Elaine Duncan

Last Wednesday, June 23 was the last of a four day course for intermediate tapestry weavers.  Eight students and I met from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm to discuss new projects and new techniques as well as getting started again on old projects.  What most of the class wanted was inspiration and a jump-start.  The first day each student told the others what they would individually like to accomplish in the class.  You can imagine that the challenges, projects and goals were as diverse as the eight people taking the course.  A few people did samples of demi-duite, others of hachures.  Some worked on cartoons and designs and others continued on previous projects. The class  had fun making up sayings about what they had learned in the hopes of remembering these words of wisdom when weaving on their own.  I thought we should make a list and share with others some “rules” (loosely worded please note).  I always remember a “rule” that Jan du Bois of Santa Fe said:  if you cannot decide whether to move over one warp thread or not, then don’t.  Janine Wilkins from our class said her new “rule” was:  you just can’t start anywhere.  Also you must complete the pass in order to remain in the right sheds.  If you are in the wrong shed, use the half pass to get you going again.   Archie Brennan’s rule on designing:  SIMPLIFY!  We had lots of good giggles and shared inspiration in this class and we look forward to getting together again in the Fall.