Dyeing for Tapestry

The three day weekend presented the perfect opportunity to do some natural dyeing.  I started with four skeins of natural white and four skeins of natural grey.

Unmordanted yarn dyed with indigo.

Madder root

Weaving Southwest single ply fine Churro tapestry yarn

Those little cochineal bugs do terrific work.

I mordanted all the yarns in a 20% alum solution and added a teaspoon of cream of tartar to the dye bath.  I achieved the deep reds desired with the first dip. The lighter colors were the results of the second and third uses of the dyepot in an effort to exhaust the dye.  With the cochineal and madder, I used distilled water in an effort to avoid dulling the colors with soft water.

Logwood purples

Osage orange was a disappointment.

The osage orange was an extract.  In the past I have used wood chips and got a brilliant orange.  Lesson learned.

Not really loving my Ode to Gunta.  Not sure her stripes work as a wedge weave.

Vicki and Louise manning our study group table.

Our guild held it's last meeting of this guild year last week.  Each study group had a table to share their work.  It is a pleasure tp be part of an active and dynamic guild.

The Possibilities are Endless

As you know, wedge weave tapestry is my passion. Triangle Weavers Guild had  Connie Lippert  do a presentation for us and teach a three day workshop.  I was lucky enough to be the studio assistant.

We started with small chipboard looms and looked closely at Connie's projects.

The Triangle Fiber Arts Center is a great venue for classes with plenty of room for floor and tapestry looms.

I love being in the company of other weavers and enjoy the pace of Connie's class allowing all of us to be successful.

My class sample was inspired by these daffodils and this piece (postcard) by Connie.  I wanted to learn the technique for creating blocks.

Today our tapestry study group met and we continued to work on our wedges.

These warp wraps are so inspiring, just imagine all the wedge weave possibilities .

Tolstoy and Tapestry

Tolstoy said "Spring is the time of plans and projects."  We have had tastes of Spring, warm days, daffodils and birdsong but now are back to winter's chill.  Be done already!  The gloomy February days are reflected in my tapestry diary.

I started the diary on my birthday, January 28th.  The bowling pin and token represent my 62nd birthday party with family and friends, which was so much fun!  My plan for the tapestry diary is an entry per week. This picture is a couple of weeks ago.  I have some catching up to do.

My dear husband made me the loom using copper pipe and purpleheart wood as well as some new tapestry forks.

I love beautiful tools, using them brings joy.  Meeting with other tapestry weavers also brings me joy.  I am thankful to have found Triangle Weavers Guild and am loving our tapestry study group. Here are some pictures from our most recent session.

Tapestry is a relatively solitary endeavor but what a treat to have opportunities to weave together.  In addition to my guild, I also belong to Tapestry Weavers South TWS.  We currently have a show at the Folk Art Center  Go see it!

Holding Space; Beyond the Basics

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.