Weaver's Yarns

2012-01-25T12:40:00.000-08:00

Look carefully and you will see a little blue flower. This flax plant self seeded outside my front door, and the flower first showed an appearance the day we did the Apple Day flax preparation in October. It was so exciting to be cheered on. And it is still flowering in January. I don't even know how it got there - a stray seed dropped as I got out my keys?

Meanwhile, we are slowly booking the schools and day centre for the Flax to Fabric workshops funded by Arts Council. I never realised how difficult this would be! Getting in touch with schools and arranging dates is not for the faint hearted. However, Fiona Nisbet and I went into Condover Primary school, and the kids seem to enjoy beating hell out of the flax.

Frank cam home tonight with breaker and scutcher he has made, which look amazing. What a man. We are going to have a go tomorrow with some of our own flax. Wish us luck.

Happy New Year

2012-01-08T08:06:00.001-08:00

Don't you just love technology? After the last blog, I was asked if I wanted to change the layout of my blog. It looked great, so I went ahead. But then couldn't add a new blog. Christmas then came and went before I got round to asking my IT advisor how to do it. So simple when you know how. How DO people manage without sons to help.

But I HAVE been weaving. This is a sample of flax flowers for the Flaxmilll Tapestry. Woven with Finnish linen thread from Riita Sinkonnen Davies, and trialing 4epc. Not so easy to get an even surface with as wool, so more practice needed.

Meanwhile, I never posted a picture of the finished Drapers tapestry. And indeed, haven't photographed it yet. It is rolled up waiting to be sewn onto foam board.

However, if you put your head on one side, ( I forgot to turn it round before adding it to blog) you will get an idea of what it turned out like. and also you will realise what it is like weaving sideways on!

Happy New Year to all you weavers, spinners, crafters and those who enjoy looking!

APPLE DAY

2011-10-27T02:49:00.000-07:00

Apple day saw Frank and I having a rather chilly day rippling, breaking and scutching flax at Shropshire Wildlife Trust. Well worth it though, as there was so much interest, and I now have a strick of flax to spin! Here I am seen rippling off the seeds. I left Frank to do most of the hard work! And Fran joined us to spin tow, which she had learnt at the spinning weekend.

Rather a short blog, just to show I am still alive. And the next blog will be the finished Drapers Tapestry - only about an hour left to weave, so watch this space!

Whatever next?

2011-09-07T10:35:00.001-07:00

Just as I am up to my eyes in flax, the Woolly Season starts.

Well, not a season, just a day. The Shrewsbury Drapers are celebrating the 550th year of getting their charter, so we are knitting them a celebration cake. Well, if you lie near enough, and not in Massachusetts, YOU are knitting a cake. Come along to St. Mary's Church, Saturday 10th Sept. for woolly fun and games. I shall be plate spinning (rather than wool spinning) between my wonderful knitters ( or knutters) and the Shrewsbury Guild of Spinners, weavers and Dyers who will be showing the process of wool production. I shall also be watching the re-enactors, fiesty felters and embroiders doing their bit. If I have time!

Meanwhile, I hot foot it over to the Ditherington Flaxmill/maltings onSunday to spin flax. My new apprentice will also be demonstrating the breaking, scutching and hackling process, if he can remember after a very quick tuition from a beginner! Lots of other stuff happening as well, so if you enjoy poking around a derelict building, this is a great opportunity. Also an arts exhibition on there too.

Most of you probably will read this too late. If there are no more blogs for a while, it is because I am in a darkened room, sleeping it off!

Then there were Five!

2011-08-18T09:38:00.001-07:00

And there is more on my lawn, other flax retting in gardens, and some still in flower. Beyond my wildest dreams! They are just so beautiful.

There are still a couple of places on the flax spinning workshop on 24/24th September, so, if you can spin and would like to come, get in touch.

And come to the Ditherington Flaxmill/Malting on Sunday 11th Sept to see flax demos with yours truly.

Meanwhile, I wove this flatpack for a selective exhibition at the QUBE, Oswestry. You have guessed it, the theme was QUBE.

Whilst it wasn't selected, it was a fascinating weave, with bead insets for poppy fields, and based on the river Severn and its tributaries. The tributaries were warp and weft extended, braided and woven in further up. The iron frame celebrates our first ever iron framed building in Shrewsbury.

And what of the Draper's Men? These are still in the process of being woven, and whilst I am unable to put them in the Draper's textile exhibition in Shrewsbury in September, due to being a "professional"!!! I do hope to have them with me, finished or unfinished for the Drapers' Wool Day on the 10th September at St. Mary's Church, Shrewsbury. Come along and see wool being processed, re-enactors, talks, and help knit a giant anniversary cake for their 550 anniversary.

Our First Stook!

2011-07-31T01:49:00.000-07:00

Isn 't it beautiful? There are now two stooks on the lawn, and still more flax arriving. it just shows that many hands make light work - or many growers make linen thread! Although we have a long way to go yet. It is so magical finding the fibres in the stalks when you wriggle them between your fingers. And such hard work getting them out! At the end of September we have a weekend workshop with tutor Riita Sinkonnen Davies, who is an expert on linen spinning and preparation - I think all the places are taken, but we may have drop outs, so get in touch if you are interested. You do need to be able to use a spinning wheel. And all you others, join us at Apple Day at Shropshire Wildlife Trust this 22nd October to help with breaking, scutching and hackling. Only skill needed is strength!

One day I may even get to weave with our own linen thread.

2011-07-22T00:29:00.000-07:00

RETTING FLAX

Sue wasn't the only one pulling and laying out flax on my lawn. Various SOGS ( Shropshire Organic Gardeners) called in after Mike and Syli's garden event, duly fuelled up with tea and cake, and assisted in pulling up my flax and laying it out. Some had also brought their own home grown flax. It looked so lovely laying in rows. I also did a quick demo to show off my new skills of rippling, breaking, scutching and hackling the flax to expose the fibres. A day at Flaxland, in Gloucester trained me well, as we did indeed get some fibre from the stook they kindly let me bring home.

Now, 2 weeks later, flax keeps arriving. And I keep saying Flipping Flax! No, I am not fed up of it, but you have to flip it over every day, ( or nearly every day, in my case) to allow the dew to rett (rot) both sides. I am running out of lawn, but it does seem to shrink as it ages. Much like me. I am sure there are easier ways to get fibre

for tapestry weaving!

MEANWHILE:

Just in case you thought life was all flax, Ellie arrived for a 3 days crash course before heading off on a textiles tour of Peru. She had booked in as a beginner on a 4 day workshop with Maximo Laura, a well known tapestry weaver, then found out that a beginner meant that you had to know something. So now, after nose to the warp threads for hours, she is a True Beginner! As you see from her piece, she may even be more than this! Only slightly going in at the end, ( well, she had to rush to square it off before midnight!) she covered various techniques - the graded blue area is not bad photography, or lighting but blended yarns. And a touch or sumak for fun! Hopefully we can follow her tour on www.ellontour.blogspot.com and she can come back and teach us!

And, yes, I have been weaving - one finished and one on the go. But more of that later.

2011-05-23T04:14:00.000-07:00

It is so exciting! My flax is actually growing! This is it from above. And there are now LOADS of people with flax seeds, and many are growing too - on allotments, in gardens, geurilla gardening (don't ask!) Watch out for a blue patch near you at the end of June/July. I have also booked Riita Sinkonnen-Davies, THE flax spinner and weaver, to run a weekend workshop in September. She is a Finnish lady living in Pembrokeshire. It will only cost £10 for the weekend, as the Arts Council funding pays the rest. Do get in touch if you are interested - a basic knoweldge of spinning is needed, but you have time to learn!

Meanwhile, I have actually started the tapestry weaving which was going to be for the Draper's exhibition. However, as I am classed as a professional ( about time I started earning money at it!) I can't exhibit it. Hopefully, it can be on display, finished or unfinished when the Shrewsbury Guild demonstrate at their 550th anniversary on Saturday 10th September. Put it in your diary now. Photos when I get a bit further up! it is a slow process.

FLAX TO FABRIC

2011-04-11T00:34:00.000-07:00

Great news! I have been successful in being awarded Arts Council England funds to run this project, which involves growing, preparing and spinning flax for a tapestry weaving, and an Educational Roadshow with Fiona Nisbet. I already have over 60 people offering to grow flax and photograph it for a DVD, so things are hotting up!

Meanwhile, my flax is sown - the photo shows my daughter, who works for Garden Organic, giving me some top tips! First we cleared the area, and after much interest from a female blackbird, left it 24 hours for her to eat all the slugs. We made the drills, watered them, put in the seeds, then covered them with potting compost she had made from a rather rotted down bark path. We then wove video tape over to stop Mrs. Blackbird returning. Now it is a wait and see job.

If you want to see flax being spun, or tour the first ever Iron Framed building, Ditherington Flaxmill/Maltings in Shrewsbury, make a date for 7th or 8th May.

Do get in touch if you would like to be kept up to date with the project. I can add you to the group email.

Ingrid's triptic

2011-03-12T06:39:00.000-08:00

Here is the second of Ingrid's triptic. One more to go. A complex weave, at 4 epc, especially with the cross overs on the tail feathers. The colours are very rich, and there is far more detail than the photo shows. I especially like the detail of the red berries, which have a sparkly yarn woven in with the wool. Never again! says Ingrid, as it is very slippery to weave with. I can empathise here, as I had the same challenge with the tree in snow. Again a beautiful weave.
The design on the last weaving in the triptic looks simpler - but then there always seems to be new experiences in every weaving. I look forward to its progress.
Meanwhile, I don't seem to have woven for ages, as ( between viruses) I have been busy combing and worsted spinning for my next project. And I also need to get out the indigo dye. It will be the first weaving I have tried with combed wool. Interesting.
if you have a weaving that you would like to add to this blog, please do so. If you are unable to go on it directly, then send it to my email, that you can access via the website: www.maralynhepworth.co.uk

the Draper

2011-01-25T05:55:00.000-08:00

This man, my first attempt at a face, resides in Shrewsbury as a woodcarving on a building - guess where! Not an easy weave - 12cm square and 31/2 epc, working with 4 shades and trying to imitate the wood plus a face posed its problems. But then, faces were woven by master weavers!
The weft is handspun - some I had made earlier, but carded white and a smidgeon of grey for nose and hair.
the yellow is just a bad photo!

I hope he will be joined by some friends in the near future!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-01-01T04:29:00.000-08:00

So what is your New Year's Resolution? Mine is to learn to spin, dye and weave flax. Fiona Nisbet has kindly started me off, and, on the left, you see my first ever attempt to dress a distaff. I knew the cardboard from the inside of a christmas wrapping paper roll would come in useful! I made the cone, and it is on an old mop handle, and works well. Ribbon colours denote your marital status, but as I can't remember which colour denotes what, I settled for yellow as that is what I had. The spinning is going well so far.

The project is linked to the Shrewsbury Flaxmill restoration - the mill being the first ever iron framed building in the world, and the forerunner of American skyscrapers. Everyone is getting excited about the architecture, but I am excited that it took flax to start this. Flax was flammable so flaxmills had a habit of burning down, so iron was used instead.

At the moment, the Flaxmill/Maltings (it was later used for maltings, which saved it from being demolished) is derelict, but it is hoped that by 2012 work will start on its restoration. Meanwhile, they are opening it for Heritage Open Days so I hope that we can go and spin flax.

Watch this space!

Ingrid's Celtic weaving

2010-11-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

Ingrid has only been weaving a couple of years, after visiting Stirling Castle and seeing the Unicorn tapestries being re-woven. If she was an A level student, rather than retired, I would give her an A*. Her colours and design sense are lovely, not to mention the surface. With this weaving, I think most of her yarns were from Handweavers Studio, London, and her colours based on ecclesiastic ones from the old testiment. (correct me if I am wrong, Ingrid! Memory loss is setting in)
See her Green man in 2009 blogs. Again a great weaving, and good fun. I look forward to her next one, which again has a celtic design.

GHOST VILLAGE

2010-10-24T05:51:00.001-07:00

Inspired by the village in Turkey that was deserted when the Turkish were repatriated from Greece, and now left as a memorial, I added colour to bring it back to life. The handspun, natural dyes lent themselves to a country that still uses these techniques.

Woven at 21/2 ends per centemetre, it was quicker to weave than my last few weavings. The verticals were overlapped every few picks, so there were no slits to warp up. The warp, probably a type of hemp that had been on the shelves for years, became very tight at the end as there was no give in it, and a few warps broke at the end, so I was unable to weave a turnback, but instead sewed in the warps and supported the back with thick tape.

The World is finished!

2010-10-18T02:49:00.000-07:00

Although it was finished a while ago, it has taken this long to get a photo - and it is still not too good, in spite of a new camera, and using the gallery space at Shropshire Wildlife Trust to hang it. So if I ever exhibit it, you must come and see it in real life. The polystyrene carved padding has worked well ( thanks to West Hope College for helping me with this) and it is great fun looking through the kaleidoscope and blurring all the colours. If only we could do this with the real world, instead of all the factions we have.

Meanwhile, don't forget to go to the POSTCARD exhibition at Gallery 3, the Gateway, Shrewsbury. 36 artists, including me and another tapestry weaver, with postcard sized, very varied art works. They are exhibited in identical frames, 5 0r 6 to a frame, and it is interesting as although the artists names are up, they are not alongside their work, which means you you really get to feel the works that move you, rather than being swayed by a name or blurb.
And Terrible Tom has sold! Bless him. I hope he behaves himself! I am pleased that the lady who bought him collects foody pictures for her kitchen - so like my daughter, Ruth, I thought. So wasn't surprised to find she, too was called Ruth. I am sure he has gone to a good home.

Next workshop here is on 30th November, and only one booked in so far.
Off to weave a ghost village from Turkey.

Terrible Tom

2010-09-24T05:54:00.000-07:00

And here is Charlie the Chilli's arch rival! Again, postcard sized and woven 6epc. Watch out for him in the Postcard exhibition at Gallery 3, The Gateway, Shrewsbury later in October.

Meanwhile, Fiona and I went to see the Raphael Tapestries at the V and A. Woven for the Sistine Chapel 500 years ago, and on display for 6 weeks from the Vatican, to link with the Pope's visit, they are displayed next to the original cartoons. These are on permanent loan to the museum so I had seen them before. Fascinating to see them displayed together, and playing "spot the difference." Because they are woven from the back, they are a mirror image. What skill!

Off to Turkey to chill out. No weaving for a week or two. Time to recharge my batteries and find inspiration from doing nothing!!

Charlie makes his public debut!

2010-09-13T04:21:00.000-07:00

Charlie the Chilli is the Lead Character in a picture book I have written - Charlie the Chilli and the Three Terrible Toms. He was begging to be tapestry woven, so I have used the excuse of a postcard-sized exhibition in Shrewsbury to immortalise him in textiles.
Due to the size restriction, I had to weave him fine- but then he is a fine chappy. 6 ends to the centemetre is not my favourite warp set, needing good lighting and fine motor skills, but I rather like the surface.
The photo with my new camera shows up the texture well- and also the "lazy squaw" to keep the tapestry rectangular! (which it is) due to size and time restricitions, yes, I have embroidered the eyelashes on after. this also gives a more 3D effect.

COMING SOON
The world is now finished and mounted, but needs a wall to photograph it on!

Raphael Tapestries

2010-08-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

For the first time since 1865 the Raphael tapestries will be shown alongside the cartoons at the V and A. The exhibition is planned to co-incide with the Pope's visit, and runs from 8th Sept to 17th Oct. There are 4 of the original 7, which were woven for the Sistine Chapel.
I have seen the cartoons, but not sure if I can get to London to see the tapestries - although it may be a long wait till I get the chance again! Watch this blog to see if I make it!

Feeling sluggish!

2010-08-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

Not tapestry weaving, but fun! I organised the information stand for Shropshire Organic Gardeners at Shrewsbury Flower show last weekend. The Shrewsbury Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers kindly made bugs and beasties, but my fellow blogger was unable to do her slug because of family pressures. So I took up the challenge, went into the garden, found a slug and copied it in silks. I was rather proud of him, as 2 adults thought he was real! For more pictures, go to their website. They won gold for their outside garden - of which I only played a very small part!
Now weaving a chilli.........watch this space.

Wake up time!

2010-08-03T02:15:00.001-07:00

3rd August 2010
Just when you thought I had stopped blogging! ( if there is anyone out there reading this!)
The World is still under wraps. After many attempts to finish and mount it, it is still not completed - long story which I may go into when I do eventually manage to get it to look respectable. I am sure God didn't have all these problems.
Meanwhile, the little weaving shown here, (11cmx30cm) started with a wool and silk yarn I aquired from www.colourmart.com who supply from shrewsbury. A friend and I went to look round, and it is an alladin's cave of luxery yarns, really for the knitting market. This cone seemed interesting, and strong enough for a warp. The design then evolved when I was running workshops or demonstrating at Guild events. Bits of paper plate ( all there was to hand!) left warp areas empty as I loved the yarn so much I wanted to see it. Beads were woven in on invisible thread, and twisted in with the lower fringe. A chance meeting at a knit and knatter led to it being mounted on a piece of copper pipe. It just fits down the side of my mirror over the fireplace, so one weaving that has a home!

UNVEILING

2010-05-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

Under the shroud is the world. Blocked over some padding to give it shape. The sheets have dried, but I am resisting the temptation to peek, and saving the unveiling until Saturday's workshop.

Needless to say, I didn't block to kaleidoscope!

KALEIDESCOPE

2010-05-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

Went to see the National Association of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers exhibition in Mansfield, and trying not to do Sour Grapes, as it was the one I wove the world for, and it wasn't accepted. However, I was not the only one to be disappointed, as my sister, a project manager for an arts organisation, and an ex- colleague she bumped into were also uninspired. The latter was a woman in her 30's who wanted to get into textiles, so just the sort of person you would hope to be attracted to the crafts.
There were some very interesting and innovative pieces, my favourites being the waffle weave on speakers, and the one woven on wire. there was also a wonderful repp kaleidoscopic rug. But where the other kaleidoscopes? I was expecting Colour, tessilations, pattern, but most of the works hadn't taken in the theme at all. On technique, I can only judge on tapestry weaving, but 2 were very basic weavings not related to the theme. And Jane Brunning, Master Weaver, didn't her work accepted. All rather puzzling.
I went with Jan Parry, who was meeting her grandchildren and was hoping to show them The Ladies Spinning. There were only stewards in one of the two rooms. However, they disappeared together for a lunch hour. So no one was there to answer questions. And there was no evidence of how the crafts were done. No looms, needles, photos etc.

Well done Shrewsbury Guild for their local exhibition which is much more vibrant, interactive, inspiring. Join us this October to find out how it is done!

And a Photo!

2010-04-10T01:30:00.000-07:00

Lost the last photo I meant to put on the blog. The strange thing you see in the bottom left hand corner is a kaleidoscope. When you look through this, it is wonderful - a new world of blurred political boundaries and beautiful shapes and colours. It is still on the frame, waiting to be blocked.
I have been busy entertaining friends from Angers. For those of you who don't know, the Chateau d'Angers houses the Apocolypse tapestries, a series of medieval tapestries which are well preserved. And lots of others. The musee Jean Lurcat is also there. Jean Lurcat brought tapestry weaving back to the public notice in the 1930's. So obviously I will be making an effort to visit soon. And of course my French friends are good company.

Oh, and I have also made a new handbag. My other was getting past its sell by date. This one is a bit of felt from a birthday card, and an old blanket.

On top of the World

2010-04-04T03:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have finished the weaving. ( though not the blocking, mounting etc ect!) And for those of you still questioning, - No, the earth is NOT round. Well, I tried, but with a warped warp, and various thickness yarns, and trying to get it finished before going to Paris, I didn't quite succeed. But then if you are perfect, you anger the Gods.

Paris was interesting, exhausting and not a little disappointing. After researching visits to the Manufacture des Gobelins, I arrived to find that the tour times were not as stated, there was no-one there who spoke English, just a gate keeper, and when my kids found a tourist info and tried to book tickets online it was booked for the other tours that week. ( My knee by this time was so painful, I was very pleased to have runners to sort this for me whilst I sat on a bench and admired the traffic) Our French host at the self-catering accomodation (which was wonderful) was very helpful and rang them, but she said they were very unhelpful. So be aware if you should visit, and book before you travel. If you can find the website!

However, I did get to see the lady and the Unicorn tapestries in the Musee de Moyan Ages, Clunys, and these were very well presented in a darkened, semi-circular room with benches so I could pay homage over and extended period of time. They are so vibrant still. The natural dyes are very rich, but interestingly the chemical dyes where the bases have been re-woven have faded. Not sure modern ones would. There were also a num,ber of Milles Fleurs and Gobelins tapestries in the Louvres, so I got rather tapestried out! Medieval ones have so much more vibrance thant the later ones, with subject matter of real life ( grapes harvests) and story telling rather than the boasting ones of the Gobelins with war, rich clothes and wealth. But oh, how I could achieve some of the detail.

Inspired or overwhelmed? Not sure yet! Watch this space.

NEARLY THERE.

2010-03-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

I am now on the last lap of the world. Feel like I have sailed or cycled round it- and it is only half the world. Maybe I will do the Americas and Australasia sometime. Unfortunately it didn't get into the National Association Exhibition, for which it was planned, but it has been so interesting and informative, ( I now know where all those places they mention on the news are) that I can't be to upset. I have yet to weave in the klaedescope through which to view the tapestry and blur the political boundaries, but it is ready and waiting with a lucet braid. And of course I will need to add my initials and date.
Meanwhile on Saturday I go to Paris for a week with my kids and common-law son in law. Watch out for posts of tapestry news. Who said it was a busman's holilday!

2010-03-01T03:43:00.000-08:00

My first on Maralyn's blog

Yes you can put images onto this blog !!!

Halfway round the World

2010-02-05T03:47:00.000-08:00

it is such fun visiting all these countries in a gloomy, damp January. And such a learning experience! So that is where Mali is.
The eccentric weave and hand spun yarns, the left-overs from the Wildlife Tapestry so spun by various spinners, is causing the surface to be very wavy, but I rather like the effect. And may give it a 3D surface when finished.

Europe here I come.

2010-01-30T04:29:00.000-08:00

SALLY'S 3 CIRCLES.

Well done for doing all three circles. I love the colour scheme. So fresh and exciting contrasts. We both learnt from this project. Beating down equally across warp and getting the weft in evenly is so important if the circle is going to be - well - circular. Sally was very good and kept her white weaving covered between weaving, but there is still some discolouration. This may have been that the wool was dirty to start with, as it had been around a while. Washing hands immediately prior to weaving also helps.
The third circle looks just about perfect. Watch out, Sally, or you will be angering the gods!

2010-01-20T06:09:00.000-08:00

CHANGE THE WORLD

Weaving the world seemed like a good challenge. The hope is that, once woven, anyone can change the world just by looking through a kleidascopic viewer. So much easier than recycling or dealing in politics. The Space is commercial yarns, whilst the world is far more fragile - handspun, natural dyes.
Whilst the Space was a challenge, ( I hate counting picks) Africa is great fun. And a great way to learn geography. Off now to weave Zaire and Tanzanier.
wish me luck!

Sally's Circles.

2010-01-11T04:49:00.001-08:00

Well done Sally. For those of you who don't know, Sally is working towards the Certificate of Acheivement verified by the National Association of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. The red one looks almost perfect - and we don't want to anger the gods by achieving perfection, do we?
I rather like the colours. If I was a country, I would chose this for my flag. Look foward to seeing the smaller one on the top.

Pearl Anniversary

2009-12-28T12:30:00.000-08:00

For those bloggers not in the Shewsbury Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers, an explanation. Every christmas there is a competition at the Bring and Share meal on a theme. This year the theme was "Happy Anniversary" as the guild was set up 30 years ago. This is the pearl anniversary - so hence the oyster.
The shell was woven flat, using thick card at the base to weave the shape onto. When this was taken off the frame, the warps were sewn in, pulling some tight to make the shape. White fleece was felted directly onto the back, with some brown on the top. This was then embroidered to give the texture.
Wishing you all a happy new year, and happy weaving. Do send me images and thoughts of your weavings for the blog if you are unable to get onto it, and I will add them.
Maralyn

2009-11-23T07:45:00.000-08:00

WINTER
BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY
21ST NOVEMBER TO 23RD DECEMBER

This is the exhibition of the Bilston Textiles Group, held monthly at the Gallery. Open to anyone interested in textiles- any level or interest. There are sometimes free workshops, and there is the added bonus of the large gallery exhibitions to view- there have been some wonderful ones. Contact Carrie at the gallery if you would like to come along.
This exhibition has something for everyone - hats, patchwork, a mask, and of course tapestry! I was pleased with the framing by Midwest Displays in Battlefield, Shrewsbury. it keeps the tapestry clean without the need for a frame. And the small sample pieces sat well on a square of acrylic. A firm to be recommended.

2009-10-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

BRITISH TAPESTRY GROUP
EXHIBITION/CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP IN STIRLING

This was a brilliant weekend, being amongst the most professional weavers and also those newly converted. Around 50 of us met for a series of talks from different weavers with different perspectives. Which leads me to realise there is not a right way to design or weave, just what works for you. The AGM brought up the need to get ourselves out to a larger audience, whether this is for sales or just to keep the craft alive.
On Sunday I took part in a colour blending workshop led by Joan Baxter. Mine is the one in the middle. Top tips: never use more than 3 colours at once, and use the same tone to change colour. Using different tones gives a tweedy effect.
The exhibition is in two venues. The castle, where you would have to pay for entry, and the Smith Art Gallery. The format was less than A5 size, and there are 91 tapestries in all from over 50 weavers. Such diversity of design, texture, colour, mounting etc. I really needed a week to take it all in. The exhibition continues until the 8th of November, and is well worth a visit. Especially as you would also see the Medieval Unicorn tapestries being woven at the castle too.

2009-10-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

INGRID'S GREEN MAN.

Don't you just love him? He still has to be blocked and mounted, and is going to have a lady friend to accompany him, but he is a superb fella - especially when you realise that the only tapestry weaving Ingrid has done is 4 place mats.

More Heart!

2009-09-03T04:35:00.001-07:00

Maybe a Brain might be better for me! Forgot to add image to last post.

Wedding Heart

2009-09-03T04:33:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Emily and Carl on their marriage on Saturday.
Everyone should have a heart.

The Perfect Circle?

2009-08-23T05:48:00.001-07:00

As the tapestry weavers amongst you will know, the craft is not conducive to weaving circles unless you use a very fine warp sett. As I needed to teach circle weaving for the Certificate, I decided to weave one at Summer School in Lincoln with the hand combed, worsted spun yarn I was learning to do on the workshops. However, a rapid entry into the hospital meant that I had to grab oiled skein and frame, and weave it attached to an anti-biotic drip! Rather like a game show where they add challenges! The nurses kindly pointed out it was more octagonal than circular, but this is bound to happen at 3 epi. Maybe I should try one at 5 epi? Pleased to say the foot abcess is healing well now, and the time without interuptions gave me the opportunity to get my brain round it and I have written up some notes. If anyone is interested, get in touch.
Meanwhile, my yarn was much stronger and smoother so hopefully this will benefit my future tapestries, providing I can find some wool combs.
Look forward to your samples!

2009-07-28T05:23:00.000-07:00

TWO ECCENTRIC WEAVERS!

Sally and Barbara are working towards the Certificate of Achievement assessed by the National Association of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. They are very pleased to have finished (well, almost!) their eccentric samples and can go back to being normal. Although, in my humble opinion, once you have gone eccentric, there is no turning back, so watch out!
And well done for doing such lovely weavings with gorgeous colour blends.
Look forward to the circles. If I ever manage to teach it!

WINTER TREE

2009-07-19T04:32:00.000-07:00

Getting quite addicted to weaving with whites with a smidgeon of shiny. Short strands of silver parcel string and very fine sparkly yarn. I marked the tree onto the warp at the beginning with ink and paintbrush, with a very fluid movement, and am going with the flow as I feel inclined as I weave. A very free way to weave and great fun. Must remember to stop and look after my shoulder!!
This has been inspired by the Bilston Textile Group exhibition before christmas entitled "Winter".

Melanie's tapestry

2009-07-18T00:57:00.001-07:00

Melanie Hodges, from Lower Penn, Wolverhampton, is working on a view of buildings against sky using commercial yarns. She has visited me for tuition, and is showing some of her drawings and paintings at the vineyard Craft Centre, Bobbington Green, outside Wolverhampton, in September. Melanie studied tapestry weaving at Edinburgh College of Art and then Fine Art degree at Wolverhampton. Good luck Melanie!

While on the subject of exhibitions, don't forget the Egyptian Landscapes exhibition in Gloucester until 6th September. This is the work of the Rameses Wissa Wassef Arts Centre in Egypt, and has the most amazing tapestries by weavers who begin weaving at 8 years old. Check it out online at www.nature-in-arts.org.uk or phone 01452 731422

WINTER

2009-07-10T01:53:00.000-07:00

The next exhibition of the Bilston Craft Gallery Group is in November, and entitled: "WINTER" This is a sample weave to try out yarns from a photo of a silver birch taken in Massacheusetts last January on Steph's camera. And it is her birthday this month!
The sample also shows lazy squaw, eccentric weave, colour blending and sumak weave, carried out whilst demonstrating to Ingrid from New Zealand. Look forward to seeing her continuing tapestries.
Watch this space for ongoing weavings.

LOCAL INSPIRATION

2009-07-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome to bloggers Steph and Katherine. It is good to know someone reads all this waffle!

While I love to go on holiday, when looking for inspiration for weaving, Shropshire is a beautiful county, so who needs India, Peru, etc? I love to explore my county, both the wonderful views, and close up of flora and fauna.

This photo is of orchids at Westhope Craft College in South Shropshire, which not only some of you bloggers will know, but also have shared the wonderful weekend we spent there a week ago celebrating the Shrewsbury Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers 30th anniversary. I was going to put photos of all the wonderful workshops, and people engrossed in cording, spindle spinning, domino knitting etc etc, but didn't want to upset those in the pictures! However, wild orchids are so rare and precious, they deserve a space on the blog.

Am working on allowing you all to add your post and photos of your work, or inspirations. Let me know if you have tried and can't via email - maralyn4@gmail.com

BLOCKING

2009-06-02T03:18:00.000-07:00

This tapestry definately needed blocking - it came off disappointedly skewy. Will let you know how it looks after blocking. It it now on the floor covered in damp cloth.

To block a tapestry:
Measure tapestry length and breadth.
Draw out a rectangle to the SMALLER dimensions with a permanent felt tip pen onto builder's plastic.
Turn plastic upside down onto MDF.
Using BRASS tacks, ( they don't rust) tack out opposite corners of the tapestry onto lines.
Tack in the centre of each side, then each 2 cms.
Using an old sheet or cotton fabric, soak it in warm water, and wring out.
Place in 3-4 layers over the tapestry, and press down with hands to exclude air.
Leave for a few days until the fabric is dry. DO NOT PEEK!
Take out tacks.

Skyline from the North East

2009-05-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

This one uses commercial wool, with a smidgeon of silk in the glow. It was easier to weave, partly due to the evenness of the yarn, and partly because the hills were one colour, so I didn't have to watch the sunset changing behind a tower. However, the colours are far less subtle. I am hoping the wriggles will even out after it has been blocked.
No prizes for identifying the spires/towers, but do you recognise them?

Finished!

2009-05-10T02:27:00.000-07:00

Looking through a camera showed up the deliberate errors! Still, once it is off the frame, blocked and mounted, it will be fine. And well before the target date for finishing.
This is commercial warp and black weft, with handspun, naturally dyed sky. Now to start the next one. Same size and subject matter, but with all commercial yarns.

MORE WORKSHOPS FOR BIG AND LITTLE PEOPLE

2009-05-02T03:01:00.000-07:00

AT SHROPSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST:

(At the time of going to press, not sure of cost of these, but some of them are Free! Watch next blog)

FOR MARINE WEEK:

CHILDREN'S WORKSHOPS:

WEDNESDAY 22ND JULY
2 SESSIONS: 10AM-12NOON
2PM-4PM
Please book in advance. Well behaved children can be left!

SATURDAY 25TH JULY
MARINE DAY, DROP IN.
Make Octopuses, or other fishy puppets to swim in our sea.

ADULT WORKSHOPS

SPINDLE SPINNING
Saturday 22nd August
10am-4pm

LUMPS, BUMPS, TASSELS AND TUFTS
Saturday 19th September
10am-4pm
Warp up a frame, and try your hand at textural tapestry techniques.

AT KARUNA, PICKLESCOTT

SPINDLE SPINNING
SUNDAY 12TH JULY

WILD WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES

2009-05-02T02:53:00.000-07:00

AT SHROPSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST, ABBEY FOREGATE, SHREWSBURY

This is the bird scarer that we made at the Spring Fair. The first person to make one was an adult, who was keen to keep the pigeons off her allotment. Kids designed their own, with one girl doing a fantastic bee - oh, where was the camera?
Next workshops are Darwin related, and as he was fascintated by worms, so worms it is! Hope fully Hundreds.

Come and make your own Charming Worm puppet, perhaps modelled on a Famous person, and bring him/her/it ( worms are hermaphrodite) to the Green fair and take part in the Wonderful Worm Charming Puppet Show!

Date to make worms are:

Saturday 30th May, 10am-4pm
Saturday June 20th 10am-4pm
Saturday July 4th, 10am-4pm Green Fair.

Not quite tapestry

2009-04-26T23:21:00.000-07:00

Fat free fairy cakes! Sometimes it is good to have something you can sit on the sofa and do! My Swedish visitors, Sam and Ruth all enjoyed these cakes for easter breakfast. Cake for breakfast, you say? But hidden inside was a very healthy free range egg, boiled with onion skins to give it a tan, and with a smiley face.
Back to the weaving. Now three quarters of the way up the first Shrewsbury Skyline. This is commercial yarn for buildings and naturally dyed, hand spun yarn for sky. The second weaving will be all commercial yarn, so it will be interesting to see how different it is to weave with, and how different the surface is. Thanks to Barbara for getting the yarn for me from Handweavers Studio.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

2009-04-07T02:26:00.000-07:00

Here are 3 sample weavings done on a child's loom Ruth sent me for mother's day, found in a charity shop. Can you identify the buildings from Shrewsbury? ( The one on the left missed a bead or two. Also, which one is commercial yarns, and which handspun, natural dyes? Answers on a postcard..............................

For new weavers, a bead is one stitch.

Hi there!

2009-03-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

Well I can see I have a lot to learn, amazing work just lovely. I am really looking forward to learning how to do it and if I ever get a minute I must see what colours of yarn I can find for my Olive bark/trunk idea. I hope its not too ambitious for a first project I was thinking of picking out one or two of the knotty things to concentrate on.....advice welcome.
Kinda in awe now!
regards
Linda

Hi Sally

2009-03-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

Well done for getting onto the blog! Far more difficult than weaving. Your weaving is great - beautifully eccentric!
I am exploring skies too, and eccentric weave lends itself to gradations of colour, with blue/pink/purples/greys. Don' t suggest stormy skies, as cumulous clouds are not so easy! but then who wants storms?
You could also try a bit of colour blending, to allow the sky to darken/lighten as it goes up.
If you are short of handspun, dyed, I could bring some to the Crosshouses Workshop.
Happy weaving
Maralyn

2009-03-27T05:25:00.000-07:00

Hi Maralyn and all

I have been working on a little tapestry weaving sample. This one is about colour blending and eccentric weaves. I am working towards the certificate of achievement in tapestry weaving.

The inspiration comes from a scottish landscape. My son recently went to the loch ness region and put a photo on my screen saver and it just fitted the colours I wanted to use.

I've used a linen warp and all the wefts are handspun and natural dyed wool. (from our own sheep!)

I'm just about at the horizon so need to start the sky. I've been studying skies at all times of the day and in all weathers but just can't take the plunge. I think I will have to spin (and possibly dye) more wool. I will let you see the finished sample.

I find weaving very relaxing and only wish I had more time to do it but work, family, gardening and the farm take priority of course!

Sally

Spring/Summer workshop dates

2009-03-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

Here are the dates for workshops at Condover over the next few months. Please note that I have strayed from tradition to include some Fridays, as I will be busy making worms and Octopuses on some Saturdays. Come for one session, or join in the fun of watching other's weavings grow over a period of time. And maybe even yours! I am now mentoring for the National Association of Weavers Spinners and Dyers Certificate of Achievement in Tapestry Weaving. Although, of course, you are still welcome to weave for the pure hell of it!

Saturday 25th April 
(NB.  Guild trip to Wonderwool Wales on the Sunday- coach seats still available)
Saturday 23rd May
Friday 26th June
Friday 24th July
Friday 21st August

WORKSHOP FUN

2009-03-13T06:38:00.000-07:00

Last month's saw 3 new folk having a go at tapestry weaving. They were all members of Shropshire Organic Gardeners. There is something about organic gardening that links to tapestry- watching something grow slowly, and blossom. They were all very adept at warping up, and made an excellent start, but with spring about to happen, there is always the decision - weave or plant?

This month also saw the beginnings of the monthly workshops in Crosshouses. With a core of people with ME, the focus is on relaxing, rhythmic weaving, having fun with colour and shape. Learning the basics is always tiring, but hopefully as we progress, we will see some interesting tapestries result. With seven turning up last week, and 3 more to come, it looks like being a vibrant group. But still room for more! the Communty Hall is light, airy and roomy, so has good vibes.

Calling all weavers!

2009-03-11T14:00:00.001-07:00

As I get more proficient at this blogging lark, I hope to update you all with news of events, workshops, and everything woolly. ( or in my case, carrier baggy!) Meanwhile, feel free to blog about your own thoughts, and maybe this can become a forum for getting us out of those tricky situations. You know, the ones were the sheds are in the wrong place, etc.
Talking of sheds, you may see me in the garden soon, as I am 1 cm off finishing my latest weaving, so will have time.
Happy blogging to you all.
Maralyn