Road trip

Bill and I went on a short trip over the weekend to buy 2 looms. One to keep (the tapestry loom) and one to sell. I started out weaving tapestry. Wow, it has been over 20 years ago. Then I moved into weaving primarily on floor looms, either various fabrics and shawls, etc, or saddle blankets. Now I'll be able to work on tapestries again. Though I have no idea where I'll have enough time. But, eventually, I will!

I'm winding a warp on the David loom for 2 large bath towels. I'm using the pattern from Halcyon yarn. The warp is 5/2 cotton and the weft is bulky cotton chenille. These are woven about 35" wide, and my rolls of kraft paper were only 30" wide, so I bought a cheap 36" wide mini-blind and took it apart to use the slats when winding the warp. They're easy to add when winding the warp and I saved the box that the blinds came in with the top panel removed to use under the loom to catch the slats as the fall while weaving. 

Smoky Mountain Trip

I really enjoyed our "truck-cation" as Bill dubbed our trip. Because it was a working trip, I didn't have time to check go to any of the places I would have liked, but it was beautiful to drive through the Smoky Mountains. As we drove down there, I realized I felt like "myself" more and more. Not someone's mom or someone's grandma, but actually me. I had forgotten what that feels like.
When we drove past Berea, Kentucky, I saw the signs for the Arts and Crafts Center, but it also said "no trucks", so stopping there was not a possibility, but I would like to go back sometime and see it. They had a lot of rain in that area - some torrential downpours that we drive through, but I love the mountains and it was still beautiful.

Also on my list of things to do, would be to check out the area near Hendersonville. Next time . . . .

On The Road

Since I have a few days off work for the holiday, I'm going on the road with my husband in his semi this afternoon. We'll be going to South Carolina, but the real attraction for me is to see the area around Hendersonville and Asheville, NC. I think if I was going to make a big move when I retire, that's where I'd want to go. There is such a rich history and culture of weaving in that area - lots of weavers, suppliers, etc. Add to that, the mountains, and it seems like a place I would love. I've only seen the area on Google Earth, and now I get to see it in person! Unfortunately, we won't have the time to actually do anything there, but I get to have a peek at least!

My son has nicely offered to take care of the dogs, even the elderly one who needs to be watched to make sure she eats enough.