Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Yes2next, Knitting Group, Textiles and Tea,


Heavy rain Tuesday, so instead of outdoor walking, I did an interesting 20 minute yes2next walking video

April, the trainer, daughter of 84 year old Aiko, seated there, is very good on warm-up and cool down, and reminders about a sip of water now and then.  Much better than when I do it without their instruction.

Two offers to ride to the  Tuesday knitting group, it's like a polite bidding war!  

Despite pouring rain, the regular members showed up. With all kinds of work in progress.


The two pictured above are hand spun yarn created by the knitter, who has resolved to use her stash of hand spun before buying any more yarn. 
Note the Icord edging 

Wearing one sweater while knitting another for her niece.

Talk ranged over teaching writing, blogging, freelancing,  teaching music, transgender relatives, giving away art -- invitation extended to group to come here and pick -- dermatology, pet care, houseplant care, the urge to make, the pandemic, the way we washed and sterilized everything, and more. It was a lot funnier than it reads.

Then at the close of the meeting, the member who'd driven me arranged with another to drive me next week! I felt like a parcel, but they're so determined to keep me going, it's lovely.

Home to a pot of tea, with honey toast and Textiles and Tea with 










Rebecca studied tapestry with the iconic Archie Brennan, and practiced it before moving into transparent weaving, where you can literally see through the work, which casts shadows onto the wall behind.

She also incorporates beads into freestanding weavings, and uses the transparency of the glass as part of the work. She's written a book which will be out next year, currently the only one which gathers the knowledge and skills of transparency weaving in one place. 

See the Anni Albers quotation from her upcoming book. Albers pioneered many weaving approaches and patterns in her Bauhaus and Black Mountain College days. What she says here is so true. In the making comes the shape and meaning of the work.

Happy day, everyone. Leap, and the net will appear! That's my policy anyway. It's worked up to now.






43 comments:

  1. "I felt like a parcel, but they're so determined to keep me going, it's lovely." You are such a valued part of this little community (among all your other communities!).

    Too late - I'll have to read about T&T tomorrow. Chris from Boise

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, do come back and see Rebecca's work,it's lovely.

      Delete
  2. I adore the colour work in the second piece of weaving shown here. That red knitted jumper is also and enviable piece of fine crafting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. D. is a great knitter. She also made those bears recently, all now in good homes.

      Delete
  3. I love the idea of transparent weaving.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The transparent weaving is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thought you'd like it, and I agree. I'd like to experience it in person.

      Delete
  5. Transparent weaving! There is no end to the different variations of weaving techniques, is there?
    It has just occurred to me that I am a trans-parent!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There seem to be endless possibilities in textiles, yes. Just when you think you've seen everything!

      Delete
  6. I had forgotten that I once did a walking video. I mean not just one time but once upon a time.

    ReplyDelete
  7. How lovely that you are receiving rides to and from the Knitting Group!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They're determined to keep me going! And I wouldn't have wanted to drive in yesterday's driving (!) rain, so they have a point.

      Delete
  8. I wonder how difficult it is for Rebecca Smith to display her work, given the need for light with her transparencies. I mean, it would be neat to have one at home and watch the different light throughout the day/season/year. But I also wonder about the difficulties of display in a gallery or museum. Did she talk about that at all? I love the gentle bidding war over driving you to knitting group! Thank you for your encouragement to leap even when we can’t see a net.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I asked her about gallery requirements, since the space between weaving and shadow on the wall is part of the artwork. She said she'd had to create special brackets for exhibits, to make sure that space happened.

      Delete
    2. That's very interesting. Thank you!

      Delete
  9. I like the beautiful fiber arts, with transparency. Love the idea of incorporating beads too. Albers certainly brought new creativity to weavings, and I've seen some of hers in a video about Black Mountain College.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She was wonderful, great innovation in weave patterns now seen as cliche, because they've been imitiated so often! My art mentor, Maggi Johnson, blessed lady. studied printmaking at Black Mountain College, so I owe that institution a lot.

      Delete
  10. I’m not craft-sy myself but appreciate what other people do and your photos are lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Artists need an appreciative audience, so thank you!

      Delete
  11. You have some solid friends in your knitting group. Not having a car is going to work out very well for you. I like the transparent weaving. Who knew?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Up to now being car free is working pretty well.

      Delete
  12. The tapestry looks lovely. Your knitting group sure gets a lot done! Do you make little notes of the conversations so you can remember to let us know? It always sounds interesting and fun!

    ReplyDelete
  13. The transparencies are something new to me--wow!
    I love that they are making sure you get to the gatherings. They do sound like fun!
    Have a wonderful day. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The weaving is new to me, too. And my knitter friends are the best!

      Delete
  14. How lovely to have drivers fighting over you! It shows how much they value your presence. And they're all so talented

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They're a very talented group, and generous.

      Delete
  15. How lovely the knitting group is looking after your transportation. Such a great group!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Quite unexpected, too. I had planned on ride services.

      Delete
  16. What beautiful weaving. I'm glad that you have drivers stepping up to help you. This Saturday we have our first Pottery Book Club meeting and I am the main driver as three of the ladies can't drive at night. I'm so looking forward to it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Is this the book group of pottery friends? Or is it books about clay?

      Delete
  17. People, I think, are mostly lovely. I hope someone will always came and take you to the group
    How many of us have promised to not buy anymore craft supplies until we use up our stash. Only to buy more because “ it was on special” or “ but I don’t have that colour” lol
    No? must be just me then

    ReplyDelete
  18. Beautiful weaving. ❤️ That group sound like very nice people.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, they're nice, and we welcome new members, not wanting to be a clique.

      Delete
  19. U love your knitting group. It sounds so companiable.

    ReplyDelete
  20. A nice group and beautiful pieces.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Transparent weaving is another new-to-me concept. So glad there's a lineup of willing drivers to get you to and from the knitting group. I doubt you're going to miss your car one bit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's looking good for rides just now anyway.

      Delete

Please read the comments before yours and see if your question is already answered!