I started this post back when I first got my Saffron months ago. It hit the market this spring and what a game changer! Before the Saffron, we had some nice choices for small looms, but none of them involved a tensioning mechanism.

And tapestry loves to be tensioned!

I can’t begin to describe how excited I was when I heard about this loom. Mirrix is known for great tapestry looms and chances are if you’re reading this and are a tapestry weaver, you know why. I suspect you probably have one already. Or many!

So we knew that whatever was coming, it was gonna be good, right?

When the loom arrived, I got all geeked out over the minimalist quality of it. Something about simplicity I adore. This is how it came packaged:

And this is what’s inside.

Assembling it should have gone super smoothly, but I ran into a hitch right away. I seem to have a history of doing this when I get a new tool. It happened with the Arras, and it just happened again the other day with a bobbin winder I just purchased.

The hitches aren’t due to any manufacturing error- it’s my abilities. Specifically, my lack of strength when it comes to gripping, tightening, hammering… Just wanted to be clear on that.

For the life of me, I could not screw the rod into the bottom nut! And, of course, I was determined not to ask my husband for help. I tried turning it around. No go. I opened another package (I sell them so had ordered several) but same story. So… off to borrow my husband’s strength. It was shocking how easy it was for him.

So that aside, I now had this beautiful little loom! I warped it right away.

I must have “displayed” it in my studio and admired it for a month before I actually decided what to weave on it, but when I finally did I admit that I wasn’t completely sold like everyone else I knew- gasp! But that’s because I don’t always enjoy weaving on little looms. I don’t like to use weaving needles. I don’t like for my fingers to get cramped between warp threads- and I DO like to use my fingers.

But don’t stop reading here because the story changes quickly!

The Saffron has turned me around.

The first one I started with twining and ended with double half hitches. It was a sample so I wasn’t very concerned with the finishing matching.

That’s all it took. After weaving that first piece, I fell in love with it all over again. I stopped when my fingers couldn’t work through the warps easily and used the weaving needle for a few picks after that, then ended the weaving.

Now I absolutely love this adorable little loom even more. In fact, I have two.

As soon as I finished the first piece, I couldn’t wait to do another one. This one, Line Study, I did with the 4 selvedge method (weaving right up to the top) to get the nice clean edges. The tip I found online (sorry not sure who to credit here) about turning it around and weaving the top inch was game changer number 2! Still have to needle weave the last little bit but it’s so much easier.

Another confession here: I could never understand the allure of the shasta combs - until experiencing the set-up on the Saffron. It was a another light bulb moment. I ordered a set for my Lani, the 8” Mirrix.

Oh, and I got the longer rod right away, too, but I think I actually like the no-selvedge method the best. Mirrix added a longer rod after early requests for more weaving room. The standard comes with a 10” rod for an 8” weaving length. The longer rod gives you a 12” weaving length. Oh, and the weaving width is 5”- my favorite size for sampling!

Prairie Colors, done with longer rod on Saffron.

The last piece I did on the Saffron was with the longer rod and I did do hems on this one because I wasn’t sure of the exact size when I warped it. I don’t like looking at naked looms so I tend to warp before I have a plan sometimes. Most times, actually!

Another method I’ve heard people use is a 3 selvedge piece. The weaving starts right at the teeth to begin with but uses a hem for the top selvedge. I can see the appeal, but I like my edges to look the same so I’m not likely to use that unless I know it will be for a sample or plan a decorative edge to compliment that top selvedge. Or… Hmmm.

Now, I know this little loom might not be perfect for everyone. I’ve heard comments about the weft yarn getting caught up in the teeth and the loom swiveling around or being uncomfortable (it really needs to be super tight to begin). But neither of these issues has caused me any problems.

Do you have a Saffron? Do you love it, too?

Loving My Saffron Loom