Frequently I see questions on the internet, usually with a bunch of random loom parts/pieces with the question 'is this a good place to start'?
It depends.
Do you know anything about looms? Can you tell if all the parts are there? Is it assembled or just a bunch of random parts? Do you know the brand? Because if parts are missing or damaged, getting replacement parts might be a challenge.
This is my small loom. It dates to around 1950 or so. I know that because Leclerc Looms are still being made and in many cases, parts are still available. As it happened we upgraded this loom replacing the ratchet system for the brake to one that is easier to set and release - the wire band and brake release treadle that allows me to advance and re-tension from the front of the loom. We made a few other minor mods, including installing 'bumpers' that keep the beater further away from the shafts which makes beating easier. My fingers don't tangle with the shafts/heddles with a bit more space.
Doug also firmly attached the breast beam down so that I can use my 'warping valet' system for beaming. I have long arms and never took the breast beam off to thread, so having it screwed down was no big deal.
We also updated all the cords because some of them had experienced a lot of wear and tear, and the treadle cords were all higgledy-piggledy.
I know that society these days is used to learning 'everything' from the internet. But now, especially, we have LLM/AI and what the majority of people who try to learn that way don't understand is that AI doesn't actually *know* anything. It has been designed to 'act the part' of a knowledge partner - while knowing exactly...nothing.
OTOH, we now have several reputable sources for online classes. Jane Stafford is a favourite of many, and I can attest that Jane knows what she is talking about and makes every effort to convey that knowledge enthusiastically. I have worked with two other venues - Long Thread (formally Interweave) and School of Sweet Georgia. I hang out on the Handweaving Academy. And of course now am writing for WEFT. My editor for Stories from the Matrix collected as many articles as she could find that I've written/published over the years and listed them in the back of the book for anyone wanting to track the articles down.
I am working on the 'final' format for the next issue of WEFT and we are still exploring the topic to try and get something solid put together for the readers.
The next article has been done and is currently at my alpha reader who will take a closer look and get back to me. And I'm trying to clear my desk in order to focus my attention on an upcoming book. More on that next year when it is due to be 'finished', finished and ready to ship.
In the meantime our world continues to wobble and roll around. I've gone through so many emotions over the past year. I have come to the conclusion that I can go ahead and feel 'despair' - in small doses. But I cannot let that emotion kick all the rest to the curb.
So, yes, I continue to write articles which will not be published for about 6 months after I hit 'send', then re-read them as they go through the process of becoming part of a larger magazine. I am...flattered...to be asked to be the 'weaver's eye' to look the book over, as they attempt to fill as many blanks as they can do, in an extremely uncertain time and no one knows what the hell is going to happen this evening, never mind tomorrow or next month.
I try to keep planting seeds in hopes someone will be around to harvest the crop. I try to be a supportive friend. I try to keep getting up in the morning, dressed, and head to the studio.
Keep being creative. Keep celebrating people trying to help, not harm, others.
That is where I will begin with this one precious life I have been given.
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