I find weaving immensely satisfying and creatively rewarding. The variety and types of yarns available plus weave structures makes it possible to weave for a lifetime and still find something new yet to weave. Add in spinning and dyeing natural fibers, and weaving becomes even more creatively expressive.
I love the feel, the texture, the curly ringlets, the sheen, and even raw fiber's earthy odors. Whether transforming it into something beautiful and simple, or simply beautiful and artistic, it takes a lot of time and effort from start to finish. This is especially true of taking raw fiber to completed project. Don't get me wrong, I love most modern technology, but it's a pleasure to rediscover how all cloth was once made. Thousands of years ago, the ancient Chinese and Egyptians were famous throughout the known world for the sheerness and quality of their spinning and weaving, all which was done by hand. This is why I chose Frederic Cailliaud's drawing of the ancient Egyptians, famous for spinning and weaving the finest linen of their day.
Weaving and the fiber arts have always interested me. As a child I had a toy loom and a working toy Singer sewing machine. But it wasn't until nearing retirement that I finally took some weaving classes, and taught myself to spin to create my own yarn. Now I'm either weaving or spinning. So far I've spun at least 20 different breeds of animal fibers. Currently I'm pursuing a Master Weaver Certificate at Olds College in Alberta, Canada where they also offer a Master Certificate in spinning.
