Jane’s 10 Commandments for Happier Weaving

October 17, 2009

We’ve given our offices here at Schacht an uplift: new carpet and paint–and that of course, leads to general cleaning and organizing. It’s amazing what forgotten things you find in your desk drawers…! Here’s one of the gems–and since it’s Spinning and Weaving Week, I thought it’d be a good time to share my commandments…er…suggestions (?)… for happier weaving:

1. Sample, sample, sample.
2. Don’t be afraid to try out new ideas–even outrageous ones!
3. By the same token, to really develop your work, stick with what you love and develop that one thing.
4. Choose the right yarn. The yarn you have on hand isn’t necessarily the right yarn.
5. Consider color. More than anything, we respond to color. The more exciting and interesting, the more successful the weaving. Value is key.
6. Consider tactile feel.
7. Use resources: magazines, books, drafts, color resources, nature, art. You don’t have to design in a vacuum.
8. Know what you want. Evaluate your results against this.
9. It’s okay to use a pattern. We are not all designers.
10. Allow enough time. As my mother said, “haste makes waste.”

Happy Spinning and Weaving Week!

p.s. I’ll be teaching my patterns and textures class at Shuttles, Spindles, and Skeins this week end. Afterwards, between 3-5, there will be a book signing of my new book, The Weaver’s Idea Book. Please stop by if you’re in town, it’d be great to see you.

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