yardage – Page 36 – Warped for Good

This Is What Makes You Beautiful

June 11, 2013June 10, 2013 Karen

A piece of woven sampling becomes a purse. I started creating this little purse months ago, but got frustrated in my design-as-you-go process and put it back in the box.

Twill pattern cottolin towel warp — Sampling at the beginning of the warp, trying out different weft colors and treadling patterns. Most of this warp was made into kitchen towels.

Determined to find solutions, last week I brought the unfinished project back out. After redesigning, ripping out, adding, and sewing… Voila! A finished purse! Finding wisdom is like searching for a solution to something you feel like giving up on. When you press through with determination, though, breakthrough comes.

Handwoven purse being created — Trying out options for adding a zipper inside the purse. Also adding a strap I wove on the band loom.

Beauty is only skin deep. Really? If it is only surface, do you still call it beauty? The outside of a person makes a first impression, but it is the inner person that leaves a lasting impact. What good is a purse that is nice only on the outside? A great purse should make you say, ooh, ahh… when you peer inside.

Inside of handwoven bag — Lined, inner divider with complimentary fabrics, zipper with braided zipper pull, and matching woven strap finishes the bag.

Wisdom that guides everyday decisions creates beauty inside and out. Wisdom must be sought out. Like digging for buried treasure, it is worth the struggle. Wisdom brings extraordinary value to your thoughts, words, and actions; and then presents you as the beauty you were created to be.

Handwoven cottolin purse — One-of-a-kind small handwoven bag, woven and designed with gentle persistence. Handwoven Fabric: Cotton/Linen blend; Lining: Cotton

May wisdom guide all your decisions.

Searching for buried treasure,
Karen

The One Thing You Cannot Control

June 7, 2013June 6, 2013 Karen

Pick after pick, the weaving continues. We won’t see the effect of this Swedish lace weave until it is off the loom and gently washed. That is when the lace magic happens. (See Laura Fry’s expert advice, such as this post, about wet finishing.) In the meantime, I keep throwing the shuttle, expecting a good outcome. Life is pick after pick, too. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, much less, next year. But we optimists do hope for the best.

Handwoven Swedish Lace on the loom — Swedish lace forms where the weft crosses these open spaces in the warp.

The future is unknown and uncertain, even in the best of times. And insecurity is that much greater when facing difficult circumstances. When I try to figure it all out, or attempt to manage everything, I realize how little I am actually able to control.

The great paradox is that when I give up my control to the one who created me, I gain everythng that matters. A few years ago I met James, a wise old stranger (an angel in disguise?) on a flight to Kansas City. James told me his approach to life. His words were a gift I still cherish today. He said, I don’t know what the future holds; but I put my life in the hands of the one who does.

May your pick after pick yield beautiful results.

Still weaving,
Karen

The Surprising Thing about Color

June 4, 2013June 3, 2013 Karen

While weaving this one-color-white fabric, I let colors dream away in my mind. I understand the elegance of simply white, but I find vibrant color combinations invigorating. Nature is full of intriguing mixtures of color, including some outlandish examples of wild color play.

Swedish lace curtains being woven — Woven Swedish lace fabric progresses to the cloth beam, where it is neatly rolled up.

Since this Swedish lace fabric is well underway, it is time to plan my next project. After all, I wouldn’t want my loom to sit idle… smile. I am choosing colors now for the 16/1 linen warp that is up next. Colors are like children playing dress up–they are full of surprises, and they change identity easily. She is Miss Pink while seated next to Mr. White, but the same thread becomes Miss Lavender when she’s beside Mr. Blue. Experience helps predict how colors will work together, but I still get surprises. I never know for sure how colors will behave until they are interlaced in the woven fabric.

I witnessed a gorgeous sunset recently. Saturated colors of purple, red, orange, pink, and yellow produced a tapestry in motion. This joyful display of color is surely nature’s response to the creator. The sky is singing praises that we can see!

May you be delighted with surprising expressions of color.

Joyfully,
Karen

When Love Is Not Easy

May 28, 2013May 27, 2013 Karen

With this big Swedish loom, it is easy for me to get a firm beat. I can swing that hanging beater like nobody’s business! But that doesn’t serve me well for this delicate fabric. The streaks in this cloth are evidence that I’m struggling to get a consistent light beat. It is easy to show love to someone who loves us back, and like swinging the beater on this loom, brings positive momentum we feel good about. But what about the times love isn’t easy? …when a gentle touch takes more effort?

Swedish lace curtains in the making. — Loosely woven fabric is good practice for beating the weft in evenly. The Swedish lace pattern “windows” will become more visible after the first washing.

Anyone can be nice to someone who is nice; but can we show kindness to someone we’re at odds with? Thoughtfulness to the ungrateful, love to people who won’t love back… Not easy! Gentleness toward those with rough edges? That is the test of love.

If I only love those who love me back, I haven’t learned love yet. Love belongs to the greatest and the least, the grateful and the ungrateful. It is demonstrated by the master weaver, whose skilled hand taps each thread in with consistent grace. Never underestimate the gentle strength of love.

May love find its way to you and from you.

Gently,
Karen