back to basics

During this Mirrix journey I’ve learned a lot about what I’m capable of doing with a little one around.  Even though the reason I am drawn to weaving tapestry is because of it’s slow factor, having a toddler around has brought my slow cruising pace to almost a complete stop at times.  So I have had to plan accordingly.  That means re-thinking things like the William Morris project I want to do.  If I attempt it at all within my nine months blogging here I think I will have to simplify it to have less colors.   Lately this lack of time (which I realize is not exclusive to child rearing) reminds of my favorite thing to do – make samples!  So my next task will be doing just that.  My immediate plan is to make a series of 5X5 (ish) samples of plain weft faced pieces to dye and embellish after.  This first few will be woven using size D C-lon beading thread as warp on a 12 dent spring, and some fingering weight wools as weft.  So far I have a plain grey on the go (above) with an indigo to follow and then a sage yarn with a variegation of magenta (achieved with cochineal).  I plan on doing some natural dye printing on at least this first one and am really curious to see if the synthetic C-Lon warp affects the way the dye runs along the wool fabric.

It was funny, as I went to weave this plain fabric I felt my feet searching for pedals – muscle memory from years ago when I used floor looms.  I’ll definitely be saving up for a pedal since this Mirrix isn’t going anywhere any time soon 😉

I’ll be in Central Park on Tuesday giving a natural dye tour and demonstration.  Join me if you are in town!

Janna Maria Vallee