AT LOOSE ENDS
357 3rd Ave. SE • Perham, MN 56573
ph/fax 218-346-YARN (9276)
email: info AT atlooseends DOT com
www.atlooseends.com
(Hey! You're here!)

OPEN YEAR ROUND
HOURS:
M-F 9:30-5:30
W TIL 8
SA 9:30-3:30

For me, spinning is therapy with tangible results. The rhythmic turning of the wheel, the fibers passing through my fingers and turning into beautiful yarn is soothing, calming and creative all at once. I'd be happy to teach you the basics of this gentle art in three lessons. Wheels available to rent include an Ashford Traveller DT or an Ashford Traditional ST. You will find it easier to learn on the Double Treadle, but once you've mastered the basic movements, spinning on a Single Treadle should be a relatively smooth transition. But be careful, you'll be smitten and want a wheel of your own. I carry Ashford wheels, the world's little workhorse, as well as Schacht Matchless Wheels..."they're like driving a Cadillac."
I'm proud to announce that I am now a dealer for Louet Wheels and Looms. Their innovative designs have been engineered since the 70's. The wheels are versatile, portable, sturdy and well-designed, keeping the customer in mind at all times.

NOW IN THE SHOP . . . a Louet S15 with optional skeinwinder. This wheel is one that you can make your very own by finishing in a way that represents you! There's also a Schacht-Reeves 24" Double Treadle Saxony Spinning Wheel. This is wheel is beautiful to look at and to spin. Expertly crafted from ash, the details are to-die-for. Please come in and ask for a demonstration. You'll be very impressed.
Also in the shop is an Ashford Elizabeth 2 Single Treadle, another beautiful Saxony Spinning Wheel. Crafted from New Zealand Silver Beech, it has ball bearings in the drive wheel for a smooth, effortless treadling action. Come and see it. I'll be glad to demonstrate it for you.

Also available for spinning are Schacht and Adam's Woodshop drop spindles, threading hooks, needle cases, and nostepinnes.

Rigid heddle weaving is a great way to introduce yourself to this wonderful and challenging craft. I offer classes at various times throughout the year. (Please check the "classes" link to read about the "classes a la carte" option for learning about weaving) You will be able to rent a Beka loom for your class, with an option to buy if you find weaving an avenue of creativity you want to explore further. Ashford and Schacht also have rigid heddle looms as well as table and floor looms. All have inkle looms-great for weaving straps, belts, shoelaces or bookmarks-so portable and fun.

Be sure and visit the store to see the 8-harness Harrisville workshop floor loom and the Schacht Baby Wolf all nice and cozy in the back porch, check out the great workmanship and see how they work. These looms are available for one-on-one learning or rental in the shop to work on a project you would like to try.

I am very pleased to have become a GAV Glimakra dealer. Please be sure to stop in and take a look at the information I have about these exceptionally well-made countermarche, table, and rigid heddle looms.

Also available from Harrisville are lap looms, potholder looms and Friendly looms. Stop in to see all your options for weaving.

Oh, yes...and don't forget all the books and tools (like shuttles, ball winders, swifts, skeiners, raddles, warp tensioners and warping boards and mills to help you accomplish your creative goals in weaving and spinning. And your favorite spinning and weaving magazines are here: Handwoven, Weaver's Craft and Spin-Off. They're full of great ideas, projects, and inspiration for your next spinning and/or weaving project.

And did I mention the fibers? I've got fleeces, rovings, tops. There are natural colors of alpaca, blueface leicester and mohair There are blends of fibers like merino and silk, or merino and tencel, color blends in merino or colonial wools from Ashland Bay Trading. I've even got some flax and crystal metallics. All fun to spin. Plus some Harrisville fibers that are great for spinning or felting or needlefelting.

WHAT I DID ON MY SUMMER VACATION !

I got to spend a whole day with Richard Ashford & Rowena Hart at Ashford Dealer Day at Convergence in June,2006! Cindy Howard-Gibbons, the US distributor for Ashford products, did a great job of hosting and organizing the event. There were a number of Ashford dealers from Alaska to Arizona to Wisconsin and more. We warped and wove a quick project on the new Knitter's Loom, saw some new books on carding and 4-harness weaving being published by Ashford, shared some great ideas for improving existing products as well as some ideas for new products. Robyn Spady stopped in to show us lots of ideas for projects on the new Inklette Loom that she helped develop with Ashford. Not only were we given a delicious lunch, but we were treated to a wonderful dinner after the workshop. I had a GREAT time. Thanks so much to Cindy, Richard and Rowena for making my summer vacation a great one!!

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