I’ve come a long way
I have always enjoyed making things. Over the years I have tried crocheting, knitting, and cake baking. But I’ve always wanted to learn how to weave. I made plenty of excuses: no money, no time, work was too consuming. My step-mom is a maker and has always encouraged me to be creative. A few years ago I told her I would learn how to weave when I retire. And just saying it out loud made me realize how foolish that was. Why should I wait until I retire to enjoy my life? Why should I wait to learn new things? I started by weaving little squares on a Purl & Loop hand loom, given to me by my step-mom. I graduated to a Martha Stewart hand loom (also from my step-mom!).
I took a continuing education tapestry weaving class from Danielle Susi at the University of Utah. I took an embroidery class from The Cotton Floozy and The Socially Awkward Stitcher. I attended an embroidery day retreat, Common Thread. I made a career change that eliminated 90% of my stress and also gave me back a lot of personal time. I scoured YouTube for weaving videos and decided I’d like to try rigid heddle weaving. Lucky for me, the Pioneer Craft House offers weaving classes in Salt Lake City. In January & February 2020, just before the pandemic hit Utah, I was able to take two rigid heddle classes. And I was hooked! Making has definitely enriched my life and I am so happy to share my journey with you.
Here are my first two projects.
The top picture is my very first warp on a Schacht Cricket Loom I rented for the class. A few days before the class I had major dental surgery and was not feeling very well. I decided that day that weaving wasn’t for me. However, by the next week, I felt better and I changed my mind!
Second picture is my very first scarf made with superwash wool.
For the second class, I made a clasped weft cotton table runner. I wanted to make something similar to Kelly Casanova’s table runner.
