Another great Beginner's Freestyle weaving workshop

Yesterday's group was a really creative and colourful bunch. I loved seeing all the "stuff" that people brought to use in their weaving - fluffy yarns,  ribbons, beaded and bejeweled trim, strips cut from old silk scarves and ties. Most people chose really vibrant colours. There was also one all white weaving that was loaded with exciting texture and character.
One of the students brought in an Ashford rigid heddle loom that she got for her birthday. Although I had never used this type of loom, we got it figured out (pretty much) and she was able to make a good start on her first weaving. The Ashford loom is bulkier than the Beka looms that I bring for students to use. It has an interesting direct warping system, with the loom at one end of a long table, and a peg at the other end - no need for a warp cross. The warp gets measured right onto the loom. I really liked how easy it was to advance the warp and to keep the warp tension even.

Another student brought in a very old rigid heddle loom, Unfortunately she didn't have the right heddle, so she wasn't able to use it. I think her loom might be a Kircher. This was the type of loom that my own weaving teacher (Suzanne Gaston-Voute) started importing from Germany before she worked with the folks in Minnesota to design the Beka loom.

Here's a peek at some of the gorgeous weaving from the workshop::

52 books, week 8 Doodles

More about 52 books in 52 weeks

This one is a tiny fabric covered book. The inside pages are transparent vellum with handwritten text printed on them. I used gel pens to doodle floral and paisley designs on the pages.

52 books, week 7, SAORI

More about 52 books in 52 weeks

I took a SAORI weaving workshop last February with Terri Bibby of SAORI Saltspring. I used to weave in my "life before kids". In fact I had studied weaving with a master weaver for about 10 years. I put down my half warped loom when I was pregnant with my first child, and I didn't touch it again for 17 years.

This free form self expressive style of weaving starts with the belief that "there are no mistakes". It was the perfect reintroduction to weaving for me.

SAORI is a weaving philosophy that started in Japan with a woman named Misao Jo. From the SAORI NOMORI website, "In SAORI we do not weave only a cloth, we weave our true self."

There are many slogans in SAORI weaving that really resonate with me. I made a little book to record some of them. I also used the book to test out my collection of aging felt pens, and created a woven like pattern on each page. Yes, the cover is made from a large paint chip sample.

These are the slogans that are the basis for SAORI

1. Consider the difference between machines and humans
2. Let's adventure beyound our imagination
3. Look out through eyes that shine
4. Inspire one another

After taking the workshop, I was inspired to dig out my loom, and finish the weaving that had been waiting for 17 years.

All flowers are beautiful, even though each individual flower is different in form and colour. Because of this difference "all are good". Because everything has the same life, life cannot be measured by a yardstick. It is this individuality that makes everything meaningful and the uniqueness of each thread that creates the tapestry of life.

Misao Jo, Founder of SAORI

52 books book 6 - Happy things in February

More about 52 books in 52 weeks

This was the February installment of happy things. I used lots of scrap papers for this book including some random paint chips. I stuck labels on top of any paper that was too decorative to write clearly on.

Wish flag exchange

Deadline to send me your flags extended to April 15, 2016.

Wish flags are similar to Tibetan prayer flags. They are small fabric banners with positive uplifting messages written on them. They are meant to be hung outdoors where the messages are shared with the universe as the flags fade and fray over time.

I organized a wish flag exchange with my arty friends several years ago, and the flags that are hanging in my garden are now rather tattered and worn out. I think it is time for a new exchange.

PLEASE NOTE: You do not need to be an artist to join in this exchange. If you would like to spread some good messages around the world you are most welcome.

Here's how it will work. Let me know that you would like to join in, and I'll add your first name (or nickname) to the list below.

Make six fabric banners that measure about 6 inches (15 cm) across and 9 inches (22.5 cm) long.  Sew a channel along the top edge so that your flags can be strung on a string to hang.

The flags can be made out of any fabric, in any colours that you like. They are meant to be semi-permanent and hung outdoors. They do not need to be perfectly finished or elaborately constructed. You can leave the torn raw edges of the flags exposed if you like (just like the Tibetan prayer flags). Each of your flags can be the same, somewhat similar, or each one can be completely different. It is up to you.

Decorate your flags and add a positive message that you would like to share with the universe. You can use any (flat) method you like to add your message. Please do not add buttons, beads or other thick bumpy or 3D elements to your flags (they cause mailing headaches for me and you).

Some ideas: write on light coloured fabric with a permanent marker, use foam alphabet blocks to print with paint or permanent ink, cut out and applique fabric letters.

I respect your beliefs, but please no messages about religious, political, or special interest "causes". (The last time I did this, someone sent in flags with messages about not eating meat!)

Mail your six finished flags to me by March 31st, April 15th, 2016 and I will send you six different flags made by other people. If you can, please include a $5 bill either Canadian or US to help cover the cost of mailing the flags back to you. If you are in another country and would like to join in, no worries, I'll cover the cost of mailing your flags back to you. Also include a label with your name and mailing address. Let me know when your flags are in the mail so that I know to look out for them. Contact me for my mailing address.

Of course, if your flags are ready and you see me before March 31, you can give them to me in person.

So, who wants to play?

1. Me
2. Penelope - received
3. Anne
4. Gwen
5. Rose - received
6. Leslie
7. Mary

52 Books - Book 5 - There and back again

More about 52 books in 52 weeks

This book started life in a sketchbook class that I took in 2014. I made quite a few handmade books in that class, and I think that's where the idea for this year long project started.

I really enjoyed creating the multlayered mixed media pages - all with somewhat bizarre bird themes. Unfortunately the pages became too thick and the spine of the book burst, tearing the pages down the middle. I took the torn pages and remade the book with an accordion spine that gives each page the room it needs. It also leaves a strip in the middle of each spread. One day, I might paint over the strips, but for now there's how they look.  I don't actually mind as I was thinking of each spread as a diptych with each page able to stand on its own.

More Weaving in Finland

I googled my name the other day just for fun, and was surprised to find an article on a Finnish craft website. It's about the workshop I did there last summer.

A reporter for a local newspaper came and interviewed me. She very kindly sent me a copy of the newspaper article. It is nice to see there is so much interest in freestyle weaving in Finland.

Weaving cloth

I've been weaving cloth for a class on handwoven clothing that I'm taking next month at SAORI Santa Cruz. I think it looks very summery - I must be anticipating warm sunny weather.

The warp

on the loom

weaving in mainly blue and yellow, with a bit of red

This is my favourite part so far

Cut the first length off the loom and twisted the fringe