Get Warped! 

I thought it might be nice if my very first post was both helpful and  

First off, I am warped. That is, I spent a good half hour warping my inkle loom last night and thus I am warped. 

Second, I'd like to convey that it is entirely possible for you- dear reader- also to be warped; even on a very limited budget. 

I am on a very limited budget; ask my husband. However, that hasn't stopped me from pursuing the fiber arts I so love. 

I am bringing this up in as a result of an online discussion in which I participated the other day. I asked about a used loom and one member felt the need to tell me that there is usually a reason why a loom is on "sale." 

Well, maybe, maybe not. 

In response, the point I just had to make was that I- being a beginner and on a limited budget- needed to buy a loom on sale. I then pointed out that my "used" Ashford Traveler wheel was also on "sale" and it works marvelously. 

The truth is that looms, spinning wheels, drum carders, etc, are not cheap. Many people are simply unable to spend $500.00 on a spinning wheel or $3,000.00 on a decent floor loom. However, that doesn't mean that we must go without. 

Spinning Wheels

First off, check on your local Craigslist. If there is nothing local, try other cities. A good bargain may be worth the drive. 

Check at a local spinning and weaving guild; often their newsletters are published and there are decent deals in the "for sale" section. 

Also, check online; there are several Facebook groups dedicated to used spinning/ fiber equipment. 

While searching, do TONS of research! Learn about the different spinning wheel companies and types of wheels. Think about what type of yarn you'd like to spin as this will determine what type of wheel you should get. Join a guild or an online community that focuses on spinning. 

Most of the time, modern spinning wheels will be in repairable shape and missing parts can easily be found. Some things to pay attention to are: (1) Are all the parts there? This is especially important if the company no longer exists. (2) Is the wheel warped? If it is, it won't spin smoothly and you will hear a "thunk" as the wheel rotates. (3) Is the company still around? Can you get new parts? (4) Has the company made upgrades that aren't compatible with the wheel at which you are looking? Sometimes, if upgrades have been made, a conversion kit can be purchased; sometimes not. 

In general, an antique wheel can be more difficult to repair and work with. For example, in my area, flax wheels are a dime a dozen; they are everywhere! There are always at least 3 on Craigslist at any given time. The main issue with these wheels is that the bobbins are unique to each wheel; they are not interchangeable. So, if a bobbin is warped, it can't be replaced by one from another wheel. While bobbins can be made for older wheels, it is often very expensive to do so- thus turning a bargain wheel into anything but. 

Aside from the missing and/ or damaged parts that may or may not be available, some older wheels are very difficult to use and might frustrate new spinners. I have an old flax wheel that is a beast to use; there is no way I could have learned on it. 

The very best suggestion I can make is that- if possible- buy from a spinner or shop that sells spinning wheels (some sell them used). A spinner/ specialty store will be able to answer any questions you may have and will be able to help you get started. Some good questions to ask are: (1) Why are they getting rid of the wheel; (2) how long have they had it; (3) where did they get it? Ask for a demonstration or ask to use it yourself. You don't have to be an expert spinner; you can simply treadle the wheel and see how it feels. Perhaps the seller would be willing to help you out and/ or teach you the basics. 

If you have done your research, you will know what to look for as far as form and function and thus the chances of making a poor decision on a wheel will be significantly lessened. 

Once you've found a decent, affordable wheel- haggle a bit (unless it has been stated that the price is firm). You'd be surprised at how many sellers are willing to accept less than asking price just to get the wheel out of their hair. Sometimes bartering can work as well. For example, I have often thought about bartering with my angora fiber. Perhaps they won't come down on the price but can throw in a lesson or two? You never know! 

For a very helpful video on purchasing used/ older wheels, click here. 

To learn more about spinning wheels, click here.

Looms

Looms are very, very, very expensive. It is tempting to buy the cheapest possible loom out there just to have a loom; I get that and have been there. 

My advice to any person wanting to purchase a loom is to get the best loom possible for the smallest amount of cash. How? With a little patience, persistence and knowledge. 

Don't buy a loom simply because you can (ie. the price is low). It is tempting to buy an old loom because it is cheap- I know. Don't ask me how I know... I just know. 

Some older looms work great; after all, most looms were built to last. Some older looms, however, may not work so great. In fact, some older looms may not work at all if some- or many- of the parts are missing. And some of these looms may have been made by companies that no longer exist and so getting new parts may be difficult and/ or expensive. 

Newer looms, however, are expensive; there is no getting around it. However, chances are- if you do your research and are careful- you can often purchase a nice, used, newer loom that will actually work. And, if it doesn't work, help is often as close as an email or phone call away. 

Again, check Craigslist, local guilds, online groups, specialty shops, etc. 

I have found that decent, newer looms show up on Craigslist quite often. Sometimes they even show up at a very decent price. The thing is, though, to find a nice, inexpensive loom, one must be patient and diligent. I checked Craigslist every day in order to find a decent, affordable loom.

One also must do research. You must know what certain looms are worth. Check around online to see what used ones typically go for; that way you will know when someone is asking too much. You should acquaint yourself with different types of looms and companies that make them so that you know what you are looking for. You will want to know what you'd like to weave before you can decide what type of loom you need. You will also want to know what extras you must purchase before you can weave. 

When you find a loom, ask questions. Why are they getting rid of it? How long have they had it? Where did they get it? What did they weave on it? Does it come with any shuttles, a warping board, heddles, etc.? 

If you like the loom but the price is too high, haggle (see the spinning wheel section above). Don't spend more than you should- trust me: you will eventually find a loom that is a more reasonable price. 

I got my loom at a very reasonable price. Ironically, the same day I found my loom, I went to look at another one that was priced WAY too high. The woman from whom I bought my loom is a spinner who gave up on weaving while warping. She was all too happy to get the loom and everything loom- related out of her house. 

I am not a particularly lucky person; if I can find a decent loom at a reasonable price, so can you! 

To learn more about looms, click here.