Beginnings…

Further to fixing the tension problem, I rejigged the heddles so that I get nice wide sheds when I treadle (IYKYK). The whole weaving is so much more pleasurable as a result; I’m glad that I took the time to do it and didn’t rush into weaving. I was away from the loom for a week as I went up to stay with Mum for a few days, and was wiped out when I got back. The annoyance of chronic illness 😡. Back in the studio today, and made good progress, with lots of yummy texture creation.

‘Pillar’ and ‘Nine Stones’ on exhibition at the Allen Gallery, Alton, until 26th May.

Moving On

Pogle Cat inspects the finished tapestry while Pollyanna Cat keeps a lookout for textile thieves.  Such joy to have finished a wall piece ready for the Alton Exhibition. I have gradually been building up on my weaving time - I’m up to 3 x 45 minute sessions on a good day 😊. Pacing has never been my strong point, but after a severe ‘crash’ last week I am being very strict with myself.

‘Shrine’ is also ready for exhibition when the time comes; I have entered it for a juried show, so am in the waiting game.

In one of my sessions yesterday, I solved a tension problem with my loom, which delighted me. It’s been a bother throughout these last two works, and it transpires that I was looking in the wrong place for the problem. Two days ago I worked out where it really lay, and yesterday I fixed it - with nylon webbing and a staple gun.  Now the warp is wound on and ready for the next tapestry, a 3D piece which can be wall or plinth mounted.  I love the promise of a new warp, with all the possibilities still open….

The cartoon for the new piece (working title ‘Weep’):-

It only shows the image and the structural lines - the texture and patterning I shall weave intuitively, with ‘Shrine’ next to me as a reminder.

What’s Another Year….

Where I started yesterday, and where I finished. It’s been a long old road! I couldn’t weave at all until about three weeks ago. I have developed a (as yet not fully diagnosed) brain condition which seriously impacts my balance, vision, and energy levels.  Feeling well enough to weave for even short periods is such a sign of hope that I could sometimes weep with joy - which is so much better than the weeping with despair that has haunted me for months, even if I have not given in to it much. One of the best things that I did last year was to join a Textile Art Exhibiting Group. It keeps me from being totally isolated, and has spurred me on to getting this piece finished for an exhibition in April / May. I am delighted that, with a couple of serious ‘crash’ days, I have been able to do so - I am within 7cm of the top. Unusually for me, it is a flat piece, and will be framed; I have surrendered to the tyranny of the rectangle for once :-). I shall also be exhibiting  ‘Pillar’, as they go together. The story of ‘Pillar and the Nine Stones’ will be in the next blog post.