Big Commission--Chapter 2

I don't have the energy to write except to say I am pretty jazzed by this warp. I will write more tomorrow. The warp is ikat dyed bamboo yarn.

Virtual Blogger: The End....Or Is It?

I did find a few that were similar; but like snowflakes, no two were alike. Out of the the whole batch. there were only 2 I found to be unacceptable. (boring, not much color change)
I had so much fun playing with them, arranging them, sorting them by color, and grading them as stand alone mini-art.
Weaving samples was a "job" I vowed I would never do. I don't know what caused me to volunteer, but it was the most satisfying project I created that entire year. I highly recommend it for anyone who needs a little creative push.

As I look at these pictures and remember the joy I received from the entire process, I am tempted to set up some sort of sample exchange.

Hmmm, something to think about while I am traveling...

Virtual Blogger Continued Some More

I just came across this image. I think I like it even better than the other earlier 2. Feedback is welcome.
I had just gotten my digital camera and was figuring out the delay mechanism, so I could take pictures of myself.

I used a regular white glue thinned down and painted along all of the cut line. I wanted to have the best samples I could possibly make, so I conferred with the guild members who weave the best samples and asked how they finished off their samples. Using this glue method seemed the most efficient to me.
After the glue dried, the cutting began. It was a bit scary at first, but then it got to be rather fun.

Virtual Blogger Continued

The following relates to the postcard image I posted a few days ago. Gary insisted I re-tell the story adding the pictures.

Several years ago, I volunteered to weave samples for the Seattle Weavers Guild Bulletin (360 samples, 3”x3”ea.). I decided I would use my faux ikat technique—used commercially space-dyed yarn and created the look of warp ikat. Not to go off on a technical rant, I decided to design a cloth in such a manner that each 3” square would be different and each would be a unique miniature abstract painting. Then as I was weaving, I realized just how beautiful the cloth was as a whole. I started to feel bad about the fact that I would have to cut it into little squares, but as I was weaving I started to think about those Tibetan Sand Painters. They spend a week creating a beautiful sand painting and then they just scatter it to the wind. I realized what I was doing in cloth was exactly like the sand painting. I could hardly wait to being cutting.
I can't remember now, but I think I put on a 4 yard warp. There are 11 squares across.

By the way, did you know 11 is a weaver's dozen? :) If you are a fiber person, no explanation is needed. If you are not a fiber person, well, all too often one falls a little shy of having enough.

Giving Gary a Little Attention

Form and Freedom---the warp is all form (bamboo Woven Words) and the weft is freedom (space-dyed rayon chenille in random order)

Granted this is an unusual weaving, not the colors I resonate with. There are some very inspired sections which I can't wait to show you once I cut this off the loom. It may not happen today, but soon.

So Hot Off the Loom the Threads are Still Warm

"Add Image" has forgiven me because I went and finished this weaving. 3/2 ikat dyed cotton warp. I'll take this piece with me as a sample. I apologize for the dark picture. I'll take a better picture after I wash it. I pulled this piece off of Grace, my 4 harness Gilmore. Next, I think I'll work on the bamboo ikat blanket commission panel #2. I'll get it set up on Grace before I go teaching.

Ok, now I will go and work on Gary this evening. You may have thought I had abandoned the big loom. I was merely resisting surrender. I believe I have finally given in to the fact I will have to sit for many hours and weave if I want to "have woven".

What is the Lesson?

I have all these things I should be doing, and all I really want to do is create an exciting blog. The Spirit of Weaving Spirit is blocking me, so I guess I will just have to go and weave. Darn :)