Richfield Historical Society

Loom in Motz Cabin Refurbished

The loom that is located in the Motz Log Cabin (Pioneer Homestead - Richfield Historical Park) was in need of refurbishing. Mark & Lori Tonn stepped up and spent 10 hours making the loom workable again. They also donated several shuttles, the replacement heddles, rag balls, and lessons to get Susan Sawdey, chair of the Pioneer Homestead, started on operating the loom. The Tonns make beautiful handwoven rag rugs through their business Grandma's Handmade Rugs. Take a look at their lovely pieces at Facebook.com/grandma'shandmaderugs. Also visit their booth at Art at the Mill on June 18, 2022. Thank You, Mark and Lori.

See the process of refurbishing the loom through the picture story below.

Assessing the loom and its condition	Assessing the loom and its condition	Adding warp yarn to the warp beam
Adding warp yarn to the warp beam	Adding warp yarn to the warp beam	Loom Video Adding warp yarn to the warp beam
Everything is assembled correctly	Warp yarn is ready to be threaded through the heddles and beater bar	No project goes without some type of glitch--our original heddles were not working properly
Reclaimed heddles were installed and warp was threaded through the heddle and beater bar	Reclaimed heddles were installed and warp was threaded through the heddle and beater bar	An occasional check to make sure everything is threaded correctly
Warping is complete	Warping is complete	Weaving Video Test weaving and beginning a rug
	Ready for demonstrations at Richfield Historical Society events in 2022