I first became interested in Scandinavian weaving when I became a weaver myself. I’d always done handwork—sewing my own clothes, knitting, cross-stitch, and needlepoint. I was always interested in weaving—you could say that it was in my blood. The estate sales of my ancestors included rug looms, floor looms, walking wheels, wool cards, and other fiber equipment, but that knowledge was lost before it came to me. I didn’t know any weavers, or how to get started. In the late 1970’s, a weaving shop opened in my community, and that became the point of contact for learning and joining with other handweavers in the area.
Somehow, I didn't know you're a fiber artist, too! Oh the conversations we could have been having this whole time!
I suspect you've already read it, but just in case you haven't, may I recommend Women's Work: The First 20,000 Years Women, Cloth, and Society in Early Times by Elizabeth Wayland Barber? I read it recently and really got a lot out of it.
A few years ago, a Canadian Production Wheel came into my life. It's an old wheel -- at least 100 -- and every time I sit at it, I think about the women who sat at it before me. I don't know who they were, but I feel connected to them through this tool that's survived all these years.
"Fiber artist" is a stronger term than I deserve. I've been away from weaving and spinning for more than ten years. At that time, I had a "dog" on the loom that I was giving no attention to between day job, family, and so on. I miss it, though--it still hurts my heart not to have a hand in. I would love to find a way to step back in. I've not read Barber's book--thank you for the recommendation.
Somehow, I didn't know you're a fiber artist, too! Oh the conversations we could have been having this whole time!
I suspect you've already read it, but just in case you haven't, may I recommend Women's Work: The First 20,000 Years Women, Cloth, and Society in Early Times by Elizabeth Wayland Barber? I read it recently and really got a lot out of it.
A few years ago, a Canadian Production Wheel came into my life. It's an old wheel -- at least 100 -- and every time I sit at it, I think about the women who sat at it before me. I don't know who they were, but I feel connected to them through this tool that's survived all these years.
"Fiber artist" is a stronger term than I deserve. I've been away from weaving and spinning for more than ten years. At that time, I had a "dog" on the loom that I was giving no attention to between day job, family, and so on. I miss it, though--it still hurts my heart not to have a hand in. I would love to find a way to step back in. I've not read Barber's book--thank you for the recommendation.