The summer was busy for me because I received a grant from the Ontario Arts council to collaborate with the Nottawasaga Handweavers and Spinners to design and launch the weaving of 12 tapestries depicting the community of New Tecuseth. I invited this guild to join me at the opening reception of my own solo exhibtion of tapestries entitled Wholeness, and to officially launch the Community Threads tapestry project. The tapestries will be woven by guild members, visitors, guests, and members of other organizations and institutions over the coming years. When the tapestries are completed, a self guided tour brochure will assist visitors in seeing the tapestries at different venues in the municipality. The picture above shows a part of my more recent tapestries at this exhibit.
Our weaving class is definitely the 'happy place' for many of us. I couldn't resist taking this picture this week as there was a full line up of table loom weavers. From left to right, Mimma, Justine, Jane, Phyllis, Sandi, Agota and Emily at the back who just started with us this week. To help everyone figure out what they'd like to learn in weaving, I've created a Weaving Menu, listing all the kinds of things you can learn about weaving. Ask me for a copy if you are interested in expanding your repertoire and understanding of weaving.
Many of the returning students completed projects over the summer. In this photo, a beautiful shawl woven by Agota Dolinay. She used 18/2 merino for warp and some very fine yarn from Habu in the weft. The pattern was one that most have overlooked and taken from The Handweavers Pattern Book (Davison). Its called Indian March and is on page 38. There is so much going on in it.
Anther finished project....this 2/8 cotton scarf in M's and O's by Mimma Draga. This is Mimma's first project and her edges are near impeccable. She is definitely a natural born weaver.
Wendy Szpindel came back eager to share her summer projects. She explored an undulating twill which we clearly see in the white piece. In the foreground, is a study of using variations with colour and treadling with the same threading. A very good study indeed. Wendy and her sister Leslie seem to be going in the direction of creating wall hangings.
This week Sandi Dunn came in wearing a Halloween outfit. I applaud her fearlessness! She is wearing a fascinator by David Dunkley who is a millner in Toronto and has a shop at 998 Bathurst Street. The business is called KC Hats. A couple of our weaving class participants have exhibitions on or about to occur: Beth Stewart at ESP Gallery at Dovercourt and Queen, who is a winner of an RBC prize of $15,000, and who is teaching drawing at OCAD and Gwen Tooth at the beaux-arts brampton from November 1 to 26.
