Stand By Me

Stand By Me from David Johnson on Vimeo.

Every Tuesday morning…

I go to South West TAFE, to the Sherwood Campus, on the outskirts of Warrnambool, for weaving classes. It is approximately a forty-five minute drive from home. Last year I spent all day Wednesdays there studying Experimental Textiles, Colour Theory, and Design Elements and Principles. This year I can only afford, time wise, to do a morning.

There is only Rocky, Georgie and I doing a minor study in Weaving, although there are a few others just beginning with an Introduction to Weaving, which we did last year.

We have started out by doing double weaving, also called double cloth, samplers. I always wondered how this worked and now I know. Put simply, two cloths are being woven at the same time; one on top and one on the bottom.

I am unable to show you the layer underneath, which is shades of green, until the cloth is removed from the loom.

With double cloth, you are able to weave the two cloths separately, join one side to make a cloth double the size, or join both sides to create a tube.

Here is Georgie working on hers. I am always lagging behind Rocky and Georgie because I generally spend the afternoon with my grandchildren who live in Warrnambool, and they stay on weaving into the afternoon.

Yarn has arrived

Delivery was so quick. And overall I am happy with purchases.

However, there is always an element of risk when purchasing sight unseen. You can never be certain of colour or quality, unless you are familiar with the brand.

I thought I was ordering this colour, because I adored the rich browns and emerald greens.

 

This is what I received.

The quality is beautiful and the colours lovely, but nothing like the image on ebay. Certainly no emerald greens or rich browns. Every bit of yarn is a shade of green.

Love the silk/cashmere. Can’t go terribly wrong with the colour of cream/white. Well, you can but I didn’t this time around.

The Filatura di Crosa also arrived today, it’s colour actually being a deeper and richer colour than the photograph on ebay. It is 100% wool and good quality but I should never buy wool. I find it impossible to wear against my skin and this lot is no exception. It feels scratchy and itchy to me.

So, I think I’ve been cured of shopping on ebay for the time being.

Still miss you Jill…

Thought you may have called in for a coffee today while we were busy weaving at TAFE. Rocky and Georgie are so far ahead of me…they stay for the afternoon but I can’t resist the call of the grandchildren, and generally leave at lunch time.

I’ve continued my spending spree on ebay and I feel a bit guilty but I’m sure it will be worth it.

Purchase no.1. described by seller as - ‘This is 2 ply Silk Cashmere in Natural from Hand Maiden - two stunning fibres blended into one yarn, simply a delight. This is the undyed version of Silk Cashmere. Material: 55% Silk, 45% Cashmere Yardage: 300m Weight: 50g Needle Size: 2.5mm Gauge: 28sts to 10 cm.’

I’m hoping to dye and weave with this. What? I don’t know yet. Oh, and I bought 2 lots.

Purchase no. 2. described by seller as - ‘This is Lady Godiva in Forest from Hand Maiden - this amazingly soft and luxurious yarn is perfect for a special gift, for yourself or for a loved one. Material: 50% Silk, 50% Wool Yardage: 250m Weight: 100g Needle Size: 4mm Gauge: 20sts to 10 cm.’

Probably should have bought 2 but only bought one. Was attempting to practice some self discipline.

Hi there Jill – we miss you.

We need your expertise. Come and have coffee with us again.

Look at what I have just bought from ebay.

FILATURA DI CROSA - 127 PRINT, 5 X 50GRAM, 100% WOOL, SUPERB QUALITY - MADE IN ITALY.

For a total cost of $21.50, therefore $4.30c per ball of yarn. I think that’s a bargain. Now, will I just sit and stare at it or will I actually do something with it? – weaving, knitting, crochet? I’ve lined my Auntie Pat up for a day to teach me how to crochet. Just need to find a day to go to Geelong – that’s the tricky part.

I’m hoping that I will get back into bloggin’ again soon, once I get more organised with the work associated with teaching and catching up with doing five years worth of tax returns. Here is an understatement – Murray is not happy regarding THE TAX – his patience has run out.