This is my 100th post. I don't know that that is significant, but I noticed it, and thought I'd mention it. No champagne, but some small tapestry photos, which don't tickle your nose, and last longer.
Here are the two lighthouse demo tapestries I finished. They are woven at the same s
ett, with the same yarns, with the only difference being that the first one was woven from bottom to top, and the second was woven side-to-side (with the cartoon turned). The students were amazed at what a difference it made, and at how much there was a definite preference for the one woven bottom-to-top. The hatching in the sky is where the difference shows up, and it is why I would choose to weave this design that way. It was, I believe, an effective demonstration of some of the things that need to be considered when deciding how to weave a particular design. In addition, I also showed them some of my small tapestries that were woven sideways, and why I chose to do them that way.
Today was the last day of the three Saturdays workshop. Again, I was so impressed with the way the students just jumped in there and created wonderful small tapestries! I'm always a bit worried that the work and somewhat tedious nature will discourage beginners, but none of that here! I loved the work that came from their hands! Here are a few photos from the workshop:
3 comments:
The lighthouse experiment is wonderful. It's a great way to demonstrate the dilemmas involved in making that choice.
I agree with your students that the bottom to top version works better, and not just because of the clouds. The rocks look much more natural and flowing as well. On the other hand, the actual lighthouse works better in the sideways-woven version. Thus the dilemma! Jan A
Yes, Jan. It was actually interesting to see how amazed the students were at the visual difference in the two. They could understand that there was a choice to be made in which direction to weave a design, but mostly for technical preference: ie. if you don't like to sew a long slit or do joins, weave it sideways. But the idea that the weaving direction was also something to consider when you think of the visual impact of the techniques was a good thing to actually show in this demonstration. And it really makes a difference - more than these photos show.
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for the shots of the students (as well as your lighthouse demo pieces--excellent examples!). I enjoyed seeing the students' happy faces and their tapestries. I'm always interested to see various looms being used, too. I see one is an Oola?? I'm hoping to hold 3 Saturday classes for a local guild in late winter. I've done that once before and thought it worked well...do you do this often? Do you like the progress made between sessions, if they take looms home with them?
Tommye
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