A few days ago I bought this cute ‘retro’ weaving loom. I had one like it as a kid – but back then not too much interest in any craft. That came later! 🙂
Here is what I found when I unpacked the box (isn’t this box just darling?)

I knew I had to create the warp onto the frame – so I picked a pretty yarn and did just that (a little tip – don’t use stretchy yarn! I did that, and, boy, did that make the process harder!) Silk and cotton works best!

Then I wrapped the shuttle needle with the yarn I wanted to do the border with. That was easy! LOL
I fitted the ‘Heald Shaft Gear’ under the warp, and let the yarn (1st, 3rd, 5th strand, etc.) fall into the slots. The yarn needed a little assistance – but, still not hard!
Finally I got to weave! After each row, the Shaft needs to be turned one fourth forward, so the 2nd, 4th, 6th Strand etc. falls into the slots. Easy-peasy!
I wove 5 or 6 rows with the yarn for the border. By then I had an inkling of an idea why it was suggested to me NOT to use stretchy yarn! See, the yarn stretches, but doesn’t bounce back. Making it harder and harder to do the over/under motion of the needle. But, I wasn’t about to give up, and start over. I kept going, vowing to use cotton the next time.
Now it was time to pick strands of yarn, and ribbon for the actual ‘decorative’ part of my piece. In my favorite store (Florilegium in Weston) I found bags with a variety of silk yarn and different ribbons. Perfect for my little project! Since the loom only came with one shuttle needle, and I didn’t feel like winding/unwinding the yarn every few rows, I went and got out my tapestry needle – and, since it’s a narrow piece, found that this was ideal!


So far, so good!
And on and on I went – then I got fancy! I started a simple ‘design’ – by weaving to the middle, turning around, going back weaving to one warp before the last, and so on. Then I did the same thing, with a different yarn, from the other side. Et voilá – two triangles!
Here is the finished piece! I’m quite happy with it! Now I have to embellish and hide the yarn-ends ~

I’ll be back soon to show you the final result!
I hope you enjoyed following my process! Let me know if I inspired (and maybe helped) you with your own little wall hanging!