I ache all over but I've done it. I've warped my loom! First of all I had to measure the warp. Unfortunately I didn't think to take any pics of that, a shame really as it was rather amusing! The table wasn't long enough so I had to use a mop tied to a chair as the third warping peg so I could get the correct length. I think a warping board is a must have.
Next I had to 'sley the reed'. I was a bit nervous about this bit because I've read terrible things about what a mess you get into if you lose the 'cross' where all your cut ends are and where you pick up the next thread to sley. It was actually quite easy but I was surprised at how long it took. I'd put on the extended version of the Fellowship of the Ring movie to keep me company and it was an hour and 18 minutes in when I finished sleying.
Next job was to thread the heddles. For this I had to get behind the loom - something I hadn't thought of when I made space for it. So after moving a whole pile of junk I managed to get started. This also took a long time and because I didn't have a lot of room to manoeuver, this is where a lot of the aches came from. Houdini has nothing on me when it comes to being a contortionist! I've already worked out how I need to re-arrange things to make this job easier.
Then I had to tie the warp to the back beam and wind it on. Finally I had to tie the warp to the front beam and check the tension. I think its okay but only weaving will tell for sure. It took over 8 hours from start to finish but that wasn't all work time! I stopped to have dinner and lots of times to read the next bit of the book and give the aches a bit of a rest. :-) All in all, I enjoyed the process and it wasn't at all tedious like I expected. I suppose when I've done lots more and am champing at the bit to get weaving I'll change my mind. I've read (or maybe heard on Weavecast) that getting the loom ready takes about half the total time it takes to weave something and I think I believe that after today's effort.
Next is the fun bit - I actually get to weave!
I wish I'd been there to see it ;-)
Looking forward to seeing what it produces later....
Posted by: sue | October 22, 2006 at 09:37 AM
Wow all that sound complicated ,;did you have instructions with it or are you already a weaver ? As you say now for the fun bit; looking forward to seeing the results
Posted by: Anne | October 22, 2006 at 10:07 AM
Wow I am in total awe!! - It looks sooooo complicated on the photos, sure I would have made just one awful mess!!!
Posted by: Auntie Noo | October 22, 2006 at 10:30 AM
I am stunned and in awe of you!! It has confirmed my believe that I am not destined to weave on anything bigger then those kiddy looms but I am totaly in awe of you!!
Posted by: Silvia | October 22, 2006 at 11:32 AM
I have visions of you wrestling with a mop and all that yarn.
Posted by: Rain | October 23, 2006 at 08:47 AM