I love this loom!

It's hard to believe I got the loom in the fall of 2007. I wonder how old the loom is. I don't know how long it's been since Crisp looms were made. I wonder just how many of the "Ruthie" looms were built and if they were done on order. I thoroughly enjoy using it even through it doesn't have a brake system that uses a worm gear, as on the Fireside tapestry loom--the one that's based on the original Ruthie concept. I could probably retro-fit the loom with that particular brake but until I really run upon a problem of advancing the warp I'll keep it as it is.



One of the things I really appreciate about the loom is the distance I'm able to weave before having to roll the tapestry around. This gives quite a number of inches that I can see as the tapestry progresses... about 28" up. I also like the three sets of treadles. While I don't always treadle for the shed (sometimes I leave one shed open and then pick the other shed if I'm weaving back and forth in a small area), having the three sets at different spots across the 60" width of the loom is quite nice.

I have a low bench that came with the loom... it's a homemade one without fancy finish. I've got it covered with a couple of Spelsau sheep skins for padding. I'm using Gobelin-style bobbins and the baskets I keep them in (when they aren't spread around me) I usually find at the local thrift store. The basket bin there has all shapes and sizes, .50 each. I bring them home, spray off with the garden hose, let them dry and then have lots of "new" bobbin baskets. I just realized there aren't any of these baskets o'bobbins showing in this shot... but they're there, just out of sight.

OK... time to go home. Studio hours are over today!