Learning Approaches and your weaving

Gwen Tooth chose the colours for her painting which she will interpret into a tapestry.

Each of us has our own preferred strategy of how we go about learning. Teachers colloege taught me that there are seven different learning modalities. I've always thought that my approach to learning was more radical than most, not taking well to following instructions. I prefer to use my intuition, a sensing approach to my learning. I have inclinations sometimes to defy the rules and want to make my own. Perhaps I even became a teacher not so much because I like telling people what to do but more because I don't like being told what to do. To my dismay, I have found that I learn best by being in a position where I must teach others. Gwen's painting and tapestry that will follow is a good example of the feeling and sensing approach. I say this because every now and then there is a student in the class who has a similar approach and want to put them at ease about it.

Rag rug by Agota Dolinay

As a learner in weaving I need to explore the possibilities. I need to ask myself 'what if'. I need to take risks, willing to allow things to go wrong, even fail. Each approach to learning has its advantages and disadvantages. In my case, if I had listened to what I was told in terms of rules, or read the instructions more carefully, I could have avoided some mistakes and problems, but these are all relative and depend on what outcomes you are seeking, the direction one is trying to steer oneself in. Why take this approach then? For me its very freeing allowing me to access my creativity and connects me with inspiration. Or perhaps too, its the inspiration that I am lead by first, and then I work out the details, experimenting and discovering, what works and what doesn't. This natural dyed cotton band by Leslie is a perfect example of all that I've said. Leslie challenges what I said was the 'right' way to prepare her project for weaving and she is discovering what works for herself, by challenging my advice. Leslie too likes to follow the impulse of her inspiration. Leslie dyed this on her own experimenting with different food items in her kitchen. Recently Leslie made a warp of 8/2 bamboo, a fairly fine yarn. She forgot to put the cross in it, which as many know is one of the things one should NEVER forget. I declared outright to Leslie that I WOULD NOT help her put it on the loom. I have to applaud Leslie for doing a very fine job indeed in getting this warp on the loom! Good going Leslie! Marion Kirkwood created this runner as a gift for the leaders of her trip to South Africa, who grew up there. She used 4/8 cotton, sleyed at 24 epi. The colours are those of the South African flag, stripes of blue, green, red, yellow and white, with the warp in black threading - twill, reverse twill, point twill, rosepath, reverse rosepath and basket, inspired from a baby blanket pattern from Handwove. The various patterns are designed to represent the diversity of South African society. Chenille scarves by Elaine Robertson

Some learners follow instructions precisely. Often their outcomes are exactly what they expected which is what the need and want. Some learners are fearless, taking on incredible challenges rapidly either technically or creatively. Others are careful, slow and methodical. Some learn best by themself in quiet moments. Others need lots going on. Learning and understanding how we learn is fascinating.

Undulating twill Alpaca shawl in beige and blue by Susan Abrams

What I've concluded after observing peoles different approaches, is that we learn best when we mix the approach we usually take with some of the approaches others take. I know for me it sometimes is outside my comfort level but I will still try and try and try to learn in different ways. I practice trying to follow instructions more carefully, more precisely. I am motivated to do this because I want to help my students with what they are trying to learn.

Detail of sampling for undulating twill in alpaca by Susan Abrams.

Above all, I try to let people learn in the way that works for the. The information and and experience won't happen any other way.

I am thrilled these days to see how the students in the class have been really evolving, growing in their weaving forays. In the next few photographs I wanted to highlight all the sampling people in the class have been doing. For instance above, Neil Brochu made a sample before embarking on making a line linen tablecloth, 60" x 72". The pattern he chose was a Lozenge twill from the book Keep me Warm one Night by Dorothy Burnham, a highly regarded historical book on textiles in Ontario.


Jill has struggled for almost two semesters to create this sampling for a rug she wants to create. I'm really proud of how she has figured out how to visualize what aspects of the sample she wants to incorporate into her final design. The limitation she set herself was to use the particular yarn she had bought on cones and choose the yarn based on colour and quantity.

Other samples being woven are the double weave sample by Cassandra Morton. Cassandra told me she was at a lecture at the University of Toronto in January where she is studying and the professor put up a You Tube video of me weaving tapestry! We were both surprised!
I've also been introducing students, when they start thinking of wanting to change a pattern, to software that will help them do it. Here Agota shows her own version of a huck design.

A number of people have woven huck samples and its remarkable how they differ from person to person. I had to show Lindsey's huck sample. Usually the huck sample requires using only one colour....which is how its been done traditionally. Lindsey needed to explore trying others colour with it, as did a number of other people in the class.

I work hard to respect and honour each persons learning style, while at the same time encouraging them to venture into and try other strategies...to stretch our muscles so to speak. They'll discover that practicing a different approach sometimes can be very rewarding and satisfying, as I have, learning to follow instructions. Carol Adams wrote me recently in response to my last blog and said: "Thank you for keeping me in the circle. I very much enjoyed viewing the work of your students from last semester. And I will miss not being with you in the Spring.
But this time, even more, your writing about the class has stayed with me. I hope your students learned to use the mat at the door. If they didn't, then the atmosphere you create in the class room with the soothing classical music from CBC, and the easy way you move around from one loom to the next, and your own personal quietness all have their own positive influence.
And then there is the loom. No matter what size, it requires you to put everything else aside and pay very close attention to it. My weaving has been and continues to be a refreshing experience for which I am very grateful.

At present, I am dressing my loom with a 100% silk yarn to make curtain material for the windows on my stair landing. My pattern is again the LeClerc placemat but I have changed from the Indigo and Gold, Lt Blue and Wine to Cream and Gold, Ecru and Apple Green. The placemats called for 36 epi; however with the silk, I am using 18 epi and as long as it is even I won't mind a bit of light coming through.

Line, I miss you and the collegiality of the class and you are often in my thoughts." Thank you Carol!

Huck sample by Jane Tucker.

I guess after all this I'm just trying to say there is no right or wrong way to learn. We all have our own unique combination of approaches and we have to work with that.

I'm ending with this table runner woven by Janet Andrews. She wove this for her parents. Although there were a number of threading errors in the pattern, Janet still was delighted with her efforts. I love it when people can laugh at their mistakes, plunders, false starts....as we must have a good laugh at ourselves sometimes and still think that what we have just done is still praiseworthy and good. As one weaving clas tapestry weaver, Pauline Abraham said, "I'm practicing the art of imperfection". Here's to imperfection! Cheers!

Simplicity

Scarf woven by Wendy Hayden on her knitters loom. Alpaca, silk, merino.

Over the last few weeks distress, agitation and stress were palpable in the weaving class at times. Quite a few of the people taking my weaving classes are faced with challenging situations, in their personal life, in their health, in relationships, and sometimes all of that walks into the room with them, understandably. Which bring to mind a figure drawing class I took many many years ago with a teacher I had a lot of regard for. He would say to us, before you come into the room, wipe your shoes at the door, meaning, leave your troubles behind you for the time you are in the room. I know this worked for me. Perhaps this is why everytime I walk into the classroom, my troubles seem distant. This strategy may not work for everyone, nor am I expecting it to, but I have come to see though, that most of us come to the weaving class and find it a sanctuary, a break in the what can be a stormy period in one's life, a safe haven, a quiet respite, a slowing down where we can catch our breath and 'hear' what we are thinking.
More knitters looms scarves by Wendy Hayden, given as Christmas presents.
I feel I am fortunate to have the kind of 'job' where it is safe for me to be a caring and supportive person. How lucky can I be. I feel privileged even that people sometimes feel it is safe for them to share whatever they are going through. I've always found it easy to listen to others, to understand, to feel compassion, and with some, a deeper connection, a kindred spirit. These people who are taking my classes are more than just students - they are a friend and I am theirs.
Knitters Loom scarf by Maureen Krinicic
Coming to my weaving, and others are discovering this for themselves, becomes almost a meditation - a training of the mind to focus on one thing, one activity, eventhough our mind might want to be running in many directions with our thoughts, feelings, and ideas. To exercise the discipline to remain in the activity, the process, to bring one's focus back to the weaving, is good mental training, and I have seen my levels of concentration and focus increase as I continue my weaving practice.

Knitters loom scarf by Cheryl Yetman

Doing this activity bit by bit we feel the calm come over us - and the sense of inner peace that comes with that if only tempararily. The simplest of activities and moments can provide us with a moment of grace and consequently, provide us with deep and valuable insights that we need to have about ourselves, others, and life. This sitting with our weaving, this quiet time, cuts out finally all the noise and business going through our heads, and brings us to a place where we have gratitude to be alive in this moment.

Knitters Looms scarves by Cheryl Yetman

Because my theme this week was simplicity I thought the Knitters Looms scarves people were making these past few months would be good to feature. If I have made any error with names and the scarves I have attached to them, let me know as it was before Christmas that I took these photos. I am looking forward to seeing some tapestries woven on the Knitters Loom....which I'll feature here as soon as they are.

Knitters Looms come in 12" and 20" widths. They can be outfitted with 5, 10 and 12.5 rigid heddles. They already come with a 7.5 dpi. You can also purchase a stand for the knitters loom separately. You can choose to buy it with a bag, or without. A Knitters Loom DVD is also available as well as several books filled with projects. All of these things can be purchased through me.

In closing I would like to include some links that people send me to include in my postings:

First Donna Kim sent this link from the Marilyn Dennis Show about how to wear and tie scarves http://www.marilyn.ca/Fashion/segment.aspx/Daily/January2012/01_27_2012/ScarvesandBelts2

She also has weaving studio space, complete with weaving equipment provided, for rent. The studio would be shared with herself and another person. If you are interested please contact me at tapestryline@sympatico.ca and I'll send the info.

Rose Ruffolo shared this link - an article about a weaver in the U.S.

http://http//www.therepublic.com/view/story/7bce5bb2cb244a77a6158242df5e6f40/AK--Bulletproof-Art/
Until the next time!

Line

Kasuri (Ikat) master weaver workshop

I have invited a guest master kasuri weaver, Keiko Shintani to teach us the kasuri methods used in weaving in Japan that we have come to admire so much. Some of you already know that kasuri is also known as ikat weaving, which is practiced with varying methodology, colours and imagery, all over the world. Below is a link to describe ikat in more detail as well as see examples.

http://www.answers.com/topic/ikat

Many of you have come to see how complex it is to create warp kasuri, especially when combined with weft kasuri. This is an incredible opportunity for us to really benefit from Keiko's immense knowledge and mastery of this technique. Part one of this workshop will focus only on warp and weft kasuri. Part two, at a later time, most likely next year will focus on picture kasuri, especially challenging as many of you have come to learn.

There will most likely be a one week instensive all day workshop sometime between mid june to the end of July. It is possible that it may be only 3 or 4 days. The cost is yet to be determined but a general figure at this time is between $175 - $250 plus materials.

I know that many of you work in the day so I am wondering if you are interested and ready to commit to doing this same workshop on Wednesday evenings, starting April 4 and running until May 30 (9 three hour classes). The cost would be $175. plus the cost of materials.

The workshop will take place at the Toronto Weaving School, at 255 Royal York Road, Room 30. RSVP early as there is only room for 15 people.

Don't hesitate to ask me any questions either by email tapestryline@sympatico.ca

Line

Notes and card weaving

Mimma Draga has been taking notes since starting to learn how to weave in my class. One day I happened to glance at them, and I couldn't help but think of the great Leonardo and his illustrations. Very detailed and wonderful illustrations. For most of us, our notes don't look anything like this, if we have any at all. Which brings me to the topic of learning and how we learn. One of the most useful things I learned at teachers college is that there are 7 different modalities of learning. Essentially, they comprehend all our senses, mixed in with how we process information best. For each us that equation is different and proceeds at different rates as we process the information, and it eventually becomes 'automatic'. This is helpful to know so that one doesn't berate oneself for not absorbing knowledge and technique as quickly as one would like. It's almost as if the body has to learn it too, and not just the mind. I guess this is why Malcolm Gladwell says that it takes 10,000 hours to achieve mastery at something. Do you realize that you would have to do something 24/7 for over 27 years? It's probably best to just enjoy the activity, the process and company while you are doing it!

During our Fall classes, some students became interested in card weaving. Judite has been doing it since childhood and gladly showed Judy, Leslie and Wendy how it worked.

She made up the cards for them, brought the thread. Gave them a demo of the process.

And this is what they were trying to weave with the card weaving process. One can learn from books. One can learn from videos. But there is nothing like learning from another person who is there physically beside you while you fumble your way through the project and calms all your fears and doubts in yourself and your abilities. Thank you Judite for showing them how it works.

See you next week!

Encouraging authentic creativity in weaving

I feel blessed indeed that my weaving students are such intelligent, interesting and engaging people. They are talented, and take creative approaches not only in their weaving, but in the way they learn too. This past Fall was very busy and I didn't get a chance to post all the wonderful projects that resulted over the course of student efforts. Since there are quite a few things to show y'all, I'll start with the products of the most recent participants in the weaving class and will show the remaining projects and endeavours at other times. Above, a tapestry by Clara.
As an instructor, I encourage students to develop their own designs and creativity. I teach them strategies, if they are open to it, to enhance and deepen their creative experience. Everyone comes with their own knowledge, experience and approach and this only makes for a more authentic result in their creative endeavours. Ciara is shown here with her first tapestry (after that gruelling sampler!) that she designed. It was inspired by wood.
Christine Davidson's runner above, is a good example of how some students prefer to take their inspiration from such sources as Handwoven magazine, a good place to expand one's repertoire, creatively, theoretically and technically.
Some participants are very modest about their efforts and I'm happy to put in them in the spotlight. I also applaud those who are endeavouring to set up a loom at home without me to help them out. As many of you know or can remember, it can be a daunting experience just even remembering all the steps and details one needs to consider. Though the photo does not do this blanket any justice, it was woven by Jane Tucker.

This red and fuschia merino scarf was woven by Wendy Szpindel who managed to do this over the Holiday Season on her own. I suppose its like seeing a child take its first steps! So exciting.

This week we've moved forwards with preparing our warps (and wefts possibly) for ikat dyeing. In the coming weeks we'll be preparing warps for painted warp, shibori and woven shibori.

See you soon!

Weaving Fast?

This weaving session two 'beginner' students finished their sample in record time. On average it takes most people 8 classes to complete their sampler. Two people deserve special mention for being on a mission to complete the sampler and move on to learn much more. First, Cassandra, who is also studying at University, and comes during the day class. She completed hers in 6 classes. In this photo, Neil Brochu who completed his sample in 5 classes. He is drawn to linen and wants to learn as much as he can about it. He works for the city of Toronto, with historic textiles as they relate to the various historical houses in Toronto. He says we can go to his workplace as a field trip and he will show a part of the city's collection. We are looking to do that at the end of the spring weaving session, which would be somewhere around the beginning to mid June. That will be so awesome!
The Fall weaving classes end dates are the following. For Monday classes the last class will be December 5 and for Wednesday classes the last class will be November 30. For the winter session a study group will be formed and a course of preparation for weaving Ikat, Shibori, painted warp, and woven shibori. During the winter session, we will get 4 warps prepared using either tencel or bamboo. The dyeing itself will be a separate workshop the location and time announced at a later time but will occur during the summer months, tentatively in August or early September. The fourth warp will be woven as is during the winter and/or spring session in plain weave. This is available for people signed up for the winter and/or spring weaving classes. If you have any questions please ask. Specifics will be provided when you sign up. While you are making preparations for this initiative, you should still consider having a separate project as the preparations may not take up all of your class time. I can take your egistration for winter classes while you are in class, or you can sign up with the TDSB and they will start taking registrations November 21st 2011.
I most often feature fabric weaving as usually the projects are quicker to complete than tapestry weaving. I thought I would shine the spotlight on some of the tapestry weavers in the class who have been steadfastly plodding along on their tapestries. In this photo, the tapestry by Walter Rothenburger, the image from one of his own photographs.




Debbie Harris is making headway with her Navajo inspired rug woven with the tapestry technique. It looks like she has just about 2' done. Just a little more inspiration in the tapestry weaving area. Here's a short 2 minute video on a tapestry be cut off from the loom and it is quite an event. All in French but if you don't understand you can still understand what is happening http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II_0YiwtWTE&mid=5248



From the Knitters Loom
Here Judy's first project ever woven on her 20" knitters loom. She used a 12.5 dpi rigid heddle. The towel is woven with 4/8 cotton. The only disappointment is that the red bled when she washed it. Try soaking it in a cup of vinegar and a gallon of water and that should stop the bleeding.
Francois kindly emailed me to let me know how you can enlarge a picture to see more detail. His suggestion was to increase the pixel ration, which I tried, but the pictures wouldn't load.
The One of a Kind Show is coming up soon. It will be from November 24 to December 4. My booth number is R-06. Not only do I feature my own work, but also have a tapestry line collection, where I offer for sale, locally woven, knit and felted scarves and shawls. For more info about the show go to http://www.oneofakindshow.com/.

Taking on New Challenges

It's been exciting to watch my weaving 'students' take on new challenges in weaving. Some take them on fearlessly, others with more trepidation, but still most remarkable is that they take them on at all. As they have discovered, preparing one's weaving projects is fraught with all kinds of possible unforseen setbacks, threading errors, the needs of the fibres they are working with, and the goals they set for themselves. Most people learning to weave are looking mostly to perfect their technical skill, a good place to start one's journey in weaving. After that many want to learn other technical knowledge in weaving, for instance understanding the different weaving structures like overshot, M's and O's, Monks Belt, Huck and on and on the list goes. Learning about weaving is also about exploring and experimenting with different fibres, structures and then also, sometimes breaking the rules just to see what will happen, and hopefully be pleasantly surprised.
Judite Vagners has spent many years perfecting her technical weaving skills and knowledge. Some of her journey has been about using what she has learned to create traditional Latvian costumes. Of note is the belt or strap that is Card woven, and which is sometimes called Tablet weaving. Many different cultures around the world use the technique of Card weaving. In Card weaving you can only weave strips, so its ideal for bracelets, belts, and straps. Incredibly detailed and complex designs can be created using the Card Weaving techniques. It's very portable which is its great advantage.

Agota Dolinay wove these handsome Alpaca scarves. The subtlety of the design is breathtaking when seen up close. I'm sure this digital photo isn't doing it any justice but I hope you can get a sense of its beauty.









Marion Kirkwood has a friend who recently returned from Liberia where groups of women harvest raw cotton, spin it themseleves, dye the cloth, and sew the strips of cloth together. We're hoping her friend will send us pics of the women in Liberia actually going through the process and I'll post them here if she does.

Lastly, more projects from the very popular and much loved Ashford knitters loom. Cheryl Yetman has woven this fine cloth on a knitters loom and it is surprising the quality of the weaving that can be accomplished with it.
Kate Kitchen has been weaving dozens of scarves on her knitters loom, shown below and she has been having a very fun time exploring textures in fibres. Nowadays there is such a wide array of fibres to inspire us. Kate takes an unusual approach to weaving and her fresh approach is perhaps because she is a tapestry weaver and sees weaving in a painterly manner. The knitters loom can also be used to weave tapestries which is very good news for tapestry weavers, because of its portablility. On that note I'll take my leave and look forward to sharing more with next week!