Expertise

 

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This morning I read a comment that weaving was just a matter of trial and error.

Well, yes.  But there are literally dozens of highly skilled *and knowledgeable* people who can narrow down the choices that new weavers make.  Some of us have written books, answered questions on weaving groups, taught classes/workshops, done You Tube videos.

While there are many different things that can be done, any good teacher will point a new student to a way that works for specific circumstances.  Plus there are constants in the craft - a thread under tension is a thread under control; if you can't be perfect be consistent; never use a knot where a bow will do, etc.

Weaving is a complex craft, in no small part due to the huge variety of job specific looms - all based on (largely) what kind of loom is needed to weave the textile in question.

Looms can be quite specific in their potential - everything from a frame loom to a shaft loom, to a velvet loom.

But to declare that the craft is just 'trial and error' kind of erases our ancestors who did the majority of the 'trial and error' for much of our craft.

Yes, I do trial and error myself - the yarn for the next article is all here now, and I will spend several days mulling over what I will do.  But all that 'trial and error'?  Is based on the deep and broad foundation of knowledge that I have collected over the decades.  

I am considered a 'master' of my craft and I got that way by reading multiple weaving books, taking workshops from as many instructors I could, then weaving literally hundreds of samples.

In the 'age of information' we are drowning with information.  Unfortunately we are also drowning in *mis*information.

So, yes, trial and error - but collect as much of the constants as you can.  Build a solid foundation of knowledge to build upon.  And respect our ancestors who have brought us to the here and now.