NOBO Handweavers

Every so often, the urge to hit the road and visit New York City just becomes irresistible. Yesterday was one of those days!
I kidnapped my daughter, Kelley, and we drove to the Westport, CT Metro North station and headed into Grand Central Station. The first thing on my list upon arriving (besides visiting the ladies room) is to grab an almond croissant from Balthazar’s bakery on the dining concourse.
The best!

Then stepping out on to 42nd Street, it’s always a joy to spot the unexpected. This time it was lots of men and women wearing their Scottish kilts. My daughter and I always admire a man in a kilt, so this was a great start to our adventure.

Our main goal was to see the American Beauty: Aesthetics and Innovation in Fashion exhibit at FIT. We strolled down to 27th Street and witnessed an incredible show. The garments were largely dresses with a few men’s tailored outfits. They were grouped according to categories such as; embroidery, embellishments, and geometric form. Upstairs there was an interesting exhibit entitled “Night and Day”. This being a history of American women’s day wear vs. night wear. The dress with the 18″ waist still has me shuddering!

I would’ve loved to have taken photos but that was strictly forbidden, so here’s a link that gives an overview:

http://www.fitnyc.edu/5517.asp

After that, it was off to see the spider silk shawl at the Natural History Museum. A la Dave Brubeck, we took the “A” train to 81rst Street.

It was hard to believe that I’d never visited this museum as we wound through all the various exhibition halls. If you’ve seen the movie Night At The Museum you’ll know what I mean. This place is a treasure. We saw the world’s largest meteorite, a cross section of a 5000 year sequoia, the bones of Lucy and SO much more. Finally we came to the hand woven golden spider silk shawl. It didn’t disappoint.

Finally, tired and exhausted (in that good way!) we started back to Grand Central. But not before Kelley spied Justin Beiber amongst a throng of excited teenaged girls. Who is Justin Beiber you ask? Good question!

He’s the boy singer de jour, all of 5’4″ and 15 years old. He was very cute and the girls all seemed to be in shock, when not screaming. After we got home to Merrimac, we turned on Saturday Night Live to watch this same Justin Beiber perform. Small world, huh?

If you ever get the urge or opportunity to visit NYC, check out the FIT Museum  as well as the Met’s fashion exhibition lineups. Definitely don’t miss the Museum of Natural History— I was glad to finally go there.

We’re so lucky to live near historically and culturally rich Boston and NYC, aren’t we?

Let’s see now— there’s an exhibit of Curious George illustrations in NYC until the end of summer…

Yesterday, while visiting A Loom With A View, I picked up a copy of the subject book to use as a reference when Lady NOBO discusses the various types of rare breed sheep which are near and dear to her heart.

The book contains an article on Page 192 entitled “Keeping Moths at Bay,” which suggests that placing garments and/or fiber in the freezer for about a week can be quite helpful.

Have any of you tried this, and, if so, with what results?

Thanks.

If you get a chance, check out this amazing book.  (It is available through the MERRIMACK VALLEY LIBRARY CONSORTIUM.)  The authors outline, region by region, what the handmade specialty is and the materials used.    Many of the regions specialize in weaving. This huge coffee table book is full of information, beautiful pictures and inspiration.

Now that I have your attention…………a gentleman came into the store today to ask if I could find a new home for his wife’s loom. Hmmm, I wonder if she knows he’s putting it up for adoption. Anyway, he had virtually no information about it except to say that it is “large”. After further questioning I gather that it is a floor loom at least 36″ but probably not more than 50″ wide. Number of harnesses, maker, age, etc. unknown. All I do know is that it is located in Amesbury and it’s FREE! If you’re interested call David Costello 978-335-8739.

The Santa Cruz yarn has arrived! EXTREMELY soft vanilla white (7 skeins) and chocolate brown (1 skein). Approximately 800 yds of yarn, enough to make an 18″ x 48″ table runner and there may be a nice amount left over depending on design.

There will be a raffle table set up during our 2nd Anniversary meeting. $5/ticket. We need to sell at least 21 tickets to cover the cost of yarn and shipping so the raffle with continue until that is achieved. You may also email me if interested in purchasing a ticket if you are not able to attend the next meeting. The winner can either weave the runner or donate the yarn for another weaver to weave the runner. It only seems reasonable if you do donate the yarn, you have also donated the rights to the runner. Therefore, it is the designated weaver who participates in the exchange. Of course the winner may determine different terms with another weaver if both in agreement.  I believe all runners of currently chosen breeds are being woven exclusively of one breed. If possible, it would be great if we could do this with all the runners in our 2010 exchange.

Remember this is a very rare opportunity as this is a very rare breed of sheep. They have a watch list level of “Critical”, less than 200 registered in the US and an estimate of less than 2000 global population.

The words of our own Humble Scribe, also our Roving Reporter for Handwoven, are in print in the March 31st Weaving Weekly, Handwoven’s eNewsletter! A royal write-up on our guild! If you aren’t a subscriber (it’s free!) visit http://www.interweave.com/weave/handwoven_magazine/ to sign up.
Congratulations Kathie, on more of your words in print!