Studio time

I love weaving. The process of winding a warp is meditative. Dressing the loom is a series of logical steps requiring focus. Throwing the shuttle and treadling the pattern is a rhythmic dance. However, deciding what to weave can be challenging for me. So many ideas! So many choices!

I belong to Jane Stafford's online guild. It is an excellent series of projects that build up a base of knowledge, understanding and skills. Sometimes I do a guild project. Sometimes my imagination and independence take me somewhere else.

Studio time is important, as going through pattern and weave structure options, selecting fibres and colours, and figuring out the technical aspects of a project all take time. This all happens before the physical work of preparing a warp, dressing the loom and weaving can begin. If I choose to spin the yarn for a project, add on a few weeks! If I'm tying thrums for a project, I need a few road trips (Robert drives, I tie knots.)

I also love Victorian crazy quilting - building a fabric collage, embroidering the pieces together, adding surface appliques and embellishments are all completely unscripted creative steps. Deeply satisfying. And time consuming. I also crochet, wet felt, sew garments, quilts and handbags. Sometimes I paint or do calligraphy.

So why do I do all this? Sanity. Mental health. Diversion for my busy brain. Stress relief. Sensory pleasure. Challenge. Learning new skills. Creative thinking. Time alone. Creating beautiful things for people I love. A sense of flow and mastery. And so much more. Like my garden, my studio is a haven. No rules. No deadlines.

I wish you peace and serenity in your haven.