Weaving Workers at Home, part 1
As we all settle into new routines, and a different world for a little while, those of us who are makers are certainly grateful for our craft. The act of making beautiful things helps sustain our spirits, and there is also a satisfaction in completing abandoned projects and making a dent in the yarn or fiber stash!
I have been checking in with our teachers, and some former Weaving Workers, so we can share what we are all up to while we can't be together. This is just a sampling of the wide variety of projects going on at home!
Sam:
Sam teaches a range of classes, including (but not limited to!) drop spindling, needle felting, wet felting, and weaving on small looms. Her enthusiasm for teaching means that she has been preparing for future classes while staying safe at home, as well as dipping into stash yarns for these lovely cushions:
Sam's cheerfully-colored cushions are woven in simple tabby, so they could be made on any loom that is about 18" wide, whether rigid heddle or harness. They are machine-sewn on three sides, and then hand-stitched on the fourth, in lieu of a zipper. Sweet pup Buster is a fan!
Stacy:
Stacy never fails to amaze us with her prolific range of projects, from gardening to volunteering to performing in musical groups, to all of the fiber arts she can get her hands on. Though some of the group activities are on hold for now, she still finds plenty to fill the days.
With good weather for dyeing (until just recently), Stacy has been working on dye projects with fabric and yarn, as well as finishing knitting from last summer (oh, those ends, though!), making stuffed critters for neighborhood kids to spy in the windows, and growing some tomato seedlings to keep and share. Whew!
On the weaving front, Stacy has a new (to her) little loom that is being tested with an overshot pattern in springtime shades. She's been catching up on reading some back issues of Vav, Ply, and a few other magazines, too! Stay tuned for more, I'm sure.
Marcy:
Marcy is the owner and founder of the Weaving Works, in business since 1974! She has taken full advantage of the first month of lockdown to turn a giant pile of fabric strips into a giant pile of rag rugs. Such a lot of weaving!
Jennifer:
I have been keeping busy answering emails and shipping orders (thank you!), but I'm also enjoying spinning some rainbows, and participated in a mitt-along hosted by Spin-Off magazine. I even got out my sewing machine and fabric stash, and made some face masks for friends and family.
That's it for now. We would love to see what you are up to! If you would like to share, you can tag us on Facebook (The Weaving Works) or Instagram (@weavingworks), or just send me an email (info@weavingworks.com).
Stay well, be kind, and make beautiful things! We've got this, friends. <3
