What’s on the looms

I haven’t participated in Meg’s “A Day in the Life of Looms” for the past several years, usually because I forgot until a week later! But this year I actually remembered, so here is a snapshot:

First, Emmy (the 40-shaft AVL). This is the shadow weave warp, which I am going to cut off as soon as I get back. It’s been a long slog and I am out of patience with it, plus I have some ideas for the Handwoven Magazine’s Handwoven for the Home contest, and some study group samples to weave as well. But I have not given up on the idea; I’ll come back to it in late 2015 or early 2016, once the book is done. I have some ideas for making it more successful the second time round.

Up until two weeks ago, that would have been it. But now I have the Ashford Inklette, which is sporting a brand-new warp today:

This is a Monk’s Belt warp, featuring thick pattern threads (the purple ones) against a white tabby background. I flailed for about two inches, but feel like I’ve figured it out,and am starting to weave a Celtic knot pattern.

Soon to enter my life (I hope!) is this slightly larger inkle loom – the most beautiful one I’ve seen to date:

I’ve actually asked for a custom job, with longer pegs so I can do a wider warp. If you find the loom as breathtakingly beautiful as I did, trundle on over to the maker’s shop (To-Ply Fiber Arts on Etsy) and get your own. She also has looms with seahorses, horses, and cats! It was a tough decision between the dragon and the cats, but the dragon was just too cool to miss, especially with the wings and that wavy tail.

Speaking of cats and looms, here are my weaving helpers. Or would-be helpers; they’re not allowed into the loom room, for reasons which they are demonstrating here:

Happy New Year all! May creativity flow from your fingertips in a happy and productive year.