When I started weaving on my little rigid-heddle loom it was love at first warp. I was amazed at how quickly and easily I could get everything measured and threaded with my little warping peg. Simply clamp down the loom on the table, clamp the peg on a bookshelf, and in around thirty minutes I was ready to weave. What wasn't there to love about that?
Beautiful, bright yarns will make most anything better.
Well, a few things, actually. When I would warp the loom with multiple colors for log cabin pieces it would get fiddly. The warp threads would be a mess on the apron rod and I'd have to untangle sometimes as I wove. The length of my warp was also severely limited by the size of my small living room so large projects or many projects on one warp were out of the question. Eventually I grew tired of scarves and of untangling and found myself wanting more.
The only solution to my problem, I realized, was to bite the bullet and learn how to use a warping board. To me, a very beginning weaver, using a warping board was intimidating. There were calculations, mysterious pegs, and ominous sounding terms like "choke" and "cross." As it turns out, I had nothing to fear. All it took was a little confidence, the right yarn, and Liz Gipson.
The warping board in action as I try to remember why I was so nervous.
Liz's video Slots and Holes: Three Ways to Warp a Rigid-Heddle Loom was what gave me the incentive to stop worrying and start warping. I found some lovely—but very inexpensive—cotton yarn so that if I somehow ruined the warp I would only be out a few dollars. I borrowed a warping board, pulled up the video, and got started. Watching Liz, I realized how simple it all was. Her explanations completely demystified indirect warping for me. As an added benefit, with the video I could pause, rewind, and even zoom in as I warped with her.
When you first learn to weave everything seems so complicated, especially if you are learning on your own. It can be scary to take a leap to the next level and push yourself further, but trust me, it's worth it. It's what we all need to do to grow as weavers, whether it's something as simple as warping your loom for the first time or something more complex like finally tackling doubleweave. Whatever your next step might be. don't be afraid. Just find the right teacher, book, or workshop video and see exactly what you're capable of. You just might be surprised how easy it all is.
Happy weaving everyone!
~ Christina