I LOVE following your meandering path and sharing your wild and messy process! I SO look forward to your emails! It's a bright, happy spot, in the midst of all the mundane emails, that always puts a smile upon my face and provides a little respite from the rest of the world. Thank you for what you do! I hope you will never tire of doing it. ~ Aggy
Reading this again reinforces my belief in the true and unexpected camaraderie of this work and the way we're trying to be in it--and in our lives. Thanks
It's actually a Lentil sidewalk tree protector -- one of those grates that the water goes through to the roots of the tree but which, I think, is supposed to keep the trunk and roots from damage from too much foot traffic...
The paper itself is actually very pleasant to handle -- mostly because I spin it slightly damp, which makes it a little "limp" if you will. Too wet of course, and it just falls apart into mush (which is certainly not rough!). Later, knitting or weaving depends on the quality of the paper. Some does get stiff when dry -- though rarely actually rough. At least so far..
Now I’m in love with your wordless fringeless pieces. Do you see what I see? I think you do. The subtle texture, the rhythmic continuity of the weft, it’s plodding (not quite the right word) uninterrupted continuation, like footsteps. Does it travel toward a purpose? Or is the TRAVEL the purpose? Am I seeing the calm order of a plan-that-has-come-together-merely-for-the-purpose-of-existing only because I’m seeing it at night after a very busy day? Because I NEED to see calmness? I think if I had looked at your wordless tapestries in the morning, I would’ve seen a blank slate upon which to create something else because that’s pretty much how I see every day each morning. Before too many Demands For Attention Now wear me down and I save myself by seeking out stillness.
Travel as purpose --yes! AT least the rhythm of movement as yarn and ideas go back and forth and back and forth. Stitches can do the same thing, absolutely (I'm thinking miles of running stitch), but often as not when I'm embroidering, or weaving images or letters I have a different kind of focus than the dreamy restfulness (esp after a busy day or week or...) of back and forth and forth and back. As you say -- no demands for attention. No message or input. Just quiet restfulness-- so rare, it seems..
It was your tapestries with embroidery that first caught my eye when I was down a tapestry-weaving-sized rabbit hole all those years ago. Finally! Someone who understood that needle and thread was not a dark art compared to the fine sunlit uplands of tapestry. I need to get my fringeless jig out, clearly, and give your blanks a whirl. Is it possible to consider the contrast between weaving and embroidery on the same piece a "liminal space", I wonder.
OH absolutely a liminal space -- neither one nor the other, an in between (like in a gusset!), that expands the possibilities for both. Neither official tapestry nor, say crewel (cuz that's usually on linen, right?), but a thing apart where the tapestry ground and the embroidered lines speak to one another. Actually, not unlike comics, or illustrated essays, where you need both word and image to fully understand the story.
I do not recall subscribing to this site but hey, your words spoke to me. Thank you. I now know, my imposed disabilities will eventually leave me and I can continue to sing praises to my spinning wheel again, like the old Estonian folk tune.
Gosh, I'm sorry and am quite confused as to how you could get here accidentally -- also delighted that you're here now and feeling hopeful about returning to your spinning wheel. Between parts of me that are slowly healing, and other painful parts that declare that they are here for good, it is an endless process of feeling our way, isn't it? What actually works -- because, darn it, something will.
So happy to hear that! Seems like I got carried away somewhere totally unexpectedly and your words remind me of the crazy delight of just settling in for the ride.....
I so look forward to Tuesday and the Gusset. I enjoy reading all about what you are doing and seeing your pieces come alive. Plain weave is such a wonderful weave to do no matter when or what. I did a field of daffodils all in plain weave only using greens and yellows and some white. The yarn told me that is what it wanted, so I did. Thanks for letting us into your world.
I laughed when I opened this-- after ignoring my computer yesterday for just that reason-- some pausing happening over here too! And the glorious things that popped into view when I did, so caught up in all the ideas I have been. It is spring after all, isn't it?... late and soggy and cold as it has been here. I so enjoy these, thanks. - Trilby
OH Spring -- and all the glorious things that pop into view when there is a moment without electronic input so we can open our eyes and hearts and see and feel. Yay you
The gift of singing praises, and pausing. And weaving plain weave again. I circulate between my floor loom, my rigid heddle, and my tapestry loom, and work where the hands and thoughts guide me. Sometimes that means not much accomplished…there is so much in life to sing praises to especially in spring… here in Tucson, where every day is glorious and alive with birds and creatures and nature, all calling me to weave something in praise and thanksgiving. Where to start!!! But no day passes without some weaving, as a part of giving thanks. I give thanks for your breaths of fresh air that inspire us all through your words. And drawings (I love them!!). Thank you. I must try embroidering……
That's it exactly-- from the bird's praise song to the loom's, we are such spiralic creatures, and isn't that just the joy of it? Each length of cloth, each technique, each spring, each moment of noticing built on the myriad moments and swaths and weapons before -- similar, and also brand new. Isn't that what keeps us going, and refreshed, and curious?
I LOVE following your meandering path and sharing your wild and messy process! I SO look forward to your emails! It's a bright, happy spot, in the midst of all the mundane emails, that always puts a smile upon my face and provides a little respite from the rest of the world. Thank you for what you do! I hope you will never tire of doing it. ~ Aggy
Gosh what delicious thing for you to say. And I hope so too as I'm having a smashing time. So happy you're here.
"the super plain weaving is itself the thing I needed" ......nothing more need be said.
Oh queen of words warp, weft, and wisdom ...you slayed me once again.
Oh geez Sarah -- and isn't it the elemental things that snag us every time? I mean.. rock cozies...
Somehow, every week you manage to articulate a feeling I didn't know I had until revealed in your words. You have a gift; thank you for sharing it.
Reading this again reinforces my belief in the true and unexpected camaraderie of this work and the way we're trying to be in it--and in our lives. Thanks
Can it really be a lentil storm drain?
It's actually a Lentil sidewalk tree protector -- one of those grates that the water goes through to the roots of the tree but which, I think, is supposed to keep the trunk and roots from damage from too much foot traffic...
i look forward to reading your words Sarah when I see the post in my email. And enjoy the visual expression too.
Something I am wondering and maybe I missed-how is it spinning paper-is it hard on your hands (rough?)
The paper itself is actually very pleasant to handle -- mostly because I spin it slightly damp, which makes it a little "limp" if you will. Too wet of course, and it just falls apart into mush (which is certainly not rough!). Later, knitting or weaving depends on the quality of the paper. Some does get stiff when dry -- though rarely actually rough. At least so far..
Thankyou.
Now I’m in love with your wordless fringeless pieces. Do you see what I see? I think you do. The subtle texture, the rhythmic continuity of the weft, it’s plodding (not quite the right word) uninterrupted continuation, like footsteps. Does it travel toward a purpose? Or is the TRAVEL the purpose? Am I seeing the calm order of a plan-that-has-come-together-merely-for-the-purpose-of-existing only because I’m seeing it at night after a very busy day? Because I NEED to see calmness? I think if I had looked at your wordless tapestries in the morning, I would’ve seen a blank slate upon which to create something else because that’s pretty much how I see every day each morning. Before too many Demands For Attention Now wear me down and I save myself by seeking out stillness.
Travel as purpose --yes! AT least the rhythm of movement as yarn and ideas go back and forth and back and forth. Stitches can do the same thing, absolutely (I'm thinking miles of running stitch), but often as not when I'm embroidering, or weaving images or letters I have a different kind of focus than the dreamy restfulness (esp after a busy day or week or...) of back and forth and forth and back. As you say -- no demands for attention. No message or input. Just quiet restfulness-- so rare, it seems..
It was your tapestries with embroidery that first caught my eye when I was down a tapestry-weaving-sized rabbit hole all those years ago. Finally! Someone who understood that needle and thread was not a dark art compared to the fine sunlit uplands of tapestry. I need to get my fringeless jig out, clearly, and give your blanks a whirl. Is it possible to consider the contrast between weaving and embroidery on the same piece a "liminal space", I wonder.
OH absolutely a liminal space -- neither one nor the other, an in between (like in a gusset!), that expands the possibilities for both. Neither official tapestry nor, say crewel (cuz that's usually on linen, right?), but a thing apart where the tapestry ground and the embroidered lines speak to one another. Actually, not unlike comics, or illustrated essays, where you need both word and image to fully understand the story.
I do not recall subscribing to this site but hey, your words spoke to me. Thank you. I now know, my imposed disabilities will eventually leave me and I can continue to sing praises to my spinning wheel again, like the old Estonian folk tune.
Gosh, I'm sorry and am quite confused as to how you could get here accidentally -- also delighted that you're here now and feeling hopeful about returning to your spinning wheel. Between parts of me that are slowly healing, and other painful parts that declare that they are here for good, it is an endless process of feeling our way, isn't it? What actually works -- because, darn it, something will.
This was an especially good one. Thanks.
So happy to hear that! Seems like I got carried away somewhere totally unexpectedly and your words remind me of the crazy delight of just settling in for the ride.....
I so look forward to Tuesday and the Gusset. I enjoy reading all about what you are doing and seeing your pieces come alive. Plain weave is such a wonderful weave to do no matter when or what. I did a field of daffodils all in plain weave only using greens and yellows and some white. The yarn told me that is what it wanted, so I did. Thanks for letting us into your world.
That's it exactly, isn't it -- the yarn telling you what it wanted. Such a thing to allow that to happen-- and relish the results.
Thank you again, Sarah, for sharing your inspirations and amazing creations. And hearty congratulations on your new Granddaughter!
Oh gosh thank you on both counts.
I laughed when I opened this-- after ignoring my computer yesterday for just that reason-- some pausing happening over here too! And the glorious things that popped into view when I did, so caught up in all the ideas I have been. It is spring after all, isn't it?... late and soggy and cold as it has been here. I so enjoy these, thanks. - Trilby
OH Spring -- and all the glorious things that pop into view when there is a moment without electronic input so we can open our eyes and hearts and see and feel. Yay you
I love your meandering and helps when we are all in the same head space. It’s ALL okay! The human part of us all.
Thank you for sharing even these thoughts - one day at a time 👍💓
Exactly --we are all in the same head space, humans to the core....
Your thoughts reminded me of the last lines of Mary Oliver's poem "I Happened To Be Standing."
Adrienne
But I thought, of the wren's singing, what
could this be
if it isn't a prayer?
So I just listened, my pen in the air
OH my. yes. Thank you for this. Mary Oliver--would that I could say it all in those few perfect lines...
The gift of singing praises, and pausing. And weaving plain weave again. I circulate between my floor loom, my rigid heddle, and my tapestry loom, and work where the hands and thoughts guide me. Sometimes that means not much accomplished…there is so much in life to sing praises to especially in spring… here in Tucson, where every day is glorious and alive with birds and creatures and nature, all calling me to weave something in praise and thanksgiving. Where to start!!! But no day passes without some weaving, as a part of giving thanks. I give thanks for your breaths of fresh air that inspire us all through your words. And drawings (I love them!!). Thank you. I must try embroidering……
That's it exactly-- from the bird's praise song to the loom's, we are such spiralic creatures, and isn't that just the joy of it? Each length of cloth, each technique, each spring, each moment of noticing built on the myriad moments and swaths and weapons before -- similar, and also brand new. Isn't that what keeps us going, and refreshed, and curious?