A Weaver's Story--Diane
There was so much that resonated with me in this story. While the changes in my life over the past few years have not been nearly as significant as those Diane has experienced, I too find comfort in weaving and sometimes use it to sort through the mess of thoughts that can swirl in my head. And I also have found that somehow, looms multiply!
Let’s read what Diane has to say.
I wanted to share how weaving has profoundly impacted my life over the past year. A year ago, my world turned upside down. As a single mom raising two kids, caring for two aging parents, and working two jobs, I was constantly on the go. Then, in a matter of months, both of my parents passed away, and my children moved away to college. I found myself alone at home with just the dog for company. The quiet was overwhelming, and I struggled with feelings of loss, depression, and anxiety.
One day, I stumbled upon an article about weaving, and something clicked. I decided to give it a try and purchased a 24" Rigid Heddle Loom. I took a class and created my first table runner. The process of weaving was both soothing and engaging, providing a much-needed escape from my worries. Soon, I was making towels, table runners, and mug rugs, and I found myself drawn deeper into the craft.
Feeling ready for a new challenge, I upgraded to a 48" Ashford Rigid Heddle Loom and began weaving larger pieces like shawls, blankets, and bed runners. I loved every minute of it and found solace in the rhythmic movements and creative process. I also expanded my knowledge into pick-up sticks and color-and-weave patterns.
Wanting to take my weaving on the go, I invested in the 12” Ashford Knitter's Loom. It's been perfect for making towels, samplers, and mug rugs, and I keep it warped at all times for quick, anxiety-relieving weaving sessions. Then along came a 15” Cricket Loom, my first Schacht loom, which I enjoy working on immensely. I keep both the Knitter's and Cricket looms warped all the time. Eventually I heard about the Bekka Looms. I am from Minnesota, so it seemed natural to acquire a 10” Bekka Loom. I love the simplicity of this loom.
As my skills grew, I sought more complexity and purchased the Brooklyn Ashford 4-Shaft Loom. This opened up a whole new world of intricate patterns and thoughtful planning. However, many of the patterns I was interested in required even more shafts, so I eventually acquired the 32" 16-Shaft Ashford Table Loom. It's been an incredibly fun challenge, and while warping can be tricky, I'm improving with each project and class I take.
The Weaver's Guild in Minnesota uses Schacht looms for classes. To have my own loom for class and mirror what was happening in class, I added a 20" Schacht Flip It Loom. This has been really good for classes, traveling, and quickly weaving towels and other products. It's a portable version of my 24" Ashford Rigid Heddle.
I have found that I enjoy weaving larger projects, especially shawls. They have become a constant wardrobe accessory for me. So, missing a rigid heddle loom between 24” and 48”, I added a Kromski Forte Hearth Rigid Heddle Loom. It’s a lot of fun.
People will ask me what is my favorite loom or project and I can’t say. I continue to go back to my 24” Ashford Rigid Heddle as a base for most projects. But I love the 10”, 12” and 15” looms for quick projects, mug rugs and placemats. The 20” is great for towels as well as my 24”. The 32” and 48” make the blankets and shawls that I love. I am just beginning to understand work with multi-shaft looms becoming proficient at warping the 4-shaft and now 16-shaft table looms. I can honestly say that I use most of my looms on a rotating basis. I wouldn’t want to give any of them up.
Throughout this journey, I've embraced imperfections and enjoyed the learning process. My latest creation was a tote bag, but I needed a good handle, which led me to the Ashford Inkle Loom. My weaving adventures didn't stop there—curiosity about spinning led to the addition of a Kiwi Spinning Wheel and an Ashford Drop Spindle to my collection.
In just a year, weaving has transformed my life, helping me navigate through a difficult time with creativity and purpose. Weaving has been instrumental in this journey, and I am grateful for the joy and peace they have brought me. In two weeks I am taking my very first FLOOR LOOM class, can a floor loom be that far away in my future?
Thank you for letting me share my story.
Warm regards,
Diane
Diane, thank you so much for sharing your heart with me and your fellow weavers! It's so easy to dwell in the loss and not find out "who you are now". I'm so glad you found your new self, and that is a wonderful, valuable, and precious self!!!
I also love how looms multiply!
