Lately I’ve had something somewhat embarrassing that I’ve been trying to keep under my hat. I’m obsessed. I’m taking out scores of library books, I’m searching the web, I’m blog stalking…but I can’t keep it in! I WANT A LOOM!

This urge has thrown a few things into sharp focus for me, because at this rate I’m sort of worried about what I’m going to be into by this time next year. First it was knitting, then I decided I wanted to try making jellies and jams, now….weaving? What’s next? Curing meat for my fiancé and tofu for me?? Cheese making? Churning home made butter by hand?

But in spite of a little embarrassment My Great Craft Debate of the past weeks has had only one focus: Do I want a loom – if I can find even one – or do I want a sewing machine? The pros and cons for both are pretty easy to line up:

Having a sewing machine means clothes, bags, fixing things, housewares, all sorts of craziness! But it also means buying a dress form if I want to get serious, lots of things to break, lessons….basically a lot more add on’s, and it means that I will be taking time away from those sweet little neck warmers that are being oh so good to me right now.

Having a loom means that I can hand weave neck warmers in much less time, have a shop that is much more full, of things that are less labour intensive and that do less damage to my poor little mitts. In all likelihood it means less variation in what I’ll be able to do, but what I can do is more in line with my interests now. And honestly, having a loom is just a little weirder than having a sewing machine and something about that really appeals to me!

Like it’s a sign, yesterday I found a classifieds listing in my area for a table loom…..for $100! When the lady found out I was interested because I’m getting my little craft business up and running she flipped – so I’m coming over to see her Icelandic sweaters, hand loom, table loom and fifty thousand cats.

I’m pretty sure she’s my soul mate…and I’m pretty sure by the end of day Saturday I’ll have my hot little hands on the first loom that’s been in my family since my great great grandparents were in the Ukraine…and there’s something a little cool about that too.