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Ashford 60cm (24") rigid heddle loom
This is my most used loom at this point and most of the classes I teach are on this loom. Initially, I chose it because the price point fitted my budget at the time, and I had the right amount of space for it. I've never regretted the purchase. I think of it as my little workhorse! You can check out the same loom by following this link.
Ashford Sampleit
I bought this one for my girls, who often complained that they never got to weave because my loom was always full. I think I have used it more than they have though! It is so good for sampling new ideas and designs, enabling me to have a couple of rigid heddle projects going at once. It also takes up hardly any space at all.
Ashford Inkle
Aka the love of my life! Alright, that's taking it a bit far but I do really love this loom. 8 shafts, 10 treadles, made in the Netherlands. Compact, easy to operate, beautiful to look at, and so much more. I review it here if you're interested. I have the second instalment of my Floor Loom Series coming up soon, so watch out for that one!
Previously owned - Ashford 8 shaft 80cm (30") table loom (the loom available in this listing is a 24")
Wishlist
Mirrix Little Guy or Big Sister
Ashford 60cm (24") rigid heddle loom
Ashford Sampleit
I bought this one for my girls, who often complained that they never got to weave because my loom was always full. I think I have used it more than they have though! It is so good for sampling new ideas and designs, enabling me to have a couple of rigid heddle projects going at once. It also takes up hardly any space at all.
Ashford Inkle
I love inkle weaving, but unfortunately have not had the time to indulge and explore as much as I would like. Once again, it's not space hungry and allows me to weave a different kind of project while other larger projects are going on. This loom is for bands, but that doesn't mean that only band projects are possible, you can sew bands together to make all kinds of cool things. I have a beginner series on Youtube for using an inkle.
David 2 Louet
Aka the love of my life! Alright, that's taking it a bit far but I do really love this loom. 8 shafts, 10 treadles, made in the Netherlands. Compact, easy to operate, beautiful to look at, and so much more. I review it here if you're interested. I have the second instalment of my Floor Loom Series coming up soon, so watch out for that one!
Previously owned - Ashford 8 shaft 80cm (30") table loom (the loom available in this listing is a 24")
I ran out of space when I bought my floor loom, so had to sell my table loom. You can see a demonstration of me using it here and an overview of the loom here. To be honest, I really do miss this loom and often recommend them to others. I can envision myself once again investing in a table loom "one day" but in a smaller format so that it is portable for teaching. The Katie, with it's light weight and 8 shaft capability would be just the ticket.
Wishlist
Mirrix Little Guy or Big Sister
I have been doing a lot of tapestry work on my rigid heddle loom recently, which has highlighted a couple of things for me.
1. The rigid heddle loom is a good loom for playing around with tapestry, but not the best.
2. I love tapestry!
3. As tapestries are a time investment, it would be ideal for me to have a separate loom for this.
So, why would I choose a Mirrix?
Well, their looms are simple and compact but still a complete tapestry loom. It wouldn't take up a lot of space that I no longer have the luxury of! I love their sturdy and attractive design, and the shedding devices that many of the loom have is a huge bonus. I have done quite a bit of research and I feel that these are really quality looms, made by weavers for weavers.
There is a video version of this blog post on my Youtube channel if you're a visual kinda person.
Until next time...
Happy Weaving!
There is a video version of this blog post on my Youtube channel if you're a visual kinda person.
Until next time...
Happy Weaving!
24 comments:
Thanks Kelly, perfect timing as I’m lounging around trying to cope with hot day in Launceston!
I have 2 rigid heddle looms - a 24” and a 16” (my husband built this one). Also a very old inkle and a peg loom.
My wish list WAS empty but you’ve got me thinking about the Katie or similar. I’ll start looking on gumtree.
Like you not a lot of room - I have all my “stuff” at one end of the lounge room.
Blessings Glenda
I'm impressed that your husband built a loom, that's great! Good luck in your search.
Hi Kelly, this is good timing for me, as I'm trying to decide whether to buy another loom, and also trying to decide where I want to go with my weaving. I currently have two looms - an Ashford Knitters 20" and a small Hokett tapestry loom (which I understand are no longer available). Like you, I've often been tempted with the Mirrex looms, but as I don't do much tapestry weaving at the moment, I'm concentrating on rigid heddles or maybe a table loom. I'm considering doing a workshop later in the year on a two shaft Louet loom, just to have the experience of that type of warping & weaving. I think though - due to budget and space restrictions - I'll probably have to stick with just owning rigid heddles. Maybe 24" like yours (it looks so much wider in your videos!) or even 32" Ashford. I want to be able to weave baby blankets without having to make multiple panels and sew them up. Good to be able to put my thoughts down on paper, its helping my decision making!!. Liz x
A great post Kelly. I am a huge fan of yours and have wondered what you weave on. I have an Ashford RH600 ( my first loom). I bought some old stuff and fixed up a 4 shaft 34” table loom unknown brand. I just finished rebuilding a Leclerc 36” Artistat 4 shaft floor loom. I have a wool floor rug on that at the moment. My wish list is a 48” or wider, 8 shaft floor loom. Preferably jack shaft action like the Artistat.
I look forward to learning more from you in the classes I signed up for. Happy weaving.
Hi. I received an Ashford 48in (120cm) rigid heddle loom for Christmas and have signed up for your bootcamp. I have tried two items so far, a scarf and a floor mat made from strips of two doona covers. I'm so looking forward to trying more. I also have an Ashford inkle loom, and my husband made me a tri-loom, both of which I've enjoyed working on.
Great to get your thoughts in order Liz!
Wow, Ray, I just can't imagine building a loom, that must be quite a challenge, but how satisfying to weave on it when you're done.
Kathryn, how did your first projects turn out? It's great to see another new weaver diving in with enthusiasm. I love that your husband made you a tri-loom!
Hi again. The scarf turned out okay. The warp was acrylic wool with the weft being some chenille. The chenille compacted in a bit more than I was expecting, I'm thinking I should have alternated the chenille with the acrylic.
I received a 32" Ashford for Christmas which I hadn't warp yet. Waiting for some threads in the mail. Do have also a Cricket 10". That is what got me hooked.
I have a kromski 32” rigid heddle. Think I got it two christmases ago, but have not done more then a handful of items on it. My first love, bobbin lace takes up most of my time. Have thought of getting a schacht flip in a narrower size (easier to take places) or a small 4 or 8 shaft floor or table loom but don’t know where I would put that.
Hi Kelly, I own a 24 inch Kromski rigid heddle and an Ashford 48 inch rigid heddle. Also I invested in a 4 shaft jack floor loom ..A $200 find at Goodwill which I have been working on to to turn into a working loom. I had the Kromski before the Ashford. I think the Ashford is easier to warp for me because I like the set up with the flat warpsticks and stable connectors to the warp and cloth beams. The round ones on the Kromski are fussier for me. What I wish for is an Ashford 32 inch, 8 shaft table loom that I could use more complex weaves. I have wanted to weave since I was a child, but did not have any opportunites to support it. So now at 70 years I am trying to learn as much as possible and you are a great teacher. Thank you.
How exciting for you, Kathleen!
Z Lace Lady, I've never tried bobbin lace, I can imagine that it would take a great deal of time and concentration!
That is interesting what you say about the round rather than flat bars etc. - though I've only used Ashford RHL's, I've often thought that the round construction of some other looms doesn't make so much sense to me.
Thank you Kelly. I was thrilled to see you working on the table loom. I have an Ashford 32" 8 shaft table loom still in the box. I'm waiting for my storage shed to be completed so I can move my many craft supplies out of my studio and set that table loom up! I'm also waiting on some more heddles so I can purchase your three heddle class to learn twill. Your classes keep me busy!
Hi Kelly,
I have a frame loom. I am in the process of building a heddle loom. It will probably have a semi-rigid string heddle though. I have just started weaving and am looking forward to the Bootcamp class starting February. Once I decide if it is something I will enjoy, I will make a wishlist.
Oh Carolyn, that must be torture, waiting to set up your new loom!
Bobbi, your hand made loom sounds fascinating!
Kelly, it wasn't bad until I watched your video!Haha. I'm busy with the krokbragd tote and kitchen towels right now.
I have an Ashford Inkle loom, and an Ashford 48" RH and 4 or 5 simple tapestry looms from The Unusual Pear (Newcastle, NSW). Am trying to decide on which smaller RH to buy, it will be an Ashford and probably either the 16" or 24". I've been waiting since before Christmas for my back-ordered wax to arrive so I can treat the wood before assembling my 48". I think I'll just have to put it together anyway as I really want to start practicing.
Wow, that is so exciting, Gai!
I have a 20" Schacht Flip and a new weaver.. I am getting ready to purchase a couple of pickup sticks and additional shuttles. What sizes of pickup sticks would you suggest? I am thinking 22" for both the shuttles and pickup sticks.
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an extremely
long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn't show up.
Grrrr... well I'm not writing all that over again.
Anyway, just wanted to say great blog!
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