Ok, it’s supposed to be a pause in the year with Christmas and New year but weave mad people just keep on going! Anyway weaving should not be a chore. Not something that has to be done like a production line filled with deadlines, even self imposed ones. I think weaving is part of the joy factor of life, especially when we commit to it as a hobby and way of discovery.
I had to share Cate’s lovely rendition of the Japanese apron/aka tunic in Saori handwoven cloth. There are a few versions of the Japanese apron and here is one. I happily receive many photos of creations from my weaving journey companions and I’m starting to think that all of these photos should be honored on my blog, because they all inspire me to keep going with weaving and appreciate the undulations in life as in our cloths.
Most of the action in the studio over Christmas involved new looms and threading up. If a loom is a pickup and assembly a two hour threading and getting to know your loom session is included. I had two weavers go through the process and come out the other end to weaving off the warp.
Often weavers bring examples of their cloth and it’s nice to see what they come up with. Sharon bought a piece woven on her rigid heddle loom in handspun which was very nice indeed too. The warp was a Saori black cotton one which was a good base for the changing hues.
Another weaver, Lindy, came along with a super soft cashmere warp that was woven with an equally soft alpaca. She has since turned it into a jacket. The cashmeres are very rewarding to weave with because of the super softness.
Onto 2019 which is already full of private workshops and tuition. Please inquire about group or private tuition at Curiousweaver Studio during the year. I often host spinner, knitter and/or weaver groups who come to Old Bar beach for a mini holiday enjoying the coastal environment and new ideas for their craft. Sturt Winter School is now open for bookings and new open workshops will appear in time here.
I’m pleased to be leading another Textile Tour to Japan in November and warmly welcome travellers. It is an intensive study tour style where we really see a lot of textile makers and processes, artisans in pottery and lacquerware, contemporary textile artists, knitwear designers, indigo masters and the best of cultural, traditional and mountain scenery highlights. We see Kyoto, the ancient capital, many smaller villages and UNESCO traditional villages and architecture. Have I mentioned the delicious cuisine! We spend some time in Kanazawa and see the wonderful Kenrokuen garden. We have an English speaking cultural guide at all times which makes everything accessible and enriches the tour. To start you off here is an insight into Japan – The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura.