The time has come

 

“It’s time to begin to let go.”   

I thought I’d never have this conversation with myself about finding new homes for beloved and much used tapestry looms. I’ve had many through the last almost 30 years that I’ve been weaving tapestries, and I’ve been the second (or third) owner for most of them. Each has served me well in its own way and eventually almost all went to new homes because I added another loom to replace it. 

Eighteen years ago, a 60” loom came into my life, one that I’ve loved and on which I’ve woven eleven larger tapestries. I remember driving to Virginia to pick up the loom, bringing it home in pieces in the station wagon we had at the time. A friend and I set it up in my studio. Once assembled, I realize there were a few critical hardward parts missing and luckily I was able to get those from another loom company. 

I modified the loom one more time a few years ago to add a worm gear to the cloth beam and that made it even easier to use. Since 2008 I've woven eleven large-for-me tapestries on it, the largest being about 60" square. 

However, in the past five years I’ve had several health issues, including two surgeries, a broken arm, a minor heart attack, and a few other hospital stays for various reasons. Those challenges have made it difficult to weave on my large loom and it took three years to complete the last tapestry, finished just this summer and mentioned in the previous post. 

 

The loom has sat empty since then. I've worked daily on my tapestry diary and also have woven a few things on small pipe looms. But the other day I finally accepted the reality that I should find a new home for the big loom. Sometimes it takes me a while to make decisions but once I do, I act fast. That very day I posted announcements on social media, sent a few emails, and, fortunately, a young tapestry weaver saw it mentioned at Instagram. 

 

She got in touch with me and, even though it's a great distance from her home, she’s willing to come dismantle and pick it up. I know she’ll take the loom into its next decades of service and I’m grateful. I’m happy for her and for the loom. And, in a way, for myself because I’ll know the fate of the loom (at least for a few years). Yes, it’s just a piece of furniture; a bit of equipment. But, as all of you know, whether it’s a simple frame or one that has treadles and shafts, the conversation between the weaver and the loom is intimate. By deciding to send this one on its way I’ve taken the first step in letting go of things and not leaving it all to others to do in the (I hope, distant) future when I’m gone!