As I sit at my Union 36 floor loom today weaving with hand woven yarn I found at the local thrift shop this morning, my mind begins to wonder. The yarn, a creamy off white, looks really nice against the deep brown yarn I used for edging. The colors of this rug makes me think about how nice a rug it will be come winter when there is nothing between the old wood floor and my bare feet except this warm wool rug.

The worn varnish on my loom as well as other markings make me wonder who used to own the loom and what made them purchase it. Were they mysteriously drawn to weaving in the same way I was or was it something they always enjoyed? Was the loom handed down as a precious reminder of the grandmother who used to spend her time weaving on it? Who made the decision to get rid of it and why? Whatever the case, the loom was well used at one time.

None of the past really matters, the loom is mine now, sitting in the living room. The sound of the threads being beat into place is somehow soothing. The repeated motion, somehow stress relieving. Each project is a little different, some I like, others I hate, but all have a home somewhere, rather it is here or in someone else’s home.

The handspun wool I am working with today is soft and supple. The lanolin in the wool can still be felt. My mind wanders. What was the purpose for this wool when it was bought new? Why was it not used? It doesn’t matter much now. The yarn, my treasure from the second hand store, has a new purpose, as a rug.

The tags were still on the wool, so I have a new internet search to make to find out if the company is still in business. More importantly, I know now what my handspun will look like in a rug. I am inspired. Gizmo, Tulip, Leonardo, Johnny and Pearl’s fiber will live on, through my spinning and weaving. From clothes to rugs and beyond, there will be plenty of projects to keep me busy for months to come.