Aaaah, winter. The time of year for staying indoors and burying your head under the covers, or the time of year when things slow down enough that you can tackle some fun projects you don’t otherwise have time for.
I’ve opted for the latter and signed up for a weaving class, the first of which was held today at the Columbus Cultural Arts Center. This class will last for eight weeks, or until I finish my scarf (if it takes longer, which is entirely possible since I’ve never in my life done anything remotely like this).
OK, first, I have to say, who knew that weaving was so complicated?? Holy cannoli. I could not have chosen a more complex, convoluted and confounding “fun” project if that had been my goal. Ten minutes in, and I am seriously wondering what I’d got myself into. It’s like learning a new language with words you’ve seen and used but that now have entirely new meanings; or with words you’ve never heard of and have to relate to something you’re unfamiliar with. Combine this with a teacher who teaches in bits and pieces instead of starting with the overall Big Picture (my way of learning), and it’s, well, it’s challenging!
I did, however, choose my project (the scarf) and the pattern (a peacock twill – which looks nothing like a peacock) and the threads (a multicolor jewel-toned mohair with a blue contrasting “warp”. See, I told you . . . “warp” – it’s not what you think anymore!).
Near the end of the class I was actually starting to prepare the thread for my warp – the vertical thread that runs through a design – and really got into the rhythm of weaving it around the staggered pegs, swaying back and forth, left and right and left and right, with the thread lightly dancing through my fingers. By the time I left, I felt like I’d had a massage. You know that feeling – all calm and relaxed.
I’d say it’s a pretty good start.
