looks like it will take the 24″ reeds that Sophie uses, and I’m sure she wouldn’t mind sharing. He also came with a tilting bench (with an AVL bench bag not shown in this photo), which unfortunately is a little too high to work comfortably, so I’ve appropriated it for use with Sophie, and swapped in her loom bench, which does go low enough.
Harry also came with a warping board and all sorts of other goodies, including a homemade raddle and some tiny boat shuttles about 6″ long (? – haven’t measured). I think there is even a set of angel wings, but am not sure yet.
At any rate, Harry is here and is quite welcome – though he will probably have to wait some time for serious attention, as I am fully booked with Autumn Splendor until it’s done. I’m guessing I’ll warp up on him sometime in February, most likely with samples for my next Handwoven article (whatever that will be).
It looks to be in excellent shape, other than the reed of course. Every one I’ve ever bought I’ve had to replace the rotting leather shaft cords but yours already has the newer ones. It sounds like you got a great deal, I admit to being jealous. One day I’m going to get another one and NOT sell it just because I’m getting a different loom.
It does fold up farther if you need it to. I have a pic of one folded at http://somethingwoven.wordpress.com/2009/12/31/a-day-in-the-life/ if you’d like to see.
Do you need a set of instructions for your new loom? I recently ran across my set and I’d be happy to scan it in and email it to you. A 22″ Harrisoville was my first loom, and her name is Betty after the lady who taught me to weave and who sold her to me. She is still my go-to loom for weaving dishtowels.
I had one of these little looms in the cabin for a few years. Walking order is wonderful for twills on this loom: 1, 3,2,4 (only 4 treadles). You only move one foot for each pick. It is a perfect loom for teaching basic weaving.