NOBO Handweavers

May 23, 2010

If nominations were submitted for the dubious honor of “The Original Curmudgeon,” it is entirely possible that, in his time, William Henry Harrison Rose (1839 – 1913), would have been in the running.

Weaver Rose, sometimes called Quaker Rose, along with a sister named Elsie, carried on the family weaving tradition. Although he was born well into the machine age, he and his sister chose not to be a part of that era; and it has been said that, for this, all handweavers must be grateful.

The Roses lived a life that some would call simple. Their neighbors thought them eccentric. Weaver Rose worked as a lone craftsman, taking orders from samples, ordered the yarns, and wove the finished products. Brother and sister tended their farm, fields and animals, and grew crops which sustained them year around. However, he was far from a simple man in that he chose to pursue and preserve a former way of life, personifying the tradition of the solitary American weaver by honoring and using that which had gone before: the vocabulary, tools and collection of weaving drafts, some of which date back to the 1700′s.

We have a book in our library entitled The Weaving Roses of Rhode Island, which tells the story, in words, photographs, and drafts of this remarkable man. I will bring it along with me to the meeting this week.

At last month’s meeting, Lady Nobo alluded to “something of interest in the upcoming issue of Handwoven magazine.”

The magazine is now in the hands of subscribers, and, I assume, on the newsstands as well. See Page 29, lower left-hand corner.

Way to go, Margaret!

If you do the Facebook thing, Handwoven just launched a page.
They’re listed as Handwoven-Weaving Today.
Next—Twitter!

The Haverhill Art Association, http://haverhillartassociation.org, is holding its annual Spring Art Show, May 18th – 31st, at the Buttonwoods Museum in Haverhill.  For the very first time this show will include a display of fiber art. Included are one of my handwoven pieces, a needle felted picture by Kim Sheehan and a student piece by Susan Duncan. The hope is to broaden the HAA’s rather traditional definition of what constitutes “fine art”.
Margaret Russell and I will be on hand to answer questions and promote the field of fiber arts in general during the opening reception (wine and cheese) on Friday, May 21st, 6:30 to 9:00 PM. The reception and the show are open to the public. So, if you’ve nothing better to do this Friday evening, stop by and say Hi. Be sure to ask “Which way to the fiber art?” when you get there.

This looks like a fascinating tour and workshop opportunity. Wish I could get away to attend.

TINKUY de TEJEDORES
A Gathering of Weavers

November 5-6, 2010 • Sacred Valley, Peru

The Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco (CTTC) invites you to participate in a tinkuy, or coming together, of weavers and spinners in the Sacred Valley of the Peruvian Highlands near Cuscoon November 5-6. Two days of presentations will be followed by optional hands-on workshops on November 7-8. A tour that includes the tinkuy, the workshops, and visits to weaving villages and archaeological sites will also be available.

The purpose of the tinkuy is to broaden horizons, deepen understandings, and forge connections among people who are passionate about textiles. Weavers from nine communities associated with CTTC, and weavers from several other countries of the Americas, will share traditions and techniques, and with all those who value the art and craft of weaving and spinning. In addition to presentations by the local and visiting weaving communities, there will be illustrated talks by specialists on themes of common interest: fibers, natural dyes, historic textiles, and international projects that support weavers.

Workshops in traditional Andean techniques of backstrap weaving, tubular ribetes (edgings), chullo (hat) knitting, and natural dyeing will be offered for English- and Spanish-speaking guests on November 7th and 8th. The workshops will be taught by CTTC weavers and a bi-lingual person.

To receive more information on individual registration and on the tour package, send your e-mail address to tinkuy@textilescusco.org . As soon as the information packet is complete, it will be sent to you.

Now that the NH Sheep and Wool Festival has passed, there’s still the MA Sheep and Wool Festival to look forward to.
It’s on May 29th and 30th in Cummington,MA.
Admissions free but there is an $8 per car parking fee.

I went to MA Sheep and Wool last year and enjoyed it very much. Fingers crossed that the vendor selling CVM fiber’s back this year so I can get started on my table runner for the NoBo exchange.

While in the area, Shelburne Falls with it’s glacial potholes, Bridge of Flowers and Vavstuga is nearby.