Now that I’m restricted to my apartment in my retirement place because of the corona virus, I have more time on my hands. I think that may be the case for others, and maybe people are at their looms more than ever. So I’m planning to send more frequent posts about weaving. While I was allowed to go out to my studio I wove more than I have in a few years. I was afraid we’d get guaranteed and then I could dye what I wove at home. That is my plan.
Peggy
I was so excited to get everything I needed to make my warping trapeze in one afternoon. Everything came from my local hardware/lumber store. My tech guy screwed in the brackets in 5 minutes. Whoever said there was no such thing as a 10-minute job! I got 8 ounce fishing weights from a sporting goods store and 2 bungie cords while getting the lumber (2×2, 6ft long), solid metal rod (1/2” d.), and brackets (from the plumbing department). My apprentice, Vera, gave me her plans.
The trapeze will be used for beaming—making tightly wound warps for perfect tension. Here-to-fore I’ve used my warping drum (a hassle) or cranking and yanking (works ok but the trapeze will speed up the process with perfection.
Now all I need is a new warp to beam on. That won’t happen until we are allowed to leave our apartments until the virus settles down.
I’d love to make a trapeze like this one! I have been cranking and yanking–and often getting blisters on my fingers when I’m not super careful. I think this would make it much easier to beam well on my own. Thanks for the idea for a way to make one!
Well done Peggy ! you are an example to us all, you keep inspiring me.
Brand new weaver here. I’m looking forward to seeing you use this to warp. I’m not sure I’m picturing how it helps.
Your book is super-helpful by the way. I just cut off my first weave. It looks both awful and fabulous at the same time. 🙂 I’m very excited to get warping again.
Health and safety to you and yours.
Leigh
Here is a link to a YouTube video of how the warping trapeze works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wgpali-MzQE I didn’t cut the wood and just wedged it in my loom. Bungie cords work or clamps as shown. I also didn’t drill the holes, used brackets from the plumbing section instead. You can click on the image in the blog to enlarge it to see the brackets. The video shows both how to make it and how it is used.
That looks doable. I also live in small apartment and have been looking at trapeze’s but no room for storage. Are they just braced against front, lower part ? Not attached? And completely disassembles? The 2×4 and iron rod brace would fit under the bed!!! Got dumb bell weights in the gym I could “borrow “ for a few hours. Yea could do But have always used your yank/ crank, works great ? thank you!!
Here is a link to a YouTube video of how the warping trapeze works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wgpali-MzQE I didn’t cut the wood and just wedged it in my loom. Bungie cords work or clamps as shown. I also didn’t drill the holes, used brackets from the plumbing section instead. You can click on the image in the blog to enlarge it to see the brackets. The video shows both how to make it and how it is used.
No stash yarn??? Unbelievable, now is the time to avail yourself of online shopping! My stash is at SABLE capacity, god forbid I didn’t have yarn!
I too am living in a retirement community, and while those in independent living cottages can come and go as we want, we are strongly discouraged from doing so. Thanks for considering more frequent posting….!
This is amazing! thank you for sharing! Now, shall I mail some yarn to you???? 😉
Thanks Peggy,
The warping trapeze is great and easy to make.
During this time of confinement, I am working on finishing my ufos. They could keep me busy for years. HA!
Judy
I hope you will post a picture showing how you use it. I’d love to find a smoother and more reliable method to dress my loom.
Don’t need the brackets, just drill holes in the 2×4. Leaves the 2×4 completely smooth for storage.
I have had good success unraveling cotton sweaters for the yarn to use as warp. Pick the sweater apart into a front, back, and two sleeves, unravel each with a wool winder, wind into a skein, steam to remove kinks, and use. I have also woven with this recycled yarn without removing the kinks at 14 epi or so and personally I find the texture of the relaxed piece charming.
Could you show a picture of where and how your tech guy attached the 2x4s. Would also like to see a pictures as you warp. Stay healthy!
Peggy, I would be glad to wind a warp and send it to you, if that would work.
Peggy, love the Japaneses skein winder…does it have a story?
Will you share the plan? Your trapeze looks wonderful! Happy Weaving!
Here is a link to a YouTube video of how the warping trapeze works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wgpali-MzQE I didn’t cut the wood and just wedged it in my loom. Bungie cords work or clamps as shown. I also didn’t drill the holes, used brackets from the plumbing section instead. You can click on the image in the blog to enlarge it to see the brackets. The video shows both how to make it and how it is used. Here’s the link I used again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wgpali-MzQE
Peggy
How exciting! What a cool way to warp! Good for you! AND thank you for visiting the GG Weavers Guild last month!
So for a long time I thought frizzle head was a person I knew in my support group 20 years ago. Now I can put your face to your frequent emails, comments, Mary. I really was glad to get to know you.
Peggy
Very nice! Our friend and local weaver, Deb McClintock showed us how to use one when we warped our Mission loom at Mission Espada in San Antonio a few weeks ago. Worked well! I posted some pics on my IG account, which you are welcome to see. https://www.instagram.com/palafoxchristina/ . It’s in the photo where you see me holding up two skeins, by the Mission wall. Be safe! I love your blog, although often do not reply.
Peggy,
How do you keep the breast beam from lifting off when using a trapeze?
Jaci
My breast beam is bolted on. Instead for you, make a path going over the beam–can you make another route?
Peggy