It is all so slow isn't it, this all life devotion to creative practice-- which is perhaps why it is so satisfying and long-lived? At least that is my hope.
It is the slowness that is most appealing. Process. Method. Patience. Grounded in mindful practice and being truly focused on the moment rather than all the distractions. I find a quiet peace in creative work that carries me through a lot. I suppose I would be remiss if I did not include good books and observing nature in the mix too! Maybe it is about learning to see?
Oh yes indeed. I was just reading Antonia Malchik's latest essay on her Substack, On the Commons (https://antonia.substack.com/p/where-time-and-attention-remain-whole), about the necessity of that feeling of quiet and space and observing nature. Often as not I try to find it right here in my studio or kitchen or back yard, though Antonia's Forest Service Cabin as she writes about it has enormous appeal.
Fabulous post, and might I add...You look RADIANT, my dear Sarah! And what a BLAST to hear you ALSO are a fan of Kerstin Neumüller. She was in Grand Marais, Minnesota last September teaching a workshop at the North House Folk School (https://northhouse.org/)- on whittling a heddle and then weaving with it. I SO wanted to be there, but my schedule just didn't allow for it. I had been up there in August (it's about 4 hours north of me along the north shore of Lake Superior) and just couldn't make it back there in September. Darn!
Just clicked that link and got thoroughly lost in the enticing array of classes they offer at the North House Folk School--including another heddle carving class in June, though not taught by Kerstin, alas. What joy that it exists -- and you could even get there, schedule permitting...
Twice a year the catalog arrives in the mail (spring/summer, autumn/winter) and I am at a lost as to which course I would take! I have had my eyes on the "making hide and canvas boots", though. And I've even considered the Yurt building course, as I want to have a yurt on my property. The school is certainly a treasure!
Check out the 3rd photo from the bottom. Behind you are wire fencing or tomato cages leaning on the fence. The snow is forming lovely weft! A new form of loom?
A better comment later, after finishing reading this post, must go collect daughter. I got as far as the sleeves/cuffs for your amazing top, and immediately thought of Anita Luvera Mayer and a top in her first book, with detachable sleeves. Could you make the bottom part detachable? Just a thought.
I love this. Even reading of your process and thoughts feels like moving forward from here and the timing for that happened to be exceptional, thank you❣️
Well of course they will -- cuz of course you have lovely little gathering of swaths. Hope your travels continue well -- filing your lovely books with images and thoughts.
You are an inspiration! I cannot tell you how much joy your stories bring me as I slowly, slowly work on my own creative practice.
It is all so slow isn't it, this all life devotion to creative practice-- which is perhaps why it is so satisfying and long-lived? At least that is my hope.
It is the slowness that is most appealing. Process. Method. Patience. Grounded in mindful practice and being truly focused on the moment rather than all the distractions. I find a quiet peace in creative work that carries me through a lot. I suppose I would be remiss if I did not include good books and observing nature in the mix too! Maybe it is about learning to see?
Oh yes indeed. I was just reading Antonia Malchik's latest essay on her Substack, On the Commons (https://antonia.substack.com/p/where-time-and-attention-remain-whole), about the necessity of that feeling of quiet and space and observing nature. Often as not I try to find it right here in my studio or kitchen or back yard, though Antonia's Forest Service Cabin as she writes about it has enormous appeal.
Lovely, thank you for the afternoon pick me up!!
I always read your posts with a wide grin. Much thanks for that.
Fabulous post, and might I add...You look RADIANT, my dear Sarah! And what a BLAST to hear you ALSO are a fan of Kerstin Neumüller. She was in Grand Marais, Minnesota last September teaching a workshop at the North House Folk School (https://northhouse.org/)- on whittling a heddle and then weaving with it. I SO wanted to be there, but my schedule just didn't allow for it. I had been up there in August (it's about 4 hours north of me along the north shore of Lake Superior) and just couldn't make it back there in September. Darn!
Louise, aka Isabel
Love the shirt! A labor of Love.
And how special is your white machine!
Thank you!
Oh, dear Isabel--bless you!
Just clicked that link and got thoroughly lost in the enticing array of classes they offer at the North House Folk School--including another heddle carving class in June, though not taught by Kerstin, alas. What joy that it exists -- and you could even get there, schedule permitting...
Twice a year the catalog arrives in the mail (spring/summer, autumn/winter) and I am at a lost as to which course I would take! I have had my eyes on the "making hide and canvas boots", though. And I've even considered the Yurt building course, as I want to have a yurt on my property. The school is certainly a treasure!
Your joy is palpable through your words, drawings, and pictures as well it should be.
Your shirt is nothing short of amazing! Congratulations on your accomplishment!
Check out the 3rd photo from the bottom. Behind you are wire fencing or tomato cages leaning on the fence. The snow is forming lovely weft! A new form of loom?
Tomato cages indeed -- also for pole beans and tall peas and, apparently, snow! What an eye you have. And what bliss to notice that delicate weft.
A better comment later, after finishing reading this post, must go collect daughter. I got as far as the sleeves/cuffs for your amazing top, and immediately thought of Anita Luvera Mayer and a top in her first book, with detachable sleeves. Could you make the bottom part detachable? Just a thought.
Detachable sleeves! Now there is a compelling thought to add to my gathering of ideas. Thanks,
Love Love LOVE it!! And thank you for recommending my Substack! 🙏💖
What a very beautiful and elegant shirt to be proud of and delight in wearing (and how jealous I am!!!)
I listened to that podcast! Your shirt and it’s glorious gussets are fabulous.
No cuffs. Summer, theoretically, is on its way.
Thanks. And you're right. For summer, the 3/4 sleeves are just right -- esp since I always roll them up anyway.
You are my shero! Thank you for all the details…great story!
That shirt isn't make believe, cuz you believe in it!
...the cardboard sea, the canvas sky and the muslin trees...you're right, I believe in them ALL
I love this. Even reading of your process and thoughts feels like moving forward from here and the timing for that happened to be exceptional, thank you❣️
Sleeve length is perfect to span seasons. Pretty spectacular, Ms. Sarah. Pretty pretty spectacular.
Thanks for the feedback! And you're right, I don't think I'd really be adding anything either to the wearability or the aesthetics with more sleeve.
More favorite photos! The hair from behind is SO nice.
And a small technical point: is there not also some milkweed weft in this lovely shirt? Just for the record ;)
My strips of handwoven fabric will be called into action soon after I get home, with all this inspiration.
Well of course they will -- cuz of course you have lovely little gathering of swaths. Hope your travels continue well -- filing your lovely books with images and thoughts.