Question re: loom prices

[nikschaf]

I'm wanting to get a Kromski Harp rigid heddle loom.  I've been watching ebay and craigslist and haven't seen a single one pop up.

My question is, am I better off buying one before the end of the year, or waiting until January?  I'm thinking since I have some spare cash I should buy it now, because it seems like weaving and spinning stuff never really goes on sale, and don't manufacturers often raise prices effective the first of the year?  Seems like often those price jumps are significant.

Basically, I'm needing to know whether you seasoned price-watchers know what time of year is best to grab the best price.

Thanks!!

[WeaverDave]

Any particular reason you want a rigid heddle loom?  Even the small ones are not cheap.

[nikschaf]

I have zero space in my house for a table or floor loom.  I want something compact and portable, that I can move with me from room to room, or bring to a cabin.  I know I could hang a rigid heddle loom on the wall while I'm not using it if I need to.  I spin my own yarn, and think weaving would be a fun new way to utilize my handspun yarn.  I have my own spinning wheel, and while doing my research for that I found that the price of wheels seems to increase substantially each year.  I'm guessing the same holds true for looms, but I'm not sure about that.  I am not particularly interested in weaving complex patterns, but would be doing more plain weave to showcase my yarns.  If I did want to do a little bit of patterning, I think what I could achieve with a pick-up stick would be enough for me.  I want something either 18" or 24" wide so I can do shawls.  

Seems like a rigid heddle loom would fit my requirements.

[francorios]

Kromski Harp is a nice little loom. You may have to wait a while to find anybody who wants to give theirs up.

I've been able to find Beka and Erica rigid heddle looms on craigslist. Not as nice, but they can be bought for about $40.

I made a lot of dish towels/placemats with peaches and cream cotton yarn.

Have a good day!

[nikschaf]

Oh, Francorios, I hadn't heard of Erica looms.  I'll check into those.

I'm thinking I'll just bite the bullet and buy the Kromski though, since it's what I really want.  Especially with the warping board built in on back.

[francorios]

Erica is a loom that was made about 30 years ago by Northwest Manufacturing.

They work.

If you get a newer one like a Kromski Harp, you'll really enjoy the ratchet tightening system which the older Erica and Beka's do not have.

Have a Happy Christmas!

[Confuzzle]

Before going out buying, check on the Spinners' and Weavers' Housekeeping Pages. (Do a search. It should pop up.) You can spend a little time, find something you like, and get it for a really good price.

I got my loom on there - a Schacht table loom with the leg kit, shelf, and attachable tool bin - for $300. It was less than a year old.

[nikschaf]

Great advice -- thank you both!