We (truthfully, my husband) turned a 100 centimeter (39+”) Glimåkra Ideal loom into a 70 centimeter (27+”) loom by creating all new horizontal pieces. I can select either size loom–it is convertible! I plan to use the 70 centimeter loom for workshops, since I am able to break it down with a warp on it and and set it back up. Singlehandedly.Not kidding! Steve spent hours of measuring, cutting, creating, and fitting. All in a hot Houston garage. A lot of love went into this cute little loom.Here’s our story in pictures.
After months of searching for a second-hand 70cm Glimåkra Ideal, we found this 100cm one, right here in Houston, that was looking for a new home. So we took her in. Now, we just needed to figure out how to take her down in size. (Click picture to enlarge)Steve started with the most challenging part, the octagonal cloth and warp beams. One end is precisely shaped to fit into a round hole on the side of the loom; the other end also has the round shape, but then is squared to fit exactly into the turn handle, with a rectangular hole for the wedge that holds it in. Whew, he did it!After making all the beams, Steve said this horizontal countermarch mechanism was a piece of cake.New pieces for the 70cm loom being added: treadle beam at the back, foot beam at the front, and upper and lower lamms in the middle. No need to replace the treadles, seen on the floor in front of the old 100cm treadle beam.Last step before putting a warp on the cute little loom. With classical music in his ears, Steve is making 70cm slats to use for warping. The hat is to keep sawdust out of his hair. The fan is to keep him alive.Ready to weave! Besides being cute, this loom could well be the world’s first convertible loom. Two looms in one! Have you ever seen a loom that could convert to two different sizes? (Click picture to enlarge)For the first warp, I used a simple plain weave draft from “Simple Weaves” (Nya Vävar) by Björk and Ignell, p.22, just long enough for two small rag rugs. This first rug, Lime Green and Blue Stripe, is happy proof that everything works!One rug done, one to go. First rug is cut off, and warp ends are tied in overhand knots in front of the reed. Now I bundle up the reed and shafts with the warp beam, and completely disassemble the loom. Can I get it all back together in working order? By myself? (Click picture to enlarge)Loom is reassembled (took me 28 minutes, 30 seconds) and Red Flame rag rug is in the making. The cherrywood ski shuttle is another one of Steve’s lovely creations.Two simple rag rugs, a test for this old-new loom. This cutest loom ever passed the test with flying colors, and oh so much love!
May you enjoy a quiet day of love – some old, some new.
Feeling immeasurably loved,
Karen
36 thoughts on “Quiet Friday: Cutest Loom Ever”
I’m impressed with your husband’s work! It is indeed a cute loom 🙂
Diane, thanks for taking time to leave a comment! I owe a lot to my hubby. This couldn’t have happened without him. My woodworking skills are zilch.
How nice that you have restored an Ideal! I’m sure it will serve you well!
I can’t believe you wanted to shorten the loom. Why>> I have a chanch to buy a 70 one and I think it is too small for rugs. Do you make many little rugs?? Pretty tiny, Fran
Fran, I understand your question. 70 cm IS small for making rugs. Normally, I do rugs on my 120 cm Glimakra Standard. The only reason I wanted to make the 100 cm loom smaller was so I could use it as a workshop loom. I don’t expect to make many rugs on this smaller size loom, though it is sturdy enough for it, and it did function very well for the Jason Collingwood rug workshop, where the warp was only 11 1/4 inches. I have to say, though, I really enjoy weaving on this tiny loom. It will be perfect for weaving scarves, yardage for clothing (most pattern pieces are no more than 18″), and even kitchen towels.
Nice job!
– just wanted to tell you that having several width beams was not *that* uncommon in Sweden of old. (Source Lanthemmens vävstolar by Grenande-Nyberg) – so you are following an old tradition
Kerstin, wow, I had no idea! That’s great to know. Now I can say I’m just following an old Swedish tradition. It does make sense, though, because it’s a very efficient use of materials and space, and the Swedish seem to be experts at that.
This is really fantastic.
I found your post while searching for a Glimakra in Houston and it’s made me look at listings for much larger Swedish style looms differently. Now that they’ve stopped making the Ideal this might be the only way of owning one of these perfectly sized Glimakras.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Leesa, I’m glad you happened upon this post, then!
There have to be some more Ideals around, but it’s not easy finding one. I hope you end up with what you’re looking for, even if you have to re-size something. That’s not exactly easy, either. But where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Wow! Amazing! I had discussed this very thing with a weaver friend of mine, but neither of us is a woodworker. To me the possibilities are endless. I love the Glimakra Julia, and she is built with less timber, I had thought… what about an 18″ or 20″ Julia instead of a 27″ Julia? What about a 36″ Julia? Julia also has a design flaw, because the vertical beater supports are inside the frame, not outside, so the supports cut into the maximum weaving width. Just a modification of the beater, which really ought to be done, would need a skilled woodworker. I offer my deepest respect for your husband’s talents. If he wants to make some money for his handiwork, I would love to hire somebody to create a replacement beater for my Julia.. just like the old one, but with the vertical supports outside the warp area.
It’s amazing how simple, really, these Swedish looms are! I love the thought of a little bitty 18″ or 20″ loom. You could fit that into any corner of a room. The Julia, especially, is such a beautifully simple design. My husband has thought of trying to build one like it from scratch, with a few improvements. But that’s way down on the “someday” list. For now, he has a “real” day job; so, even though he would love to help you out, he doesn’t have the spare time to do all these wonderful things. But he does feel very honored by your kind complimentary words. Thank you.
I love keeping up with your blog. I have a Cranbrook loom and would like to add 4 more shafts. Can you tell me what kind of wood your husband used for your loom parts?
Thx
Betsy
Hi Betsy, I love having you along with me here.
Steve tried to match the wood as closely as possible to what was on the original loom. He used pine for the lamms, and poplar for the shaft bars and countermarch jacks. He didn’t add any treadles, but he said if he did he would use maple, a dense wood.
I hope everything goes well with expanding your Cranbrook. Exciting!
Karen
This info will be very helpful especially about the maple for the treadles. Now I can sound more knowledgeable when I talk to a woodworker about making the parts for me. Thanks
Hi Jane, Steve says it’s just pine he picked up at Lowe’s or Home Depot. He’s not so concerned about what type of wood it is, but how straight it is, how many knots it has, and how straight the grain is.
I loved reading this – I have just bought an Ideal loom and am amazed how easy it is to dismantle and put back together. If I had known this, I might have gone for a Swedish loom years ago! I had read that the only difference between the different widths is in the cross pieces, and the fact that the ratchets are a separate part makes it more do-able too. I doubt if I will do this (unless perhaps one day I move somewhere much smaller) but I do plan to add extra shafts at some point – mine came with 4, but with the countermarche for 6 and there would be room for 8.
Hi Karen, It’s a great advantage that these Swedish looms are easy to dismantle and put back together! I’m sure you will enjoy your Ideal for many years to come.
When you disassembled the little Ideal, did you also roll up the shafts and the reed in the bundle so you only needed to reassemble your loom and tie on at the class?
Jane, That’s exactly what I did, and bundled it with the warp beam. I wrapped a sheet around the whole bundle and tied it with a few fabric strips leftover from rag rug weaving. It worked great.
Bless your heart for sharing this information! I’m in the same situation (wanting a smaller loom for workshops), but something that will hold up well without having to worry about things falling apart! I love my Glimåkras and I just happen to have a 100 cm Ideal that has just volunteered for this job! How did your husband make the cloth & back beams? And, what did he finish the wood with?
Hi Jon, It is great to have a smaller countermarch loom for workshops. I will send you an email with more detailed information.
I’ll have to say, I have added an 8-shaft Glimåkra Julia to my family of looms, and it has become my workshop loom. My hand-built loom is still a favorite and is well used.
I’m impressed with your husband’s work! It is indeed a cute loom 🙂
Thank you, Irene! I will tell Steve you said so. 🙂
Only one word: awsome 🙂
Gret, you made me smile! Thanks!
All I can say is wow! Great idea and well done both of you.
Thanks, Sandy! Your cheerleading means a lot! I plan to start winding a new warp for the loom today. Good times.
LOVE: You two are a team!
Yes we are, Betty. I love that compliment! Thanks!
Ha ha, well I’m certainly not anonymous. Now I know what happens if I try to reply from my iphone.
I agree with Betty. WHAT a team! God really did a work when he put you two together. Beautiful loom, beautiful rugs, beautiful couple!
Thanks, Bev! What a lovely thing to say. I can’t disagree with you. Steve and I were most certainly meant for each other!
That’s the neatest thing I’ve seen in ages! I just restored a 35″
Ideal. Wish I had the woodworking skills to make it convertible!
Diane, thanks for taking time to leave a comment! I owe a lot to my hubby. This couldn’t have happened without him. My woodworking skills are zilch.
How nice that you have restored an Ideal! I’m sure it will serve you well!
I can’t believe you wanted to shorten the loom. Why>> I have a chanch to buy a 70 one and I think it is too small for rugs. Do you make many little rugs?? Pretty tiny, Fran
Fran, I understand your question. 70 cm IS small for making rugs. Normally, I do rugs on my 120 cm Glimakra Standard. The only reason I wanted to make the 100 cm loom smaller was so I could use it as a workshop loom. I don’t expect to make many rugs on this smaller size loom, though it is sturdy enough for it, and it did function very well for the Jason Collingwood rug workshop, where the warp was only 11 1/4 inches. I have to say, though, I really enjoy weaving on this tiny loom. It will be perfect for weaving scarves, yardage for clothing (most pattern pieces are no more than 18″), and even kitchen towels.
I’m glad you stopped by to ask a question!
Karen
Nice job!
– just wanted to tell you that having several width beams was not *that* uncommon in Sweden of old. (Source Lanthemmens vävstolar by Grenande-Nyberg) – so you are following an old tradition
Kerstin, wow, I had no idea! That’s great to know. Now I can say I’m just following an old Swedish tradition. It does make sense, though, because it’s a very efficient use of materials and space, and the Swedish seem to be experts at that.
Thanks for stopping by!
This is really fantastic.
I found your post while searching for a Glimakra in Houston and it’s made me look at listings for much larger Swedish style looms differently. Now that they’ve stopped making the Ideal this might be the only way of owning one of these perfectly sized Glimakras.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Leesa, I’m glad you happened upon this post, then!
There have to be some more Ideals around, but it’s not easy finding one. I hope you end up with what you’re looking for, even if you have to re-size something. That’s not exactly easy, either. But where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Karen
Wow! Amazing! I had discussed this very thing with a weaver friend of mine, but neither of us is a woodworker. To me the possibilities are endless. I love the Glimakra Julia, and she is built with less timber, I had thought… what about an 18″ or 20″ Julia instead of a 27″ Julia? What about a 36″ Julia? Julia also has a design flaw, because the vertical beater supports are inside the frame, not outside, so the supports cut into the maximum weaving width. Just a modification of the beater, which really ought to be done, would need a skilled woodworker. I offer my deepest respect for your husband’s talents. If he wants to make some money for his handiwork, I would love to hire somebody to create a replacement beater for my Julia.. just like the old one, but with the vertical supports outside the warp area.
Hi Greta,
It’s amazing how simple, really, these Swedish looms are! I love the thought of a little bitty 18″ or 20″ loom. You could fit that into any corner of a room. The Julia, especially, is such a beautifully simple design. My husband has thought of trying to build one like it from scratch, with a few improvements. But that’s way down on the “someday” list. For now, he has a “real” day job; so, even though he would love to help you out, he doesn’t have the spare time to do all these wonderful things. But he does feel very honored by your kind complimentary words. Thank you.
Happy Weaving,
Karen
Hi Karen
I love keeping up with your blog. I have a Cranbrook loom and would like to add 4 more shafts. Can you tell me what kind of wood your husband used for your loom parts?
Thx
Betsy
Hi Betsy, I love having you along with me here.
Steve tried to match the wood as closely as possible to what was on the original loom. He used pine for the lamms, and poplar for the shaft bars and countermarch jacks. He didn’t add any treadles, but he said if he did he would use maple, a dense wood.
I hope everything goes well with expanding your Cranbrook. Exciting!
Karen
This info will be very helpful especially about the maple for the treadles. Now I can sound more knowledgeable when I talk to a woodworker about making the parts for me. Thanks
Hi Karen…What kind of pine did Steve use?
Hi Jane, Steve says it’s just pine he picked up at Lowe’s or Home Depot. He’s not so concerned about what type of wood it is, but how straight it is, how many knots it has, and how straight the grain is.
Hope that helps.
Karen
Love this post – and he even changed the bench to match the width of the smaller loom.
Vibeke, Yes, the loom bench in interchangeable, too! I’m glad you noticed.
Karen
I loved reading this – I have just bought an Ideal loom and am amazed how easy it is to dismantle and put back together. If I had known this, I might have gone for a Swedish loom years ago! I had read that the only difference between the different widths is in the cross pieces, and the fact that the ratchets are a separate part makes it more do-able too. I doubt if I will do this (unless perhaps one day I move somewhere much smaller) but I do plan to add extra shafts at some point – mine came with 4, but with the countermarche for 6 and there would be room for 8.
Hi Karen, It’s a great advantage that these Swedish looms are easy to dismantle and put back together! I’m sure you will enjoy your Ideal for many years to come.
Happy weaving,
Karen
When you disassembled the little Ideal, did you also roll up the shafts and the reed in the bundle so you only needed to reassemble your loom and tie on at the class?
Jane, That’s exactly what I did, and bundled it with the warp beam. I wrapped a sheet around the whole bundle and tied it with a few fabric strips leftover from rag rug weaving. It worked great.
Karen
Oh, Karen!
Bless your heart for sharing this information! I’m in the same situation (wanting a smaller loom for workshops), but something that will hold up well without having to worry about things falling apart! I love my Glimåkras and I just happen to have a 100 cm Ideal that has just volunteered for this job! How did your husband make the cloth & back beams? And, what did he finish the wood with?
Thanks so much for the great idea!!!
Jon
Hi Jon, It is great to have a smaller countermarch loom for workshops. I will send you an email with more detailed information.
I’ll have to say, I have added an 8-shaft Glimåkra Julia to my family of looms, and it has become my workshop loom. My hand-built loom is still a favorite and is well used.
Happy Weaving,
Karen