Shop the Story: Dani

Young, retired, chronically ill-(and chronically fabulous)-single-mom artfully weaving her way through this adventure called life.

Who knew, that I would find my honorary aunt,  the magical founder/CEO of Mirrix, and newest and treasured member of my family. A person that has inspired me to push myself in my craft, and has served as a genuine friend and relationship that is treasured. All of this because of applying for what I thought was a shot-in-the-dark chance to become a bigger part of the Mirrix family—a SMFAM participant. The discovery of tapestry/weaving came at a point in my life where I was searching for something to fill the new ‘holes’ that were created in my life through becoming a ‘retiree’. I needed a challenge—yet something that would fit with my new lifestyle. I needed something fresh and new—something that reminded me of my unique abilities; something that could provide a brief escape from the unpredictable nature of my ‘new’ life, spawned by the event of my retirement. I had no clue that such an activity could fill those ‘holes’. The back and forth trance that occurs during a weaving session that transforms my mood and surroundings into pure bliss. I am granted little moments to sit with an incredible tool that serves as an outlet to release my creativity. The possibilities in my mind are endless, and and it produces a trance that for a few moments, makes me forget that I have a chronic disease that prescribes nothing but unpredictability in my life. I wish everyone and anyone could experience the joy that comes with embracing an art and producing professional grade work.

Shop The Story:
Pearl, my 22″ Zach Loom
Color Me Autumn Color Kit
Hand-Painted Silk
Navajo Wool Warp
Sari Silk Strips
Pre-Made Heddles

Like to own in the future:
Smooth Bamboo Bobbins I don’t know how I’ve been surviving purely on my often quickly made butterflies of yarn. I have a few other wooden tools from when I first started weaving, but by no means are they of any *real* quality. I have a few plastic bobbins, but they are only 3 inches long max. Stick shuttles made of unfinished wood do not make for a prime weaving experience—I honestly don’t know how I haven’t already upgraded!
Bamboo Tapestry Needles Again, I am still using the tools that I randomly collected from when I first started weaving. This includes a couple flat needles of sorts which often gives me more trouble than it might be worth. It was ok for weaving on a plain lap or frame loom—but gracious it gives me trouble when trying to add those Dani-details that give me pride once my piece is completed.
I also have been toying with the idea of getting a Bottom Spring Kit (with springs included). The long and short of it is: warp spacing is everything. And at this time in my rookie weaving career, I believe it would possibly serve me well to have a set at the bottom, to aid in keeping my warp evenly spaced from top to bottom. Perhaps it’s my zeal and adrenaline when putting my vision onto the loom, that causes the occasional awkward warp spacing—but I feel that since Claudia and Elena had the wonderous vision and foresight to anticipate, recognize and solve this dilemma, it is almost wasteful not to take advantage of it! It’s one of the beautiful advantages to shopping and supporting small business; they use the product, they are adaptable and completely invested in the success of their clients.
Lastly, my pie in the sky dream, is to own a Big Sister Loom. I love my Zach Loom—almost too much (I’m still in a phase where I treat it as if it were a baby, trying to gently handle and shield it from any possible harm). But my goodness, once you experience the glory that is a Mirrix, you can’t help but peruse and swoon over everything else the Mirrix brand has to offer. I love creating medium to large size weavings. And my Zach Loom affords me the privilege of being able to enjoyably create quality pieces. But oh how I wish I could take my sweet 22” Loom everywhere I go. It is so light, and easy to carry—but I have found that it is literally just a smudge too big to be my certified companion and escort to *every* function. Yes, I’m that lady that will casually whip out a loom, crochet piece, coloring book and 72 piece (adult) marker set from my Mary Poppins never-ending purse. All whilst waiting for my daughter to be finished with maker scouts, ballet class. I am even so bold to pull out my works-in-progress during slow moments of parent meetings, lunch dates with myself, or that forever wait time in doctor’s offices. I do travel with my Zach loom on some of these occasions, but even I with my shameless habit of filling my spare time with art, recognizes that sometimesssss it may not be the best idea. Not because of stares (I’m young and retired with a stupid ‘forever’ disease and I deserve to do as I please!). But simply because space does not always allow. I strongly believe and slowly talking myself into investing in the slightly smaller Big Sister loom. I think it’d be perfect—a loyal bff that will accompany me anywhere I go. I have even sketched out what a handmade carrying case  I would fashion for her! But alast, I know that realistically I will have to shuffle around some expenses in order to make it happen. (That’s the single mom MS life!)