Guest Post - Betz

Winston Church once said “If you have knowledge, let others light their candles with it” and that’s what Laura Fry did during the five days I spent with her at her studio in Prince George, Canada.  I wanted to learn how to be a more productive weaver and how to design projects and that is exactly what I did.  When I arrived, the loom was warped so that I could immediately begin to weave. She videotaped me at various times when I wasn’t paying attention and we watched the video on the last day.  It was obvious how much my weaving had improved.  I was amazed. 
 
It is difficult to put into words all that I learned, but below is a short list that I think you might be interested in:

·     The shuttle should be brought above the beater not in front of it so that the thread doesn’t get caught in the selvedge. 

·     Grab the beater so that your arm is perpendicular to it not in the middle of it

·     Push the treadle with your entire foot, not the ball of your foot

·     Use a rocking motion when weaving, i.e., lean forward to throw the shuttle & push the treadle then lean back

·     If using two shuttles, put stripes on the edges using the color that is being carried so it doesn’t show

·     Minimum input, maximum output

·     Perfection kills good

 
During the five days I made one towel and 4 beautiful scarves.  My weaving skills improved, I used a trapeze to warp the loom and how to use a reed rather than a raddle.   I learned a few of Laura’s secrets about how to design my own projects. In addition, Laura showed me how to wet finish and cold hard press my projects.   It was a wonderful experience and one I will never forget.  Thank you Laura to being an outstanding teacher and allowing me to light my candle in your knowledge.

  Betz Frederick