CHH Tapestry Study Group – May

May Tapestry Study Group
CHH Guild House, May 19, 2013
By Gerry Woodhouse

Blaine is planning a workshop to double the number of cat toys offered at the CHH Fall Sale in October. He is working on the tapestry on the large upright loom at Guild House which is about ¾ complete.

Sharon completed a small tapestry rug in wool from Peter Collingwood’s book. She’s working on a way to finish or mount it. She has done nice twisted or braided fringe so far.

Therese brought a beautiful eccentric weft tapestry she wove. She uses lots of mohair yarn which she dyes herself. She is now working on a cartoon for a scene from her garden, featuring lots of green plants and 2 trees. She may add a 3rd tree and move the trees a bit off cenbter for interest.

Therese also reminded us about some videos that would be useful in our library, which we will investigate. One is “A Weaverly Path” featuring tapestry weaver Sylvia Heyden, and the others are 8 tapestry technique videos by Archie Brennan and Susan Martin Muffei. These are pricey, so we will start a “wish box” and put cash in from time to time till we have enough!

Terry Z joined us for the first time since we formed in December. She has wanted to study tapestry weaving for many years and now has enough looms to dedicate one to that endeavor.

Paula brought a new textile book, “Textiles—the Art of Mankind” by Mary Schoeser, which is wonderful. She is also weaving on her new custom made wooden frame loom by Hokett Would Work. It has slots on all four sides for warp, and she’s weaving in many directions, vertical, horizontal and diagonal.

D’Anne reported on the great success of the Gathering of the Guilds, where lots of adults got involved with weaving this year, as well as children. D’Anne also brought her frame loom with a work in progress of a colorful leaf worked in fine yarns.

Barb couldn’t attend, but sent her husband over with the CHH library book, Woven Color, The Art of James Koehler. Gerry is now reading it, and D’Anne is next on the list. Photos of Barb’s tiny purse woven with Noro Yarn are shown. The piece measures 3 x 3” and has a different tapestry on each side. A long hand twisted cord is attached for wearing around the neck, and tiny star-shaped glass beads are attached to the tassels at the bottom of the piece.

Gerry showed a small “free woven” tapestry woven in the 1970’s of wool yarns in Soumak and yarn wrapping techniques. It was woven without a cartoon or a plan… just playing. Detail.

We hope to meet again June 30, 2:00pm at Guild House. gw