Any weavers about?

[bronze]

I got a loom for Christmas. I've been tempted for a long time then mner Bebe started posting her stuff on fb and I fell hook and line.
So here I am with a 4 shaft table loom (unknown make) and a couple of books kindly sent by Bebe but I'm struggling.

Anyone want to be my mentor? up til now she has been asnwering any questions but shes got a lot on at the mo.

I'm trying to follow the book but my head just feels like it's going to explode.

I used to be a weaver... in a mill but somehow i dont think i'd be much help!

I wove for a while, until I realised that I'm tempramentally unsuited to it as, IMO, you need to be precise and orderly - I'm more of a flying by the seat of my pants sort of crafter, hence my love of crochet.
Anyway, my first shot would be to contact your local branch of the Guild of Spinners and Weavers, who should have meetings in your local area.
There are good weaving books out there, generally from the 70's, try finding them on Abebooks. The good ones are very clear and helpful (also try charity shops). Sorry, but I can't remember the titles, but they are out there. Theloomexchange, a website, deals in looms. You might be able to identify your model there, or just post up a request for information. Also Fibrecraft have a lovely catalogue and website, and I'm sure there are books in there.
There is also a company called Herrings, based in the South East, who do mail order and might be useful.
Anyway, good luck, and have fun

I have contacted the local branch and of all the places to meet, they meet in my local village hall. (back end of nowhere village) Only problem is it's evenings and I
still can't leave the house at that time.

thanks for the rest of the info

I weave! I am learning at the moment on an 8 shaft table loom. Might be able to help with any questions. Start with some plain weave to get you going. That is, once you have got your warp sorted and threaded!

where are you Bronze?

In norfolk

just realised if I was interesting enough to have a stalker they could work out a whole lot about me now

I'm the other end of the country, but I think that once you get to know one weaver you'll get into a network easily.

i've done some weaving, although not as much as i'd like recently.

there are weavers groups on ravelry you might find helpful.

i started out with toy rigid heddle looms but the first thing i did on my table loom were some teatowels with monks belt panels - gave me plenty of practice of plain weave, throwing the shuttle etc, plus something that looked a bit fancy. the handweaver's pattern book was very useful, iirc it had plenty of info about warping etc. too.

i spent ages listening to weavecast too, i found it very inspiring.