This is a new column. It will be a place where we artists, artisans and craftspeople can share ideas that have worked for us, a place where we share our bright ideas that have worked as well or better than the “traditional” way and – perhaps – have the added incentive of getting past a problem and moving a project on. Tell us about equipment you have found in hardware stores, toy stores and/or drug stores and function as well as traditional “art supplies”. In this column you can share your knowledge with your peers without having to write a full article. J.F.
Since I am primarily a weaver, I’ll start the this column with two of my (weaverly) ideas.
1) Missing loom parts: Most weavers have taken possession of a used loom at sometime in their life. Many come with something missing. I’ve had at least two that have been passed on without front or back apron (tie-on) bars. Wooden dowels tend to bend under high warp tension. My replacements have been shovel handles from the hardware store. These don’t bend or break. Judy Fisher
2) The problem with choke ties: Weavers tie tight ligatures around a warp after it has been wound and before it is removed from the winding reel or board. These are placed about a yard apart or closer and their purpose is to keep the warp threads from shifting during the warping process. The problem: I always managed to cut a warp thread (at least one and maybe more) when removing these ties.
Pipe cleaner choke ties on the warping reel
Warp chain with pipe cleaner ties
My solution: I use pipe cleaners I buy at the toy store for my chokes. I cut the pipe cleaners in half for the chokes and leave them full length for tying the cross. They do a good job of stabilizing the warp threads and they are reusable. Judy Fisher
What ‘tricks’ have you discovered? Let me know.