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There are all kinds of weaving and there are all kinds of looms. Many of the looms and some of the different types of
weaving can be seen at our
Museum Weaver's Building. However, one of my favorite looms for weaving is very small,
made of two planks of wood and seven or more pegs. No one seems to know the exact origin of the loom, but some
believe it came from Europe.
Whatever its origin, we have 5 or 6 at our museum and I own two at my home.
They have a strange little name and are called "Inkle Looms". Years ago I was introduced to the Inkle loom and soon
had one of my own. Their simplicity and ease of warping captivated me and I began making belts, guitar straps, hat
bands, and book marks using colorful warps.
It soon developed that I could learn from each warp what
colors worked with other colors. The Inkle loom became an important aid for me and I learned the wonders of
contrast, warping by twos with light and dark alternating threads creating two contrasting colored warps, .. . there
was power in that little loom and I have continued to use the Inkle loom to this day.
I held an Inkle weaving class for the
Palomar Handweavers Guild prior to our June Show Days. Benva St. Morris was one of the participants and grew to
love the Inkle for its simplicity. She wanted to demonstrate the Inkle for the kids during Show Days at the AGSEM.
Great idea! She gathered several Inkles together and Keith Richards became interested as well as others and when the
first weekend came she was immediately surrounded by kids. Each boy or girl could weave a bookmark and the bookmark
would have a tape with their address. She had them pay $2.00 for the supplies, postage and opportunity.
It was obvious from the crowd that there was much excitement.
Benva was worn out, but happy with the result. She then gave the envelopes with the bookmarks to be mailed with a
letter from the AGSEM Museum Weavers. We gave a word of congratulations on their achievement and an invitation to
return for the October Show and we would have them weave on a large floor loom with treadles.
Over 15 envelopes were sent out for a fascinating event held by one person, Benva St. Morris. Thank you Benva,
it is amazing what one person can do, . . .and with such a little loom!
Now, of course, we had over 25 other
weavers who wove, and demonstrated looms, spinning, bobbin lace, rug hooking, rope braiding and rag rug weaving.
Someday, I'll mention all of their names too.
If you have not wandered through our new Weaver's Building come on through. Its a rare sight to see 50 looms all
together and you can even try out one of the Inkle Looms during the Show.
I'm thinking of having one for
adults to make their own bookmark too. I didn't know the little loom could be so powerful.
Oh, by the way, Keith Richards has become very proficient with the Inkle and has bought an Inkle loom
Lou Schweizer built and is weaving Guitar Straps!
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