Collecting Yarns

In the past two weeks I have not only acquired a loom that I am trying to learn how to use, but I have also begun teaching myself crochet! I already know a few different stitches , but am still just kinda practicing and taking things back apart (who knew I was actually a bit of a perfectionist underneath the klutz and the slob? must be the German in me!)

And a friend's, Patrick's, mom
got me started on knitting a couple days ago. And Patrick made me a pair of homemade knitting needles Ü cool, huh?

Sooooo.. needless (haha, needles) to say, this is an excellent excuse to go in search of cool and unusual, natural yarn and such for first projects.. and second ones.. and thirds..



So I stumbled upon this recycled sari silk yarn. It seems like it would make some really interesting and unique knit/crochet items with a bit of patience. It's fairly uneven, different thicknesses and loose threads, but I can't wait to try it out on an actual project! I've already done a little crochet with it, just a small square for practice, and it didn't seem too bad.
Although.. when I was starting off I made quite a mess of the yarn! Got it all tangled up somehow and ended up winding it onto a notched card.

Anyone ever worked with this?

Project Looming Ahead

I am so excited about this unbelievable find! I got an antique weaving loom for a steal of a price and can't wait to learn to use it. She came with everything under the sun: warping board, wool yarns, extra set of heddles, stool, hand bobbin winders, a lot of things I don't even know what to do with yet!

There were 2 antique books on weaving that came with it as well, written and autographed by Gallinger's (maker's) daughter.

I'm making my way through these and 2 other books on the subject first, learning a bit about how it all works, then it's project time! I know if I try to jump in without knowing what I'm doing first, I will be encouraging my clumsy side to take the stage and next thing you know I'll be yelling for help getting my legs and arms unwoven from a three-armed, two-neck-holed table runner!

I am a bit confused on one thing though. Don't know if anyone can help, but.. I was told it was a "four harness counterbalanced loom", which I know what that means, but my question is this: most of the pictures I've seen of other four harness looms have more foot pedals than mine. Mine has 4 but they only move in pairs of 2. Is this a four-harness, or is it a 2? If you know the answer, then please help!

These are pictures that were sent to me before I purchased the loom. I'll put up better ones if I can get my silly scanner to work!