Being in the hospitality business, we meet guests each day who are on a getaway, a staycation, a working vacation, a honeymoon, babymoon, or just plain relaxing. So it’s easy to be jealous as you watch a guest read the entire newspaper in one sitting, finish a newly released novel, fall asleep in the afternoon, or enjoy the last chocolate chip cookie in the cookie jar!
I just returned from doing all of that…and it was great! Here’s a few highlights of my trip.
The prior post shared the first few days in Coeur d’Alene for our cooking experience. The rest of my 12 days away in Washington state included time in Issaquah, Whidbey Islands, and Orcas Islands.
My husband is passionate about his dog, Jackson; fly fishing any day of the week, playing golf, good wine and cigars. I’m passionate about cooking, our guests, running our bed and breakfast and more cooking. Do you see the problem? I love to work and he loves to play. Not that he doesn’t love our business but…
As a remedy, I decided to reach back to the early 80′s when I learned to weave in Coral Gables, Florida. I was pregnant with my children and weaving was a wonderful, relaxing and creative outlet. I’ve hauled my basic rigid heddle loom with me since then and only last year began to weave again.
My favorite inspiration has been a magazine, Handwoven, so when I discovered that Madelyn van der Hoogt, owned the Weaver’s School, in Whidbey Island, WA. I registered for a week long class.
What a great week of waking to views of Mt. Baker, sitting and enjoying breakfast with three other weavers staying at the Blue Goose Inn in Coupeville, then walking to class in the cool, fresh morning air. Madelyn, a former college English professor, was the perfect instructor for me: just enough spoken instruction balanced with lots of hands on weaving.
Our class at The Weaver's School
So one week later, I had created large samplers on 13 looms, de-mystified drafting, warping, treddling, and much more and found a new passion.
Double weave color block
Two weeks later, my new 8 shaft Baby Wolf cherry loom arrived and I’m hooked. Now if I can just figure out how to tie it up and get a warp on, I’ll be weaving beautiful new things. If you visit the inn, I’m sure you’ll meet Lynn’s buddy, Jackson and if you ask me, you’ll meet mine too.
Baby Wolf
ed
Tags: Weaving
Very nice recounting, Linda. Brought back lots of nice memories of the class and the people.
Good luck with the new Baby Wolf! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Thanks Sara! I know you have a new loom too. Hope you’re enjoying it. I do hope we’ll meet at John Campbell for a class together!
We’re staying with you for the first time in Sept/Oct and I’m delighted to find out you have become a weaver. Isn’t it great ?!! I’m a weaver too and have just taken the bull by the horns and entered some yardage into our State Fair. I have a Baby Wolf 4 shaft and I just love it, and I couldn’t live without Handwoven. I’d recommend Interweave Press’ “the Handweaver’s Pattern Directory” to add to your library. It has been a big help to me in deciding what color goes where while warping. Also, if you have a Guild nearby, join it. The encouragement alone is worth it. I’ve also just learned to spin…..just now past the lumpy stage….mostly because so many others in our Guild also spin and they made me believe it wouldn’t be impossible to learn. Wishing you a joyous time and see you in the Fall.
Had to say hello after reading the above! Hope you remember how to tie the warp on, it will come back once you start, just take it slow and even then you will make mistakes!
I was involved in an automobile accident (rear ended) in Oak Harbor two weeks after the class so have been unable to weave or spin. I am knitting, but my right arm goes to sleep on me. I never realized how tramantic whip lash can be. I am on the mend though.
All of the recipes sound delicous!!
Lois
Thanks for commenting! I can’t wait to talk weaving with you and show you my new baby wolf plus the great work with did with Madelyn. I keep adding to my library of reference books so I’ll check for this one.
See you in the Fall!
Rose,
Sorry to hear about your accident-hope your recovery continues so you can get back to your loom and a normal life!