It's Friday again!

Since my media silence (aside from this newsletter), I've been spending a lot of time thinking about where I am, where I want to go, and what I want to create. I don't have any creative epiphanies for you on that front this week, but I'm having a fab time playing with yarn in the studio, and listening to music and books. I feel freer than I have in a long time, and I'm allowing myself to see where this goes and what comes of it.

You may remember that last week I was talking about folding looms. Well, I had my eye on a Saori WX60, but I waited a little too long to reach out and therefore missed my chance.

At the same time I found out the Saori loom had sold to the first buyer, I also had a message about another loom I had asked about several days prior. Fast-forward to Monday, and I hopped in the car to meet up and purchase a secondhand, four-shaft, Louet Erica table loom, complete with stand and direct tie-up treadle conversion.

There was something about this loom that just kept me going back to look at the listing. The first time, I thought it was novel. The second time, I wasn't sure if I liked the aesthetic customization. The third, fourth, fifth (etc.) time, it kept growing on me, and a little voice in the back of my head kept telling me that it was the perfect upgrade from my rigid heddle loom. I would lose about 5 inches of weaving width, but I would trade rigid heddles for four independent shafts and the ability to efficiently weave twills. I would add a bit of weight, but keep the ability to break the loom down for travel—even with a project on it.

We talk about making informed decisions, and getting the features we really want/need, and we also talk a lot about decision paralysis. I came to a conclusion with this used loom situation: either loom would have been great for me. I chose what came through as available, without hesitation, because I would have loved either one. The two-shaft Saori would have been excellent for simple projects, and the company makes a four-shaft conversion for their looms these days. The Erica was already four shafts but still in the familiar table loom format (very similar to the rigid heddle loom in this case). Both open up opportunities for workshops, guild events, or retreats that are "bring your own" style.

For the same reason, when I set out to purchase the "right" eight-shaft floor loom last year, and my spreadsheet of comparisons was finished, and I had selected my top pick, the Ashford jack loom, I didn't spend much time hesitating to choose the Leclerc Artisat upon finding out that the Ashford was backordered until at least March of this year. It wasn't a question, other than the trepidation I will always have about pressing go on an expensive purchase.

By all means, do your research and find out what option(s) is/are right for you. Just remember, if you get down to the wire and there are two competing for your top pick but you can't decide, they're probably both right. Take the one that falls into your lap, in whatever form that may be.

This also means that my Kromski Harp Forte 24" rigid heddle loom and all its accessories are for sale! The Erica is taking the Harp's place, and I've inventoried and packed up everything into its carry bag. I'm currently looking for a buyer relatively local to Las Vegas, but if that doesn't pan out, I'll look into shipping options. I have a Ravelry post here showing the loom and all its accessories if you or anyone else you know are interested!

I'm going to spend my weekend spinning and weaving, listening and taking notes, and I hope you have passion projects to start or continue as well. The twill below is my current pet project, and judging by what's on the Erica, it seems everything's coming up purple.

Have a great weekend, work on something that feels meaningful to you, and take care!

🌻 Liz

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