Monday, April 03, 2006

Another reason to take a course



This little puppy is called a bobbin winder. It is just one of the many tools that a weaver needs. Well, I am sure that one could handwind bobbins. I have before, but it takes ssssssoooooooo lllllooooonnnggg that it very soon becomes painful. This baby retails at $110. You can get electric ones too, and they go up to $330. Those are Canadian prices, but the exchange rate isn't THAT bad right now. If you do decide that you want to weave and are patient, you can usually find most equipment used. Which is good. I have been weaving for more than 15 years and have all of the equipment that I need. The only things that I bought new were bobbins and a ball winder. I have a few things that fall into the "want" category, like more reeds and an 8 (or 12) harness loom, but those will have to wait until I can either find a great deal, or justify spending a couple of thousand dollars on myself. I'm thinking that neither is going to happen any time soon. In the mean time, I have my cute little heirloom Dorset, my 27" LeClerc Fanny, and my 45" Milleville.

6 comments:

Cathy said...

Hi Jackie - I've been using a drill with a pencil stuck in it as my bobbin winder. I hold the drill between my legs with the pencil pointing up. It works quite well (it's quite a workout for the drill though!), but still I'm tempted to get one of those electric bobbin winders. I choke when I see the price, so I haven't gotten around to it yet.

Jim said...

wow! $300+ just to wind your bobbins??? I think I'll definitely start with a class! This project is so much fun to follow, and your fabric is fabulous! I know the final piece is going to be amazing! :)

Anonymous said...

It's beautiful,the counting of the threads, stringing the reeds, bobbin winders, the loom, the colors and 4 children to boot. You have twins, I have an identical twin, sisters we are..inseparable. We use to fool people always, excahanging class rooms and boyfriends..lots of fun. We are almost 50 now, old womans..will visit again..
Monika..Germany

Erin said...

My gosh, your weaving looks fantastic. You must have the patience of a saint to set up that loom!

Jay said...

OMG, I just have to say this:27" Fanny!?!?!?! (HEY, I never said I was highbrow!)

Liz said...

dude, you can use my electric bobbin winder anytime. I will be over momentarily to view the fabu shawl. Callin first since it is pissin rain out there.