I've gone completely mad and purchased a Baby Wolf 8 harness loom. I already own a 4 harness Leclerc loom so one might ask, as my husband did, "why do you need another loom?" Now really "need" isn't part of the equation. One needs air to breathe, food and water to survive, clothing is appreciated by everyone, so that is needed too....but, a second loom, no, there is no way to answer that question honestly in that context.
I chose instead to explain that this loom has 8 harnesses which will allow me to expand my weaving knowledge and try more complex patterns. And, this loom will fold up and can be transported, fully warped, to classes....where I can learn even more. That is all true.
He was convinced that this was a wise and necessary purchase and so I am off tomorrow morning to learn more about this loom from my former weaving teacher and the person from whom I am buying it. By tomorrow afternoon I should be in a state of excitement and terror. Any new piece of equipment is a bit scary and because I am so new to weaving, large expenses to facilitate my continued growth and development as a weaver seem frivolous.
I'll get over it in a day or so and dive enthusiastically into learning more.
When I was working I would have had less angst about things like this. My income was stable and guaranteed to grow and I always felt I deserved these toys. Now I find myself free of the stress that work brought, living in a wonderful place and in a house I love and blessed even further by the best group of friends one could hope to have...so...by buying this loom I am saying I want this because I want it and I feel I need it. No excuses. No rewards due for a lousy week or year.
Here are a few pictures of things I've been weaving.
Finally, a thought for the day. Doesn't relate to weaving but to life and optimism.
When you come to the end of everything you know
And are faced with the darkness of the unknown,
Faith is knowing one of two things will happen.
Either there will be something solid for you to stand on,
Or you will be taught how to fly.
