The AVL is looming large in my new "back studio," attracting the cats' and dog's attention, and sweetly whispering to me as I sit at my computer. Everyone, including Leo, wants to know how soon I'll be working on the new loom. I'd like to address those concerns now.

Today happens to be 2 days before a certain major holiday in this part of the world. As we see, I am making my boyfriend a stocking that is NOT QUITE finished. I've been knitting on it

since 4:30 this morning in a desperate attempt to finish it before

I need to run out and buy stuff to fill it. And there's the dessert and bread I need to make today for Mom's Christmas Eve dinner tomorrow. And the chef's coats I must iron before I go back to work tomorrow morning. Chefs don't get holidays off!

Then, let's talk about how little I know about AVL's, 16 shafts, dobby, computer assisted weaving, etc.

I have a 4 shaft LeClerc Artisat and an 8 shaft LeClerc Colonial. In the photo, we see 4 of the shaft assemblies for the Colonial leaning on the wall.

Now, they're leaning on the wall because about a year ago, I wanted to weave a rag rug, and knew I couldn't do it on the Artisat. I started to thread a tabby warp and had too much trouble reaching through those four shafts I didn't need. They've been leaning against the wall ever since.

So now I have set a goal for myself, and it might be a little longer term than my lovely, generous and kind friends might want to know about. I will finish the rug warp on the 8 shaft, thanks to LouAnn's donation of white weft. I will then put the 4 shafts back on the Colonial, choose a threading from Carol Strickler's book, one with multiple treadling possibilities and plunge into more-than-four shafts!

Yes, LouAnn, that is Leo's tail in the photo! He jumped on the table while I was composing the picture. But just in the time it took to enjoy that tea and cookie break from knitting, I found many, many possible patterns. Made me want to order more yarn... but it's almost Christmas and I have stockings to fill. Happy Holidays to everyone! Weave on!

Maggie

P.S. What I neglected to say is a HUGE thank you to all my weaving buddies for dismantling, moving and reassembling the AVL yesterday, and for entrusting me to love, nurture and use it. I cannot thank you all enough, not even with soup, sandwiches and cookies. Thanks to LouAnn for photographing the process. I will try to include a link to my facebook photo album of the whole event.