Warping Arrives at the Raging Wool Shop

Sure, we know what it's like to be addicted to fabric. We've experienced it ourselves; the funny looks from friends, family and strangers, the secret stashes, and furtive trips to your favorite LYS.

Well, we just had to pile on more! 

Now, if knitting and crochet was not enough, how about fabricating fabric art with machines - that don't (hang on now) - use electricity!

Just recently, after Alice's trip to the TNNA conference in Ohio, she introduced the New Zealand-based "Ashford Wheels & Looms" into the shop experience.

The shop carries the "Knitters Loom" that are flexible and portable, making it way too easy for you to weave at home (or, discretely) at work, or when you visit the shop, or otherwise travel.  These Knitter's Looms are called 'combos', as they come fully assembled, are made of lacquered Silver Beech hardwood, and include all the warping tools needed, including a handy carry bag. 

The loom is ultra portable, being very lightweight, compact and folds in half - even with your weaving in place!  We selected the Knitter Loom Design, based on a rigid heddle, because they are fast (from yarn to scarf in a few hours) and they are easy - a loom that is simple to understand and operate.  We selected this design as it combines lightweight portability with ease of warping and weaving!

Figure 1 Warp & Weft Yarn

So, what the heck is a loom, anyway?

The basic purpose of any loom is to hold the warp threads under tension to facilitate the interweaving of the weft threads.

Weaving is done by intersecting the longitudinal threads, the warp, i.e. "that which is thrown across", with the transverse threads, the weft, i.e. "that which is woven".  Figure 1 illustrates the difference between the warp and the weft threads.  

The term 'loom' originated in Old English, and by 1400, referred to "a machine in which yarn or thread is woven into fabric".  

Now, don't you have a much better appreciation of the term, "Fruit of the Loom"?

What about Loom Training & Classes?

If you already own a loom (spinners are invited too), feel free to bring it to the shop on Wednesday evenings and weave, knit, crochet or spin yarns together with us.   If you purchase a loom from us, we'll provide, at no additional charge, basic orientation and training to help you get started.  This fall, we expect to offer regular weaving classes for all other weavers and weavers-to-be!  

On Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday evenings we encourage yarn enthusiasts to enjoy the fellowship of others in a relaxed, supportive and comfortable, fabric-rich, atmosphere. On these evenings we're  happy to provide additional personal assistance to you, if needed, and, of course, the friendly atmosphere of the shop is conducive for collaboration with the other yarn addicts gathered together. The shop is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings until 8:00pm.

Tuesday evenings. In Spring, we started showing movies on Tuesday evenings so that you could have fun with friends and carve away some precious time to work on UFO's (Un-Finished Yarn Objects).  The last Tuesday, of each month, however, is set aside for the re-start of the popular 'Building Blocks' classes.'   We have a large projection screen and if you have 'requests' for a specific movie, just let Alice, Sharon or Debra know your suggestion.

Wednesday evenings. This Summer, we expanded the fun to Wednesday evenings, where we encourage South Florida's fabric community to bring their own looms and spinning wheels to the shop to enjoy the company of fellow yarn enthusiasts. 

Thursday evenings. On the last Thursday evening of the month, our regular 'Building Block' students are in for their continuing monthly session, so we don't have any other activities planned on these evenings. Otherwise, Thursday's are wide open for late shopping, hanging out and fellowship with friends at the shop.

You can always check our Classes & Events page for an updated schedule of movies, events & all of our classes, each month.

Fine Dining options at the Indian Trace Center

Since knitting, crochet, weaving, and spinning (especially so), tend to really burn calories (ok, I'm a bit optimistic on this point) by exercising our brains and motor skills, it's quite obvious that we need ready access to fuel to maintain our bodies, arms, hands and fingers in tip-top fabric arts shape!

Many of our customers take advantage of the excellent dining options in the Weston area.  Some prefer to order take out and either have their meals delivered to the shop or they simply bring their take out meals with them to the shop. We have a microwave oven and a fridge available for their convenience.  We also have a few snacks available for purchase in the shop as well. 

Here's a convenient list of nearby Indian Trace Center restaurants, to help you plan your next visit to the Raging Wool Yarn Shop!  Each of these fine restaurants are within a short stroll of the shop.