I'm in the process of doing the same thing. I'd love to buy an 8-shaft table loom but it's just a bit out of my budget. I've built a rigid-heddle loom (modeled after the Ashford) and an Inkle loom. I'd thought about building an 8-shaft castle for my RH like Schacht did for their cricket but the geometry may not work out. It doesn't have a separate front and back beam like the Cricket does so the warp will change position - and the shed will change shape - as it is woven and moves from the warp beam to the cloth beam. It may not be the issue I'm imagining but, being of simple mind, I somehow see it has "bad idea" written all over it. :)
Great video! I am returning to weaving now in 2025 after my first attempt in 2009. The equipment and resources available now are amazing compared to then and as you say, we really are lucky to have the community to turn to for insights, help and inspiration, so incredibly useful. Most people who purchase a loom don't get to see them in person before hand so videos showing them being used, compared to familiar objects for scale and seeing what can be done with them is so important to the decision making. I also very much agree with your take on which loom we should buy. Its a tool and neither model or brand will make or break you as a weaver. You can get caught up in that and not actually get any weaving done🫨🤣 I am going to checkout the Table Weaving Course now as although I understand how to weave and can read a pattern etc I am messy and need to learn some good habits to make my work look professional.
Hi Kelly. I have a 50cm Jane 8-shaft. I’ve only woven 2 projects on it so far (I just bought it earlier this year) but am in the process of setting up my 3rd warp on it. I have found it very comfortable to use. I did get the stand for it as I don’t really have any spare tables around so needed it to be independent so to speak. Truthfully, I bought the Jane because I already had a Louet David 8-shaft floor loom (90cm). So the two looms being similar in operation/design was a benefit for me. Also, my nearest dealer ( 2 hrs away) happens to carry Louet. So being comfortable with a dealer and being able to travel to try looms was very important to me. My first two looms were rigid heddle and I’ve just finally admitted to myself that I don’t really care for weaving with rigid heddles. So then I got the David. At which point I figured out I often want to whip out a quick scarf while I’m in the middle of a series of 8 placemats or 4 towels on the David. So enter Jane!. Now I can have two multi-harness looms projects going at the same time. Have never gone down the path of wanting more than 8 shafts so far. Thank goodness…I’m running out of room. 😊.
It sounds as though you've struck just the right balance for your situation, that is great! And I agree that it makes sense to buy the same brand if you're happy with it. I love that the Louet looms are so similar that even with a different type of loom you still feel that you have that work flow.
There is a video on you tube from a gal that is an experienced weaver and bought the quartet to go with her cricket. She goes through from top to bottom and gives her experience.
I am lucky ! I have my 8 shaft Kessenih table loom, which I love! Had it for about 6 years. Also now have an Ashford 16, 24 inch. Your UA-cam for putting an Ashford together was So helpful! Thank you Kelly! I love how easy the Ashford is to use!!!! The reach of the toggles, is wonderful, and the action is so smooth. Have seen the Jane in person and very happy with my choice of the Ashford ! By the way, Lofty Fibers is working on a shuttle race for the Ashford and the Jane. They make wonderful accessories for all looms I still use my Rigid needle loom on occasion.
Just about to set up my new Ashford table loom (only have a RHL) and do your online class which everyone is recommending. So excited. Weavers like to name their looms (it seems) so thinking of naming mine after an excellent teacher I know. 😂
I have the same Ashford loom that you have and am very happy with it. I have not felt the need to replace the Ashford loom. I also, have a variety of other looms.
I have a ashford 8 shafts 80 cm tableloom and I loooove it ❤❤❤ I also have a 100cm 10 shaft 12 threadles floor loom but i use the tableloom a lot more because it's a lot easier to dress the threadle tie up can sometimes be a pain for my back but I would love to have a 16 shafts but my wallet do not agree❤ and Thanks for a lovely video again ❤
I have a table loom (8 shaft 24 inch Ashford) and one of the reasons I got it is because each shaft is directly tied to its own lever. My 4 shaft counterbalance floor loom does not always like unbalanced weaves but these are no problem on the table loom. Plus I do like having the option to weave 8 shaft patterns. Kelly, you (wisely) brought up extras and, for the Ashford, I would recommend these 3, in this order, as you can afford them: raddle kit, extra heddles, stand. Thanks for the video and for inviting conversation :-)
I got an 8 shaft ashford table loom as a Christmas/birthday present and I LOVE her! I’m just about finished with my first project and I can’t wait to start a new one!
I have a Cricket Quartet. I love it. I had to give up my floor loom because it became too difficult to manage with back issues. The Quartet is lovely to use and easy on me. I wish I could adapt my 24-inch Ashford Rigid Heddle to a four- or eight-shaft table loom like I did with my 15-inch Cricket.
I recently bought the Jane loom as an 8 shaft and I think that is plenty of shafts for quite a few weaving options. I can't imagine keeping track of flipping more levers!. I love the loom, but I have had some trouble with the 2 warps I have put on it. They both splayed out after about 12 inches of weaving and I had to retension the warp. I think I need more sticks and I am connecting with others who have the same loom to see what they do. I enjoy your videos so much - thank you for your expertise. I am a weaver who started in the 1960s and am getting back to it after a few decades off!
That's exciting for you! Consider using thick brown paper you can purchase on a roll as your warp separator at the back beam, I find it works better than sticks 😊
I wish you would have given Leclerc Voyager some time here. It’s a great table loom. I was able to purchase an 8 shaft 24” wide loom. I am very happy with it😊
I have both an Ashford 4 shaft table loom and a LeClerc Jane 8 shaft. I like the tension on the Jane better and it is much lighter enabling me to take it to class.
I do wonder whether a 16 shaft table loom would be rather slower when weaving a 16 shaft draft, lifting and dropping 8 shafts for every pick? I notice that on my 8 shaft ashford table loom that 4 shaft drafts are noticeably faster than 8. Not that speed is everything of course!
Be careful if you're going to wait hoping to get 16 shafts used at a better price. Pre-order prices can be set lower than the release price as a reward for investing in their product sight unseen. If that's the case, anyone selling a 16 shaft may not sell it at a reduced price... Especially if it's a "limited" edition. Or the "reduced" price would be what they paid, since they paid less than the after release price. 💖🌞🌵😷
I would like to take Kellys table loom course and buy an ashford 8 shaft loom, just getting started weaving whoohoo exciting times, Hi Kelly big hugs from snowy Canada TuxedoDeb Harpist🤵
For making a warp board Ive put the pegs in the holes on the back of my 32" rigid heddle loom but the configuration isnt the same as yours as its having no pegs across the bottom @@KellyCasanova
but when I put this accessory for my ashford rigid heddle loom together,I see that I cant make the raddle cross, there just arent any holes across the top? So Im trying to get a warping board somehow and will use the old Dorothy Loom with metal levers so I can follow along in this course
I think Ashford make a set number of 16 shaft 32" each year, as I got myself on the waiting list in November 2022 . It's wonderful for intricate Block patterns!
No. I received it in May 2023 and haven't looked back. There's a particular 6-shaft pattern that I need to do in, double-width. Block patterns are so easy to visualise "on the go". As you "raise 1 shaft at a time", sticky threads/sheds are practically eliminated.
I did Kelly's table loom course and can totally recommend it.
Thanks Robert!
I did it too and I learnt a lot!
wood guy looking to make a rudimentary loom - like rope work etc - need to make one of these tabletop looms!
I'm in the process of doing the same thing. I'd love to buy an 8-shaft table loom but it's just a bit out of my budget. I've built a rigid-heddle loom (modeled after the Ashford) and an Inkle loom. I'd thought about building an 8-shaft castle for my RH like Schacht did for their cricket but the geometry may not work out. It doesn't have a separate front and back beam like the Cricket does so the warp will change position - and the shed will change shape - as it is woven and moves from the warp beam to the cloth beam. It may not be the issue I'm imagining but, being of simple mind, I somehow see it has "bad idea" written all over it. :)
Great video! I am returning to weaving now in 2025 after my first attempt in 2009. The equipment and resources available now are amazing compared to then and as you say, we really are lucky to have the community to turn to for insights, help and inspiration, so incredibly useful.
Most people who purchase a loom don't get to see them in person before hand so videos showing them being used, compared to familiar objects for scale and seeing what can be done with them is so important to the decision making. I also very much agree with your take on which loom we should buy. Its a tool and neither model or brand will make or break you as a weaver. You can get caught up in that and not actually get any weaving done🫨🤣
I am going to checkout the Table Weaving Course now as although I understand how to weave and can read a pattern etc I am messy and need to learn some good habits to make my work look professional.
It's great you're getting back into it! 😀
Hi Kelly. I have a 50cm Jane 8-shaft. I’ve only woven 2 projects on it so far (I just bought it earlier this year) but am in the process of setting up my 3rd warp on it. I have found it very comfortable to use. I did get the stand for it as I don’t really have any spare tables around so needed it to be independent so to speak. Truthfully, I bought the Jane because I already had a Louet David 8-shaft floor loom (90cm). So the two looms being similar in operation/design was a benefit for me. Also, my nearest dealer ( 2 hrs away) happens to carry Louet. So being comfortable with a dealer and being able to travel to try looms was very important to me. My first two looms were rigid heddle and I’ve just finally admitted to myself that I don’t really care for weaving with rigid heddles. So then I got the David. At which point I figured out I often want to whip out a quick scarf while I’m in the middle of a series of 8 placemats or 4 towels on the David. So enter Jane!. Now I can have two multi-harness looms projects going at the same time. Have never gone down the path of wanting more than 8 shafts so far. Thank goodness…I’m running out of room. 😊.
It sounds as though you've struck just the right balance for your situation, that is great! And I agree that it makes sense to buy the same brand if you're happy with it. I love that the Louet looms are so similar that even with a different type of loom you still feel that you have that work flow.
There is a video on you tube from a gal that is an experienced weaver and bought the quartet to go with her cricket. She goes through from top to bottom and gives her experience.
I am lucky ! I have my 8 shaft Kessenih table loom, which I love! Had it for about 6 years.
Also now have an Ashford 16, 24 inch. Your UA-cam for putting an Ashford together was So helpful! Thank you Kelly!
I love how easy the Ashford is to use!!!! The reach of the toggles, is wonderful, and the action is so smooth. Have seen the Jane in person and very happy with my choice of the Ashford ! By the way, Lofty Fibers is working on a shuttle race for the Ashford and the Jane. They make wonderful accessories for all looms
I still use my Rigid needle loom on occasion.
"shuttle race" that is music to my ears!!
Just about to set up my new Ashford table loom (only have a RHL) and do your online class which everyone is recommending. So excited. Weavers like to name their looms (it seems) so thinking of naming mine after an excellent teacher I know. 😂
Oh my, what an honour! 😆🥰
I have the same Ashford loom that you have and am very happy with it. I have not felt the need to replace the Ashford loom. I also, have a variety of other looms.
I'm totally in love with my 80 cm. 8 shafts Ashford table loom. I'm now working with your lovely towels Kelly ❤
Great! 😀
I have a ashford 8 shafts 80 cm tableloom and I loooove it ❤❤❤ I also have a 100cm 10 shaft 12 threadles floor loom but i use the tableloom a lot more because it's a lot easier to dress the threadle tie up can sometimes be a pain for my back but I would love to have a 16 shafts but my wallet do not agree❤ and Thanks for a lovely video again ❤
I have a table loom (8 shaft 24 inch Ashford) and one of the reasons I got it is because each shaft is directly tied to its own lever. My 4 shaft counterbalance floor loom does not always like unbalanced weaves but these are no problem on the table loom. Plus I do like having the option to weave 8 shaft patterns.
Kelly, you (wisely) brought up extras and, for the Ashford, I would recommend these 3, in this order, as you can afford them: raddle kit, extra heddles, stand.
Thanks for the video and for inviting conversation :-)
I got an 8 shaft ashford table loom as a Christmas/birthday present and I LOVE her! I’m just about finished with my first project and I can’t wait to start a new one!
Wonderful!
I have a Cricket Quartet. I love it. I had to give up my floor loom because it became too difficult to manage with back issues. The Quartet is lovely to use and easy on me. I wish I could adapt my 24-inch Ashford Rigid Heddle to a four- or eight-shaft table loom like I did with my 15-inch Cricket.
Thanks for sharing!
I recently bought the Jane loom as an 8 shaft and I think that is plenty of shafts for quite a few weaving options. I can't imagine keeping track of flipping more levers!. I love the loom, but I have had some trouble with the 2 warps I have put on it. They both splayed out after about 12 inches of weaving and I had to retension the warp. I think I need more sticks and I am connecting with others who have the same loom to see what they do.
I enjoy your videos so much - thank you for your expertise. I am a weaver who started in the 1960s and am getting back to it after a few decades off!
That's exciting for you! Consider using thick brown paper you can purchase on a roll as your warp separator at the back beam, I find it works better than sticks 😊
I wish you would have given Leclerc Voyager some time here. It’s a great table loom. I was able to purchase an 8 shaft 24” wide loom. I am very happy with it😊
Glad to hear you like it!
I have both an Ashford 4 shaft table loom and a LeClerc Jane 8 shaft. I like the tension on the Jane better and it is much lighter enabling me to take it to class.
Interesting, thanks for sharing!
I do wonder whether a 16 shaft table loom would be rather slower when weaving a 16 shaft draft, lifting and dropping 8 shafts for every pick? I notice that on my 8 shaft ashford table loom that 4 shaft drafts are noticeably faster than 8. Not that speed is everything of course!
16 shaft: I found that I got into a rhythm surprisingly fast. A bit like playing the piano.
Be careful if you're going to wait hoping to get 16 shafts used at a better price. Pre-order prices can be set lower than the release price as a reward for investing in their product sight unseen. If that's the case, anyone selling a 16 shaft may not sell it at a reduced price... Especially if it's a "limited" edition. Or the "reduced" price would be what they paid, since they paid less than the after release price. 💖🌞🌵😷
Good point, thanks!
Wouldn't 16 shafts be really convenient if you were doing double weaving? And at 90cm weaving space x2 = a total of 180 cm wide fabrics? 💖🌞🌵😷
Correct 😉
I would like to take Kellys table loom course and buy an ashford 8 shaft loom, just getting started weaving whoohoo exciting times, Hi Kelly big hugs from snowy Canada TuxedoDeb Harpist🤵
Hi Deb, yes, very exciting times for you!
I think I found the buttons to push to get your course,heres hoping I will love to be learning from you finally thx Deb@@KellyCasanova
@@debeveritt4652 Let me know if you need any help 😉
For making a warp board Ive put the pegs in the holes on the back of my 32" rigid heddle loom but the configuration isnt the same as yours as its having no pegs across the bottom @@KellyCasanova
but when I put this accessory for my ashford rigid heddle loom together,I see that I cant make the raddle cross, there just arent any holes across the top? So Im trying to get a warping board somehow and will use the old Dorothy Loom with metal levers so I can follow along in this course
I think Ashford make a set number of 16 shaft 32" each year, as I got myself on the waiting list in November 2022 . It's wonderful for intricate Block patterns!
Oh, well that's interesting, I thought it was a brand new offering. Are you saying you're still on the waiting list now?!
No. I received it in May 2023 and haven't looked back. There's a particular 6-shaft pattern that I need to do in, double-width. Block patterns are so easy to visualise "on the go". As you "raise 1 shaft at a time", sticky threads/sheds are practically eliminated.