Taking the middle path with the Macomber.
For a few years now, I’ve been debating whether to upgrade to a Compu-Dobby loom. Do I want to spend $10,000+ on a used loom? Absolutely! But realistically—no one wants to spend that much. Still, is it time for me to take a big leap and start designing more with the freedom of long treadling sequences?
Right now, I have an 8-harness Schacht Baby Wolf. I love this little thing! It’s light, easy to warp (I prefer front to back), and just plain easy. I can take it to classes, fit it in my car, or weave in the living room or on the porch. The only thing I wish is that it were a little wider. But we can’t have everything—that’s why we need more than one loom, tool, or toy.
I also have a 10-harness Macomber with both sectional and regular back beams. It’s a true workhorse—versatile enough for rugs, lace, and everything in between. What I don’t love is tying it up. Most of the time, it feels like a workout just to weave. That’s probably due to my own choices—rugs, blankets, natural fibers. I really dislike crawling under the loom to tie it up. The hooks are hard to get on and even harder to remove. I still consider myself strong and limber, but that won’t last forever. And I admit—I have a bit of shaft envy when it comes to design options. A weaver could always use a few more blocks!
After some serious thought, I’ve decided to take the middle road. I’m mostly a one-shuttle lace weaver, and that’s what I truly enjoy. So I’ve decided to purchase a Tempo Treadle assisted treadling system for my Macomber.
It’s not cheap, but it’s affordable. Honestly, 10 harnesses is plenty to work with. If I had 24, I’d probably want 48—because that’s how our brains trick us. Mine does, anyway. My lace designs tend to have long treadling sequences, and I often lose track of where I am—especially if I get up or move around. My hope with the Tempo Treadle is to zone out and enjoy the flow of the design. I want to watch it build and evolve without having to track every treadle, color change, selvedge, and pick. More of a plug-and-play experience, like a Compu-Dobby.
For those suggesting I try iWeaveIt software—yes, I have it. I mostly use it on my iPhone for quick tasks. It works well for threading, but it doesn’t tell me where my feet are or if I’ve treadled incorrectly. I also have the Fiberworks software and recently purchased the TempoWeave software which I am learning.
I placed my order a few weeks ago, and Barry at Tempo Treadle has been incredibly helpful. Since my loom is an older model, it has more “play” in the treadles. Barry had me take lots of pictures, tighten a few things, and measure the spacing between treadles. This will be a custom build, since he usually offers 10- and 14-harness treadles for Macomber. My loom was modified by a previous owner to include more harnesses.
When I purchased my loom I was the third owner. A guild member had it before me and I think that is where the second sectional warp beam came from. The sectional warp beam is not an original Macomber. Vicky was the original owner. She said she had actually purchased it from the Spokane Community College when they did have a weaving program for awhile. I do not have any history of that. It was before me maybe or at least before weaving was on my radar.
All that said, my order is placed and currently being built. It should arrive in a few weeks. In the meantime, I’m finishing up those rope rugs, threading my Baby Wolf for some scarves, and winding a warp for my next project.
This past weekend we had some out of town ladies stop by and stay. We took them up to Manito Gardens for a quick tour of the ground. It is always beautiful up there and dog friendly!
