Weave Every Day, 2

Even through HP, I continue to weave some on a daily basis. It seems that everyday I sit down at the loom I am a different person. What emerges as I weave is totally unplanned and a complete surprise. I try not to think about what this piece is going to look like (or even what it is actually going to become). Whatever it is and however it looks, I plan to put it in a Northwest Designer Craftsmen Group Show next month. I had to tell them what I was going to submit, so I said I was weaving a scarf. It may become a very very long scarf or a long thin wall hanging.

I discovered some merino wool ikat dyed yarn I had used in a wool ikat blanket and thought it would be fun to play using the ikat in the weft. I couldn't resist introducing the lavender cashmere stripe as I just received this new color. I don't know what I was thinking putting on a red warp, but I must have been in a red mood that day. It is interesting just how little the red actually shows although it does influence the general "look".

I realize I have dropped the thread of retelling the story of my trip, but I will get to it.

Potter Interlude

Need I say More...

Weave Every Day

The essence of the Saori Conference for me was the idea to weave every day even if it is only for 5 minutes. When I got home, immediately set up the loom and started to weave. As I weave, I think about my Saori experience. I only spend a few minutes at a time at the loom. I am not thinking about what the finished piece is going to look like. Each time I sit down at the loom, some color or thought grabs my attention and away I go.

Mimi and Ginny at NEWS

Here are a couple of wonderful women I ran into in Northampton. Notice their beautiful Color Horoscope Weaving Shawls. How could you not! Mimi and Ginny took my Color Horoscope Weaving Workshop at the Florida Tropical Weavers Conference back in 2001. One of the downsides of the workshop is that the weaving happens at home after the workshop. I never get to see the finished weaving, so it is really a great thrill to actually get to see some of the results.

Musings After Saori Conference

Considering the Purpose and Power of Weaving

Why do I weave?
After 47 years, why do I continue to weave? What purpose does it serve to me, to my community, to the world?

During my stay in NYC, I met several people who haven't a clue that anybody today still does handweaving or why anybody would. It made me think about about the relevance of weaving (AGAIN). Even people who know and love my weaving, look askance when I proudly show them my latest ikat hand towels (as if to say, why bother). Why would anyone spend the hours to make something to wipe your hands on?

If I am weaving for myself alone, does this make me a dilettante?
If I am weaving as my vocation, does this make me a masochist?
If I am weaving as a means of becoming a famous artist, does this make me a delusional masochist?
If I am weaving as a vehicle for healing, does this make me a patient and wise individual?
a person who understands the cycles of life, the flow of time, soothing the spirit, quieting the turmoil

If I am weaving to make a contribution to my community, I have a long way to go.

I must weave into the future, to weave the unknown, to begin with a blank canvas. To open my heart and mind, pick up the shuttle and begin knowing the spirit will guide my hand.

Anchor the body to let the mind soar.

More Saori Arts Exhibition

I don't have the name of this artist (yet), but I couldn't resist showing you. These are so inspiring to me and so different from anything I have ever woven.

I found it impossible to get far enough away to get a good picture of the entire weaving, but the details are so intriguing.

Again, name of artist to follow.

Saori Arts Exhibition

Here are some images from the Saori Exhibition held in the Puffin Room in the middle of SoHo. It was a charming space and a delightful exhibition. The Conference was held in the midst of the exhibition. Some people found it distracting, and I guess it was in a way. I have to say I enjoyed having hours to contemplate the display, the loom, the concept.


On Friday at the opening reception, an informal fashion show happened. It was extremely informal. Before I knew it, I was trying on clothes and strutting down the runway. I loved the idea that so many garments fit a wide range of sizes (my kind of clothes). I would have taken pictures except I was too busy discovering my inner model.


A lovely array of scarves and shawls.


I couldn't take my eyes off this huge beautiful hanging! All of my notes from the Conference are in a box somewhere in transit between here and Massachusetts. Please forgive the absence of names. I will fill in names when I have them.


Still, it is fun to look at the pictures.