Ann Doherty has a copper pipe loom that had warp on it but no stand so she could sit it on a table and weave. She also has a pvc loom that she couldn't get comfortable weaving on. The other limitation was trying to make a stand without using a saw or other tool to cut the pvc pipe. Solution: The pvc pipe loom was disassembled. The tension on the copper pipe loom was loosened and the top of the loom removed after partially removing the warp from the top of the loom. The pvc pieces were mixed and matched until the pieces were arranged into a stand for the copper pipe loom. The top of the copper loom was replaced with the warp repositioned for weaving. Now the copper loom can be placed on the table for comfortable weaving. The stand could also be removed and made back into a pvc loom if needed. The other lesson learned is that the copper pipe loom can be compressed by removing the warp and rolling it up if need be for traveling or other purpose. The stand also has the approval of Ann's cat.
Great post, Terri.
ReplyDeleteYes, if the copper pipe loom is made in a way that it can come apart, tapestry work in progress can be taken off, the loom disassembled, and the warp reestablished at a later time. Now, I've never done it but have seen it done several times by others.
Today in my Arrowmont class, one of the students had joint failure on one of the side/ends by the elbow coming loose--we'd used a new paste epoxy that I wasn't familiar with as the join. It slipped out of position, with the top bar of the loom coming all the way out.
Another faculty member at Arrowmont had mentioned a product that the wood turners use that's an epoxy but one part and it can be used on metal. It was in the supply store and I'd bought a container of it. When the loom failure happened, we loosened the tension on the warp, cleaned the joints that had come loose with steel wool, then applied the new adhesive. We put it all back together and let it set for awhile. Then she re-tightened her warp and readjusted the warp spacing. And when she left the studio tonight with her loom with warp in place, ready to weave, she was happy!
Can't remember the name of that adhesive right now but will note it later. I think it will become my way to join the parts when I build copper pipe looms in the future.
Thanks Tommye! I have been enjoying following your blog about the Arrowmont classes. I had to laugh when I saw the young man from the metals class. It won't surprise me if he is inspired to take up tapestry as well.
DeleteI was relieved that we were able to get Ann's warp off the loom and then back on safely. I had heard of it being done but had never tried it. Thanks for the info about the adhesive. I'll be watching for that post.
Good information shared!!!
ReplyDeleteHi-I have a tapestry loom would like to use silk for a special project. Do you have any pointers about using silk? Thanks
ReplyDeleteI don't have any suggestions or pointers about using silk as weft, unfortunately! My own work is mostly with wool weft and occasionally with cottons.
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