Weaving Software Workshop

Yesterday I had the opportunity to take a one-day workshop with Robyn Spady on how to use weaving software. The software of choice this time was PCW Fiberworks.

Here is the cover of her workshop booklet. 

Robyn included both PC and Mac tutorials for us to follow. She had one of each platform set up and would switch back and forth on the monitor teaching the features and differences offered by both platforms.

My brain is a bit overwhelmed with the possibilities presented by using software to design weaving drafts. As much weaving as I've done I realize that I'm not sure I've done enough yet to fully understand all the weaving terms that would make using the software more efficient and fun. I am clear however that I REALLY need to take a paper drafting class. AND weave lots more!

The class was sponsored by the Studio 66 Workshop, of which I am one of the organizers. Robyn taught a 3-day weaving workshop on lace for us in February of 2016.

Closeup of my Bronson Lace.

My finished lace sampler.

Robyn is a wonderful teacher. It was great to have her back again. I highly recommend her workshops.

Fun Days at Convergence

I spent two days last week at Convergence 2012 in Long Beach, CA. Convergence happens once every 2 years. This year it happened to be in my back yard. It is a super textile extravaganza event. There are exhibits, a fashion show, lots of classes and a full vendor hall.

I was able to see the tapestry exhibit at the Long Beach Library. I saw the fashion show, leader and multi-media exhibits. I shopped in the vendor hall. 

Best of all, I got to visit with lots of fiber-loving friends.

The main event for me was the reunion of Retreaters from the Studio 66 Retreat 2010 and 2011. About 40 people came to visit and share their finished fiber exchange projects with us. The finished pieces were amazing. We saw a variety of styles and techniques. It was a fun time.

I only bought one thing in the vendor hall as I am in a stash-busting mode. But it is the funnest thing I have purchased in a long time. I saw a woman carrying a bag in the parking garage and just had to have one myself.

I almost never make political statements of any kind. I don’t put campaign stickers on my car and I don’t write to my representatives. However, in this current chaotic political and economic climate I wanted to make this statement. 

And it’s a bag... I can’t have too many of those. 

Michelle Obama is a wonderful public leader. And she spells her name with two "L"s like me! 

I just love this bag featuring her as the “First Lady of Fabulous”. The bag is made by BlueQ. I hope they sent her one. 

Anticipation

I am very excited to tell you that I am going to weave this weekend. For three days straight.

I am going to study twill rug weaving with Jason Collingwood, the world renown rug weaver from England. His late father is Peter Collingwood, master of master-weavers. 

This workshop has been in the works since last October. It is organized by Studio 66 Fiber Arts. In conjunction with several other guilds and groups in Southern California, we invited Jason to come and teach several workshops and seminars. I was and am lucky enough to be one of the organizers. 

Studio 66 Fiber Arts developed out of the Studio 66 Retreat, which I helped produce on Mother’s Day weekend in 2010 and 2011.

Mostly I’m very happy to have the opportunity to weave again. It has not been a priority for me since I moved in 2010. My apartment is space challenged and my loom languishes folded up in a corner. I’ve spent a fair amount of time spinning as I teach it now and need to stay very current with that skill. But I miss my weaving. This workshop will set me back on track, I hope.

I can’t wait to tell you how it goes.