Weaving Spirit

Going on the Loom

2012-01-27T19:08:00.000-08:00

I like to divide the process of setting up the loom into several small steps. (especially since I am teaching a Kumihimo workshop tomorrow for the Missoula Weavers Guild.)

I do love the step below. It is the first time I get to see what the warp looks like.

Chenille, My Old Friend

2012-01-26T08:50:00.000-08:00

Here I am having taught 2 workshop already this year, about to teach one this weekend (all 3 local), and preparing to head down to San Luis Obispo to teach a new (in name and focus) workshop called INTENTIONAL DESIGN. I will talk more about this in another post, but one of the things I like to do before a workshop is to wind a warp and set up my loom while I focus on the upcoming workshop.

There are 18 students in SLO winding warps and setting up their looms as I write. They will arrive at the workshop ready to weave.

I thought the least I could do was to share their experience.

In the spirit of "multitasking, I decided to get started on a commission---a Color Horoscope Weaving in Rayon Chenille. For some reason, I started wearing my own Chenille Horoscope Weaving around town. I wove this piece about 15 years ago. It is sooo 20th century (grin). But to my amazement, folks in Missoula are crazy for chenille.

Another surprising fact about chenille is that my 15 year old shawl (which I have treated rather badly to see how it would hold up) looks brand new! In fact, I have it draped over my shoulders as I write.

Because of the thickness of the chenille, I have to wind the warp in 4 sections (pictured above). So to Patty (whose shawl this will become) and the Weavers Guild of San Luis Obispo (who are winding and threading), I dedicate my latest weaving efforts.

Stash Reduction/Stash Expansion: ZYG in 2012

2012-01-04T19:42:00.000-08:00

How to achieve ZYG--Zero Yarn Growth:

I don't have a huge yarn stash, but I certainly do have one. Over the years, one acquires yarn to precious to use up or trade away. Because I have moved 3 times in as many years, I have de-stashed quite a bit, but still... The natural dyed silk (much of it 50/2) was custom dyed for me by Cheryl Kolander in the mid-80's. I have been carrying it around knowing that I would weave something with it some year. This will be the year!

There are at least 2 basic ways of approaching "what to make next".
1. I want to make a set of towels to match my kitchen. I decide what fiber, colors and amounts I need and then I shop for that yarn.
2. What can I make with the yarn that I have on hand.

Of course, there are variations, but basically that's it.

One of the techniques I use in managing "the yarn I have on hand" is to lay it out on the floor and start moving it around like a puzzle. I like to say that the yarn discusses what it wants to weave.

Sometimes these discussions can last for weeks. Both below and above show the beginning of a discussion.

Every time I weave something that reduces my stash, I will then weave something with new yarn. That way I will continue to support my yarn suppliers.

Onward to a Peaceful and Abundant new year!

Weave, Cut, Knot, Trim, Wash, Dry

2011-12-29T20:42:00.000-08:00

Oops, no picture of me weaving, but you get the idea. Taking up the scissors is always so exciting!

Yes, so very exciting! And a little scarey too.

And then the first look...

The lighting in my place doesn't always cooperate with my schedule.

ah, the knotting is done, but it's a little late to run the washer, so I will wait until tomorrow to do the last part.

I promised myself I would finish this before the end of the year. It feels good to keep at least one promise.

A Personal Weaving Retreat

2011-12-24T20:32:00.000-08:00

On Christmas morning I will begin weaving a Blessing Blanket

With all of the free flowing joy and celebration happening, I decided to use the energy to weave at this time. I have never spent Christmas in a personal weaving retreat, but it will surely be a joyous celebration. Take a moment to send a prayer if you think of it. Reports along the way to follow.

I always say the power of weaving is that there is no mistake I cannot fix---if I take the time. I certainly have had the opportunity to prove this several times over today. I don't remember the last time I made multiple threading errors, but I happily re-threaded (twice).

Have days of joy, peace and balance!

in whatever you do....

Talk About Weaving Spirit

2011-12-18T23:48:00.000-08:00

So I was playing around with my favorite digital image--the self portrait I took when I first got my digital camera ten years ago. The image of me is a reflection off the glass of a framed picture. When I mirror-imaged the image, I was amazed to see a phantom carpet appear. Is that Weaving Spirit or what?

I knew if I didn't post something (anything) today I probably never would. I know there can be a general ebb and flow in the life of a blogger, but I never wanted to believe it would happen to me. My intention is to continue blogging, but I am in a quandary. It seems the things I don't want to blog about are taking up more of my time.

Let's hope this breaks the ice, and I can start posting again. There are many exciting things in the offing, and 2012 looks like a year of teaching, travel and creativity.

Still Too Busy to Blog

2011-11-29T21:31:00.000-08:00

But not too busy to cook! I was invited to friends for Thanksgiving and decided to make a breadless dressing. I won't bore you with the entire list of ingredients except to say three of them: morel mushrooms, chestnuts, and wild rice.
I am mostly getting ready for my show "Where Weaving Meets Paper" opening Friday, but I had to take a little break and wrap some words. I'll tell you more about this project after the show.

And I had to whip up some more brooches as the stock was dwindling.

And poor Grace, the loom, has been sitting idle for weeks, and this project has been looming (so to speak)
It always feels good to drape warp chains over the loom. I will also tell you more about THIS project after the show opening.

Now that I have quieted the blog goddess, I can go back to the project at hand.

Upcoming Woven Paper Exhibit

2011-11-20T19:04:00.000-08:00

WHERE WEAVING AND PAPER MEET

BONNIE TARSES

Woven Collage, Virtual Wall Quilts, Kaleidoscopic Woven Images

including works by participating artists and students

from workshops presented over the last decade,

“a puzzle with no wrong pieces”

Presented by: Noteworthy Paper & Press

101 S Higgins Ave Missoula, Mt 59802

First Friday December 2 from 5-8 PM

Show Running through December

Hours: | open mon-sat 10-6 406.541.6683

Involved in my Work

2011-11-13T19:30:00.000-08:00

I've been working on getting ready to show some of my woven paper. I need to present a short bio with a picture. Most of my pictures seem to focus more on my cloth weaving, and it was suggested that I find an image that relates to the work I will be showing. And this is what I came up with.... What do you think?
I can't decide if it is stupid, creepy or extremely cool.

Happy Halloween from the Photo Archives

2011-10-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

BONNIE BOLDLY FACES THE MILLENNIUM

I've been thinking about masks during the season of costumes, and I recall a phase of my weaving journey full of masks--the last years of the 20th century. (It seems so long ago).

There are many tutorials on YouTube on how to make a plaster mask. This one seemed quite good in case you are moved to make a personal plaster mask. After I made my mask out of plaster, I used it as a base and created a paper mache model over top of it. In fact, I can still use my plaster mask which I still have in a box somewhere.

Then I wove a horoscope weaving for the moment of the new millennium. I attached the weaving to the paper mache masks using a thinned down white glue. I won't tell you how many hours it took me to create the "hair" (twisting the fringe around floral wire so I could restyle the hair whenever I had a few extra hours).

I made this as a wall piece, but I can see that I could have made it into a headdress (which I would have done had I been living in Montana then) (grin)

Perhaps I will fish out the forms and do that for next Halloween.

Silk Ikat Brooches at Hangin Art Gallery

2011-10-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

The Killdeer Artisans Guild will present their Holiday Exhibit with an artist reception October 29th from 2-4 PM.

I decided to make some of my ikat jewelry. Below are a dozen brooches posing with a quarter in the lower left to give an idea of the actual size of the pieces.

I first started creating wrapped silk jewelry back in the 80's. Somewhere in the vast store of slide trays, I have many images of examples (to be scanned one day).

Each segment is wrapped in a manner I have perfected over the years.

I couldn't resist posing the jewelry pieces along with some of my woven images.

I can't decide whether or not the background adds to the effect or takes away from the piece.

Here they are mounted and ready to go. (except that I ended up taking the busy background away from half of them) I will see which ones are left over.

I only made a dozen as the space is limited in the gallery, but I am prepared to make more. If you are interested in purchasing these amazing little gems, please contact Hangin Art Gallery

Woven Collage at Hangin Art Gallery in Arlee

2011-10-23T21:12:00.000-07:00

Pictures are lacking at this juncture, but I wanted to share the final results. (14" x 20")

Here are 5 of the 8 wonderful women in the workshop. Each created a woven collage 5" x 7" based on the theme ---weaving the highest wishes for self into highest wishes for the world. (empowering and uplifting)

Know joy and create. As we care for ourselves, we respect & care for the world. No worries. Shown His love! Unity through unlimited diversity. Working toward compassion from me from the world, to me to the world. Travel, teaching and pleasure. Give the people of the world a voice.

The Renegade Weavers Ride Again

2011-10-14T21:13:00.001-07:00

Back in the mid 70s, a small group of Montana gals got together and formed The Renegade Weavers. The qualifications for membership:
1. Do not belong to a Weaving Guild.
2. Never have woven a place mat. Over the years, I have broken both of the rules. and yet 35 years later---we came together again in Montana.

Most of us have joined weavers guilds and woven place mats.
But we still know how to kick up our heels.....

WOVEN PAPER COLLAGE WORKSHOP

2011-10-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

WOVENPAPER COLLAGE WORKSHOP

With Bonnie Tarses atthe Hangin Art Gallery & Coffee House
Arlee, Montana

WovenPaper Collage is the first step to weaving cloth. The technique is fun, easyand full of creative expression. Begin with a stack of magazines, a scissors, anda glue stick. The results are always surprising and delightful.

TAKE ADVANTAGEOF THIS COLORFUL OPPORTUNITY!

Date: October 22,2011

Time: 10 AM – 3 PM(with an hour for lunch in the middle)

Place: Hangin Art Gallery & Coffee House
Fee: $25

Call: (406)726-5005 to reserve your space today.

Bonnie Tarses is a weavingmaster, creating magnificent cloth since 1960. She recently moved back toMontana to continue teaching and sharing her gifts with humor and spirit.

Tosee Bonnie’s work visit www.bonnietarses.comand

Bonnie’sblog http://weavingspirit.blogspot.com(an up to minute look into Bonnie’s studio.)

Just Our Yarn Does it Again!

2011-09-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, I came upon a lovely yarn company---JUST OUR YARN.

I wove a couple of delicious horoscope weavings and made some delightful wrappings with the yarn. I even overdyed in Turned Weft Ikat, and then I put the rest of the yarn away (I knew I had enough of another Color Horoscope Weaving). You know how it is when you want to hold back special yarn for a special project.

I had just enough of the ikat bits to frame each of the planets.

When I finished the weaving, I decided to wash it in the machine (I always do that), dry in the dryer (I always do that too), and then just wear it without pressing (I never do that)---just to road test it and see what happens.

Well, I think I have belatedly fallen in love with tencel! I wore like a dream. It didn't wrinkle anywhere near what I imagined, and what little it wrinkled just smoothed out when I draped it over a chair between wearings.

I know there is a lot of tencel yarn out there, but richness of colors in JUST OUR YARN is matchless! Brava!

I just spend far to long trying to find links to earlier posts showing my other cloth woven with the yarn. It turns out that I have been blogging a really long time, and my labeling system obviously leaves much to be desired. But if you have several hours with nothing to do, search through my archives (grin)

Cuttin' Off Missoula

2011-08-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

GOOD NEWS! The downstairs neighbor cannot hear me weaving !
MORE GOOD NEWS! Another weaving off the loom!

What can I say?!
Like bubbles, the cashmere yarn rises up to celebrate!

So I Cranked Up the Air Con

2011-08-16T19:28:00.000-07:00

And pulled out the recycled cashmere
And started winding another warp---Missoula's horoscope. (use the date and time of the founding of any place)
But this time I tried something just a little different. A couple of years ago, a student (Karen Driscoll) said to me during a Color Horoscope Weaving Workshop, "What would happen if you put an ikat stripe around each planet?"

This isn't the first time I tried out this delicious idea. In my previous weaving, however, each ikat stripe was the same width. On this one, I varied the width of the stripes---the Sun being the widest stripe, next the Moon, then the inner planets, and the outer planets with the narrowest stripe.

If there ever was a reason to continue teaching workshops, this weaving is it!

Just when I was getting bored with horoscope weaving, along comes this and I am all fired up again. The Sun is the big stripe to the left and the Moon is just to the right of it.

I can't wait to see this finished!

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch...er Apartment

2011-08-11T20:59:00.000-07:00

Will weaving in the new studio bother the neighbor? Will I be comfortable in a more confined space? What do I want to weave?

I always think it is a good idea to eliminate as many variables as possible, so I thought Gandhi's horoscope weaving was ---well, peaceful at the very least.

I also tried weaving as quietly as possible. Maybe this makes weaving a little bit slower, but it certainly was peaceful AND not a peep from the downstairs neighbor.

Now onto something I have been thinking about for a while---a bit of an experiment.......

AND GARY?

2011-08-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

Well, he has found a home in the country. See the nice view from his window.And he is in great company! The vacuum insisted on getting into the picture (grin) All looms are currently at rest.

Gary looks so small in comparison with the 13' loom.

And here is the amazing rug that Barbara Hand just completed after 6 months! I couldn't get far enough away to get the whole rug into the picture, but Barbara said she would get me a picture of the whole piece.

Here is a little something that came out of Barbara's amazing garden. Sometimes vegetables say it best (grin)

What to weave? Stay tuned.....

The Shifting Whispering Studio

2011-08-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

So I had been weaving for a full 10 minutes when the downstairs neighbor came knocking on my door. She said that it sounded like an army marching on her head. I knew this might be a possibility as jack looms tend to be somewhat loud (and after living here for a while I realize that the sound proofing in non-existent). I had purchased a sheet of something I hoped would absorb the sound, but no dice. I invited my neighbor in and we discussed the possibilities and options and decided to try moving the loom into the guest bedroom. So here is Grace moving yet again.I had been using the guest bedroom as my office, so here is the office now where the loom used to be.

Here is where the loom will now live. Someone asked me about the "platform" the loom was on, so here it is, a 2" thick piece of foam isolation which I covered with a rug.
And now Grace has a room of her own.

My neighbor downstairs does not spend much time is the room directly below, so I have my fingers crossed (which makes it much harder to weave). The room is really much brighter than it looks in this picture.

And the Weave Goes On

2011-07-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

Here is my new Grace-full studio. Gary, as you know, is living elsewhere for the foreseeable future.
My first piece in the new studio will be a Bambu 12 Woven Words scarf with the words
(fittingly) GRACE/RELEASE. I like to do a wrapping before I wind a warp. It gives a chance to see and work out some of the colors.

As you know, the client selects both the words and the colors. I am merely the agent in this co-creating process. I use the black and white "almost ikat" to separate the words.

And, again, that most wonderful and scary moment---cutting the weaving off the loom.

And then the most exciting moment--walking backwards across the studio while holding the beginning edge of the weaving.

Stay tuned for more on the words: Grace and Release!

Weaving Spirit, Weaving Spirit, Weaving Spirit

2011-07-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

For some reason the other day, I googled Weaving Spirit. Imagine my surprise when I discovered a website called Weaving Spirit. Curious, I clicked on it to discover a website (happily it has to do with weaving) newly (this year) added to helping weavers by selling products produced in Mexico.

I am in no way connected to this website nor are they connected to me. I never bothered to purchase the domain name Weaving Spirit (perhaps I should have).

They do have a nice website. I am sending them a link to this blog post, inviting them to comment here and share about their weaving journey.

Endings and Beginnings

2011-06-24T19:14:00.000-07:00

Weaving delivered to happy owner. I know some have asked about the piece in the background, but for now you will just have to speculate.

I will not bother to show you another round of packing and loading and hauling and moving, but here is an arty shot of my new entry way taken with my phone. I am now wading through mountains of boxes and slowly embarking on the the next phase... life without Gary.

The Very Last Words

2011-06-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

DEDICATION//CURIOSITY
It was very exciting using words I normally wouldn't have chosen OR colors I wouldn't have chosen.
But I just love it.
The most exciting moment---yet again.

So as Gary's last warp slowly sinks in the West, we begin our farewell to the little house.

Gary's Last Words

2011-05-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

As my moving date looms large (pun intended), it seems that in order for me to move into the apartment of my dreams---Gary will not be able to make the move with me. As I wove the words ADVENTURE/LOVE/LAUGH/CLARITY, it became clear to me that Gary was ready to have an adventure on his own. He hasn't yet figured out what he is going to do, but we have had a lovely weave together.

I've had a couple of people offer to house Gary, and I would be able to come and weave whenever I wanted.

There have been a couple of times that I tried to sell Gary, but I had no takers. Ideally, someone close by would either be interested in buying or renting, and I would have visitation rights (be able to weave 2 pieces a year on him). I can weave most everything I need to weave on Grace.
(with a few exceptions) As I get older, I find it easier to weave on a smaller loom.

I will keep you posted. If you have been hankering for a fabulous Fireside Loom, this might be the time. (And summer is a great time to come to Montana)

Making Lemonade and Paying it Forward and Loose Ends

2011-05-07T19:25:00.000-07:00

Several months ago, there appeared on Facebook the opportunity to Pay It Forward. If you were among the first 5 people to respond, the person who posted would send you a gift of something they had made (within the upcoming year). In turn, you had to post on your page and then make a gift for the first 5 people who responded. I don't think it has been 6 months, but I have just completed my gifts. I have the list of 5 and will contact them.

The lemonade part of the post is that this warp was originally going to be towels for the towel exchange, and I made the warp too narrow. Instead of fixing it, I just decided to weave it off as is. So I experimented instead. The pinkish piece off to the left is woven with cashmere. The bluey one in the middle is rayon chenille, and the white is a thick cotton chenille. I was quite pleased with how each of them came out of the dryer. And I look forward to sending out my Pay It Forward gifts.

Back to the warp at hand. Here is a little scarf I pulled off Grace (posing on my newly warped loom)
Woven Words and Almost Ikat warp all ready to go....

Sometimes it is hard to begin.....

But Not Too Busy to Weave

2011-04-30T19:51:00.000-07:00

There are a few weavings to do before I pack up the studio, and this is a Woven Words Blessing Shawl.

I have to say this is one of my favorite couple of steps. This is when I get to see what the weaving is actually going to look like.

Up until this moment, the cloth is a bunch of notes on paper and some color wrappings. And then...the shawl reveals itself.

CLARITY/LAUGH/LOVE/ADVENTURE/LOVE/LAUGH/CLARITY

Too Busy to Blog

2011-04-29T15:59:00.000-07:00

I love the blogging community! My 4 years of blogging has brought me more pleasure and friends than I could ever imagine. I have been struggling to keep up in the midst of so much change in my life. I can hardly believe that I will be moving again within a month! Please continue to check in on me, and I will post whenever I can.

Here is a quick recap of April.

Wrapping Words for a Blessing Shawl.
Winding Almost Ikat stripes to go between the words for the Blessing Shawl

Finally finishing off the towel warp (or better, the warp that would be towels, but will be table mats instead). For those of you who are patiently awaiting your towel (3 of you!), my goal is to weave some towels before I dismantle the studio.

Teaching a Woven Collage workshop

Creating a Virtual Quilt from each students woven collage.

Anything else will just sound like whining and complaining (grin)

Dances With Cloth

2011-04-09T17:04:00.000-07:00

When I first began experimenting with translating horoscopes into bands of color (1979), I used a different color palette and worsted wool. My mother was the recipient of my first efforts, and like a dutiful mother, she packed this shawl away for me to re-discover 32 years later.

I couldn't resist bringing in back to Montana with me and then taking it to my NIA class. My friends Karrie (above) and Pola (below) couldn't resist "playing" with it.

Nobody can believe the weaving is so old! It looks and feels like new. This may well rekindle my love of wool. Of course living in Montana will really help.

What can I say---I love to play!

The Queen of Color Gamps

2011-04-03T12:45:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have dabbled in Color Horoscope Weaving, take a look at this! Coby Johnson, the current president of the Missoula Weavers Guild, is truly the Queen of Gamps

I usually post other people's work in Inspired by Bonnie, but this was just too good.

Here is what Coby had to say about her weaving:

When Bonnie offered a second horoscope shawl workshop to the Missoula Weavers Guild, my first grandchild, Graham Arthur Johnson, had just been born. I asked Bonnie to create his horoscope instead of my own. I have a lovely horoscope shawl of my own done in cottons about 7-8 years ago and really thought it would be fun to create one for Graham in the beautiful colors of Bambu 7. Since I'm basically a structure weaver who likes to play with color, I threaded my 12 shaft Woolhouse loom to an 8 shaft twill repeat that could be used for a variety of structures. After first trying a straight twill block mixed with a basket weave block -- which didn't work at all -- I wove a block twill with a 3-1 twill block alternating with a 1-3 twill block. (See draft).

While working on this at home I got so excited with my early results, I had trouble keeping my seat. I kept repeating, "Gotta show this to Bonnie." When the guild study group arrived at my house for a session, I even unwound the finished section of cloth to show them. And did the same the next night when my knitting group arrived. I used the same 12 colors of Bambu in approximately 3 inch stripes in the weft beginning with red and continuing around the color wheel. I managed 2 1/2 times around the wheel. I intentionally changed colors within a block repeat so the adjacent colors blended more. The finished results may well be my favorite piece in 30+ years of weaving.

Thank you, Bonnie, for providing the inspiration for a fabulous piece of weaving that I will be examining for years as inspiration for other projects. It is the greatest of color gamps and still a beautiful shawl, which will make me think of my handsome little man every time I look at it. I plan to redo it in cotton at twice the width with the horoscope mirrored as a baby towel for Graham.

Coby Johnson

As soon as I can figure out how to copy the draft, it will be available on the Inspired by Bonnie blog.

The Weaving Happens

2011-03-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

HERE ARE SHARMILA'S WORDS
A couple of years ago while talking to a group of design students at their orientation I remember saying " Its time to adopt an artisans family" be it a potter, a weaver, a sculptor or even a farmer to support thier activity to suppoort our lives.

That day that moment I did not realise how strongly I felt what I said. What unfolded magically in these two years is what you see here.

All the Puzzle pieces, Ms Bonnie, The weaver and I fell in place.
I met this wonderful weaver family Goverdhan and Sujatha, who are weaving the traditional silk Ikat for many many years. They have learnt to weave just by being around from their parents and grandparents.

Goverdhan and Sujatha have two amazing little boys who are growing up in the middle of all weaving activity. Though their passion is to weave, it doesnt support their family economically. Weaving has become one of the many things they do for sustainability.

Goverdhan and his family were very apprehensive in the beginning about what is going to become of this association. But the originality and the uniqueness of the horoscope weaving, the people associated with it and the plan made them see what its going to be.

I am glad they are now a part of our family.

The joy of weaving has returned with work and experiencing fair deal in trade.

The threads of His Holiness Dalai Llama horoscope weaving has wrapped us all from Ms Bonnie in Montana to us in Hyderabad and Goverdhan in Puttapaka ( a small weaving village).

I am as curious as a child now than ever to see what happens when each new warp is wound and each new weft is inserted.

Over to You Ms Bonnie.......... :)

And would you believe it, this weaving arrived at my door on my birthday! Sharmila tells me that the reason the colors look so different is because the weft is different from picture above.

I have to get a better picture of the ikat, but I wanted to put up the post today. When I look at the ikat, it makes be realize that my ikat (which I have called: EASY IKAT, TURNED WEFT IKAT, ALMOST IKAT) should really be called "ga ga goo goo" ikat---baby talk.

When in Doubt, Start in the Middle and Work Out in Both Directions

2011-03-13T20:09:00.000-07:00

Some stories are just so good it is hard to know where to begin. To begin at the beginning---well that is 3 years ago. So let be begin in the almost present with Sharmila, co-founder of WEAVING TOGETHER.

Sharmila brings Color Horoscope Weaving to her hometown in South Central India.

She carefully selects a weaver in one of the many weaving villages and explains how she requires 12 rainbow colors in fine silk to be set up in a color horoscope draft.

I think that Sharmila can tell this part story much better than I can, so I will just show you the pictures and hope that she will comment on this post. I can tell you that Sharmila is wearing a Mexican ikat rabozo that I gave her before she left the US. I am told the weavers of India were not particularly impressed with the ikat, but they went crazy for the long complex fringe that they had never seen before.

The silk was so fine....
The sett is 100 epi (with the warp ends quadrupled!)

When Sharmila and I talked about cloth woven in India, I said that if I could look at a piece of cloth and say "I could weave that", then I am not interested. I want to look at cloth and say, I could NEVER weave THAT!"

COLOR HOROSCOPE WEAVING CLASS AT JOHN C CAMPBELL FOLK SCHOOL

2011-03-09T20:36:00.000-08:00

For anyone who has wanted to be a part of a week long hands-on workshop with me, here is a golden opportunity!

Join me the first week in May at the fabulous John C Campbell Folk School in the mountains of Western North Carolina, to learn the whole process---from creating a personal horoscope draft to weaving a finished cloth. I will also touch upon Turned Weft Ikat, Almost Ikat, and Woven Words as they apply to designing textiles with intention to create magnificent colorful weaving.

It would appear that my traveling to teach is winding down, and my energy and interests are changing with a stronger leaning towards weaving as a means of healing and service. Although I am no longer submitting applications, I will continue to accept interesting invitations.

Where to Pick up the Thread(s)

2011-03-09T19:15:00.000-08:00

My 4th Blogaversary quietly came and went.
My actual birthday was celebrated.
I passed the 100 thousand visits to Weaving Spirit.
I am unsure of the direction I want to take the blog.
Weaving is happening slowly.
A truly amazing story continues to unfold. It is so amazing I don't know where to begin.
Will I ever teach again? Yes, in May (details to follow)
I will be flying back and forth to the East Coast quite a bit in the next couple of years to deal with my mom's many collections.
And wonder of wonders, I will be moving house again in May!

This is all I can say for now with the sincere hope that BLOG BLOCK (which has plagued me for the past several months) will fade with the coming of spring. Although there is still snow on the ground, I heard lots of birds singing this morning.

Memorial and Celebration

2011-02-24T18:50:00.000-08:00

I am finally back home in Montana (after spending weeks in Baltimore attending my mother (Charlotte’s) funeral and staying on to make sure that Joe (Charlotte’s true love and longtime companion) was going to be OK.

I am so grateful that my mother lived long enough that I had the opportunity to completely heal our relationship. I am especially grateful to Joe who gave my mother the support and love (true love) that allowed the healing to take place. Of course, un-knitting cashmere sweaters together was a tremendously positive project; and as I survey the pounds of lovely yarn we created, I see this as Charlotte’s real legacy to me (and to everyone who gets to wrap up in a woven piece created with this precious yarn)

My mother died at age 92 in the arms of her true love on February 2, 2011 of a massive heart attack. She had 6 great grandchildren (two of which spoke at her memorial). We should all be so lucky.

I would like to share the words I spoke at Charlotte’s memorial service.

Recently I have begun to explore the path of Buddhism. When I shared this with my mother, she said “Oh no! I just got used to you being a vegetarian!”

We get to know our mothers from the inside out, so it is practically impossible to be objective. Hearing so many of charlotte’s friends talk about her from the outside in is a gift I will treasure almost as much as the 50 lbs. of cashmere yarn my mother and I created together over these last 5 years by taking apart some 200 old cashmere sweaters. The yarn which I call “Outstanding Moral Fiber” is a precious legacy wound in the countless meaningful hours we spent together un-knitting—following the thread miles and miles—all the way back to the beginning—not the end.

So many blessings--

This is More Like It

2011-01-24T21:56:00.000-08:00

This used to be my most favorite part of weaving. In fact it used to be the whole reason for weaving---the moment when I cut it off the loom.

I must admit that this step still has a great deal of appeal, but now it is accompanied by a hint of something else...the mystery of what's next.

Towel Exchange: Maybe I Should Have Taken Notes

2011-01-23T22:42:00.000-08:00

It was hard to decide what to call this blog post.
I debated on: DUH!
Win Some Lose Some
Or: There's No Mistake You Can't Fix
Or: I'd Like to Share a Learning Experience With You

Ah, the list is endless....

So as I was weaving away on Gary, I kept glancing over at the towel warp on Grace. Something just didn't seem right.

I was using Syne's recent towel as a basic design inspiration for the towel warp (in addition to using Syne's towel to dry my dishes, note slightly used look)

And I was using the yarn I had left over from my last towel warp.

I was feeling very clever. The only thing I forgot was-----to count the number of ends I would need to create an 18" wide towel sett at 24 epi ( small detail). So now the loom is threaded and I am 80 ends shy of the required number of ends----what to do?

The problem: I do not have any more of the right color ikat. I am thinking I will just wind 80 ends of a solid and put 40 ends on each outer edge.

Actually, I will probably think on it for a while and finish the shawl.

Part of me wonders if I did this on purpose to create some tasty blog fodder. (grin)

Oh yes, 3 people have told me they were sending me towels (plus the one I already have from Syne) so the warp must go on.......

Big Loom Country and More Weaving

2011-01-20T19:27:00.000-08:00

I had the great pleasure of visiting and having lunch with Barbara Hand (and I believe introducing her to the blogasphere and visa versa). It seems that Barbara has been so busy weaving on this 13 ft. Glimakra that she hasn't gotten around to blogging about it. I am sure this isn't the biggest loom in the world. In fact, I think I saw one at least as big in New Mexico, but it may well be the biggest loom in Montana. Oh, please correct me if I am wrong.

I will be happy to to tell you more about Barbara, who has been weaving in Missoula for decades. In fact, she actually lived across the street from me the last time I lived in Missoula. (30+ years ago) I snapped this picture with my phone, so you will have excuse the lack of detail.

Now back to my weaving. I have been totally entranced by the accidental patterns

I decided to use them as random accents.

Each time I weave an accent, it is slightly different.

I know you can hear the last paper dropping off the warp beam. I will complete the weaving tomorrow for sure.

Surprise and Delight

2011-01-17T15:40:00.000-08:00

Here is the next installment as promised. What you see below is where I am at this moment.

I am somewhat stymied as to weft selection.

So when in doubt, try them all!

I am particularly delighted with the patterns created by the variegated yarn. (especially when I think of the hours I spent carefully placing each warp end to create a design) (wry grin)

Last night I sent these pictures to the client to see if she had any preference. I had thought the blue would be her choice, but she selected the greenest shade (not pictured in close-up) with occasional variegated stripes.

I need to complete this fairly rapidly (must ship by the end of the week) although my inclination is to linger and enjoy the ever changing shades and nuances.

Commission Inspires A New Palette

2011-01-16T20:29:00.000-08:00

There is nothing like a new set a parameters to spark new ideas.

My client wants a shawl she take traveling with her---
1. light weight
2. neutral colors
3. with almost ikat
4. dimensions similar to this but the almost ikat shouldn't be as blocky

She likes the look and feel of the bamboo yarn, so I suggest we try a Color Horoscope Weaving but in a neutral palette. I sent her a Bambu 12 sample card, and together we created this palette

I learned from experience that it is best to wind all the planets first. I spent many (far too many) hours shifting the stripes at 4-end intervals to soften the effect.

If I was going to do this again, I would dye the yarn (or have someone dye the yarn) and do "turned weft ikat". I could achieve a much more interesting effect.

I was very nervous about this piece. Although I had been thinking about a Color Horoscope Weaving in a neutral palette, I really didn't know what it was going to look like. (But it is true that I usually don't know how a warp is going to turn out until I wind it back) I wrote to my client and said "Now, if you don't like this, I will weave you something else." I actually say that to ALL of my clients, and so far I have only had 1 person take me up on it.

Once I got the 10 planets wound, it didn't take very long to wind the rest of the horoscope. I believe I ended up with 16 warp chains. (biting my nails)

And then the moment of truth! I couldn't believe what I saw....so many rich subtle variations....

Since I still have not figured out how to load more than 5 pictures (and thank you all for your past advice and suggestions, but I am just not able to) stay tuned for the next installment.

I will say that it gets better (grin)

Also, I have had 2 people take me up on the towel exchange. How exciting!

A Towel Exchange to Start the New Year

2011-01-14T19:07:00.000-08:00

I don't know how many remember my ongoing Towel Exchange---it goes like this: You send me a towel of your own creation, and I will send you a towel of mine. Imagine my surprise and delight on the Solstice to receive a package from Syne Mitchell! Among the delightful goodies was a towel (and what a splendid towel it is!) (details of Syne's towel will be featured when I finish my towel for her) All of this has made me remember just how long I have been blogging and how long it has been since I've written anything above and beyond the blog. Here is the last time I did ikat dyeing and taught a turned weft ikat workshop

So pulling the remaining threads together (so to speak), and using Syne's towel as an inspiration

I begin a new year of weaving.

Grace is chosen for the project.

The loom gets dressed.

But wait! I have a rush commission! So towels will have to wait (half-dressed) while Gary steps forward to receive an interesting new warp----

New Years Picnic Anyone?

2011-01-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

I snapped this picture on New Years Day (out my back window) on my way to bed with a winter cold. I am well over it now, but I couldn't resist showing this picture.

My looms are almost dressed and ready to roll. Pictures and story to follow.

Origami Boxorama

2010-12-28T19:36:00.000-08:00

In searching for the perfect little square box to house the 72 mini self portraits, I recalled some little folded boxes I learned to make at a Seattle Weavers Guild (hands-on) meeting. Interestingly enough, I brought one with me in my recent move. I must have known I would need to know how to make them, so make them I did. I printed some of my weaving images on regular computer paper, and it worked just fine.

Then I discovered that I couldn't stop making boxes---until I had made over a hundred of them.

So here is my holiday tree (grin). I know there is a reason I have entered into box-making madness, and I will tell you as soon as it is revealed to me.

The looms have been resting up for another round of weaving. The snow continues to pile up, and real winter is setting in. I have selected a word for the coming year---SIMPLICITY. (more on that later). If you are interested in selecting your own word for 2011, click here.

Have a meaningful New Year (grin)

Facebook Holiday Greetings

2010-12-12T12:12:00.000-08:00

The warmest holiday greetings to all! May my smiles brighten the season! I look forward to sharing my latest projects, ideas and inspirations with you in the coming year!

What do you get for your 92 year old mother who has everything?--a photograph of ME! In trying to decide on the perfect picture to send (and incidentally the perfect facebook image), I began searching through every picture of myself (scanning in old photographs) . Here are 54 of the 72 images I gathered. I cropped the pictures to just my face (2" x 2") and then arranged them in chronological order. I taped them together into a long strip (144" long) , folded them in accordion pleats , and placed them in a handmade box with the most recent picture facing out. It doesn't pop open like a jack-in-the-box, but it does come spilling out of the box---the years slipping backwards until I am 6 months old.

Making this montage was as good as a year of therapy! Hey folks, I had a happy childhood, my young adult years were a nightmare, and I am growing old gracefully.

A Fabulous Big Blanket for an Amazing Little Person

2010-11-25T19:30:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful way to celebrate a day of gratitude!

I don't really have words, but I just had to share this picture with you. Imagine sleeping wrapped in the blessings of your family.

Parents report that Maya goes right to sleep as soon as she is wrapped up in her blanket.

Color Horoscope Weaving Meets Almost Ikat

2010-11-21T19:45:00.000-08:00

As I settle into my new life in Montana, I notice each new weaving has moved up a notch (at least in my eyes). When I deliver a weaving to a client (and they totally love their weaving and I am trying out something a little different), I am very happy indeed.

Another test is if I can't wait to make one for myself. You would think that having at least a dozen version of my horoscope would be enough, but I justify it by saying I need it as a teaching tool. (and it is mostly true)
Although it is big enough to around, I don't think Toni is going to share her shawl with daughter, Stephanie.

A Wonderful Workshop

2010-11-16T21:26:00.000-08:00

I always think my workshops are wonderful, but I really believe they get more wonderful each time. I also believe that a more accurate title for this workshop would be Creating a Personal Color Gamp. Since many of the students decided to use bamboo yarn, I thought it would be helpful for me to bring my current Bambu 12 shawl. I manage to cut it off the loom at 10:30 PM the night before the workshop. I brought it unfinished and measured it---28" x 104".

Then I took it home, finished it, and brought it back the second day. It was great to be able to demo the change not only in size (27" x 96") but in the amazing change in drape and hand.

I had taught an earlier version of Color Horoscope Weaving to the Missoula Guild several years ago. Three of the students from before came back to do it again. Here they are: Karla, Vanetta, and Coby showing off their horoscope shawls in 20/2 cotton (tripled and sett at 24 epi).
I can't wait until they finish their new weavings. They all agreed that the new improved workshop was more fun.

One of the things that made the workshop fun were the color exercises. Creating a personal palette and the introduction to Woven Words made me wish we had at least one more day to further our color exploration. The Missoula Weavers Guild is a great group!

Of course, now I can't resist making a montage of the Color Horoscope Weavings in process. (although now that I look at it, I can see that I duplicated some and left out others) Ah, it is surely a work in progress.

So now I am a member of the Missoula Weavers Guild---something I didn't do when I lived here in the 70's. (grin)

It's Funny How the Least Little Thing Can Stop a Gal

2010-11-07T15:11:00.000-08:00

Although I haven't posted in a little over a week, my life has been quite full of non-weaving (and totally magnificent things which I will tell you about at another time). I arrived at this point in winding back my "Almost Ikat/Color Horoscope Weaving" and suffered what I like to call a "duh" moment.
I was feeling so clever about winding the ikat stripes first in order to give them a smooth flow. Why I began with the stripe in the middle, I will never know. (yes, the one that dips down was the first stripe, and the one that doesn't match up was the last). I just had to walk away....
Sometimes the problem seems to go away or correct itself as if by magic, but after several days I realized I would have to take action.
So I painstakingly adjusted the stripes....

But now that the loom is all threaded---low and behold, I over-compensated. The whole thing is wonky in the other direction. And the red stripe in the center continues to be "off". Now I have to decide---is it too off? Or does it have a lively sense of movement?

I know if I bring the client over to have a look she will be too polite to tell me what she really thinks.

Opinions? Suggestions?

Here is where the "fudge factor" really comes into play. (grin)

I am teaching a Color Horoscope Weaving workshop this coming weekend. I always like to weave a cloth dedicated to the workshop and spend my weaving time just prior to the workshop focused on the group. Perhaps this workshop is all about not being perfect.

Life is good here in Montana, and I know I made the right move at the right time. I am sure the Missoula Weavers Guild feels that way since they will not have to fly me here from Seattle (grin). They had hired me for this workshop months before I knew I was going to move here.

Blogs are all about moving forward for me, but I will soon give you an overview of the past week. It was too good to gloss over.

A New Approach

2010-10-29T06:38:00.000-07:00

For this Color Horoscope Weaving shawl in Bambu 12 (warp ends doubled and sett 24 epi), I decided to begin by designing the Almost Ikat accent stripes first and then fill in the horoscope around the ikat. Almost Ikat is really the same as Turned Weft Ikat. The difference is that Almost Ikat is created using commerical space-dyed yarn (rather than tying and dyeing the yarn myself) as I do in Turned Weft Ikat, but the designing on the warping board part is the same.

The client requested a 28" wide shawl with lots of black. The width of the horoscope portion is 15". That means 13" of added warp. I decided to put an ikat stripe on either side of each of the 10 planets. Pictured above is the red planet stripe, and below are all the planet stripes in order of where they fall in the horoscope.

Then I wound sections of the horoscope to fill in between the planets. I can't wait to wind it back on the loom to see how this approach works since I usually work the other way around---horoscope first accents second.

Meanwhile, I just had to get outside and take a little walk. Here is the street where I live. The last of the autumn leaves.

There and Back Again

2010-10-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

I cut the weaving off the loom almost on the way to the airport. When I decided to finish it off in Columbus, I felt much better. It would become a part of the workshop. The students couldn't quite believe the difference before and after laundering. I'll attempt to get a nice picture of it being worn.

I got so caught up in the workshop that I really didn't take very many pictures---in fact these are the only ones. I just spent the whole evening trying to create a pleasing arrangement. I'm not sure which one I prefer. I love all the variations in the warps! Hopefully I will get to see pictures of the finished pieces.

There is only 1 block in the same position in both.

Which do YOU like better?

Next workshop: Color Horoscope Weaving
Location: Missoula, Montana
Date: November 13-14

I believe there are still a couple of spaces if you happen to be in the area and are looking for a colorful experience.

Five Reasons Why I Love "Almost Ikat"

2010-10-14T06:41:00.000-07:00

I finally found the perfect name for creating ikat-like effects using commercial space-dyed yarn--ALMOST IKAT.

If you love ikat, but don't like or don't have the space to dye yarn, here is a good solution.

It is so much fun to weave because the design unfolds before your eyes.

There is minimal planning.

I can use Almost Ikat as a stand alone design (as simple or complex as I desire) or use it as an accent with other techniques

I am about to cut the scarf off the loom and toss it in my suitcase on the way to Columbus, Ohio. I will finish it off and launder it at the workshop.

Check out my little YouTube tutorial for instruction on how to create Almost Ikat.

Getting Ready for Ikat in Ohio

2010-10-10T19:55:00.000-07:00

In addition to teaching about Turned Weft Ikat, I wanted to give everyone an opportunity to experience "Almost Ikat". The workshop is a lot about designing warps spontaneously on the warping board within rather tight parameters.

Here is the assignment---each student arrives in class with a scarf warp 9" wide in Bambu 7, sett 20 epi. There will be 3" solid borders and 3" in the center of almost ikat in one of 4 colorways. I asked everyone to select colors without telling any of their fellow students what they had selected. I am hoping to see a lot a variation and surprise.

So today I decided that I really should do the assignment myself. That way I can spend the next few days really focused on the upcoming workshop. Hopefully everyone in the class has already wound their warp (grin)

I cheated a little though. I couldn't decide which of 3 solids to use, so I used all 3. And then I couldn't decide which of the 4 space-dyed yarns to use, so I used them all.

I have no idea how this is going to look. (well, I really do have sort of an idea, but not really) That is one of the exciting things about this type of designing. So much is left to chance.

I'll start weaving tomorrow. I am thinking I will weave it with the cashmere. I am quite in love with cashmere/bamboo--quite the combo.

Today I put together 5 Color Horoscope Weaving Instruction Packets and then spent 2 hours trying to find my mailing envelopes. No luck! I am sure they sell envelopes here in Montana, but I was certain I had quite a stash. The list of missing objects continues to grow. It's funny that life goes one perfectly well without any of my lost stuff.

If you are one of the folks waiting for your packet, hopefully these will be yours. I did manage to lose track of a couple orders. If I haven't contacted you, please get in touch with me.

So many loose threads.......

Blessing Baby Blanket Complete and Shipped

2010-10-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

For some reason, the computer would not let me make a post last night, but here is the blanket moments before I raced off to FedEx for a Monday delivery on the East Coast.

The finished measurements are 40" x 64" plus fringe. My plan had been to hem the fringed edges and cut the length down to finish at 48" as requested by mother. I wove the extra length because there was extra warp. I was planning to present a small woven strip to each of the grandmothers. However, everyone who saw the blanket insisted I send it as is---at least for now with the idea that I could always cut and hem it later and the parents should see the whole piece.

The picture was taken by my new across the street neighbor--

Now to unpack and set up my "office", work on back orders, and get ready for a Turned Weft Ikat Workshop in 2 weeks in Ohio.

And of course---weave

First Weaving in my New Home

2010-10-01T22:09:00.000-07:00

I don't have the energy to write much. I feel like I have been running a marathon.

Ah, the thrill of victory.....
The dimensions before washing---44.5" x 72". I wove some extra which I planned to trim off when I hemmed the blanket after washing and drying in the machine. I usually get about 10" shrinkage in the length.

Yes, it is true, bamboo/cashmere washes nicely on gentle in the machine and dries in the dryer on low. It is really quite miraculous. I'll have a picture for you tomorrow before I race off to FedEx to ship before noon, so it will arrive on the East Coast on Monday.

Weaving With Intention

2010-09-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

The focus is on "intention". The blessings I receive from the client are qualities they desire to wrap around the baby in a permanent "hug" rather than something for the baby to grow into.

I was going to tell you all about how I was 60 heddles short when I was threading the loom and that I had to have the only person I could think of with a Fireside loom FedEx a hundred heddles from Arizona. I was going to tell you about how I then proceeded to miscalculate the number of dents and had to re-sley---but I won't bore you with the details.

Instead see the cashmere I selected to use in the weft. Each different color and shade represents a cashmere sweater my mom and I unknitted together. (By the way, on my last visit to my mother, we decided that we had taken apart just the right amount of sweaters. I am no longer collecting cashmere.)

It looks like plaid---who would have guessed.

I just looked up the definition of plaid---interesting
A fabric in which bands of color running horizontally and vertically intersect to form squares.

Here's another definition:
Wide and multicolored stripes on different colored backgrounds for creating various patterns.

And another:
a plain or twill-weave cloth with a pattern of intersecting stripes.

I just have a few more inches to go, and I will cut it off tomorrow.

Blessing Baby Blanket

2010-09-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

I don't recall what I was thinking when I accepted a weaving commission due on October 1, but I did.

The family selected 18 blessing words (and 9 colors) and requested a blanket 40" x 48". A blanket with that many words would have to be 80" wide. The family told me to decide, but I didn't want to leave out any blessings.

What to do?

I decided to put 11 blessing words in the warp (Bambu 12 doubled and sett at 24 epi)

Words are (from right to left)

Kind, Courageous, Creative, Curious, Inquisitive, Rhythm, Patience, Persistence, Joy of life, Confidence, and Charisma

The other thing I did was to treat each blessing as if it were the ONLY word to reduce the number of colors and give a more cohesive look (which I think it does)

The weft will be the recycled cashmere (triple strands)AND spell out the rest of the blessing words so I won't have to leave out any!

These are the words that will be weft: Adventurous, Love of music, Sense of humor, A good friend, Able to forgive, Strength and Unconditional love

I haven't quite figured out the weft in cashmere yet, AND I can't imagine what it will look like. It will surely be a surprise.

So I guess you could say that I am settled in my new Montana home...(grin)

Currently I am unable to send email, so if you have been expecting an email from we---next week for sure.

I'm in Montana Now

2010-09-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

I'll be resurfacing soon. I'm much beyond this point. In fact I am actually setting up the loom. I wasn't sure I would be able to make a blog post as I am unable to send email (although I do receive it). More to follow......

It may be cloudy in the picture, but it was sunny, warm and beautiful today.

Dalai Lama Weaving and Sunflowers

2010-09-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

Although I brought the Dalai Lama weaving with me on my trip to the East Coast, I didn't show it around very much.
But when I got to these magical fields...well, you get the picture.

Whenever I feel overwhelmed with the move, I look at this picture and can't help but smile.

It puts every in perspective---don't you think....

I am living the experience of "Right Livelihood", a blessing to be a Weaver in this time.

The following is a brief excerpt from the piece by Susan Crowell, writer, and
ceramics instructor at U. Michigan, Ann Arbor:

"For craftspeople, this making special emphasizes both the making and the
special. Reversing the terms - special making- rings even truer when speaking
of craft, for which the process of handwork is an essential component. As our
perception of time becomes more precious and the time-intensive nature of
craft increases its value, craft may even come to represent the preciousness
of time itself, embodied in an object."