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Watch out – I have a Kromski and I know how to use it

I think I know how to use it.

My husband tells a story about when he was little and he told his mom "I caught a rabbit."

"You did," she said, a bit incredulously.

"I think I caught a rabbit," said little Chuck.

"Um humm," said Mom.

"I hope I caught a rabbit," said he.

Back to the Kromski, we went to a wonderful weaving/knitting shop in downtown Bellingham (Northwest Handspun Yarns) and had a chance to compare two rigid heddle looms. I went with the intention of buying an Ashford and walked out with a Kromski 24" rigid heddle loom and dreaming of an Ashford eight harness table loom for the future.

I'm not giving up on knitting, weaving is pretty limited in its portability. Even the knitter's loom requires an upright seated position braced against a table for stability. I'm OK for now because Lorette gave me permission to go both ways in her comment that said "fidelity is only for marriage." I trust her. She's a doctor. A knitting doctor.

Dsc01628Ashford is known for their high quality products and I have heard some concerns with the Kromski loom. But when I had them both in front of me and tried them, I went for the Kromski. Turns out they had enough "feedback" from unhappy weavers they redesigned the troublesome part. Also, the Ashford rigid heddle looms are sold unfinished and the one in the store needed a fair bit of sanding in order to work smoothly. The Kromski was already finished and I fell for its good looks. It also came with an extremely helpful instructional video. So, it's home and warped (that's a good thing in weaver language) and I'm beating away (also a good thing).

I hope I know how to use it.

UPDATE: Three years later, an update to my rigid heddle loom review. I'm still happy with my purchase and what made me even happier, was that I found out Ashford rigid heddle reeds are useable on my Kromski. I've just purchased the blue Ashford reed for more weaving options.

FUTHER UPDATE: Finding myself far from home for three weeks, due to a family emergency, I broke down and bought an Ashford Knitter's loom for some distraction. My updated rigid heddle loom review is here.

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13 responses to “Watch out – I have a Kromski and I know how to use it”

  1. Karen Avatar
    Karen

    Yay for new toys! I look forward to seeing all the beautiful things you make with your new loom. 🙂

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  2. Judith Avatar
    Judith

    Very exciting that weaving is moving in for you! All those new possibilities with fiber. Fabulous.

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  3. Dorothy Avatar
    Dorothy

    I guess we can forgive you for being unfaithful, but comments may suffer. I don’t even know enough about weaving to comment – except maybe for compliments on your finished projects. What exactly will you make with the new loom?

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  4. Rose Avatar
    Rose

    Oh that is very nice. I’ve been eyeing one of those myself. But I’m trying very hard to not start another craft. (lol)

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  5. eyeleen Avatar
    eyeleen

    All new toys are good…Have fun with the weaving.

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  6. Leah Avatar
    Leah

    Just wanted to pop by and say hello! Have fun with the new toy!

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  7. Stacy Avatar
    Stacy

    I live in Ferndale, and have never even heard of Northwest Handspun Yarns…I guess I need to get out more! Enjoy your new toy!

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  8. Rebekah Avatar
    Rebekah

    It’s okay, it’s all fiber related so your safe having more then one hobby.
    With my spinning wheel on the AShford, it annoyed my husband with how rough the unfinished was, it took quite a bit of sanding for a nice smooth finish. Although I love it, it would have been nice to not have had to do the sanding.

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  9. Gina MacNeill Avatar
    Gina MacNeill

    I have a Kromski, and have had mine for about two to three years now. I read in your blog that they had complaints about Kromiski’s and they have been “worked out”. I’ve never had any problems with mine, so I’m curious. Could you tell me what some of the issues and problems were?

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  10. Chris Avatar
    Chris

    How wonderful. Now I really need to rethink my decision to not take that class in April. It’s on a Friday and my friends and I are going up on Saturday. Do I want to do a 3 hour drive one way x 4 in 2 days? Must resist lure!!

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  11. Chris Avatar
    Chris

    Oops! Forgot to say… How gorgeous!!! I love the shawl.

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  12. Barbara Avatar
    Barbara

    I have been thinking about getting into weaving as well. I have been looking at both the Ashford and Kromski looms. How are you liking now that you have started?

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  13. Debbi Avatar
    Debbi

    Wow! I realize this is an old link, but… I am a 50+ years crocheter at heart who has just recently taken an interest… actually more like discovered weaving, trying to decide… Ashford – Kromski? But whichever wins, fairly certain I’ll go with a 32″. I’m leaning toward the Kromski as it now has the metal ratchet and pawl system, and I don’t like the idea of having to sand and/or finish anything, but the Ashford does look like a sturdier set up. I am so torn. Ugh! Any new thoughts now that you’ve had time with your loom(s)? TIA.

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