August 2008 Showcase

Eva works on a combination of shadow weave and log cabin. She writes: "I have always been intrigued by weaving patterns that appear complex but structurally are very simple. Shadow weave, a color-and-weave effect and mostly plain weave structure, has amazing possibilities...

CW Seminars 2008

July 2008 Showcase

Those of us who were fortunate enough to attend Seminars 2008 carry home many wonderful memories. We took pictures of each other taking pictures. At the Silent Auction, we admired the beautiful and practical items for sale as well as the ability of some people to write their names and bids upside down. In the Paean to Peter, in classes, in discussions, in the cafeteria, and especially at the Fashion Show, we appreciated each others' fiber work and ideas. In addition, there was Robyn Spady's talent on the Kazoo to enjoy.

We watched and listened in admiration as, by video, Peter Collingwood talked about his life and work and demonstrated his methods. At his request, we toasted him in a glass of white wine. The set of two DVD's of the interview with him and the views of his studio with him at work explaining his methods are available from CW for $15 plus shipping. Contact Marjie Thompson at marjie@maine.rr.com for USA, Canada, or Australia.

Complex Weavers June Showcase

Complex Weavers Sharing Information - Encouraging Interests: "Here is a soothing summer scene for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere and a reminder of what is to come for those in the Southern Hemisphere. Jane Evans writes:'I make pictures of serene places where I feel most alive, where I can think and dream. These pictures blend several textile methods and materials to give a distinctive impact. Currently I integrate warp painting, split-shed weaving, and free-motion and hand embroidery. The complexity of combined methods has added freedom, challenge, stimulus, and deeper enjoyment to my creative pursuits...."

Complex Weavers May Showcase

Complex Weavers Sharing Information - Encouraging Interests: "Star and Flower Hearts Star and Flower Hearts by Ivy DeHart Since in many countries around the world, Mother's Day is celebrated in May, this month we showcase Star and Flower Hearts in Two-tied Weave, by Ivy DeHart."

April CW Showcase

This month we showcase a Bateman Sample by Sue Freeman. Sue writes:"I chose this weave structure because I find the Bateman tie units interesting and challenging to design with. This pattern is from the book, Bateman Blend Weaves, edited by Virginia I Harvey. I tried quite a few variations on the computer, settling on this one as it looked like little fish. Since this was going to be used as a table runner for Easter, it would work perfectly. I used the same size bamboo for both the warp and pattern threads. U used a fine sewing thread for the tabby. I chose the bamboo because, having just received a new shipment to the shop, the colors were perfect for Spring. I didn't have any problems with the fiber. It was easy to work with and feels so nice!" "Warp: Bambu 12" This work was part of an article featuring work by members of the Complex Weavers Study Group: Tied Weaves . The article was published in the October, 2007 issue of Complex Weavers Journal

March CW Showcase

Complex Weavers: This month we showcase 'Golden Ogee I' by Jan Paul. This work tempts the Webmistress to say, 'Oh, Gee, Wow!': Jan writes that the techniques used are Ciselé (cut, uncut, voided) velvet with bouclé loops; and the piece is hand-Jacquard woven velvet; the materials are silk, metallic thread, wood frame and plexiglass. This work was part of an article on Blue Ridge Handweaving Show winners who are also CW members. The article appeared in the June, 2007 issue of Complex Weavers Journal. In the 2004 BRH Show, Jan won a second place award in the category 'Decorative, Non-Functional - Professional'. The original work, including the frame, measured 15' x 15-3/8' x 1-1/4'.

February 2008 CW Showcase

This month we showcase "Window Into the Past" by Gay McGeary. Gay writes: "For my 2007 contribution to the exchange for the Early Weaving Books and Manuscript Study group, I ... used the Biesecker draft for my sample contribution. "In May 2007 I purchased an early coverlet in the window pattern style from an auction in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. I was struck by the similarity to my sample. The colors of the red and green were almost exact, while the dark blue I used was lighter than the coverlet I purchased."

CW Seminar 2008 at Eckerd College

In October, our agents visited Eckerd College and took some pictures. We liked these pictures of the grounds. In the picture shown here, our agent (identifiable by the CW Seminar 2008 tote bag she is carrying) is looking away from the building, probably at a magnificent live oak tree. Hurry to get your registration in soon so that you can attend some great seminars and visit this lovely campus.

December Showcase

This month we showcase Lillian Whipple's "Rose Window, National Cathedral, 1993". There is further information on how Lillian creates her cards in Complex Weavers Journal, #85, October 2007, page 54. You can see many other Christmas cards at Complex Weavers Journal #85 Color Pictures

November Showcase

This month we showcase Pat Donald's "Modified Diamond Overshot". Warp: 10/2 Cotton Tabby Weft: 20/2 Cotton Pattern Weft: Jagger Spun 2 ply merino wool Sett: 24 epi, sleyed double in 12 dent reed Weave structure: Modified overshot Pat wove her sample for the Study Group Sample Exchange - The Old Fashioned Way The group is featured in the February, 2007 Complex Weavers Journal. You can see larger versions of "Modified Diamond Overshot" CW Journal # 83 Color Pictures

October Showcase

In October, we showcased Bhakti Ziek's "Black Locust". Although we chose this work for its lovely fall colors, Bhakti had something entirely different in mind. She writes: "...As I start to work on my new TC-1 loom, the challenges I put forth for myself are to create sensuous work that speak of my passion for weaving, my belief that textiles do have a unique expression derived from their innate processes and that it is possible to create intriguing work that speaks to our times, using modern technology, but still has its roots in the past, honors that past, but speaks to the future. It is not an easy challenge - I certainly hope I can persevere and succeed." Bhakti writes in more detail about her work in the June, 2007 Complex Weavers Journal. You can see larger versions of "Black Locust" and other work by Bhakti at CW Journal # 84 Color Pictures