Berwick Weaving Co. hasn’t been idle of late. Here is some of the work that has come out of the workroom. I’m still in love with plainweave – that most simple of over-under weaving patterns there is. The fibre is allowed to speak, the colors and textures and “hand” all give me such pleasure. I’ve been working with a new loom – a 32″ rigid heddle from Ashford; a happy loom that is quick to dress, and is portable enough to move around my workroom.
This one, I kept for myself (sometimes you just have to).
This is a stole, 28″x 40″. Bamboo and merino warp, “Slubby mix” (BFL/merino).
Next there is “The Memento” stole. The colors are moody and mysterious, like the elegantly written book that inspired it. Christy Ann Conlin‘s new book isn’t out until April, but you can pre-order it now. For the moment, you can look at the gorgeous cover art painted by Marie Cameron. The book is a haunting Atlantic gothic tale – honest and elegiac, mysterious, funny, and true. It’s an astonishing work of art.
The book has inspired me (I got to read an advance copy) to explore more of the simple and not-so-simple “art” that goes hand in hand with “craft”. It has also shown me – anew – the gorgeous and sometimes tough beauty of my chosen home. The Bay of Fundy ain’t for sissies, but it’s rich with history and there is a deep legacy of art, history, loss, and memory attached to it. Go order that book.
Further, I was tasked with making a blanket for wee Renaud. This is his little wooden stool:
And this was my interpretation of said stool:
And then, during some of the bleakest dull days of January… a request for Spring: this is a shawl, with lots of drape – mulberry silk and cotton. It was a distinct pleasure to weave this particular piece. This is a sister shawl to the “Patricia” a red and black number I wove late last year, a sparkly detail of which you can see below.
As January draws to a close, I have other commissions that I’m working on, and then will be on a bit of a hiatus until mid-March.
Berwick Weaving Company 