Today's knitting group was the biggest ever. Ten people at the largest point. Mostly beginners wanting lessons, but the prepared librarian had flyers about beginner projects and tools and yarn.
So a couple of younger people created bookmarks from the instructions, needing little help, and three other friends, with their children, learned a crochet chain from the member who is willing to show them.
And she also worked on repairing moth damage in a red cape, inventively doing needle felting.
Conversation was largely about the work at hand, but also ranged over wearing capes, European trains, drawn thread work, convent teaching in dress making and the fiber arts, teaching voice, hip replacement, Tai chi camp, knitting needles on planes, and more.
It was good to be in the group again. My own project is not going well. I may reduce it to balls of yarn and think again.
Textiles and Tea was about the work of a weaver's weaver, Laura Fry, whose yardage for designers is famous, along with her meticulous finishing techniques and the ergonomics of working at a floor loom.
She wrote a classic book about weaving better and has a blog, on Blogger, Weaving a Life, for which I signed up as a follower, where she gives excellent technical advice.
Speaking of fabric, I ordered a length of beautiful Irish linen from Burnley and Trowbridge, enough to make a dress. Or something else nice. I love handling linen.
And this is historically accurate to design. Think Georgette Heyer, Faro's Daughter...
Beautiful post. I’ve never crocheted nor knitted nor woven, but I would enjoy your group. Yes, protect your peace.
ReplyDeleteYou could come to draw.
DeleteIt's good to see young ones learning crafts. My 6-year-old grandson wanted me to teach him how to knit. He picked it up quickly and started teaching his friends.
ReplyDeleteThis group is for adults. There are classes galore for kids, at all the libraries I know. But groups are really for adults to chat together, for some of them a treasured chance to do something for themselves. All too often parents take their children to classes, and neglect themselves.
DeleteNo doubt you and they were happy to have you back in the fold.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was a good meeting
DeleteAnother wonderful plant drawing!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I wish I could remember the name of the plant with big leaves.
DeleteIt is nice that someone took time with the beginners it is a good hobby.
ReplyDeleteI agree I am trying not to listen to the news lately I was getting so wound up about things. I am thankful for my hobbies they give me peace.
Cathy
Yes, good to have something to pick up and work on. Our group is not meant for teaching, but we don't like to turn away anyone. The willing member is getting a bit tired of the demands though. People learn a bit, then never come back to take their place in the group.
DeleteProtecting our inner peace must come first, before the intellectual yearning for knowledge. So I'm "hiding" many posts on FaceBook again.
ReplyDeleteI've never been on Facebook so I don't know what that means. I'm guessing you're opting out of some conversations?
DeleteA good reminder about reacting -- or not!
ReplyDeleteCertainly one I can use.
DeleteYes, I think that is part of "their" plan. To overwhelm us with horror and depression so they can have their way. But it is true we must stay calm and breathe if we want to succeed with stopping them and we will.
ReplyDeleteYes. Our day to day is more difficult than people who don't live here can imagine. But maintaining our center is useful resistance.
DeleteI love seeing the range of ages taking part in your knitting group. Anything we can do to encourage fibre arts in young people (and old) is a wonderful thing.
ReplyDeleteI love the Tiny Budda quote and hopefully can snag it for inclusion on my blog too.
Summer time releases younger people. Once school is in we have our regular group back.
ReplyDeleteIt's really nice to see the kids there. Best news about your kitchen wall. Hurrah!! I won't make art but I will make bread.
ReplyDeleteThe kids enjoyed their projects. Bread is an art form, too
DeleteI could definitely stand to protect my peace right now!
ReplyDeleteBreathe!
DeleteThe knitting group always sounds interesting. I wonder if our local library has one?
ReplyDeleteIf not, why not start one? They usually happen as a result of borrower interest.
DeleteLove seeing young people learning these skills!
ReplyDeleteYour drawings are so lovely!
I am protecting my peace lately, for sure. News diet and keeping busy. ;)
My drawings are part of my peace. Around here there are many opportunities for kids to learn crafts and art. Not so many for adults.
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