Dear Weavers
Yes, I'm still here! The last couple of months have been spent busily working behind the scene and at the looms. And... lots has happened privately too. It's been so busy, incredibly busy and meanwhile the time just flies by. So let's try to recap what happened:
First I have to tell you what I have been doing behind the scene. I'm so excited! Over the last months I worked really hard to get the new "Learn to weave" page on my website ready to go. It includes the four ways on what I offer on how to learn the craft of weaving.
- The Handweavers correspondence course
- Workshops
- Individual courses
- Weaving kits
Not all of it is ready, some parts I am still working on and will be available one after the other soon. I also made some changes to existing material. One big new thing is that level 2 of the weaving correspondence course is now available in individual packages/modules. There is no longer any need to have to go from module 1 to 18 in a row. Each module is available by itself and the packages can be picked and chosen whatever the heart desires. Although a weaving project will always go over 2 packages and if you would like to finish the project it is advisable to buy both packages to learn the whole weave structure. The best part is that the content of the package is described online and can be purchased with just a click. Although they are only available in printed form for $42 each, the digital form will come some time later.
If you continue to scroll down on the "learn how to weave" page the next new thing is the workshops. I listed each workshop I offer with description and pictures. These are the newest workshops, except the beginning weaving workshop, which is the one workshop very close to my heart and I will always offer. The new workshops are 'chenille making', 'Echo & Iris', 'Deflected Double Weave', 'Shadow weave' and 'Picture to weaving'.
If you are interested in organising one of these workshops at your guild, send me an email (sales@bbyarn.com) to work out further details. I would be happy to travel wherever and meet new weavers all around Australia!
Don't forget I also offer four interesting individual courses in Colour theory and Drafting. These courses can now be purchased digital for $19.90 or $24.90 and in printed version for $42 each. For more information about the individual courses go to https://www.bbyarn.com/products/colour-theory or https://www.bbyarn.com/products/drafting-theory
The last part on the "Learn how to weave" page are the Weaving kits. This part is still in progress. But I plan to have weaving kits available from the weaving correspondence projects and more. These projects are going to be available in digital form, just as a pdf or instructions with yarn or instructions with a prepared warp, ready to go. I plan to have many fun projects available like bath mats, t-towels and pencil cases. All projects are another way to learn and expand your knowledge of weaving. And at the same time producing a beautiful product to enjoy.
At the first weekend in May I was invited to join the Hervey Bay Spinners & Weavers for their yearly fibre extravaganza camp. I've never been to any of these camps before and was pleasantly surprised how much fun it was. The vibe in the hall with all the spinning wheels whizzing, knitting needles clapping, carders gently combing and the inkle looms moving up and down was just amazing. I'll be back next year for sure. If you are interested in joining me next year, send me a note and I will get you in contact with the group. Hervey Bay is such a beautiful place to visit and relax. And get inspired.
Whenever there was any time left I was to be found at the loom weaving. I treasured every minute/second I had and looking back I actually managed to do a fair bit. In January I learned how to sew/construct a cap with my own handmade fabric. The fabric for the cap is the same like the pullover scarves, soft and stretchy and very comfortable on the skin. Great learning curve and so much fun. The cap is now in the test phase and I'm sure there are going to be some changes to be made before production starts. What colour would your cap have?
After the caps I fell deeply into the bookmark rabbit hole. I ended up with nearly 80 bookmarks, each one different and unique. It was really, really hard to stop and do something else. Every time I started with a new bookmark, another idea came to mind. What about that and what if I change this, oh and if I make this, I could also do that.... I made white bookmarks, black bookmarks and natural coloured ones. Each bookmark has a different woven figure or pattern on top and at the bottom. I created trees, flowers, figures like soldier, cowboy, firemen, sun, moon, stars, doggies and lots more. As I said it was hard to stop and just thinking about it opens my creative vibe again.... These bookmarks will be all for sale for $15 each and available online soon. I'll let you know. After the bookmark rabbit hole I really, really had to do some weaving correspondence projects and preparing a new workshop. That is what's on my loom now. If you would like to see updates of what I'm working on, join me on Instagram (bbyarnsupply) or Facebook (BB Yarn Supply). I usually post a photo or video once or twice a week.
I lot has happened privately too, my husband Roland has quit his job and started his own business. He decided to start designing, developing and producing his own electronic products ideas and put it into reality. Finally! I'm so very proud of him!!! His first product will be out soon. It is called X42 and is all about water tank monitoring made easy. For more information go to www.x42monitoring.com
Since last year we have both joined the rural fire brigade. I don't know if I have already written about this. We really wanted to help protect this area, get to know more what can be done in case of a fire and be connected with the community. The local brigade is a wonderful group of people and we have already built lifelong friendships. But of course it also kept us busy with training sessions, learning the new trade and support wherever we can. Roland is today a full pledged firefighter and I'm nicely integrated in the support crew helping feed and support the firemen. Fire season is nearly upon us and we pray that we all stay safe and healthy.
With this I better close this long catching up on what is happening on our hill. I hope it won't take that long until the next time. Thanks for reading and happy weaving!
