Do you have a Tapestry Weaver on your gift-giving list this year?

Or maybe “you” are a Tapestry Weaver in need of a gift!

Read on; I’ve put together a list of 8 great gift ideas to choose from.

Looms

If Your Weaver needs a loom, the good news is there are many to choose from! If you’re looking to buy a loom for a brand New Weaver, it can be mind-boggling. I did a quick search on Etsy and came up with pages of looms. You can start with a handheld small loom with grooves like the Easel Weaver or Hokett-like loom from Weaving Rainbow. I’ve heard good things about Handywoman looms, too, but it looks like they are closed for the holiday season.

My favorite small looms are the Hokett-style and the Mirrix Saffron. I would advise staying away from the looms that have a solid back to start with; it can be frustrating and hard on the fingers to manipulate the weft (although my first frame loom was that design).

If Your Weaver needs something a little more upscale and/or larger, you can’t go wrong with a Mirrix. You’ll find sizes for weaving tapestries as small as 2.5” wide to 35” wide. Plus they are a great company and extremely helpful, too. I believe they have some specials going on right now, too. Another loom I really love is in that mid-range size is the Arras, from Schacht. If Your Weaver has a thing for wood, it’s a great choice from another great company.

Beautiful Tools

And then there are the tools of the trade. Fiber peeps are a tactile bunch. We love the feel of a nicely made tool. I personally haven’t acquired a lot of tools myself, but I treasure those that I have.

Here are some of my mine: I have a Weaving Fork (beater) from Magpie WoodWorks (and I really want the little mini).

An awl; this you could pick up at Home Depot. It’s been an invaluable tool for me!

And I also highly recommend these Bamboo Tapestry Needles from Mirrix.
I don’t use bobbins; I’m a Butterfly Girl - BUT there are some beautiful choices out there if Your Weaver uses them or wants to. This is one I always see rave reviews for.

Warp and Weft

Weavers usually have their own preference for warp. The majority of tapestry weavers I talk to use cotton seine twine. You can do a search and find several options for purchasing. If you want to give them something to experiment with, how about some linen warp? Even if they don’t want to use it for warp, they can always use it for weft! Linen is such a gorgeous fiber, it should make Your Weaver smile!

Other ideas? There are several specials going on right now (’tis the season!) so check out this little DMC Floss kit from The Woolery or the Mirrix set of hand painted silk threads - IF they’re still available!

A Class

While an in-person course is always favorable with hands-on courses like tapestry, there are more and more online class options for tapestry weavers. I have a Tapestry 101 course and a comprehensive course on the Soumak technique. Also the 201 course should be opening soon. A quick search on the internet will lead you to more. Rebecca Mezoff has a number of courses; all with high praises.

Membership to ATA

The American Tapestry Alliance is a wonderful resource for the Tapestry Weaver. Many of their articles are available to the public, but to get the most benefit, consider giving the gift of membership. It’s a gift any serious Tapestry Weaver will cherish! They also have a number of monetary benefits in the form of discounts to members.

Yarn packs

I have mentioned in past posts that I’m beginning to use Timeless Textiles Epic yarn. My latest piece has me totally sold on this yarn. They offer 114 colors in a wide range of put-ups (as small as a 30 yard reeling up to a 1 pound cone). If Your Weaver loves color, they have a fantastic sample pack you can order with 10 yard reelings of every color. I am also putting together “Value Packs” that should be added to my shop in the next few days. They will consist of color combinations that work well together and include a light, dark, and several middle values. More on that soon…

Books

Ahhh… books. Can’t go wrong with a good book and it’s been a good year in terms of books for Tapestry Weavers. I wrote about this in an earlier post- when several were still on pre-order. For the completely new weaver, there’s The Art of Tapestry by Rebecca Mezoff or Weaving on a Little Loom by Fiona Daly. For all levels, Micala Sidore’s “The Art Is the Cloth” or Tommye Scanlin’s “The Nature of Things” memoir would both make wonderful gifts. Plus many tried and true publications. (Note: some of those are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase).

**African Fair Trade Soe Tray from The Woolery**

Fun Stuff

If Your Weaver already has a Mirrix, CGNBrassRingDesigns has cases for them and also “loom curtains” (blocks the back warp from showing- very nice idea!) Other items that might be of interest to Tapestry Weavers are baskets, color wheels, tape measures, and fun scissors. We never have enough baskets, tape measures or scissors!

Eight Great Gift Ideas for Tapestry Weavers