Advice for Weaving Students

24 Aug 2011
Handwoven Magazine Ask Madelyn
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madelynv@interweave.com

 Dear Madelyn,


I know you've taught many weavers over the years. What advice do you share with your students at The Weavers' School?


––Regina Phalanges


Hi, Regina.


How nice of you to ask! Here are my three favorite bits of advice:

  • A firm beat is not achieved with your muscles but by the speed with which the beater hits the fell.
  • If you have warped your loom and can’t get interested in weaving whatever is on it, take it off and put on something else. A weaving life is very short.
  • Don’t believe every tip you get from other weavers. Think each one through, considering all the consequences of following it (and if you think it won’t work for you, maybe keep that thought to yourself).

Hope these help you, too.


––Madelyn

 


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IWeaveTwo wrote
on 25 Aug 2011 5:14 PM

Hi Madelyn,

  I wanted to tell you how incredibly excited I was with the the Handwoven Magazine that arrived in yesterday's mail that featured the special fashion issue.  I have been weaving since 1979 and this is the most "pumped" I've been in a long time.  I love to weave for making garments that are used for everyday and special occasion wear as opposed to "art garments" and have taught several workshops along this line.  But this issue has really recharged my batteries.  It is nice to once again get the schematic drawing for the garment patterns along with the drawdowns etc.  As more weavers are getting into the wonderful world of sewing they can finally step beyond weaving rectangles - placemats, scarfs, rugs etc. and dazzle the community with their original creations.  Keep up the good work.  Thanks.  

    Sharon Wickstrom