Another Day, Another Loom

So, the day before Father’s Day, Beauty came home with us. Today, the day after Father’s Day, my second loom came home.  My husband is confused: “Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t Father’s Day when I’m supposed to get the gifts?”  (Me: “I thought Father’s Day is the day when it’s my turn to do the dishes!”)

What am I supposed to do if a fantastic deal, a steal, comes up?  It would cost me more not to buy it! (Another way to think is: if you’re already in a pit, the best thing to do is dig deeper — it might be easier to go through the bottom and come out the other side.)

Introducing: Hedy

She’s a Schacht 20-inch rigid heddle loom.

The previous owner purchased her new two years ago, used her twice, but found she had pain issues with her hands.  I was happy to get Hedy by herself at the price of a nice meal for two, but I didn’t realise she also came with a stand, and a ton of accessories!  In fact, what I paid would not cover the value of the yarn kits included.  Unfortunately, DH (Dear Husband) found out I was going to purchase this yesterday (before I could sneak it into the house, I mean), and for the safety of all concerned, and especially to protect the innocent, I cannot be more specific. (DH has been reading my blog…)

Hedy opened flat

Warping board and 25-inch heddle

I don’t understand why the second heddle is a 25-inch one, since Hedy is a 20-inch loom.  The 25-inch heddle doesn’t fit in the slot.  Another weaving mystery to solve.

Two unused kits of weaving yarn, a great book, and two videos!

Hedy is in perfect condition — not a single scratch or mark on her, and the neat thing is, she’s already warped so I can begin weaving immediately!

Since I began my fibre journey, I’ve met so many wonderful people, and that has been an unexpected gift that has made the crafting even more satisfying.  The woman (and her husband) I got Hedy from was so inspiring, and I had the chance to see some gorgeous tapestries (Southwest designs) in her house.  They weren’t of her making, but she told me they were the reason she wanted to weave in the first place –and it will be possible to make these things on Hedy!

And now for a bit of trivia.  Hedy is named for Hedy Lamarr, born Hedwig Eva Marie Kriesler.  She was more than merely a pretty actress.  In 1942, she patented some technology related to spectrum wave technology, but the ideas were not used at the time due to the lack of mechanical technology.  Ms. Lamarr died in 1959 2000; it was 1962, after her patent had expired, when the U.S. military made use of her ideas.  Her technology was finally recognised and honoured in 1997.  Hedy Lamarr was a woman far ahead of her time.