Letting Go

“It’s time to begin to let go.” I thought I’d never have this conversation with myself about finding new homes for beloved and much 

used tapestry looms. I’ve had many through the last almost 30 years that I’ve been weaving tapestries, and I’ve been the second (or third) owner for most of them. Each has served me well in its own way and eventually almost all went to new homes because I added another loom to replace it.

Eighteen years ago, a 60” loom came into my life, one that I’ve loved and on which I’ve woven eleven larger tapestries. However, in the past five years I’ve had several health issues, including two surgeries, a broken arm, and a few other hospital stays. Those challenges caused me to have difficulty weaving on my large loom and it took three years to complete the last tapestry, 'On the Way Home Again', finished just this summer (see right). The loom has sat empty since then. Just the other day I finally accepted the reality that I should find a new home for it.

That very day I posted announcements on social media and, fortunately, a young tapestry weaver saw it. And she’s willing to drive quite a distance for it. I know she’ll take the loom into its next decades of service and I’m grateful. I’m happy for her and for the loom. And, in a way, for myself because I’ll know the fate of the loom (at least for a few years).

Yes, it’s just a piece of furniture; a bit of equipment. But, as all of you know, whether it’s a simple frame or one that has treadles and shafts, the conversation between the weaver and the loom is intimate. By deciding to send this one on its way I’ve taken the first step in letting go of things and not leaving it all to others to do in the (I hope, distant) future when I’m gone!

Ed. Back in 2021 Matty Smith wrote a blog post on a similar theme but with a focus on what to do with her finished tapestries in a situation where there would be no space for them. You can read it here. Have you faced having to 'downsize' your tapestry workplace? How did you go about it?