Thanks Sandra - I have checked and double checked and everything seems to be in place. I feel pretty comfortable with the countermarche's tie up approach and the shed does function - I am able to get all of the patterns possible in terms of PW, lace, warp floats and weft floats. It is just that when all eight treadles are tied up (I have a twelve shaft Spring 2), the four shafts I am using (and which are not secured on the blocking pin ) hardly drop from the level of the stationary shafts and the cords along the sides are fairly loose, even to the point that they can jump off the rollers. I have a question in to Lout about this, but I started wondering if there is something associated with this tie up since I have had no trouble getting a generous shed before using the Mother of all tie ups. I also tried untying everything but the PW treadles and the large shed is again available...I have carefully followed the full tie up instructions and can get the various patterns with a small shed...so I am stumped...I really do love the mechanical aspects of weaving and so figuring this out will be a big win! :D