Monday, May 24, 2010

Projects and more Projects

So Denny made her way from Toronto this past weekend to talk about warping. I think the topic scared people because the class was very small but 2/3 of weaving is in the warping and knowing the tips and tricks of the process can make weaving so much more enjoyable. And Denny does know the tips and tricks. It was a fantastic class and I think those who came went home ready to tackle their looms again with a happy attitude.

I missed most of the class because the shop was very busy on Saturday. I got to talk about Navajo weaving, bast fibers, spinning wheels, raw wool and all the stuff I love.

On Sunday I did something I rarely do...I skipped church.

We went to the shop and started the warping of the Alpaca I had wound a few weeks ago.

7 yards. Of lace weight Alpaca. 32 wpi. It is pretty hairy and sticky. A job that should have been 15 minutes...

took 5 hours. The lease sticks wouldn't glide through because the yarn would stick and tangle and we had to undo each 3-4 inches by hand. 1000 ends of warp.
We stuck with it. I wanted to quit so many times but Denny reminded me of where the yarn cam from and how she suffered with cancer for so long and that I could manage this for a short time.
In the end we did it.
Now I will thread the heddles and sley the reed this week. Just a simple twill but in the end it will be worth it.
I've also been working on my first shawl design and it is coming right along. Looks better in person. When the triangle is finished I will choose some kind of lovely edging for it I think.
And finally, in November Maggie and I will be travelling to Peru for Tinkuy which will be a conference of North and South American textile artists. The above is Maggie's fortune she got from the Chinese take out the other day. We all got a kick out of it.

4 comments:

Mary in A2 said...

An awesome post, Beth. I was touched by Denny's encouragement to you. Everything we do just needs a little perspective, doesn't it?

Jody said...

I am impressed with your tenacity - GOOD for you! Thanks for your power of example - gorgeous stuff!

Deborah Robson said...

I'm with Denny. I like warping. It can be very zen. Congratulations.

bethanyg said...

Oh I'm soooooo happy that you and Maggie are going to Peru! What a lucky little girl she is to have a mom like you!

(I had to ignore the weaving part, because "lalalaI'mnotgoingtoweave"--but still, awesome looking! 5 hours! I'd have fallen over! Go you! Go Denny!)