Wednesday 14 May 2014

Weaving with Aviva



Saturday morning saw me trundling along the A47 - what's new? - to Norwich, to take part in a Creative Mindfulness workshop at the home and studio of Aviva Leigh, weaver and textile artist. 


                                                     Obligatory selfie before setting off


Aviva co-presents this workshop with Bernie Sheehan, her friend and yoga teacher. Bernie discusses mindfulness meditation, and its application and relevance to creativity, and leads the group in a couple of short meditations. This practice prepares and sets you up for a day of learning a new skill, working in quiet and gentle contemplation and companionship with your fellow students.


                                Here are a few of the samples woven by the other students



Here we are round the table in the beautiful white space that is Aviva's studio in this mediaeval house
Several students had woven before  using these small, portable table-top looms, which were lovely to work on. Aviva had already prepared the looms by warping them up, so we were good to go. Once the technicalities were grasped, the rhythmic movements soon became second nature, and, like hand quilting, I found the actions meditative in themselves.


                                                Above and below, some of Aviva's work




                 Above, Bernie's beautiful shawl; I can't tell you how soft and wonderful this is!


                                               One of the books Bernie recommends


                                        Bernie's article on Creative Mindfulness, above.


                                                      Shawl by Aviva, above


                    Above and below, my sample, using various yarns and fabrics and techniques



                                     Above and below, samples created by other students



         Above and below, my sample on the loom, and a close up showing yarn weft and fabric weft


We took our own packed lunches, but a variety of teas, coffee, biscuits and cake were provided, and we tucked in happily during the day. Conversation was fascinating, as we all came from such diverse backgrounds - however we had so much in common in our personal philosophies. Aviva is a great proponent of the Slow Movement, which I heartily endorse myself, particularly slow Food and Slow Cloth, as regular readers will know.

I came home with a small loom under my arm - well you knew I would didn't you! I haven't had time as yet, to do more than take it out and show it to Jim, along with my sample and unworked warp still on the frame. I look forward to exploring this fascinating craft further.

It has been otherwise an extremely stressful week as mum completed her re-hab after fracturing her neck of femur and having a hip replacement, and came to live in her new home at the residential care home near us. She is now unable to manage looking after herself in her own home, and Jim and I have been clearing out her house, which has been more traumatic for me than I had expected. Apart from her clothes, personal items and a few pieces of furniture, mum has said goodbye to her entire world, it doesn't matter how well you practice non-attachment to 'things', you are largely defined by your 'things', you have collected them about you throughout your life, you have used them, valued them, even the humblest of items, regularly used, become old friends. It has been painful stripping my mother of her belongings, her independence, her dignity, even knowing that there is no other option, and soon she will be beyond being concerned about all these things happening to her. Until then, it is hard for her, and hard for us. I have been much supported by friends and relations, many of whom have been through this sad process themselves. Thank you again for all the lovely words you have written and spoken to me.

39 comments:

  1. Cool. What was the frame you used called. I was wondering when I've got the hang of this spinning lark about learning to weave...then I could spin, weave, (full/felt), and dye my own fabric I would then make a dress from. I just want to take the process from start to finish one day.

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    1. Hi Lady D, it is an Ashford built Knitters Loom, made by a company in New Zealand who produce looms large and small, spinning wheels, and accessories such as carders, spindles,bobbin holders, bobbins, yarn holders - and 'niddy noddys'! these are where you wind yarn around to form a skein. I want one - just because of the name! Yes, from start to finish it is a fascinating process - but don't neglect that melodeon!

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    2. I bought my fibre/spinning kit from this place https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/hilltopcloud looks like they have niddy noddys too.
      Maybe if I spin some yarn you can weave it. ;)

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    3. Certainly - though I am a bit tied up at the moment and haven't had chance to do any more weaving. I shall certainly be going back to Aviva's for another workshop some day soon.

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  2. Do you know Lynne, someone could drown in those big blue eyes of yours:) We know exactly what you are/have gone through re sorting out your mum's things as we had to do it first for FiL, then MiL and again when she eventually passed. It is difficult because of all the memories 'things' hold, no matter how hard we try to dispose of them, they come flooding back when we touch them. Powerful things 'things' aren't they.

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    1. Good grief Dc! I blush! I blush!
      But yes, I have really surprised myself by how upset I have been. I think it is worse somehow than when you clear out after someone has died - the sorrow I feel is because mum is still here but her life is being stripped away. One almost wishes her cognitive grasp would move on more speedily, as then she will be unaware; at present she is trying so hard to be brave but she knows it is the right thing to do. So many friends of mine have been through this process recently - we are of an age I suppose.

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    2. Oh, I just tried to change a spelling mistake and my, comment has deleted . I just wanted to say that I understand where you are coming from and along with friends and family days out such as these will also help to keep your spirits going. Love the looms .

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    3. Thank you for your lovely comment - I delete things by accident all the time! Yes, I am determined to keep the workshops i had booked, little treats / days out / pamperings all help keep the spirits up don't they? L xx

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  3. I was just about to say something similar to Dc!
    It all looks and sounds wonderful, I recently did a "Mindfulness" class, recommended by my physio.
    Lovely photos, I love what the students made.

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    1. Spending time weaving has been lovely, but the added bonus of the mindfulness was what made it such a brilliant day, and was just what I was needing. I think I'm going to have to wait until after Open Studios before I can turn my attention to my weaving again. And by then hopefully the situation with mum will not seem to raw .

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  4. I have to say I found your blog whilst looking for a specific book, so really, you had me at Yoko Saito... and now I so love this post. Thank you for the reminder of the little things in life.

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    1. Hello Paulette, how lovely to meet you. I have checked out your blog but found myself unable to post a comment - and this circle business totally confounds me! I will keep trying, and will certainly be back to read your posts even if you don't see a comment!
      Well, your finding me is proof that labels really work! Do pop back for another visit soon. And do join other quilters - companionship with others while doing something creative is a wonderful thing! Lx

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  5. It all looks so pretty Lynne, I especially like the scarf by Aviva (for a moment I thought you were posting about our local insurance firm!)
    I can imagine how hard it must have been sorting your Mum's things, so hard for you and for her. My Dad has just had to do the same for Gran, a house she'd lived in for around 70 years and his childhood home - I know he found it very upsetting although necessary.
    Sending you my best wishes.

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    1. Jay, we must have been standing in line when the senses of humour were given out!

      Yes, this is such a hard time and every day I find it hard to visit seeing how fast she has deteriorated since her operation. Thanks for your good wishes. Lxx

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  6. Oh Lynne, I went through the same with my Mum and your words have brought it all back. Thinking of you. I'm hoping to meet you when you do the open studios. I let out a real squeal
    when I saw your name in the book.
    Gillx

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    1. Hi Gill, lovely to hear from you, yes, so many of us going through this at this time, or recently, thanks for the thought.
      Now then, I will post the details next time, and will know a bit better which days I am going to be on -site. The 'studio' is the home of my friend and fellow Stitch and Bitcher Yvonne Autie and because of mum and stuff I will not be there every day. Not the week ends certainly. If you know which days you were considering you could let me know and I will endeavour to be there. Oh not Thursdays either, as that is my music at Norwich day! We should meet up, for sure!! Lxx

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  7. Hi Lynne, I had to do the same last year, and the things do upset you very much. I am not a person who sets much store by "stuff", but as you say, it's worse than when they have died. Hugs to you, and keep doing lovely things to cheer you.

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  8. Hi Beverley, thanks for popping in. Yes, so many of us have been or are going through this sad process. As regards the 'stuff', it isn't so much the value you put on it, or how much you 'need' it, but that is is part of your life, your identity; like it or not, what you have and use and choose, defines you, and when these defining items are taken away, and you are losing the things that complete you, like your memory, your home, then really there is not much left. Lx

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  9. this is my third attempt to comment - i have now abandoned the i silly pad and switched on the pc ......i just wanted to say that it is a very difficult time for you - dementia is a horrible illness because it robs you of the person you love before they are dead - i am full of admiration that you are coping the way you are - it upset me so much to drive to coventry to see my dad and then want to leave after a few minutes because he didn't know who i was - i'm afraid my visit's were few and far between and my sister's - who both live in coventry - perservered - thank goodness - just do what you can but i'm pleased to see that you have some crafty time going on as well - love the scarf!!!! take care lynne xx

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    1. Dear Lynne, thank you so much for persevering - I know ipads can be a bit tricky at certain lines of communication; facebook users find them really frustrating they often can't see videos and stuff. So, lovely to hear from you. I hope you didn't feel guilty about your sparse visits to see your dad - especially as you had some distance to go. Mum is literally across the road and round the corner, but even now I feel my feet dragging a bit. I go every day at the moment while I settle her in, but intend to reduce this, as it is her home now, and she has company, but just now she doesn't really know people and it is confusing, added to the sadness we both feel that she is reduced to tis. But when the time comes that she really doesn't know who we are or where she is, the visits will be much less frequent, more to make sure how she is keeping than anything else. There is so much guilt attached to all of this, and after all, when they are no longer aware, who are we visiting for? Thanks again Lynne, it is so reassuring whn friends affirm how they have been through this awful experience, it really does help. Lxx

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  10. I know, only too well, how painful it is to watch someone you love slip away from you. They are there physically, much the same as before, older of course, but still your Mum. Physically. But inside they are lost to you, and you to them. One of the most painful things for me, was those times towards the end of my Mum's life when she didn't know me. She was sad because I am sure somewhere inside she felt she should know who I was but couldn't dredge up the memories, the name. I was sad because this was the woman I loved with all my heart, and to have her not know me was incredibly painful. All this was in 1975, and as you can probably tell, it is still painful to recall. So I do empathise, the disposal of her possessions, the closing down of her home, are all painful to go through. I send hugs. For when they are needed.

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    1. Dear Edwina, yes,I can tell the pain and sadness is still there for you - this condition is such a cruel one, isn't it? And this post seems to have touched so many people who have had similar experiences. I thank you very much for your kind thoughts and words. Lxx

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  11. Oh Lynne I certainly do feel guilty that I actually failed dad when he needed me most - he lived to the grand old age of 92 so had already witnessed most of his friends' dying and he would always say " if I get like that (doolally) take me out and shoot me!!!! My sister's - bless them - took the brunt of visiting him - he was a completely different person - at one stage he was getting into fights with people ion his ward - refularly

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  12. Oh god!!!!
    , regularly getting his walking stick confiscated!!!! But once he was sent to an emi home they cared for him in such a lovely way they dud everything fir him - he still got into scrapes but not as serious as fighting!!! The loveliest thing we found out at his funeral was that he used to sing hymns when the home had their weekly service!!, we had never heard our dad sing but he obviously knew the words and had a voice with his dementia!!! I'm fairly sure he wasn't religious - none of us are really but how lovely that he find enjoyment in that xxx

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    1. Lynne, my mum used to say the same thing - if I get like 'that' shoot me! And 'i'll go on until I'm 90 then I'll have had enough,' I used to say ok I'll be round with a hammer then! She is 92 now and really does not want to be here, not now her vision is so poor she can't read her precious books, and conversation is difficult when your hearing isn't brilliant - even with a hearing aid. I just want her to be pain free and free from fear, but I think she is afraid of all sorts of nameless things which I can't help her with. Lxx

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  13. Hi Lynne - lovely post as usual. Gorgeous weaving and great stuff about Mindfulness. I've been practicing it for a few years on and off, and it is really quite a support. In fact I started out by looking at the 'Frantic World' website and the resources there. Hubby does it too. So sad about your mum and all so difficult to come to terms with - in some ways I'm glad my mum went quickly in the end, painful as it was. Thinking of you, Cathy x.

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    1. Mindfulness seems to resonate with a lot of people, it is quite high profile isn't it, at the moment?
      Yes, sad though it is when a parent dies, this awful Alzheimer's is a long, drawn-out dying.Thank you for your kind thoughts, Cathy at a time when you yourself must be grieving.Lxxx

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  14. Hope you are able to fit in some quiet moments of mindfulness for yourself through out this difficult time. It looks like it was an exceptional mindfulness workshop. Lovely small piece you made of serene blues. Take care!

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    1. Hello Andrea, yes, I meditate twice each day, and am finding myself much more 'in the moment' which is really good. And yes it was a lovely day. My sample piece is growing - I have managed to remember how to set the loom and weave, and shall continue until I have filled the warp before starting a 'proper' piece! So exciting!

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  15. You always manage to find all the workshops I would love to attend. I do think it is excellent therapy combining craft with meditation and I am sure you achieved more and felt good after it. Art and craft relaxes me so much and when I do repetitive skills I often naturally slip into a meditative state.
    I can appreciate all you are feeling with your Mum's situation and I know you will do your best for her. She is in the best situation you can make for her but it is so painful for you to see and bear.
    Keep smiling through!
    love Jo x

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    1. Hi Jo, it was a great workshop. Yes, I find the same thing with hand quilting , anything like that is so soothing. Mum will be ok, it's just tough dealing with the transition. Lxxx

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  16. This looks to be a very restful workshop, which you need after the trauma
    of settling your mother. My heart goes out to you x

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    1. Thanks Chel, I guess so many of us have experienced similar. Or it is in the pipeline. But family and friends have been great and all your lovely comments are very supportive as well. Lxx

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  17. Hello Lynne, you are always doing something fun. I so admire you for keeping your life filled with so many interesting and marvelous creative adventures. This workshop is perfect, oh, how I would have loved to have been there. It is wonderful when you can get lost in any hand work that can be done without the noise of machinery. "Silence Is Golden".
    On the other note, my heart goes out to you and your Mum. You are in my prayers.
    Have a wonderful week.
    Connie :)

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  18. Hello Connie, well, I think when there is 'stuff' happening you need to take time out to do something you enjoy, and something creative usually gets my vote. We used small looms so it was quit peaceful - but large looms can be pretty noisy when you bang the shed down to trap the yarns! And thank you for your kind thoughts re my mum - we are slowly getting there, but I fear she is not very happy despite the lovely staff at her residential home, it really grieves me as well.

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  19. Loved the shawls....what a lovely craft! It all is so beautiful.

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    1. It certainly is, Linda, glad you've enjoyed them!

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  20. I recently took part in a weaving workshop myself Lynne, in my case one to one with a fabulous teacher, Bea, but I just don't know if I have time to add much weaving to what I already do.

    So sorry to read about your sad time with your mother ... if virtual hugs from afar are any help I can send as many as you need x

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    1. I really ought not to be taking on another craft, Annie, to be honest, but it is something I have always been interested in and I just love playing with yarns! I have a lot of sorting out to do in the coming months - need time and space to think about what I want and what I can jettison, and have a really good TIDY UP!!

      Virtual hugs always very welcome, and the sentiments that come with them, thank you ! Lxx

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