Winston Church once said “If you have knowledge, let others
light their candles with it†and that’s what Laura Fry did during the five days
I spent with her at her studio in Prince George, Canada. I wanted to learn how to be a more productive
weaver and how to design projects and that is exactly what I did. When I arrived, the loom was warped so
that I could immediately begin to weave. She videotaped me at various times
when I wasn’t paying attention and we watched the video on the last day. It was obvious how much my weaving had
improved. I was amazed.
It is difficult to put into words all that I learned, but
below is a short list that I think you might be interested in:
light their candles with it†and that’s what Laura Fry did during the five days
I spent with her at her studio in Prince George, Canada. I wanted to learn how to be a more productive
weaver and how to design projects and that is exactly what I did. When I arrived, the loom was warped so
that I could immediately begin to weave. She videotaped me at various times
when I wasn’t paying attention and we watched the video on the last day. It was obvious how much my weaving had
improved. I was amazed.
It is difficult to put into words all that I learned, but
below is a short list that I think you might be interested in:
· The shuttle should be brought above the beater not in front of it so
that the thread doesn’t get caught in the selvedge.· Grab the beater so that your arm is
perpendicular to it not in the middle of it· Push the treadle with your entire foot, not the
ball of your foot· Use a rocking motion when weaving, i.e., lean
forward to throw the shuttle & push the treadle then lean back· If using two shuttles, put stripes on the edges
using the color that is being carried so it doesn’t show· Minimum input, maximum output· Perfection kills good
During the five days I made one towel and 4 beautiful scarves. My weaving skills improved, I used a trapeze to
warp the loom and how to use a reed rather than a raddle. I
learned a few of Laura’s secrets about how to design my own projects. In
addition, Laura showed me how to wet finish and cold hard press my projects. It was a wonderful experience and one I will
never forget. Thank you Laura to being
an outstanding teacher and allowing me to light my candle in your knowledge.
Betz Frederick
