orthodoc |
01-31-2015 06:47 PM |
Not to drift the thread, but ... I am SO happy today after reclaiming my loom, spinning wheel, cutting table, and almost all ancillary equipment, and getting them set up in a spare room in an organized way. The room has north light, so is great for any type of art, and it was originally designed with a fiber studio in mind. There's storage and some bookshelves for my fiber books. I have to get rid of a cat-scratched loveseat to get my sewing machine and serger back in place, but they can wait a week or two.
The important thing is, I have dug out and organized all my fiber arts stuff, reassembled it, oiled it, repaired it etc., and am ready to get all creative again. And I just put in an order for materials to get me going on a couple of projects. I started out weaving all sorts of things, just to try different techniques and materials, and I'm still going to explore that - going to try a new technique in one project. But I found I do love making larger pieces, throws and blankets, with interesting weave patterns and fibers. I can get wool that's produced here in the US, and I can spin silk/wool combination yarn for weft that will let me try some new things ... so I'm stoked.
Being the introvert that I am, spending time banging out a new pattern on the loom is centering and satisfying. I suspect it will keep me sane in between weeks of stupidity at work.
It was also calming and happy-making to find, organize, and photograph a few of the things I sewed for the kids over the years - costumes and the odd sundress and christening dress. I wish I'd photographed everything I made back then - I sent many homemade dresses/hats/playsuits off to my sister for nieces to wear without recording them. However, I have a few things left. The medieval gown that laces up the back, with lined angel sleeves etc., would almost fit me. Not that I'm into medieval stuff, but it's a pretty dress.
All of which is to say that it's probably a wise and helpful thing to occasionally take stock of things you've done/accomplished, and record them in some way. It's good for perspective.
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