Taking tapestry classes is one of my favorite things and Tommye Scanlon is one of my favorite tapestry weavers. I admire her work and love having the opportunity to take another class with her. The Triangle Weavers Guild brought Tommye in for a Beyond the Basics class.
The Triangle Fiber Arts Center is a great venue for classes.
Happy tapestry weavers!
Friday, day one we discussed looms, warping and setting tips.
Tommye has dozens of woven samples to illustrate different techniques.
This sample was woven to demonstrate the use of blending with complementary colors.
Decreasing, increasing, hills and valleys oh my.
Saturday, day two involved specific techniques, attaching the cartoon and inking the warp.
Tommye talks about her design process.
One on one assistance with hands on by Tommye.
My yarns and sampling progress. You may remember these yarns from here. I dyed them ages ago for a project entitled Holding Space. I have been waiting for a clear vision of how to weave this piece. My inspiration is the fabric scrap pictured below.
Holding Space is to walk along side someone, be present without judgement or one's own agenda or ego. When we hold space for other people, we open our hearts, offer unconditional support, and let go of judgement and control.
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What is most amazing for me is that in August of 2016, my interest in holding space was related to a dear friend undergoing challenging treatment for cancer. I wanted to be a support and not presume to know what were the right choices for her.
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The yarns and fabric remained to be used and I continued to endeavor to hold space and be present for those struggling in my life. December 2016 my sister had a tragic accident and endured three weeks of intensive care. The opportunity to be present, make decisions against self interest and love unconditionally were abundant. Holding Space for my sister and then for myself after her death was all encompassing. I am ready to weave this tapestry now.