Wednesday, April 27, 2011

The Start of Something Big?

I was letting down more warp on the floating selvedge weights when I saw a UPS truck come barreling up the road, followed by our dogs excited barking. I knew it! I just knew our jars were here and they were. Look at the size of that box. Fully 40% of the cost of this order was the shipping.
And here they are - 80 jerky jars. The initial outlay is a bitter pill to swallow, but we felt strongly about choosing reusable containers over landfill fodder. Mim came over today, bringing eggs - of high importance. We divided up the jars and finalized the elements and yardage for each kit. Now we're on our own - 40 kits each to create. It's exciting and scary at the same time.
Lauren and her husband came out this evening to collect Goldie and take her to the Reno High arts room. I have had the pleasure of seeing Lauren with her students. She is amazing and they love her. In her quest for affordable drop spindles, she ended up creating her own whorls with polymer clay, adding sticks and a cup hook. This is just one of the many and the colors are fun - so high school. I took this one for a drive and it does very well surprisingly. I've offered to come in and help on spindle days and she said - I thought you'd never ask. I hope she means it.
Lauren asked me why I hadn't sold the loom. I knew about the fiber arts program she has been developing. My brilliantly talented fiber friend Linda Lu learned to spin and weave in a Portland high school. I decided I'd rather invest the loom in students. Oh gads, that does sound sanctimonious and I've retyped this a dozen times and it doesn't get any better. Anyway, I was thrilled that she bought yarn. No, I did not twist her arm. She selected these skeins. Thanks Lauren!!
And there she goes. Lauren has promised me photos of her students on Goldie in the future. I'm so excited to be a part of this developing program. It has the capacity to change the face of weaving in our community, like Little League to the Yankees. Who knows where this will go. Linda Lu is working at making her living on her weaving. It can happen. Dreams do come true.

5 comments:

Maggie said...

Not sanctimonious at all! Weaving will teach math, patience, artistic skills; it's so important! It's so much more than making cloth, which isn't a bad thing all by itself. I love the photo of Goldie going out into the world to make it a better place!

Theresa said...

I agree, sounds fine to me and I agree with Maggie 100%. And you've gained some room! Have fun on spindle days!

LA said...

Thank you for contributing to the education of so many new fiber artists!!! I think it's wonderful. Have fun making your kits!

Evelyn Oldroyd - painter said...

Exciting for the teacher and it must feel so good to be part of a great new program.

Joanna said...

I think it's great you gave Goldie to the school program. It's way better than donating the equivalent in cash and if you're donating spindle time, well, you're giving time, skills, and being a role model. I'm glad you posted about this - hopefully you'll inspire others to do the same. You're tops in my book.