I learned the basics of weaving on an Ashford Knitters Loom, which is a rigid heddle type loom.
Then I took a class at the UCSD Craft Center where I worked on a LeClerc Dorothy 4 shaft table loom and I was able to learn and explore different weave structures.
I also started to weaving at the Vista Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, in the weaving barn. For over 5 years I wove on an LeClerc 48" wide 8 shaft, 10 treadle loom. While working on this loom I was able to learn many advanced weave structures and made may friends who were weaving in the barn.
Along the way I was given a 2 shaft Lilly table loom; I purchased a small 4 shaft 4 treadle (Dorset) floor loom which is now in Japan; and a Pioneer 16 shaft table loom but it was only 12" wide; an Ashford 36" wide 8 shaft table loom which I have been using for the past few years to make towels, place mats, shawls and more but I can't weave rugs on it as it is not wide or sturdy enough
But deep down inside, I have always lusted after a larger floor loom and this week I realized that dream. Through a friend here, in Texas, I was able to purchase a Macomber Loom with 8 shaft, 16 treadle that has a regular and sectional back beam. I have purchased it from the grandson of the original owner. I have sent the serial number (from the side of the loom) to Macomber and have found out that the loom was originally made in 1958.
Over the next weeks and or months, I have to take apart the loom to clean it and to replace some very old parts. Then I can "set it up" and plan the first project on "Mac" which may be a rug, of course.
Some of the looms I have owned, worked on and have and some of my weaving's