Bamboo Baby Blanket

Many weeks later . . . yes, I'm finally back at this blog, amazing!

Since I last wrote, my grandson decided to join us early which meant I had to quickly finish weaving the bamboo baby blanket. I cut it off and finished it the day before I left for the airport. I was in Pittsburgh for several weeks to help with the baby. I was thrilled to have this opportunity and to deliver the new blanket in person.

And now my studio is painted and finish work should be completed next week. I'm ready to be back at work in my own space again. Updates will follow soon, I promise.

In the Meantime

My studio is progressing. I've hired someone to drywall and in a couple of weeks I should have the walls painted and the floor finished.

In the meantime, I wasn't sure whether my new grandson-to-be would make his appearance before I could weave his special blanket. So I temporarily set up my loom in the guesthouse bedroom.

The blaket is almost ready to be cut off. And there's just enough yarn left to weave fabric for a matching pillow for big brother.

In addition, I've been teaching myself to spin with a drop spindle. This bit of roving is all that is left of the two ounces of baby alpaca I purchased. I think it wants to be a scarf. My daughter, who learned to spin at age 12 should be proud of me!

Deja Vu

Yes, I've been here before. . . hummm only about three years ago in a little town called Tucumcari. I'm once again remodeling and remaking a space for my studio, not to mention trying to find out who I am in this new town with new people, places and experiences. I can't say it's been easy so far. I'm sick to death of moving! Don't care if I never do it again! Wait a second, didn't I say that last time too? How quickly I forget.

Nevertheless, I am now a resident of Roswell, New Mexico, a small city of about 50 thousand with real stores, not much traffic, fabulous art museums and activities and little green men hanging around on Main Street (only four blocks from my house and studio-to-be)!

My husband, Carl, thinks if we can do a job, why hire someone. Since he's working full-time, guess who was assigned to insulate this week. Actually, I'm proud of the job I've done. But I really don't plan to install the dry wall, thank you!

Following the Invisible Thread

The first night after moving to Tucumcari almost three years ago, I had a dream that a voice said, "Follow the invisible thread." It woke me and I've never forgotten it. Right now is one of those "invisible thread" times. I just have to hang on to that thread and know it will take me to the right place. But, trusting without seeing the way is challenging, for sure!

I hope to have a new home and studio before long. In the meantime, I've been traveling many backroads, visiting museums, art galleries, and reading books - all inspiration for new creative endeavors.

This Way Forward - Don't Look Back

For some time I've felt an uneasiness and a lack of passion in my work. I needed a new challenge. A reason to push myself differently. Don't get me wrong, I'll always be a weaver, but there has been something missing. I had many ideas including adding a local clothing boutique to my studio, but none of these ideas felt right in my gut.

I'm a total believer in, "Wherever you go, there you are!" So living in a remote rural area of New Mexico, hours away from a good grocery store and other conveniences was a challenge at first and a continuing adventure - one that I was willing to embrace knowing that right here I am. But after our vacation to the East coast in April, something shifted for me. I must admit, I was a bit depressed and felt like I needed to move ahead with something new and soon. I was coming up with nothing!

As always, a larger, unseen plan was unfolding. We found out just two weeks ago that my husband will be the new director of the Small Business Development Center in Roswell, New Mexico. So there you go, our future is "this way forward!"

Of course this means my handweaving will be on sabbatical for a few months as I work full time at packing and moving. But I can tell you, I'm not looking back and can't wait to see what new challenges and experiences I will encounter in the months ahead! Who knows, maybe I'll even start weaving aliens!

Back In The Rythm or Not?

How does one come back to reality after almost a month away? I must say, it's not an easy task. I once again, experienced the deep South in the spring, my favorite time of year as a child. And I remembered how much I miss my ocean. It felt like a long, lost friend.

And now, I'm back, and wish I was raring to go. Alas, this time it's a slow start. Once again I'm re-evaluating exactly what I want my studio to be.

But for now, the loom is dressed with a warp that reminds me of the color of sand and seashells.

Bamboo Scarf

As promised, here are the pictures of the bamboo scarf using the huck lace pattern. It's not as soft as I'd hoped. I did beat it a bit tighter than the small sample piece. But it's a lovely weight for a cool evening. And the drape is just wonderful! I'm thinking about adding some beads to the bottom just above the plied fringe. The bamboo shawl will have to wait until I return.

Next weekend I head out to Dallas Market to buy for the boutique, and then a much-needed vacation to the East coast. I'll post pictures when I can.