
I feel that my service, while not unique, may be uncommon.
I am a Loomwright. I make, modify, and repair handlooms from my hand-built shop in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. When time allows, I weave. The production of textiles and their interplay of structure, color, and design fascinate me. My heritage spans generations of artisans - from machinists and woodworkers to illustrators, painters, scientists, philosophers, photographers and poets. My passion in weaving focuses on woolen rugs and sturdy blankets. I cannot do my work without a strong, responsive loom: a tool which "fits my hand." I hope to make your loom fit your hand also. I do this by asking questions and listening carefully.
Finding the best loom for my intentions involved purchasing, assembling, warping, and weaving on a large variety. Many looms I tried were not adequate. A smaller handful required modification to make them acceptable. A very few, which I recommend highly, made me realize that I was not alone in my search for excellence.
I suggest that a weaver consider a used loom. Many are available for good prices. A craftsperson can often purchase a well-kept "experienced" loom for a fraction of the cost of buying new. A well-made loom, if cared for, can last generations.
These looms are refurbished, not refinished. Shiny may sell, but it does not weave. I take care my looms function as they should and are complete. You will not buy a "parts kit" here. Visual defects will be noted and described. If you select a used loom from The Hawthorne Works, I stand behind it with advice and support.
Looms marked "available immediately" are just that They have been assembled, cleaned, checked, and repaired as needed. Looms available on 3-6 week's notice are on the premises and have gone through an initial examination and await shop time.
Current Used Inventory:
Leclerc Nilus 45" 4s 6t Jack Loom:
This maple Nilus is perfect for the beginning weaver or as a second loom for a more advanced weaver. This is an easy-to-use loom in a versatile size. From the Ontario studio of a rug restorer, it is visually and mechanically in very nice condition. Equipped with plain wire heddles, factory beater weight and 12-dent reed. Can be had with your choice of a plain warp beam or a shop-built 2" spacing, one yard sectional. Will include one LeClerc shuttle and bobbins. Hawthorne Works fly shuttle available at additional cost. Includes manual.
Available immediately. $1000 FOB Sutton, VT
Macomber 32" 4s 6t Folding Loom.
This loom is unmarked, but obviously early Macomber production from Saugus, Mass. This maple loom has nice patina - a well cared-for finish that has mellowed with time. An interesting feature of this loom is that it is designed for use with a standard kitchen chair rather than a bench. Its beam height is only 28". As such, it suggests itself to the shorter weaver. A classic and compact loom capable of a wide range of textiles. Includes choice of one good, used reed.
Available on 3-6 week's notice. $500 FOB Sutton, VT
Glimakra 35" Ideal 8s 8t Countermarche Loom.
This is a stunning example in Scandinavian Pine from a respected Swedish maker, in as fine condition as I have ever found a used loom. From the studio of Master Joanne Hall, this loom is absolutely complete and correct. Included are new Texsolv tie-ups, new cording, 900 new Texsolv heddles, warping sticks, and warp stick collector. An opportunity to own a compact, extraordinarily competent Glimakra at considerable savings over purchasing new. Will include a copy of Master Joanne's Tying Up the Counternarche Loom, new stainless-steel reed in your choice of spacing, manual, and one European Beech shuttle from the great Danish maker Anders Lervad. Will include a copy of Master Joanne's Tying Up the Countermarche Loom,
Available immediately. $1950 FOB Sutton, VT
Macomber 72" B5 10s 12t Fly-Shuttle Loom.
Built on a 20-shaft frame, this loom has been in production use throughout its career. It is currently warped in my studio for 8s "Hin und Weider" woolen blankets, with the 9th and 10th shafts dedicated to selvages. I have converted it to use Texsolv heddles, as the size used by Macomber is difficult to obtain in steel. It is equipped with my own Hawthorne fly shuttle and will be supplied with two large mill-grade end-feed shuttles and 30 pirns. Professional-grade 6-dent stainless reed included, as well as an original 12-dent in need of minor cleaning. Currently, it is equipped with a one-yard, one inch-spacing sectional warp beam, and has mountings for a second beam - not included. Overall, a sound loom and a strong weaver for the studio requiring a "big rig." It suggests itself for customization in various ways, as it is distinctly not a loom for the occasional or casual weaver. Large, heavy and robust. Available on 4-8 weeks notice. $2000 FOB Sutton, Vermont