| ================= Picker Straps ================= The picker straps are the two straps that run between the "stirrup" (boat anchor), through a hole in the swords(*), to the picker sticks. One for each side. The original picker straps were made of leather. If you have a source for the leather and/or straps great, but here is an alternative. I used two woven nylon dog leases. They are about 7/8" wide. I left the snap hooks on and cut open the hand loops on both straps. I bought two buckles for the nylon straps from a JoAnns fabric store. They are also available from hardware stores and X-marts. For one side, attach a spring to the "eye" at the top of the stirrup/boat anchor. Attach the snap hook to the spring. Run the other end of the strap through the hole in the sword, around the picker stick, back through the sword and to a buckle. Repeat for other side. Don't forget, there is a cord that runs between the picker sticks at floor level. It attaches to a hole in the bottom of each picker stick and runs "under" the loom. (*) The "Swords" are the two vertical boards that hold up the "lay"/beater bar. ----------------------------------- Instructions from Weavers Delight Manual for adjusting the picker straps. Work lay until "trigger stick"(**) is at right side of stirrup when lay is back as far as it will go. Buckle strap to left picker stick tight enough to take up all the slack or just tight enough to pull the picker stick the full length of shuttle box when shuttle is thrown. If tighter than this you will be pulling the picker stick against the solid lay. This will place a useless strain on spring and strap. Next work lay forward and back so trigger stick is on left end of stirrup and adjust right hand picker strap in same way. You will find a "spring with two cords attached". This goes under the loom. The cords are fastened to small hole in bottom of picker stick. Have it tight enough so it will draw one stick back when you pull the other toward the loom. When weaving it will draw back the picker stick just ahead of the shuttle as it enters the shuttle box. (**)The trigger stick is the board that rides in the stirrup/boat anchor and switches from side to side as the lay/beater is worked. ----------------------------------- |
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