How to Pick a
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How to Pick a Weaving Loom Questions
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Are you new to weaving or an experienced weaver?
This is a relatively simple question. If you are an experienced weaver, then you probably have clear ideas in your mind what you want to get a loom for. You might not have to answer any more of these questions. If you are new to the craft, you have really got to sit back and answer some serious questions. An important one is ‘why do you want to start using this craft’. What is your motivation? If you just want to try it out and see if you like it, you need to consider what is the cheapest and most effective way to achieve that goal. You might be better off considering the small loom to get started. That would be the cheapest way to try the craft. What is it that you want from weaving?
What is it that you intend to make with your weaving? Try and think of what you want to do. Also, if possible, think of other projects that you haven’t yet considered. What are your future aspirations? If you’re after just simple things for yourself, family or, gifts for others then a small loom or a rigid heddle loom might suffice. Even if your considering creating items for donating or selling, these looms might suffice. Again, it comes back to what you intend to make (or create). If you’re after a bit more intricacy, you might want to consider table looms or floor looms. If you aiming to create masterpieces that is something with a picturesque front you could consider a tapestry loom. How much intricacy do you want in your design?
If you’re after something rich in texture, just about any loom might do. You would just have to consider the size of your intended project to better determine the right loom. It would also depend on the material you intend to use for the warp and weft. If you’re looking to create something abstract, again, just about any loom may be okay. If your actually looking to create a woven picture, then you need to look at a tapestry loom (or frame loom depending on the size of the finished product you want). How much space do you have to store and use your loom?
This could be a big question. You shouldn’t just consider the space of where you can use the loom. You should also consider the space that the loom would occupy when not in use. It wouldn’t be in a favourable position if it was always in the way and people kept bumping it or knocking it over. In this regard, if you are going to use your loom in a heavy duty mannerism and you have a place out of the way, where you can use and store it, a floor loom might be the answer (depending of course on what you plan to create with it). If you have a spare place on a tabletop or bench where you could always use it; as well as a good storage location (if you put it away somewhere when not in use), then a table loom, rigid heddle loom, or something of that size might suffice. On the other hand, if you have little room for both use and storage (which might well be the case if you reside in a unit or flat), you may be limited to a small loom. Something you can easily take out, use, and put away. It's probably also relevant to consider whether you are renting or own the property you live in. If renting, is there a possibility you'll want (or need) to change your address for some reason. If so, which loom would be most appropriate. When you consider it though, this might also have relevance if you own your home (including paying it off). Is there any possibility that you'll need to sell and move elsewhere? What is your budget?
Many people would consider this a major question and, I would have to agree. What is your budget? This questions can not only determine the type of loom but also what it is made from. Looms, predominantly come in three flavours being plastic, timber or, metal. Plastic is usually the cheapest. Plastic, as well, is usually the small type looms. If you are getting a loom to just try out and see how it goes, then the small loom is probably the most cost effective. The rigid heddle looms could also be cost effective. The costs go up as you look at different level looms. The two main ones being the table loom and the floor loom. Tapestry looms could be considered extra large frame looms and usually are looked at for a specific purpose (if you want to get into making tapestry etc.). Analysing your choices for a loom
My approach would be to first consider exactly what you want a loom for. What is it that you want to create? Try and think of what you may want today and tomorrow. That means, thinking about what you want to do with a loom if you had one today as well as what other possibilities you could use a loom for. What is the list of items that you would want to create? What are some of the ideas that you haven’t thought about before?
Next up, would be to consider what type of loom could be used to achieve your goal. More specifically, what loom or looms could be used to create your masterpieces? Are you just looking for a loom to sit back with while watching television or, are you after something more serious. How much space would you need for your loom in relation to what space you have in your home? In this regard, don’t just consider the loom, think about all of the extras eg. wool (or other material you intend to use), needles, scissors etc. Do you need cupboard space to store this, a box or something else? After you know exactly what you want a loom for and have determined the space requirements, then look at what your budget is. How much have you got to spend on the loom you need. Hopefully, if you can align the answers to these questions, you should have a good idea of what you’re looking for. It could also be considered a recommendation to (once you have your answers) look around at what is available. Firstly, there is a variety of looms available in each loom category. Secondly, different suppliers could offer a variance in price. Should you buy new, second hand or, even build something yourself. In this regard, it's probably important to understand that if you purchase second hand you might get a good deal but, you might not. Usually when buying in this fashion what you see is what you get. If there is something wrong with the loom, then you will buy a loom with a problem. Do you have the knowledge and ability to fix the problem? Will the problem prevent you from being able to use the loom as you intend to? In closing, take initial care to ensure you find the loom that will do what you want for the price you can pay. To get you started, you can look at the looms offered by Amazon (a leading online retailer) by clicking here. http://theweavingloom.weebly.com/ |
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