Our weaving counterparts in the natural world

by Darcy on January 11, 2012

A friend of mine shared a clip on her blog recently, and I thought to myself, my fellow weavers would appreciate seeing this video:

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She also led me to an animation that shows the spider setting up her warp.

Aren’t we glad we don’t have to produce all our own fiber from our abdomens? Although we would need much less space for stash…

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UPDATE: This workshop is currently full. You may add your name to the waiting list in case spots open up last minute.

In February 2012, Cuyahoga Weavers Guild welcomes John Mullarkey from St. Louis, MO, for two days of instruction on tablet (card) weaving. John has been winning awards in tablet weaving since Convergence 2006, teaching nationally since 2007, and has developed tablet weaving software used by many weavers.

Thursday, February 16: Threaded-in designs
Learn the basics of tablet weaving by weaving a friendship bracelet. We will start with a discussion on how to read and design tablet weaving drafts. Then we will proceed to set up the cards, weave the band, and end with a discussion of finishing techniques.

Friday, February 17: Two-sided delights
Learn two different tablet weaving techniques that produce double-faced patterns. These patterns are used to create figures and letters on tablet woven bands. We will start by setting up using the circular warping technique. During the first half of the day, we will discuss the double faced weaving technique using two packs of cards. The second half of the day will be spent learning the 3/1 broken twill variation of double-faced weaves. Along the way, we will focus on avoiding common pitfalls and sharing tips and tricks for weaving perfect bands.

Time: 9 am -4 pm both days

Location: Church of the Savior, 2537 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, OH

Cost: $85 CWG members/$90 non-members ($45 deposit due by December 15 19, 2011) + $15 materials fee

Materials: scissors, yarn needle, 4 balls or cones of 10/2 mercerized or unmercerized cotton or #10 crochet thread in different colors (at least 1 ounce of each), paper to take notes, graph paper, and colored pencils.

Experience level: No previous tablet weaving experience is necessary.

Register: Send checks made payable to Cuyahoga Weavers Guild. Mailing address for checks will be emailed to you after submission of the online registration form: Workshop is currently full. Completing this form will add your name to the waiting list in case any spots open up.

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A surprising use of cloth

November 30, 2011

We’re used to things like placemats and rugs and wall hangings. Window treatments, yardage for garments, upholstery fabric– they can be incredibly unique and beautiful, but sometimes they can fade into the background of our everyday routines. We still appreciate them, especially when we’ve taken the time to weave them ourselves, but weaving is not [...]

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Field trip report: Thousand Islands Art Center

November 23, 2011

Concerned the summer would escape with many tomatoes eaten, many weeds pulled and lawns mowed but few inspiring new destinations experienced, we followed our passions around Lake Ontario. Frank Lloyd Wright, the Welland Canal, Thousand Islands, even Frederick Remington were on the list, but old boats and weaving were the most inspiring of all. Clayton, [...]

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Field trip report: Canadian Canoe Museum

November 23, 2011

Old boats and weaving? Indeed! We spent a morning at the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, Ontario. It was here I was stunned by how weaving fit into the ancient history of the far northernmost parts of Canada. The traders and voyagers who used the marvelous birch bark canoes had to have vessels to store [...]

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New time for open weaving tomorrow

October 20, 2011

What a great time we had today at the open weaving day and the weaving exhibit at the Shaker Historical Society. We did decide, though, that getting to the church by 9 am was a little early, so tomorrow (Friday, 10/21) we’ll be getting there at 10 am instead. We’re meeting in our usual Calvary [...]

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Private tour of Dream Weavers exhibit tomorrow

October 19, 2011

It pays to know people, I guess! Four of our illustrious members– Leslie Alperin, Miriam Lidsky, Elinor Polster and Rose Rubin– are having their work shown at The Shaker Historical Society through the end of the year as part of the Dream Weavers: The Art of the Loom exhibit, so our members have scored a [...]

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What are you bringing to our open weaving days?

October 19, 2011

You might have noticed on our calendar– we’ve got two nice long days of weaving in company scheduled at Church of the Savior this Thursday and Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. I know I’m looking forward to it– warping especially seems like it would be so much more fun while chatting (as long [...]

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The legend of my fall

October 18, 2011

Eastern Great Lakes Fiber Conference met in Chautauqua, New York, for the 2011 gathering. The weather was wonderful. Clear, bright, warm, and dry enough to demand you look up and recognize the glorious autumn in the trees. Just enough brisk at the edges of the day, comfortably toasty by afternoon to open all the windows [...]

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Spinning and weaving week

October 8, 2011

Apparently it’s been Handweavers Guild of America’s annual Spinning and Weaving Week all week. I didn’t know! There’s still time to celebrate. What will you spin or weave today?

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