Weaving classes have resumed and its nice that that the 'buzz' in the class seems to coincide with the renewed energy that spring brings with it. Participants and students are excitied to be finishing projects, starting new ones, and for about a dozen people, trying weaving for the first time.
Helen Skelton
Undulating Twill scarf - cotton warp, wool weft
Anna Henrikssons's Twill Handweavers Pattern Book p 51
A fair number of projects have arrived all of a sudden and I'm glad to see certain participants share their work with us that have not in the past. They are notably excellent weavers and have been very modest about sharing the results of their labours. Many of you saw the scarf below as it was being woven and , though I took a half dozen pictures of it, it does the actual scarf no justice! Its always better to see it in person.
Linda Thompson,
8 shaft pattern from Handwoven magazine. Woven with space dyed tencel.
I have observed that in the class, there are many approaches to weaving and learning to weave, as there are of teaching it. Some learners are fearless and fast; others slow, careful and meticulous. Others enjoy being creative and exploring the fibres they are attracted to and are risk takers, others want only the tried and true. Some forge ahead never concerned about doing things the 'right' way or checking with the teacher , others seek confirmation about each step of the process. Some like a challenge, others weave for the comforting act it is. Some want to learn constantly, others are content to engage in the meditatave and healing process of weaving. Whatever your method, it is the way you weave, and the way you learn to weave.
Iris Koczerginski (on left). Plaid twill blanket woven with Lamieux yarn.
I am an experiential learner, which means I have to have hands on experience to learn best. Books are a resource only after my hands and eyes have explored the process, guiding my mind to find more information I may need as I progress on my weaving learning curve. Though I have woven for 25 years, and taught weaving for over 19 years, I still have not learned all there is to learn, and probably never will. I stay open and receptive to what each project and weaving experience has to teach me. To give you an example, I was recently trying to work out a rug design from a book on woven rugs, with stunning and inspiring pictures of finished projects. Unfortunately the instructions were sadly lacking, as well as some important information not included that made it impossible for us to figure out how the rug was woven. I even contacted the designer and she willingly admitted that she messed up but didn't provide any corrections and revised instructions. Yes, it was frustrating, especially for the student, who works full time and hopes to get some woven projects she can be proud of completed, and less time sampling and figuring out. Alas, that happens....every once in awhile, we hit a bump on the woven path, that sends us scrambling and questioning our capacities, perhaps even our sanity!
Julia Pelenyi. Woven shawl in plain weave with assorted fibres.
Judite Vagners. Hand towels . Cottolin.
Atwater Bronson Lace and turned Atwater Bronson Lace
Handwoven magazine 2015
Julia Penleny, tapestry woven with leather strips.
COURSES, CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS
Woven Drawings workshop with Nieves Carrasco
one week workshop August 17 - 21 2015
$350.
Toronto Weaving School at Burr House, Richmond Hill
Tablet woven borders with Inge Dam
4 day workshop August 10-13 2015
$350.
Toronto Weaving School at Burr House, Richmond Hill
Ontario Handweavers and Weavers Biennial Conference May 22-24 2015,
Burlington Ontario http://panoply2015.ca/
FOR SALE
Leclerc 45" jack loom for sale. Previously enjoyed, gently used. Includes accessories - reeds, heddles, shuttles, bobbins, open-ended bench. $550.00. Call Carole at 416-754-0899
