A snippet of news from the newsletter is the topic for our Spring gathering in Fort St. John. Theo Moorman technique will be taught by Cheryl Peebles. This technique is a weave structure that allows the weaver to create a design with weft threads that float on top of the cloth and are tied down with thin warp threads that are almost invisible, yet producing a strong cloth. It allows for a great range of creativity of organic free form design and is faster than tapestry. This technique is good for placemats, bags, clothing, wall hangings, and liturgical weaving. No worries if you have done this before. Each study of a topic deepens your understanding and widens you creativity. We look forward to this opportunity to learn more about the Theo Moorman technique. This picture shows fabric using this technique.
So what can be made in three weeks' time, a last minute gift that is creative and fun to make and reflects your talents as a spinner and weaver? Can you make something from a 50 gram ball of homespun? This is the challenge that some of us have taken on this season. Funky irregularly shaped scarves such as the hitchhiker scarf (See Ravelry for pattern), neck warmers, small purses, gift bags, Christmas ornaments, fingerless mitts, hats, headbands, hot mats, sachets or cosy bags filled with rice, heated or cooled for achy muscles. These are a few suggestions. Besides, a 50 gram ball or skein of your own hand spun, in itself makes a great gift that would be appreciated by another crafty friend.
The woven fabric from workshops that was woven at home to finish off the warp can be made into interesting bags. The edges can be butted together and sewn with an embroidery stitch on the sewing machine, which produces a very strong seam. Even samples that are less than perfect can become attractive serviceable bags. Add handles and they are ready to go as a lunch bag, shoe bag or purse. Somehow people who are not weavers do not see the mistakes. Not sure how that works but that seems to be the case. Some bags made from samples:
Have a merry time over the holiday season. And Happy New Year.
