Hello Tapestry Study Group Members! I hope you're enjoying your tapestry endeavors ! For this study group to work , members need to be willing to come forth and share what they are doing. If members don't post it's not much of a study group, right? So I'll go first and I hope that the rest of you will chime in:) let's make this thread a great place for all of us to learn!

I'm still working on Patagonia, and will be for along time:) I decided to put some boulders , with mineral strikes, on the left hand side of the forefront because the composition just looked unbalanced. I also decided to put in a large wind pattern by using several rows of soumac in a shiny doubled perle  cotton . It's still quite thin. Pictures when this becomes concrete and not just ideas:)

of course, after doing the drawing, which I love to do, I realized I hadn't transferred the cartoon to velum so it would be tough enough to stand up to all my whacking of the tapestry beater! So transferring the cartoon is what I'm doing today, then sewing on the bottom. Then off to Home Depot to get the Earth Magnets that we found out about on this thread last month! I'm excited to use them instead of sewing the cartoon every few inches!

i'm also very excited to be taking a masterclass with Rebecca Metzof in Vermont this summer! The workshop is on color and design. I am thrilled! I'm not sure exactly what personal goals  I'm going to set for myself, let it percolate for awhile. I know some of you have studied with her. She seems so knowledgeable , patient, creative and funny from her blog! I love her work! 

Does anyone want to share workshop experiences? Penland, Arrowmont, Haystack, John C. Campbell, PetersValley, etc., plus who we studied with? We could be a tremendous resource for each other.

so let's be a resource for each other, companions in this joy or sometimes confusion(!) of tapestry! If we all take time to share what we're doing and rout each other on, this will be a very satisfying place !

tapestry lover,

Cathie

Comments

Fri, 04/01/2016 - 12:35

endorph

lurking in here Cathy! I am looking forward to see your work on Patagonia progress. It has been fun seeing your process on this project.

Fri, 04/01/2016 - 16:05

theresasc

on the first African Violet.  I am to the point where there are a lot of shapes and lines coming together at the center of the flower so I am kind of taking my time figuring out where to weave what when - LOL. 

I am also trying to decide if I am going to weave 3 seperate violet (I have 3 different African Violets in different colors and shapes) tapestries or if I should just weave one long piece with all three flowers.  So many decisions to make.

Quite a few years ago I took a workshop with Joanne Hall on tapestry.  I wove on an Archie Brennan copper loom.  Joanne is a great teacher.  I really enjoyed the workshop and I actually sort of remember quite a lot from it.  The entire time that I have been weaving I have gone back to tapestry, it just keeps calling me.

Cathie - you will love using the magnets.  That is one of the best ideas that I have found from another weaver.  It just beats the daylights out of sewing the cartoon on.

Sat, 04/02/2016 - 13:27

Artistry

Good Morning ! Beautiful day here ! Tina and Theresac, good to hear from you both:)

I just saw in Handwoven, maybe?, about Joanne Hall teaching tapestry and twill being woven together, which I've never done. 

Yesterday I started tracing from the drawing onto the cartoon. I'm being much more detailed this time. Especially in the rocks.I'm about half way through doing it in pencil, then redo in Waterproof marker.

I have figured out how the wind patterns are. In Patagonia they are called " Westerlies". They come from the west, northwest - some parts of the year from , west southwest. so when looking at the tap. I want to make sure the wind is coming from the correct place - so it's matching the movement of the waves and iceberg. the wind is so significant there, it just about blows you over, at times you are walking at a diagonal. So really it's another crucial " object". I'm thinking soumac lines that cross the tap in a northwest  orientation, a fat row of them, sort of undulating. Out of multiple strands of pearle cotton. However that may not be strong enough. It will be a tricky balance for them to be present and strong, but not overwhelm.

Very Open to Suggestions My Tapestry Friends!

well, I've waxed on long enough:)

Theresac - What colors are your other African Violets? The one you're doing is so rich in color. I think they would be nice either way! Are you doing them on your Tissart? 

Oh by the way, is anyone going to Convergence? American Tapestry Alliance, I believe will be having exhibits there! 

 

Sat, 04/02/2016 - 18:29

Erica J

I love reading your thought process! It is very educational. My main goal for this year is to improve my design skills. The Complex Weavers Design Study Group (lead by Tien) is quite useful for that, but so is reading other's thought processes/design decisions here.

I didn't accurately measure, but I think I wove about a meter of lozenge/diamond twill cloth today. I have about a meter and a half left to weave before I cut off the loom There will still be some warp left. I'll need to wet finish what I cut off the loom, to see if it is enough for the tunic or if I need to weave off more for the tunic. If the woven amount is enough, I'll weave off the rest, in the hopes that I get a matching apron dress out of it! :)

I also ordered a metric load of wool from Weavers Bazaar, as I will either weave a rug for my Certificate of Achievement Project piece and later use in the kitchen or I will just weave it for use in the kitchen! Too many choices!!!! :)

Sat, 04/02/2016 - 17:59

theresasc

that are left to be woven, one is in pinks and it has double petals so it will be a real challenge for me to weave.  I also will have to buy yarn (oh drats!  LOL) for this one.  I only have one shade of pink in wool.  The other violet is purple, very traditional in looks.  I have the yarns for this one, so it will be next.  I just need to study my pictures and flowers and figure out a cartoon.  They will all be woven on the Tissart, hopefully the same warp.  I think I am going to do individual tapestries and am then planning to hang them on the wall going up to my weaving loft.  At least, that is thought process as of today - that can always change:-)

 

My understanding is that the American Tapestry Alliance exhibit will be at the Milwaukee Art Museum during Convergence.  That is a really cool building.  I am planning on going, I only live about 1/2 hour south of Milwuakee.  I am not taking any classes, but a good portion of my local weaving group is planning to go up for the day - shopping and exhibits and the Navajo rug auction.  How is that for a day of fun! 

 

Erica - I would really like to hear from you on your opinion of the Weaver's Bazaar yarns.  I moon over that site on a regular basis but just have not gotten to the point of pulling the trigger and ordering one of their color packs.  Lucky you to be in the UK!

Sat, 04/02/2016 - 18:32

Erica J

Theresa,

Yes I am very lucky! I have their warp linen and I really like it. I will tell you what I think of the wool. I look forward to seeing more photos of your tapestry.

I am also wondering where you all get those earth magnets. I found some on Amazon UK, but they turned out to be tiny, so I'm wondering if there is a better source. US sites aren't a problem for me. :)

Sat, 04/02/2016 - 18:55

theresasc

I got mine at Home Depot:  .47" D x .11" (12mm x 3 mm)

Came 6 to a pack for $3.98.  I bought 2 packs, so on my 9" tapestry I have 6 sets of magnets holding the cartoon.  The numbers on the link I am including are a little different, but I think close enough, the actual item might vary by store.  Super Magnet

Sat, 04/02/2016 - 19:18

Erica J

Thank you the measurements helped tremendously!! Will have some of tghe same soon! Yeah!

Sun, 04/03/2016 - 13:36

Artistry

Erica, I can't wait to see all your samples from the CoA ! The examination weekend is in June, right? I have an idea ! After you weave the rug for the CoA, ( is it your last sample?) you could ditch some of the ends, and, weave a tapestry :) I've got to get you somehow, ha! Ha!

Theresasc, violets sounds pretty. An inviting way to enter your studio, don't you have your beautiful tapestry of the tree there too? Have you ever traced your photos? Trying to get as many nuances of shape and shadow as possible? Then you take them to a copy shop and have them blown up to the size you want, then make a sturdy cartoon by tracing again on velum?

today, I do my cartoon in waterproof marker. Yesterday took a long time in pencil because I became more exacting in putting in values and the wind pattern, more drawing. I don't think today will take as long.

however the decision is what color to make the wind pattern? I want it to look cold, brisk, strong. That leads me to silvers, white, maybe blue, green.. White is no go so is silver, because I have snow, clouds, and lots of grey. Unless I go metallic , hold that thought! 2nd is to go blue, too much blue in iceberg, Sky, water is Aqua. 3 one is green, green has yellow in it, if I use it next to blues it will look yellowish, a warm color. The other colors on my wheel have some warm color in them. I might be able to mix in the weft bundle a way to counteract the warm color coming through let's say in the green. Maybe the silver metallic, if, it's a smooth yarn. This will take some thought and the wind pattern doesn't start until I'm a few inches into the tapestry. Which will give me better answers what the color might be.

Happy Tapestry Weaving! Did people get their tapestry looms together?

Cathie

 

Sun, 04/03/2016 - 16:07

Erica J

I will get there Cathie, I promise!!!

I do have lots of warp left on the Dryad loom, which is also well suited for tapestry.  I just need to get over the hurdle. I keep trying, because I want to get there one day. I need to blow up my inspiration piece and do the circling of various areas and just turn this into a very basic cartoon.

I did love the samples samples I did which included soumak and I know this is used to good effect in tapestry weaving and plan to use soumak in my eventual tapestries. :)

I think the magnets will also really help, even if I scale back my plans and just use one of the cartoons from a tapestry book. I know having those magnets to help hold the cartoon in place will make the process much easier and therefore enjoyable! :)

Sun, 04/03/2016 - 20:44

Artistry

Too true:) I still have to get magnets!

Tue, 04/05/2016 - 15:09

theresasc

of the first African Violet.  Might even finish weaving it today.  Then it will be back to the drawing board.

Cathie, please post your cartoon pictures to this thread, and I cannot wait to see the cartoon attached to your warp.  How big will it be?  It must be so exciting for you to be to this point - cartoon, check - weft bundles ready, check - go!  Have fun with that new beater too!

Wed, 04/06/2016 - 13:57

Artistry

This is the cartoon for Patagonia. You can see I got the wind pattern in. It will be done will very pale grey single silk ,which I'l dye, in soumac. There are a few changes for balance. On the lefthand side the long marks across the water representing the movement of  the water, about 6 of them will have white cresting on top of them. on the right handside down in the forefront of the tap. there will be three med. - smallest rocks. So here goes!

cartoon Patagonia tapestry

Wed, 04/06/2016 - 14:01

Artistry

forgot to mention that the movement in the water is soumac as well, in the same color family as the water except those mentioned above wihich will have the cresting. so what you see are several parts where the wind pattern crosses the water movement. 

Cathie

Wed, 04/06/2016 - 16:00

theresasc

Cathie - have you based your cartoon on photos from your visit?  Or did it come from a combo of being there and photos?  I am really impressed with the amount of movement your cartoon has, really great work.

The first violet is woven:

first African Violet

Now on to the next cartoon.  I have the yarn picked out, it will be strands of Harrisville Shetland with the same background yarn as the first African Violet.  I have decided to weave each violet seperately, but all on the current warp.  I will put spacers between each and weave them that way.

Wed, 04/06/2016 - 17:10

Erica J

Yesterday we had a visit from a former student and NASA astronaut. He spoke to all our students (K-12) during different sessions throughout the day and was truly inspiring. The last 20 minutes of the talk was a presentation of images and experiences fro his 6 month mission to the International Space Station. I think I feel a whole new series of weavings coming on inspired by several of his photos.

I thought the aroras viewed from space might make a good tapestry cartoon for a beginner. Here is the one I'm consdiring (probably minus the satelite). Do you all think this would make a good cartoon inspiration? Or is there not enough going on here? I fit it to the coment box, you can also see the full version here.

Wed, 04/06/2016 - 23:28

Artistry

Wow, Erica, I wish I was one of those students yesterday ! This photo is fabulous! I think it definitely could be used for a tap, there is so much going on. First, you have 4 main " characters" the sky, 2 aroras,  lights . Outside of the night sky, there is a lot of detail in everything. Twinkling lights, color blending,light dark contrast, I'm sure much more! I'd say go for it!

Theresac, I usually do tapestries from photos or drawings from still life's that I've drawn. Most of what is in the Patagonia cartoon, are from photos of Patagonia when we were there. For the cartoon I used two principle photos, then quite a few extra for detail such as ; better color, or a different part of the iceberg,etc. all the parts of the photos are now labeled with yarn color numbers.

i used research into Patagonian wind patterns to come up with how the wind would flow. The wind was so strong I just had to find a way to get into the tapestry. The boulders , one I had a picture of from Michigan, so I drew that, the others I made up( giggle ).

I love series! I think your idea of the African Violets will be beautiful. 

 

Thu, 04/07/2016 - 14:35

theresasc

Erica, I also think that is a great photo to work from.  The aroras would be just beautiful.  The thing that came to my mind when I saw the aroras was a couple of the color packs from Weavers Bazaar - LOL!  I just cannot seem to get their yarns off my mind.

Okay, here is a picture of the next violet that will be woven.  I have a workable sketch and now I have to do the prep work on the warp such as putting in the spacers, twining, and weaving the base.  So off to the Tissart with me!

second African Violet

Fri, 04/08/2016 - 16:05

theresasc

Okay, here is the cartoon for my second violet.  This was not easy for me since I have zilch in the way of any drawing talent.  I am planning alot more color blending with this tapestry.  I am using HD Shetland, so I will be able to have 4 strands of color to a bundle.  The first violet I wove with just straight color, no blending.  I have started to weave and I really have to think about each placement with so many more colors in play.  So far, very fun and I am really working the artistic side of brain hard!  LOL

second violets cartoon

Sun, 04/10/2016 - 06:18

Erica J

Great sketch!!! Oli J gets back from a few days away with the lads today. So this afternoon I hope to have the energy to go full tilt on a few weaving things, the cartoon for my tapestry being on the list!

Sun, 04/10/2016 - 13:33

Artistry

Thereasc, I like your sketch for your cartoon. With bundles of 4 in your weft, plus the color study and techniques you did, you can really go to town! I know what you mean about having to think about placement of color. I find with tapestry I have to think ALL the time, I'm sure that's why I love it so, lol!

Erica, yay! post your cartoon when you get it done! Your subject matter is fantastic!

i finally got the magnets from the hardware store. I have a guildmate coming over today whose learning the AVL, if I can get her weaving I should be able to do tapestry:) I will post pictures when I get about an inch woven:)

please post your goings on! I'd love to hear from you all! Don't be shy!

Cathie

Sun, 04/10/2016 - 14:59

Erica J

So TJ and I went to the science musuem yesterday and had some popcorn last night, while Oli J was away to Ireland for a day and a bit.

This morning we were excitedly waiting for Oli's arrival back home, when TJ started experimenting with the unpopped kernels and the pump bit from his rocket. The next thing I knew we were off to the Emergency department, because TJ had extneded his experiment to putting unpopped kernels up his nose. I wasn't sure how many he had put up there and only one came out when he blew his nose. He's not yet blowing his nose with kleenexes, etc. so no danger there.

Anywho, we are now all home, I have napped and am gathering materials to start my cartoon! Hopefully photos later.

I also think one of the dyed fleeces I'm taking to Cornwall with us for Monday through Thursday, might have just the colors for the tapestry. Failing that I probably will order some weavers bazaar yarn. I am enjoying the wool I am working with on my rug just now. :)

Theresa, if you send my your address, I'd be happy to get another color card and send it your way, so you can get an idea of the look and feel of their yarn.

Sun, 04/10/2016 - 16:44

theresasc

TJ is okay - I know it was not funny when it happened, but you just gotta smile, what is it about little kids and their nose:-) 

Oh, and thanks for the idea on the color card.  Now I have international yarn-enablers!  LOL  I am glad that you like the wool, I am looking forward to when we can see pictures.

Speaking of yarn, I went to a small fiber fair in north central Illinios yesterday and picked up some more yarn for my tapestry.  I am using HD Shetland and I did not think that I would have enough of a particular color.  I had brought the yarn with me to match it up in case there was a vendor who had that yarn line, and Sara von Treschkow with the Woolgaterers did - she also had one more shade in the purple range, lighter than my lightest so I grabbed that too.  Score!

Here is what I have woven so far.  I am not sure that I like one of the colors that I am using in the leaves, too blue, but I decided to just keep weaving.

second African Violet

 

 

Sun, 04/10/2016 - 18:35

Erica J

I have the intial cartoon sketched out, but need to darken it up a bit in order to be able to post a photo. I noticed you outlined yours in color that is a great idea and I'm going to do that as well!

You enabled me as well, I was going to see about spinning up that fleece for thsi project, but since I don't want to keep you "waiting" on the color card, I decided to order a couple of their color packs. I had forgotten about those until you mentioned them. :)

I also like that you have some negative space in your design, it helps me be more confident that leaving negative space in my design will work

Sun, 04/10/2016 - 18:51

theresasc

Seeing your design.   I was trying to use the colored pencil to give me an idea of where I need to have shading and/or color blending.  I do not have a large selection of colored pencils to work from so I have thought of getting a big box of Crayola crayons.   I am thinking that I might be able to control the depth of color better.

So I know some of you use paints when figuring out and designing a cartoon.  What else do you use?  Anyone else using pencils or crayons?   Is there a preference and why?

Sun, 04/10/2016 - 20:46

Artistry

Thereasc, I don't use color very much for tapestry cartoons. I do value drawings in greys , black, and white. Mostly because I know what the general color will be. Also I'm a better pencil drawer than color pencil drawer. Sometimes , if I have a color change, I just make a area marking of the color and mark let's say, orange/ rust. I find having the values in first are probably more important for me than the colors because I can see clearly the proportion of things, distance, shadows,how the objects relate to each other. I do have all the colors decided, for the most part before I start. I go back to the photos and my value drawings and start picking out yarns, in hue and value ( and intensity) and putting the yarn number in each place On the design. Of course when I'm weaving and get to that number It just means it's predominant in the weft bundle. Sometimes the color doesn't work out and I have to go to Plan B, lol!

that all said , I do have a wonderful box of good art store colored pencils, that I've had for many years that I use for floor loom weaving, tablet weaving, many other things. They are fantastic.

this is not to say that I don't think painted inspirations or colored cartoons aren't wonderful! If I was a decent painter I might do them that way. But I'm a better charcoal drawer so that is what I do:)

Thu, 04/14/2016 - 02:03

Artistry

Gosh, tendinitis again, left wrist:(

Thu, 04/21/2016 - 23:15

theresasc

I have come to the realization that I just do not enjoy weaving on a high-warp loom.  I kept looking at my next tapestry, wove a little on it and it just was not fun.  I really like weft-faced weaves, but I really am not feeling it for tapestry anymore.  I am finding to be too aggravating to see something in my minds eye and not be able to realize it in yarn.  To that end, I have quit weaving on violet #2 and am going to finish off the warp with weft-faced patterning.  I also have put the Tissart up for sale on a couple of different sites.  I still have a couple of decent frame looms that I can always fall back on if I feel I need to express myself this way in the future.  

Thu, 04/21/2016 - 23:54

Artistry

Theresac, it's good to figure out, like you have, what you enjoy and don't enjoy in weaving! I give you a lot of credit for trying something new ! I think if weaving isn't fun, it's time for a change, undoubtedly so many areas of weaving to pursue!

It's a good  price on your loom ! When I got to weave on a Tissart once, I thought it was a great loom.

See you around, we'll certainly miss your presence here. Chime in anytime:)

Cathie

 

Fri, 04/22/2016 - 03:12

theresasc

You are not getting rid of me that easyCool  I am still very interested in seeing what others create through tapestry.  I am hanging onto my bobbins and books, just in case I decide to try again.  I do not regret any of the time that I spent at my tapestry looms.  I feel that I have a much better grasp on color than I did before and that will stay with me and influence my future weaving.  And Cathie, you are right that the Tissart is a great loom.

Sat, 04/23/2016 - 16:56

Artistry

Well, people, I've decided to hand over the reins to this study group to anyone who would like to pick them up! 

I will not be posting a May introduction entry. However the study group will remain open in case anyone wants to post something in the future:)

If you would like to take over the admin position please let Erica know and she will take care of things. The site will probably still list me as admin, but officially I'm not.

I've had a good time and the study group has kept me motivated :)

Cathie

Sun, 04/24/2016 - 10:53

Erica J

Thanks to everyone! I loved following along, even though my certificate studies have gotten in the way once again!

It took me nearly 20 years to become a spinner. I suspect the same is going to hold true for me as a tapestry weaver, if so I've got another 5 or so years before I change in the ways I need to in order to become a tapestry weaver. :)

I do still have some ideas and did make good progress toward my tapestry weaving goal through your inspiration!

See you all around! Happy weaving!

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