Put things in boxes. Keep them from getting broken… they said.
Okay, that is what my brain said when I was packing. But let me tell you, when you take apart four different large looms with wooden parts and then put them in boxes that match the size/length of the parts instead of by loom, it can make it mighty difficult to find the parts when you want to put just one of those looms back together again on the other end! Sure, it was efficient in terms of packing and the number of long boxes I had, but not so great on this side of things.
Many many long boxes containing loom parts and other studio equipment. The boxes were mostly marked but there were a few pieces I had to go hunting for.
My father was here for Thanksgiving and we put together the Harrisville Rug Loom. This loom was my grandfather’s and his father’s loom and it was a fun project to do together. Also it really helped to have those extra hands to put all the big pieces together.
The side pieces don’t come apart and I always try to keep the huge back piece together that has the warp extender integrated. The movers tried to convince me it had to come apart to leave the basement in the old house, but it got down there in one piece and up it had to come in one piece. They managed it.
Dad tightening the bolts on the beam that the cloth goes around before wrapping on the actual cloth beam which is not on the loom yet.
We put the back assembly on next. This is the tallest part of the loom that has the warp extender integrated.
Adding the back assembly of the Harrisville Rug Loom.
Rebecca and the loom going back together in the new studio.
Though I was sure it wouldn’t take long to put this loom together with two of us, the project stretched well into dark. In the photo below we’re almost there. The beater had to go together as well as the treadle cage.
Harrisville Rug Loom assembly.
And finally it was done! Or almost done… I had taken apart the treadle cage and wasn’t the smartest about putting it back in (cage first, treadles second!). So some time under the loom putting lots of little screws in was necessary. Sal decided to help with that a bit… “supervising” she said.
Below, Dad and I celebrating the loom being almost ready for a warp… before going to get some dinner.
Rebecca and John Mezoff and the Harrisville Rug Loom…
Moving a studio is a challenge. Lessons learned so far?
Box the loom parts for the same loom in the same boxes even if that means more boxes. And label which loom parts are in which box!
Get help to put the big looms back together. Dads are great that way.
If you own a Macomber, have movers move it. Gosh they’re heavy! (This was definitely a previous learning experience.)
Don’t get discouraged. Moving takes so much time. One day I’ll find the shafts for the Ruthie and the lamp for the bookshelf.
Yarn and tool organization is next up. This might take me a minute or two!