In the spirit of spring cleaning… of getting rid of things and minimizing, I want to talk today about a few tools that I’ve really come to rely on in my weaving, day in and day out. To talk about curating your collection of tools to make sure the tools you have work the best for you.
The School of SweetGeorgia filming space at the studio has become a second weaving space for me with the big Leclerc Mira II counterbalance floor loom. Then at my home, I have a big loom in my attic, as well there is a loom which has migrated into my dining room, so there’s a corner that has been taken over by weaving stuff there as well. And I want to make sure that my weaving life is really streamlined, really minimal. That I don’t have a ton of stuff floating around. So for the things that I do keep on hand, I want to make sure these are the things that I use over and over.
On today’s Taking Back Friday vlog, I share with you five things that I’ve found to be absolutely indispensable when it comes to weaving. These are the five things that I use for pretty much every weaving project. If you’re looking at collecting tools for weaving – trying to figure out what you actually need – hopefully I can show that you don’t really need that much stuff. You can just have a small collection of things that work really well for you.
I would love to hear to hear from you… have you been getting rid of any tools in the spirit of spring cleaning? Are there any tools you’ve found that you just can’t live without? I’m always looking to see what works best, and would love to hear from you in the comments!
IN THIS EPISODE
- what I mention in today’s video: Here are links to the weaving tools I talk about in today’s video…
- For the locking rings, these can normally be found in a stationary section (I purchased mine at a Japanese dollar store). They may be listed as Loose Leaf Rings, Book Rings or Key Rings. Mine are 1.5″ in diameter.
- Ashford Helping Hands kit.
- Ashford Boat Shuttle Paper Bobbins.
- Ashford Double Ended Threading Hook, which has one side similar to the Schacht Brass Reed Hook.
- Schacht Slim Open Bottom Boat Shuttle. I also show the Bluster Bay Woodworks Super Slim Boat Shuttle in Walnut which uses the paper bobbins.
- Schacht End-Delivery Shuttles.
- Schacht Pirns.
- Leclerc Double-Ended Electric Bobbin Winder.
- Leclerc Wood Temple.
- Note: If there are any weaving tools that you’re looking to order from us but can’t find on our site, please reach out to us on our Contact Us page and we can look into ordering it in for you.
- want to learn more about weaving or the fibre arts? Join us at the School of SweetGeorgia to explore the colourful world of weaving, with online weaving courses for beginner weavers or those looking to expand their weaving skills. If you are new to the School and interested in joining, start a 14-day trial for only $1, with access to everything that SOS has to offer. Enter the coupon code: CRAFTWITHUS on the plan of your choice on our sign-up page. We hope to see you there!
Your explanation of using binder rings and the helping hands with lease sticks is the most helpful tip to this new weaver. I have made messes out of trying to make and keep crosses; this should help hugely. Thank you–I’ll be checking back next week.