It ain't pretty...

The last couple days, I've been trolling online looking for projects and any information about using the Cricket Loom I recently received for my birthday.  Everyone talks about how easy it was to use, how warping was a breeze, etc.  I think that often bloggers talk about their success in doing something and not quite as much discussion about their difficulties.  This often makes me feel rather insignificant.  I was the person in the intro to spinning class that struggled the most, and I often find that things don't come that easily to me.  Sometimes I feel that I'm the only one like this, other people pick up a wheel or spindle, and in minutes, spin like a pro.  Same for looms, you should see all the beautiful projects online that people claim was their first.  I'm jealous!

So, this morning I set out to warp my loom for the first time.  It seemed to be going quite well until I realized that I had missed a crucial step and had to cut the yarn off the loom.  I tried a second time.  Just as I was almost done, the warping peg came off the shelf I had it clamped too.  The yarn could not be salvaged and I had to cut it off the loom once again.  At least this time it wasn't due to user ineptitude! 

Third try it FINALLY worked, phew:

 

I did have to use a second colour on the warp after the two misfires I had run out of the yarn I was intending to warp with.  Warping takes TONS of yarn I have learned.  After a break that included going for ice cream on the pier with Joe (I needed the break by then!) I was back at the loom, and had it all ready to weave in no time.  I was hoping things would get better by then, and for the most part it did.  Except for one small thing, I missed a couple notches when I was threading the yarn through the heddle.  I have no idea how I managed to do that (although I did pull a loose piece right out, that would account for one or two slots perhaps).

 

You can kind of see the gap towards the left.  At any rate, I didn't care, this was going to be a learning experience, and after all, I was weaving!  And let me tell you, weaving is a lot of fun.  I wove right through dinner time, I just couldn't put it down.  In what actually seemed like no time at all, I cut my work off the loom and tied in the ends. 

While this was supposed to be a scarf, it will simply serve as a souvenir of my first attempt at weaving, something from which I can now gauge any progress, just like the first handspun single I came across today, ugh!  Things can only get better from here.  I think weaving is going to be a lot of fun, and I can't wait to warp my loom and get weaving again, probably tomorrow.  My main problem continues to be that I have way too many fun hobbies, and not enough time to do them.  If only I didn't need to work or sleep.  Maybe I should go buy a lottery ticket.

Comments

[Alicia in Hawaii]

This is BEAUTIFUL!
I love it.
smiles, alicia in Hawaii

[Uli]

Wonderful for a first try!!!

[glasses]

That so cool,I love it!

[bethanyg]

Wow! I'm very impressed. It looks great, and what fun--don't drag me into that too. :) What a great birthday gift too! Have fun~

[kate]

I love that you showed your first honest efforts, Brenda. Thank you. And weaving just looks like so much fun and quick satisfaction...!!

[Rona]

Great work Brenda! Good for you for letting us into your first go at weaving without a coach standing by guiding you might I add.
I think you have done a great job!
I'm Looking forward to seeing your lovely creations.

[Melina]

Glad to know you had problems in the beginning with your spinning, which you obviously overcame. That is what I need to find more time to work on.

[Audrey]

I love your scarf....you should wear it with pride!

[vicki]

Gosh durn it, now I have never seen a cricket loom. You are tempting me....it looks simple and fun.
Vicki