NOBO Handweavers

Ralf Hartwell, our tartan speaker, is selling his many cones of weaving yarns.  Mostly wools, all colors imaginable, some cottons, cotton/linen, linen, and a couple of silk.  He is selling these for $1/cone!  Some cones have many pounds on them, very small cones will be added for no cost if you buy a good amount from him.  There is one catch, no returns, no guarantees.  Some are older, some are newer but this is a wonderful opportunity to purchase some fibers at an unbelievably reasonable cost while helping another weaver find homes for his yarns.

Ralf is also selling 2 looms.  A 36″ 4 shaft floor loom he had made for him.  This uses spools for warp and he is most happy to explain the use of them.  I believe there is also a bench.  This loom is selling for $300. The other loom is an 18″, believe it was 4 shaft though it may have been 8 shaft, Mountain table loom with a stand, bench, and double back beam.  This loom is also selling for $300.  Again, unbelievably reasonable prices for weaving equipment.  For lots more information about the fibers or looms, it would be best to contact Ralf but please email me first and I will provide you with his email offsite.

So, I was listening to NPR yesterday when a story came on about the largest discovery of Anglo Saxon artifacts in the UK. It was discovered by a metal detector hobbist on his friend’s farm. The scale of his discovery is huge.
The story can be found here:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113161603

and here:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113153845

The connection to us?
That’s the area that our bookmark exchange guild resides!

This discovery will really put them on the map.

Check this out:

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/09/spider-silk/

Pretty amazing!

After Mr. Hartwell’s wonderful presentation the other night, I decided to find online resources for tartan thread setts.
Here’s the best:

http://handweaving.net/Patterns.aspx

Just check the “tartan” box and then 700+ setts and images pop up.

The sett is generally along the top.

Mr. Hartwell is such a nice, inspiring man.

I just might design my own personal tartan one of these days!

In case anyone would like to have a little fun with Tartan design, especially with our featured speaker for September, visit www.tartanmaker.com It is addictive!

For those of you who have some free time this weekend, you may want to drive to the Fruitlands Museum in Harvard to peek in on the 3D Workshop now in progress. This is a round robin format so there are 11 looms warped with different patterns exhibiting a range of patterns and colors like you’ve never seen. Ruby is a funny character (as in ha, ha) and one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. (The other being Margaret, of course) Her explanations are clear and abundant and she is patient beyond belief. We are enscounced in the Wayside Building and you will have to pay the admission fee. The Museum grounds also display terrific outdoor sculpture. If the weather clears, it’s a lovely view and I believe they serve Brunch on Sunday. Workshop goes from 9-5 Sat and Sun 9- afternoon?? depending on how we progress. Visit Fruitlands.org

Ok, it’s now my turn to ask for help. Well, it’s for a “friend” actually…
Say you’ve been accustomed to weaving on a four harness, direct tie up loom, and you’re going to be acquiring a new eight harness, ten treadle loom some time in the near future. But you’ve NEVER ever tried weaving on a loom of this scale. What advice would you have for this newbie 8-harness weaver to prepare them for their impending new arrival? What books, videos or informative websites would you recommend? Any special advice?