Friday, May 30, 2014

Challenges, Blessings and Friendships

Ellen Valters wove this rag rug out of tshirt strips. Her inspiration was taken from the "Rag Rug Handbook" by Janet Meany and Paula Pfaff, published in 1988 by Dos Tejedoras Fiber Arts Publications, Saint Paul MN
Kentucky Mountain Pattern (p.60) is a modified log cabin weave. 

Susan Mellor writes: 
I cannot thank you enough for helping me with this very special project and I cannot be happier that I did finish it on time, thank you for the push.  I really could have never accomplished this without you.  You know I love you so very much, your support always is so appreciated, special and I know so rare to be found (in others).  I am so blessed to have you in my life.
Here is a picture of Ben and I.  He absolutely loved it and was so very nervous for the actual day, although he sang absolutely beautifully.  He stood and touched it and twirled it in his hands during the service.  He told me after it made him feel so good to have it in his hands, he is mine and so very sensitive.   Before the service began Ben and I stood together in front of the congregation and I presented it to Ben, as the Rabbi said a blessing over him to receive such a special gift.  It was a very beautiful moment. The Rabbi wished that this gift will become an heirloom in our family and Ben whispered to me the next day at Shul.  "Mummy I promise I will give this to my children".
Thank you Thank you LINE!!
Tallit (Jewsih prayer shawl) woven by Susan Mellor for her son Ben's Bar Mitzvah. Merino Wool and Bamboo.
 A tallit  is a Jewish prayer shawl worn by men, over  outer clothes during the morning prayers and worn during all prayers on Yom Kippur. The tallit has special twined and knotted fringes known as tzitzit attached to its four corners. Traditional ones are made of wool and are often first worn by adolescent males on their Bar Mitzvahs. In some groups it is customarily presented to a groom before marriage as part of the dowry. To know about the tallit go to : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallit
Baby Blanket in space-dyed 2/8 cotton in a waffle weave (also know as Honeycomb) by Julia Pelenyi. 
It's been a challenging year (in the weaving class). Many issues have come up that were unusual challenges to say the least. I shouldn't complain because the last 17 years there has hardly been any serious problems and things have gone swimmingly. Some of these challenges were not only mine, but the students too as they struggled with not only some extra challenging projects and class situations, but also real life challenges as well. So I am filled with gratitude and feel so blessed, despite all the struggles and turmoils, participants in the class still share their positive and kind thoughts with me. In the last while this positive feedback has been pouring in and if I have realized anything it is that kindness and gentleness can heal the world, one person at a time. Jane Richmond writes: 
"Dear Line, Thank you so much for helping me to discover the "joy of weaving" . When I first enrolled in this class two years ago, I knew absolutely nothing about weaving and no expectations but now, after 2 years of warping, threading, re-threading, and wefting - nothing compares to watching a pattern slowly emerge from the loom - it's magic! You are wonderfully patient, practical and talented teacher and your class is full of friendly and supportive weavers. I am [already] looking forward to the Fall term."

I am pleased to announce the tapestry installation, Fate, Destiny and Self-Determination/le sort, le destin et l'auto-determination, co-created by 200 people from 23 countries, will be on exhibit at the Craft Ontario gallery, 990 Queen Street West. September 18,  6-9 will be the opening reception. The exhibit will continue until September 27. Regis University Library, in partnership with the Smithsonian, is also interested in exhibiting the installation during the summer of 2015. Go to the Tapestry blog for more info: http://tapestryline.blogspot.ca/2014/05/craft-ontario-in-toronto-will-exhibit.html






I was recently at the exhibition opening at Craft Ontario (formerly the Ontario Craft Council) at 990 Queen Street West. I was excited to see contemporary craft work of emerging crafts people in Ontario. I was disappointed that there wasn't any weaving and I wonder if any weavers applied. Get your work out there....and here are some opportunities Craft Ontario is offering you. Opportunity won't open it's door to you unless you knock on it!

FOUR CALLS FOR APPLICATION! 
  1. *NEW - Celebrating Our Logo Call for Entry - In continuing the celebration of our new brand identity, Craft Ontario and Craft Ontario Shop are presenting two new member opportunities. Craft Ontario Shop Merchandise and the New President's Pin.
  2. Applications for our inaugural Craft Show are due JUNE 13
  3. The deadline to apply for the Craft Awards Program is JUNE 20
  4. Apply to be a part of the Holiday Pop-up Craft Shop by AUGUST 15
To learn more go to www.craftontario.com


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