Talking to someone the other day who was feeling overwhelmed about how much there is to learn. I suggested that they try to find the end of the thread and then follow it, wherever it led.
We all learn in our own ways, following our interests. With a craft such as weaving, the journey is long (if you want) and can lead you down myriad paths. The abundance of books, magazines, classes (in person and online) gives plenty of opportunity to discover more than you might have expected when you set out on this journey of discovery.
OTOH, it was what initially attracted me - I could see that I was standing, not by a small pool, but the shores of a great ocean.
Someone tried to 'school' me yesterday by 'correcting' what I said (or what she *thought* I said) citing her 30 plus years of weaving. I scrolled on by, tempted to see her 30 years and raise my 50...
Some people read *a* book and assume that they now know all that they need or want to know. And there is no need for every weaver to know everything there is to know. Point of fact, it's impossible.
Sure I have made rugs. But I'm not a rug weaving expert. I've done art pieces, but I don't consider myself a textile 'artist'. I've woven with many different fibres in many different formats - but not all of them.
The fact is, I'm not terribly interested in weaving more rugs. They are physically hard on a body and mine is loudly letting me know it is not willing to do that anymore. But do I know the principles of making a good rug? Sure. I've even made some.
I've woven window coverings, bespoke garments, fashion accessories, and literally tons of table textiles.
I want to add some 'beauty' to everyday life. It's a tried and true approach to life evidenced by archeological finds - functional things made beautiful when it took buckets of time and effort to spend the extra time making them beautiful.
This morning I got a nice email from a former Olds student and I encouraged them to find a new path to follow to continue learning. Weaving is largely a solitary activity for most of us. But we have the internet. We have study groups. Online communities. Classes. Workshops Goodness knows, I've posted my links here often enough I feel stupid repeating them. I'm not hard to find, goodness knows.
In the meantime, I continue to deal with my aging body, best I can. For now I need to bear down and continue with the program. I'm just not a very patient person, so waiting is never done 'patiently' but with much grinding and gnashing of teeth.
Today we have sun, though. And I have a couple of maintenance appointments. And that warp to thread, if I can.
If you need me, I'll be tugging at threads...
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