New questions and answers are added periodically. Please check at the bottom for the newest questions!
Q- Do I need any previous weaving experience to use a C. Cactus Flower Miniature Loom?
A- None at all! Many people have learned to weave using the C. Cactus Flower Miniature Loom. The Weaving The Navajo Way book gives you step-by-step directions to follow.
Q- What equipment and supplies do I need for my first project?
A- You need the following items: a miniature loom, mini batten, ordinary table fork, three number 13 blunt end yarn needles, two yarn needles 5" long, nine yards warp yarn, and two colors of weft yarn.
Q- What if I want to make bigger rugs?
A- Move up to the C. Cactus Flower Maxi Loom! It works the same way as the mini but will enable you to make projects 12" by 18".
Q- What if I want to learn more about mini weaving?
A- I teach classes on mini-weaving periodically throughout the year. Just e-mail me and I'll let you know if I'll be in your area. Also check with the shops listed on the Local Dealers page. Many of them offer classes on mini-weaving and/or Navajo weaving.
Q- Can children use the mini loom?
A- Yes, children with enough manual dexterity to weave may use the mini loom successfully. Children usually have developed enough dexterity to weave by themselves by age ten or twelve. I recommend they use the alternate warping method which gives them 6-7 epi instead of 9-10 epi, and larger size yarn until they are proficient.
Q- Why doesn't the mini loom stand upright like other Navajo-type looms?
A- The mini loom was designed as a lap loom. It is extremely portable and may be transported anywhere you go without bulky stands or equipment.
Q- I can't find any warp yarn in my area. What do you suggest?
A- You can use size 10 crochet thread. J. & P. Coats makes a 4-ply cotton thread which is available in most hobby shops. Try not to use DMC as it is too slippery.
Q- I notice you sell "Sport Weight" yarn. What is the difference in that and "worsted weight" and which should I use?
A- I recommend a single-ply, wool yarn. Both are single-ply but the worsted weight is heavier than the sport weight. The sport weight is also called "fine" yarn in shops that serve the Navajo Reservation. I suggest you use worsted weight for your first project IF you are a new weaver because it goes faster and you can learn all the techniques easier. You will probably want to switch to the finer yarn as you become more proficient as it gives you finer design lines. Either yarn may be used on the Maxi loom with good results.
Q-If the peg bars are set for 10 epi, is that the only spacing of warp I can achieve?
A-No, there are several ways to warp up the Mini and Maxi looms. If you warp up at one warp per slot, you get 10 epi. You can also do the alternate warp, which give you a pattern of warp, warp, skip a slot, warp, warp, skip, etc. This gives you approximately 7 epi. You can also get 20 epi by going around every peg. You end up with two warps per slot. This is the preferred method if you are using the fine tapestry weight weft yarn. You will also need a fine warp yarn such as beading thread.
Q-Can I buy replacement peg bars for my loom?
A-Yes, just email for a current price.
Q-I have lost my pegs. Can I get more?
A-Certainly, they are easy to lose and/or break. That is why two extra pegs are supplied with your loom. Just email your request. I only charge shipping for replacement pegs.
Q-Does the table loom work like the Mini and Maxi?
A-Yes, although it has springs on each end in order to provide ample tension. Also, it has a frame that supports the loom; it is not a lap loom. I do not recommend the table loom for beginners. It is more like weaving full-size and requires more patience than weaving on the Mini or Maxi. I recommend starting small and moving up, rather than starting large!
Q-What do some pages have "Woods Canyon Woodworks" on them?
A-In 2004 we moved from New Mexico to Colorado. We live on the north edge of Woods Canyon, a branch of the Canyon of the Ancients. In order to incorporate all the new items Caroline is involved with, the business has been reorganized and C. Cactus Flower is now a division of Woods Canyon Woodworks. Caroline also makes furniture and other specialty items. Visitors are always welcome at the shop!
Q-I am working on a twill weave and my edges don't look very good.
A-You are working with three weft yarns. Remember to go on the inside of the non-weavers with the yarn you are carrying across. Sometimes it is necessary to wrap the weaver yarn around the very outside warp yarn in order for the yarn to extend to the outside edge. Twill weave takes a little practice and experimenting with to become proficient.
Q-I'm a klutz. Can I learn to weave?
A-Sure, anyone can weave! Just check out this weaver.......first you pull the heddle stick.....
