Tapestry Teaches Patience

Beginning

I have been participating in a "Weave-A-Long"

with Mirrix Looms

for a little while now,

I thought this eyeglass case would be easy

and that I could just whip it out!

I had to think again!

I love working on my 22" Zach Mirrix loom,

while my big loom in the studio is occupied

with an even bigger project!

I have been working on Part Two of

Rebecca Mezoff's online Tapestry course

(another incredible learning experience)

for awhile now and just wanted to play with my loom

before diving into Part Three (can't wait)

I purchased the kit for the eyeglass case,

loved the colored yarn choices

and Claudia's hand dyed silks were beautiful

to blend in with the fibers.

I was ready to go.

Warping the loom is one of my favorite

parts of weaving.

It is a slow process; it requires lots of thinking

but the end result forms the foundation

on which to weave.

I love it.

Slowly tapestry begins to form

I was playing around with a process

called Eccentric Weave,

something I wanted to learn, 

but was afraid to try.

So when Mirrix Looms offered this

project and I could learn the weave structure,

I was excited to try!

My little Annabelle loves helping me weave

Beating is her favorite thing!

I am sure that many of the participants

in the Weave A Long have finished their

Eyeglass Case project,

I have not.

In fact, I have learned so much with 

each and every row woven in this project.

Here are my lessons learned:

Eccentric weave is beautiful and fun

I don't want to rush any project

because I am enjoying every row

Tapestry teaches me to slow down

and to enjoy the process of weaving

(It's not always about the finished product)

For me weaving along other people

is a motivator, but I still must go at my own pace

Tapestry weaving cannot be done quickly

I love weaving in the quiet with no distractions,

I can hear my inner voice coming through

I wish others could learn this amazing art

Tapestry allows the fibers to run through my fingers,

it's all about a sense of touch

Tapestry weaving is a meditative art

it forces me to slow down, think and take it in.

Tapestry speaks to me

Every row teaches me something new

As of this morning 4 1/2" woven ... 3 more to go!

On this quiet Tuesday morning with coffee in hand,

it seemed like the perfect time to write about something

I am extremely passionate about!

I love to weave quietly in the morning,

before things begin to happen in our household,

it is a gift I give to myself!

Perhaps this is why the words of

  Carole King's song Tapestry

rings so true in my own life . . .

I have certainly loved this song my whole life!

"My life is just a Tapestry of rich and golden hue . . ."

Me and my Hokett loom while traveling to Squam Retreat,

(Fiber and Weaving are always with me)

If you ever get the chance to learn this gentle art,

I encourage you to do so!

There are so many opportunities out there,

and weaving have had an explosion of attention lately.

I'm glad I have come full circle after 35 years,

and returned to where I began my own weaving journey.

Oh the lessons I have learned and I have so far to go.

I love to think of the yarn fibers that have passed

through my hands over the years.

I stand here grateful for having been drawn to this process

oh so long ago.

I am a better person today because of it.

Patience and slowing down is slipping away from all of us,

I'm just glad that when I sit at my loom,

even if only for a few minutes in a day,

it speaks to me ...

Donna Lee just enjoy where you are right here and right now

nothing else matters in this moment.

Relax and breathe it all in