Mountain Loom Table Loom

Sooooo. Going on the theory that:

1) I earned the money, and other than crafts and books I don’t spend a lot

2) chances like this don’t come along every day

I acquired a table loom via craigslist months ago.

Mountain Loom - maybe but I'm not sure

It has no markings on it, but from what I can tell it might be an elusive Mountain Loom pique table loom. Teksolv heddles, which will take some getting used to. It is a portable 8-shaft loom that I can take to workshops or move easily around the small home. Haven’t tried it out yet but am anxious to try out some 8-shaft patterns for a change.

This is going to require some rethinking of the tiny crafting storage area, and spare materials may end up being jettisoned in order to keep this baby.

“For many men, the acquisition of wealth does not end their troubles, it only changes them.” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Upcycling Yarn

I do sometimes feel guilty about the amount of brand new craft supplies I purchase. Not only am I spending a lot of money, but yarn manufacturing is not always as eco-friendly as one might hope. Inspired by some recycling/upcycling fiber ladies I know (Mother Mary and Lisette Walker), I’ve decided to try upcycling yarn.

Weaving Spirit (whom I do not have the pleasure of knowing personally) has been recycling cashmere for years into beautiful new horoscope shawls. Why not take an unattractive or dated sweater, unravel it, and make it into something new?

I’ve been scavenging the local ARC thift shops, especially on Saturdays when almost everything is half price. I’ve scored some cashmere, silk, cotton/linen, merino wool, and silk/wool blends for $3-6 each. First up was this Liz Claiborne pink silk sweater, which has been unraveled into several hanks of pale pink silk. Once washed, I’m hoping to use this to make a delicate new woven scarf.

Upcycling Yarn - Before

Upcycling Yarn - After

There are some great tips and groups online about recycling and upcycling yarn. Try searching under “recycling” or “upcycling” or “unravel” yarn.

How To: Recycling Sweaters for Yarn

How to Recycle Yarn from a Thrift-Store Sweater

How to Unravel a Sweater and Recycle Yarn

“Thrift was never more necessary in the world’s history than it is today. ” – Francis H. Sisson

Wealth of Fabric

I am very anxious for it to finally be Fall. Who wants to work with fiber in the middle of summer heat? I’ve started Fall Tidying-and-Cleanup early and have come up with yet another box of fabric.

Apparently I think I always need more fabric, then all this loveliness sits in a box uncut and unsewn. I’m pondering what to make of these yards, most likely charity quilts of some kind. But thought I share the wealth by way of a photo of all of these pretties.

Wealth of Fabric

“Use a make-up table with everything close at hand and don’t rush; otherwise you’ll look like a patchwork quilt.” – Lucille Ball

A Frugal Start to the Crafting Year

My sister and I have been digging through the post-Holiday sales to find supplies for our crafting.  Now’s the time to grab those holiday ornaments and ribbons at 75% off, as long as you promise to re-purpose them into something sellable.  Don’t buy it if you aren’t going to use it, or you’ll have bags and boxes of useless supplies that you end up giving to charity during your Spring cleaning. This is when shopping with a crafting buddy comes in handy; they can help you brainstorm how to re-purpose things or reel you back in when your cart gets too full.

Check your local fabric stores for their amazing fabric and pattern sales; many national patterns are on sale for $2 each instead of the regular $17. Stock up now on ones you’ll really use, or multiple sizes of great styles if you craft clothing for sale.  Many of the Halloween patterns are on sale now, giving you the jump on those cos-play patterns for the summer months.  Winter-theme fabrics are great deals now too, which you can use for Fall/Winter 2010 craft fair items.

We’ve also been assessing our craft supplies and trying to get organized. Somehow it makes it easier to be creative if you know where all the pieces are!  Holiday storage bins are on sale too, and as long as you don’t mind the red and green colors, you can get some attractive and useful supply storage and start the new crafting year off right.

“Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.”  ~Benjamin Franklin