awayuq

passing it on

They really wanted to do it! A few weeks ago I gave a weaving demonstration in a class and afterwards some of the women asked me if I could teach them to weave. I said sure, but didn't necessarily expect it to happen, college being what it is. There are zillions of other things to do. But they really wanted to learn. They got together and found a time they could all come. Word spread and my tiny group of three turned out to be a class of six. They were great! Truly interested, and very bright. Some of them know how to knit and crochet, but only one had woven before. I feel as if I've done well by introducing them to weaving. At least four of them want to continue, which I think is wonderful. I can't help but remember the person who taught me this kind of weaving, and how important he was to me. I am grateful that I can pass on the knowledge to others. Hooray for teaching!

(this is Andean backstrap weaving-- they are learning complementary warp-faced weaves and making narrow bands).

burda rocks

It's a been a bit stressful lately and one thing I adore about magazine subscriptions is that I forget I have them, and then I am surprised when they show up in my mailbox. If they are good magazines, it feels as good as finding money on the sidewalk. Burda showed up in my mailbox last week, bringing great happiness. Two days later, two more Burda magazines! Petites and Easy. I like the new format of the Easy magazine. There are some must have's in there. Burda remarks and queries:

--bouclé is in. Weavers! Bouclé is IN! get the looms busy. This is one of the few style trends where handwoven won't look out of place. Of course, my style is hardly the sweet little suit type. Still, it's fun to think about designing a handwoven bouclé to be made up into a charming jacket and skirt.
--Surplice dresses, great. With flowery designs and slightly raised waists. My hesitation is is length-- how old can you truly be and get away with wearing a flowery ruffly skirt above the knee? Think carefully before cutting.
--Long coats. (Already in petite sizes, so I don't have to alter the pattern! Hooray!) Would be a very useful thing, whether it's made in khaki or brocade. I think that's one pattern I'll definitely have to trace off.
--and the pleated skirt, three big box pleats in front and back. Another must have. One thing I love is seeing the same design made up in different fabrics. In this case, poplin, floral print, and silk dupioni. The silk wouldn't do for everyday wear in my life, but there are plenty of fun fabrics that could be imposed on this design.

I got some new books today: the Dover reprints of pages from Sear's catalogs. There are many books in the series, I think it goes all the way up to the '70's now, but I got the four which cover from 1909 to 1949. It's fascinating. I love references like this, because they answer questions which sometimes can't be illuminated any other way. Such as what did they really wear under those skirts? How did men's suitcoats change? (I always find the changes in men's clothing very subtle and hard to follow). What were normal clothes like: were there wooly sweaters, long underwear, pants for gardening, galoshes, overalls? I've only had a chance to glance through, but I anticipate pleasureable hours of investigation.

Part of the reason I got those books is that I'm in search of a certain kind of clothing silhouette or era and I don't know exactly where it is. It isn't flapper style; it's more curvaceous, but might still include cloche hats. I think it's either just before or just after flappers, and I'm hoping these reprints will help me determine it more precisely. (Why am I looking for this period of dress? Because.)

Big Blue is still in process. Not forgotten, but progressing rather slowly.

first fruits

The first garments to come out of my newly organized studio. The pink ones were finished almost a month ago, the green ones a few days ago. They are both bright and lively, just the thing to cheer me up in the middle of a snowstorm. The fabric is a cotton stretch twill, and although the pattern is very fitted, they are some of the most comfortable pants I own because of the stretch. I am now officially off the pants binge, and on to... who knows?