Warping Alvin

Alvin, our new loom, is having a warp, the first, put on. It is a steep learning curve!

The warp threads, those which go from the back of the loom to the front, need to go on in a specific order. If they don't, the pattern either won't be right or the threads will tangle and we won't be able to weave. There are a variety of ways to thread up any loom and we use mills, wheels, boards and now, a tension box. 

In effect, the tension box makes a section of warp. It is a little complex to explain but basically the threads come off in order straight from the cones or cheeses (yes, that is what the little cardboard rolls that we put yarns onto are called) and then through a series of reeds and around short tubes to make the tension even. Only then can the yarns go through the last reed and onto the back beam. 

Suffice it to say that we have had a day of broken threads and trials and errors, but we are very happy that the first warp is going on. It looks smart and we think it will make very smart cloth. Pictures will follow sometime soon...