Wabi-Sabi Twill by Gail

"The concept of Wabi-Sabi has many meanings and applications mainly because it has a certain vagueness that lends itself to happy interpretation. One aspect of this philosophical concept is about seeing beauty where none is expected. Another is seeing uses for an object when its original purpose has been exhausted.

These bookmarks were woven on a Heritage table loom using a 9.75/3 cotton for the warp and light weight plastic strips cut from the bags in which newspapers are delivered. Cutting the plastic at a consistent width presented difficulties. Frequently the scissors went in one direction and the plastic in another. Weaving with it presented other challenges. Sometimes it was too thin and sometimes it was too thick. It broke easily. Sometimes it bunched. Little spikes peaked out. Unweaving changed the personality of the plastic and affected the pattern. The plastic worked nicely in the twill pattern and at first sight looks rather elegant. It glistens and shines. It washes nicely. Only the cotton shrinks.

I live in the mountains of Western North Carolina, a New York transplant. I discovered weaving about nine years ago. I've taken classes, bought a lot of equipment and yarn, but have not become the weaver I would like to be.

I have had the good fortune of studying for three semesters as a student in the Professional Crafts Program at Haywood Community College. The fiber component was taught by Catherine Ellis. I am active in The Western North Carolina Fiber/Handweavers Guild and the study group Fiber Friends. I attended my first Convergence in Denver in 2004. Right now, I am working on a fund raiser, a silent auction, for the Blue Ridge Handweaving Show, sponsored by the Guild.

May the thrums be with you!"

Gail
North Carolina