I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling overwhelmed as I stare at my Little Guy loom, unassembled, its various pieces staring back at me waiting for me to make a move. Thankfully, Mirrix* has a plethora of resources to take me step by step through the process of assembling my loom and creating my very first tapestry, including Set Up and Warping Instructions. I download and study the “Easy Warp” method PDF book, watch Claudia’s amazingly detailed YouTube video, and begin.
After no less than 30 minutes, I’m done warping — that is, after numerous curse words, second guessing the direction of my U-turns, and asking myself, “Wait–am I supposed to go around my loom or through my loom?!” Since I was armed with literal step-by-step instructions and visuals (even a video!) from Mirrix, I arrogantly assumed I’d catch on right away, but it seems that warping is an acquired skill. There is a rhythm to it, though, and once I found my rhythm, it felt almost natural; I have the feeling weaving is the same way.
Now on to the heddles! Putting them on seems simple enough in theory, but I keep crossing them (maybe because my DVR recording of the latest “Real Housewives” episode is on in the background, or maybe because I keep checking the baby monitor for signs that E is waking from her nap). This Mirrix post about Heddle Troubleshooting assures me that crossing heddles is the most common mistake made by beginners. Phew! The post also says not to watch TV while putting on your heddles in order to avoid making mistakes…oops!
The good news is that I’ve successfully warped and heddled (is that a word?) my loom! As if on cue, E is stirring in her crib. Alas, I will begin weaving my tapestry another day.
New Weaver on the Block 