i've heard if you warp your loom you can make longer pieces of work
I work with bracelet size looms, and warping that kind of loom can create inconsistencies and errors in your pattern. I find it easier to choose your length before you begin.
Nice! how long have you been beading for?
3 years. I learned a lot from a friend who is native American. I apologize at the moment I can't recall her tribe. 
Cool, I remember reading somewhere about Native American beading that contained iron from a meteorite. Which is pretty amazing
The beads you use are very small. I find it easiest to refer to them as seed beads. The materials used can be natural stones but most commonly they are plastic or glass. 
Ah, Ok. I hear that Peyote Stich is easier than people think
I use a small dowel rod to keep form while working. It takes a lot of patience and skill to complete a project without something to keep it stable.
Do you prefer a hard wood dowel?
I use the standard crafting wood dowels. Different sizes and shapes will determine your final result.