Nuts and rods

This week I rounded up some missing parts for the loom: a nut, two quarter-inch round steel rods from the half-price bin at Canadian Tire, and some large finishing nails to make my own raddle. The rods are necessary to hold the ends of the warp threads under tension. Steel needs to be cut with the hacksaw to fit the width of the loom. A raddle looks like a huge comb and is essential for warping from back to front, the way I learned it.

I ran out of time, between running errands to the hardware store after work and meeting friends after dinner, to actually sit down at the loom and go through the maintenance process. The loom is in good condition but has had a lot of use—it belonged to OCAD before Danny acquired it—so some careful attention is required to make sure everything works smoothly. That will be my priority for next Wednesday and Thursday. I'd like to begin dressing the loom the following weekend.

I have today and Monday off, and it's going to be family weekend at the cottage. Brenna is writing an exam this morning and Marian's partner Kerri has to work until noon, so I have this morning to get organized: dishes are done, but I still have to do garbage, groceries and packing. I will pick up the girls this afternoon. Dad is already there. I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone, spending some time on the dock, and making headway on a big knitting project.