Summer is my favorite time of year. The other seasons each have specific charms, but there is something about the longer days, the smell of the air, the feel of the warm breeze, the lure of the hammock, and the feel of warm sand, that sings a siren song to me. My years as an academic and my childhood (which included regular trips from our farm to the Eastern Shore) all taught me to take summer at a different pace. This year, it has led to a shift in my focus – away from the heavy and serious and towards the lighter and more colorful. Time enough for grey and black, for autumn golds, for the darker tones of winter. Now is when the sun shines and the water sparkles!
Of course, I always enjoy a class. I get to learn, try new things, and avoid major commitments (see previous paragraph). This summer I took a great class on traditional embellishments – techniques from the Kutch region of India where Judy Frater* is working with local residents to revitalize traditional crafts and helping the people adapt to a more modern marketplace. The class was held at my friend Sue’s weaving studio (Willingham Weavery**) and was brought about because Sue had taken a trip to the region arranged by Judy. We were taught by Dayabhai Kudecha, a traditional weaver and faculty member of Somaiya Kala Vidya. The techniques involved using supplemental wefts to create patterns on a background of plain weave. Dayabhai works with very fine yarn, but we warped with 20/2 cotton at 40 epi.
We first learned how to make the little inlays (see yellow arrow). These involve inserting small bits of contrasting thread wherever you want to place the inlay. He taught us some of the traditional shapes and we could see how these techniques could be used to create some of our own iconic shapes, like snowflakes or trees. He taught us how to add bands of braiding across the fabric (green arrow) and how to use a combination of plain weave, twill, and pick-up to create borders (blue arrow). Last but not least, he showed us how to create his own invention, the use of braiding as a vertical element. The class was wonderful and his own weaving is breathtaking. After a few weeks, I used up the extra warp as practice to help the class “stick.” I even made a few tassles to finish.
So I am still playing through my summer. I have a few things on needles, but I have finished up my July projects and spinning is winning out over everything. Weaving means staying indoors and I just can’t do more than an hour or two of that! Knitting is a little hot – I am keeping it for evening social hours. But spinning – I can sit outside, turn up my audio book, and spin to my heart’s content. I am making progress on a new project I will share soon. Right now, I finished off some blue variegated roving that turned into some pretty nice fingering weight yarn. (note my new jumbo flyer for my ashford in the background.)
The rest of my time has been dedicated to family and friends. If you live in the Pacific NorthWest, you should plan on summer visitors. It really is beautiful this time of year. (Shhhh – we like to say it rains all the time. It keeps people from moving here.) Plan on hiking, water sports, and great seafood! From Mt. Rainier to Puget Sound, the place is humming with activity. We have done a little of it all. Enjoy the rest of this month!
* Judy Frater works with local artisans in the Kutch area to build a sustainable arts education and production program. She arranges tours where you can learn how these artisans work with hands on experiences. Her direct contact information is judy.kalavidya@somaiya.edu
** Sue Willingham owns Willingham Weavery on Vashon Island. She weaves and teaches weaving. If you are interested in classes, you can contact her directly at msuewill@gmail.com
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