Made On A Mirrix - But What Is That?
When I first started loom beading, I was around 14 or 15 years old. The only loom bead was a small wire loom that was big enough to make a bracelet. Flash forward to today and there are so many bead looms available to make just about any width or length of beadwork. I thought I had found a great loom (we will not name names) but it was one of those wooden ones that stretches for miles in front of you.
I started doing bead inlays for belts and horse tack. There was nothing worse than trying to bead a 22+ inch long strip on a loom that was 36+ inches long. Back aches, arm fatigue, and it was just plain annoying and time consuming; not to mention, where do you put your beads to access them properly? PLUS the warp tension...why was it when I got part way through my warp threads seemed like wet noodles, even when I started they were really tight?!
I had been looking at a Mirrix for a while. At first, to be honest, I had sticker shock. I think I asked Elena (co-owner with her mom Claudia) a million questions. She was patient, kind, and answered all my questions. Probably even the ones that seemed silly! I decided I was going to save to get one.
My first Mirrix (yes, FIRST) was the Lani which still today is my go to favorite. It had all the features I needed in width and length for what I was making. I waited patiently for it to arrive and when it did, I was lost. How do you warp this thing? It was unlike any loom I had seen before. The great thing about Mirrix is they have LOTS of YouTube videos to help you through the learning to warp phase. It took me a couple times and now it is second nature and SO easy!
There are so many things I love about Mirrix and I get asked a lot of questions, so I am hoping to answer the most popular ones. First off. No, I am not a paid spokesperson nor do I get any kickbacks from Mirrix. I am just a huge fan of their products and I feel they need to be commended for all the hard work they have put into developing their looms and the support they provide to customers.
The warp tension. BY FAR thee best warp tension you will get. You could play your warped loom like an instrument! Can't you hear it "ping" like a guitar now? It is exceptional! That in itself was worth it for me. But wait! Ha! Like the infomercial...there is more!
The ergonomics. Mirrix looms are ergonomically phenomenal! Your work is ALWAYS in front of you! No bending, stretching, contorting to bead. It is right there in your face. Its fabulous!
The accessories. Mirrix is constantly in contact with their customers to see what they may need, want, and new ideas they have. It is great! One accessory that Mirrix has are what they call "dents" which are the springs at the top and bottom (I highly recommend getting the bottom spring kit - you will thank me later). These dents correspond to the size of beads you use. Larger number of dents, smaller number of beads. Every tried to use 15/o beads on one of those wooden looms and the spacing is big enough for a 6/o? Mirrix solved that problem! Brilliant!
I could go on and on but those are the main features that really has me excited about my Mirrix loom. As a beader who beads for hours on end some days, it is important to me to be comfortable and have it be enjoyable.
I did touch on it, but it needs to be addressed further in a little more detail. The customer service. It is outstanding! Mirrix is there to help and they have so many great videos on using their looms for bead work or for looming tapestries. They also offer a lot of great value with blogs, accessories, eBooks, and supplies for your projects, and the Facebook group and IG!
I am, as you can see, a very enthusiastic fan! I currently own a Lani, Mini, and The Little Guy that I put to work all the time but for me personally, my Lani is my go to workhorse!
Check out Mirrix here!
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