beginning to weave
Saturday morning, the start of a new beginning weaving class
it’s the 18th class I’ve taught in my studio since retiring 5 1/2 years ago
the studio is small, only three students at a time
that’s good, lots of one on one time
my last year of work, teaching weaving to the handicapped
I designed a teaching program that packed as much information and tricks into one project as possible
we weave one project – a cotton, log cabin scarf
with extra warp, samples come at the end
they learn to wind two threads at a time – and weave with two shuttles
how critically important sett is and how to determine EPI
the nature of different fibres and designing for different uses, rugs and placemats as opposed to scarves and wearables that require drape
take-up and waste length – and vocabulary
winding a warp, tying the cross and choke ties
hanging a warping board on dry wall doesn’t work , I’ve found a way to sit one on a card table and tie it to the back beam of my floor loom
my Mom taught me “where there’s a will there’s a way” – good advice
we also use a warping reel so they can see the difference
personally I wind my warps on an old vertical warping mill that measures much longer warps and goes fast
any equipment that speeds up the process and does a good job is my ideal tool
next week – warping/threading the loom
I’m giving stitching a bit of a break
spinning something easy, commercially prepared/dyed, wool/silk blend
three different colour-ways I tear into pencil roving and spin together
relaxing beside the fire in the evenings
and in the garden
but the bugs or slugs found it before I did!
I love it when i look at your blogs, weaving is all new to me, at 48 im just in my last summester at university studying textile design/weaving. last year was the first time i attempted to weave, I feel like ive only touched the tip of what there is to know. What i do know though is that i now have a passion that will be with me forever.
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Annette – I’ve been weaving for 40 years and haven’t even tried all that is possible. Many weavers find techniques, fibres and equipment that interest them and build skills in that specific area.
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The weaving class I wish I had had, way back when. I attended the school of trial and error. Lots of both. Your way is much kinder.
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Alice – but look where you have come from that trail and error! I know what you mean, I was mostly self-taught without the internet and 2 little kids playing under the loom.
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jean, your beginning weaving class sounds so good. i know my teacher had designed all sorts of learnings into that first project…and i remember the dreams i had as a result. until reading this i’d never given a thought to her layers of learning in that first project! thank you jean and mrs. belfer.
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Velma – that first class I realize the overwhelming amount of new information I’m giving people in 2 hours – including a new language. Some of them don’t even know how to tie a slip knot! so good that you had Mrs. Belfer.
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i wish i could study with you! what a well-organized and wise teacher.
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Aimee – thank you. I hope your students know how lucky they are. If I was younger I’d travel across the country to study with you.
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Beautiful colours Jean
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thanks, Myra. I have a project in mind but it will be some time in the future.
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