Beadwrangler Special Feature
February 18, 1998

	Ileana Somerson's Weave World
	February 1998

Piecework
Shuttle, Spindle and Dyepot

Piecework

Two editions of Piecework have arrived, Jan/Feb and Mar/Apr of 1998. This publication has very little in the way of weaving instructions and projects, but offers so much in the history and geography of many crafts.

Piecework January/February 1998

Susan Strawn Bailey explains the history and symbolism of "Sequined Flags of Haiti" in a well illustrated article. Next, Frances A. Kenneley tells "A Tale of Two Champions," two outstanding Australian needleworkers.

Something for all weavers to read is Nell Znamierowski's "A "Textile Lover's Travels in Greece." Well known for all types of weaving, Ms. Z. has had an interest in Greek weaving and needlework since the early sixties and is able to draw comparisons and bemoan the loss of many skills over the decades.

While much of the traditional palm weaving of Guam has disappeared, explains Christine Jackson in "Weavers of Leaves and Palm," some younger weavers are taking it up and producing a pure art form. The one weaver mentioned who still makes baskets, fans and sun hats is now 91 years old and weaves every day.

If quilting is your thing, read Martha Waterman on "The Quilts of Wales." After giving the history, she gives the instructions for one.

After an illuminating history of "Knitted Shawls of the Faroe Islands," Gunnver Baerentsen tells of "Knitting as Industry," showing how two women knit a sweater together--at the same time!

Marilyn van Keppel then tells about how "Elsa Baerentsen" helped to revive traditional Faroese knitting and natural dyeing. The "Faroe Island Shawl to Knit" by van Keppel and Baerentsen con-tains instructions and graphs for a shawl.

There's much more--"Hooked Mats of Canada's Atlantic Provinces" by Scott Robson, "Newfoundland & Labrador" by Cynthia Boyd, and "Hooking Traditions Together" by Deanne Fitz-patrick, who then gives "A Wool Hooked Rug to Make," with full instructions.

At last we come to Tal Streeter's "Kites of Japan," a beautifully illustrated article on the history and utility of kites.

Piecework March/April 1998

One feels as if much of the world has opened up to us through its crafts. This feeling continues in the March/April issue, since it takes us to Estonia, Vermont, Romania, Sicily, Michigan and Japan, as well as the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina.

"Bands of Beauty: The Estonian Handwork of Rita Tubalkain," by Ricky Clark combines history, biography and design. "Gifts of Knitting: Estonian Mittens & Gloves," is by Nancy Bush.

Do you love the crazy quilt in the Fiber Arts House? Read "Recollections of Mary Catherine Severance Winchester" by Celia Y. Oliver, who wrote her recollections in an album. How wonderful to have 685 pages of memories to work from. Her crazy quilt featured painted centers. Another quite lovely crazy quilt is shown with both embroidered and painted centers. Directions for "Crazy -Quilt Motif to Paint" follows, written by Susan Strawn Bailey.

"Riches of Romania: A Melting Pot of Traditions" by Kate Kerr interested me a lot, since my Father was born there (I'm named Ileana Vivian after King Carol's sister). Surrounded by exquisite beaded belts, the article tells of the efforts to help artisans.

Gay Ellis tells of "Meeting Lucia Todoran," who collaborated with the author on beadwork designs. Ms. Ellis then gives a "Romanian Beaded Motif to Stitch." "Romanian Motifs" by Poppy Gall shows some charted motifs and explains the various symbols: some are loom parts.

The final article from this country is "Romanian Point Lace," by Sylvia Murariu. It is a needle lace, starting with hand-crocheted bands.

Vima deMarchi Micheli gives a vivid history based on "A Fragment of Sicilian Cross-Stitch." Be sure to read "About the Author" at the end of each article. They are all fascinating.

If you want to find a group of generous women, be sure to read Debra L. Ballard's "The Ladies Aid of Hope Lutheran Church."

In Sandra Scarpa's Patterns column, "Messages in Thread," there is a wonderful explanation of the subtle imagery of Japanese design. An expansion of what Nancy Ryder displayed from her Japanese years, this can be considered a glossary of patterns.

In another column, Such Good Friends, Sue Lenthe tells of "The Travels of Columbia," a rag doll who traveled around the world raising money for various groups from 1900 to 1902.

The final column, A Stitch, has Barbara T. Roessner teaching "Sewing: The Next Generation." Here she gives her daughter a sewing machine as a gift and helps her to become an addict.

I must admit I was going to give a cursory glance to each issue and write a paragraph or two on it, but every article and author proved worthy of reading. Hope you'll concur.

Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot Winter 1997/1998

The cover of Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot displays an extraordinary basket, and the ensuing article, "Michael Davis Redefines Basketweaving," by Dorothy Joiner, explains Davis' background in ceramics and painting. Other News and Information on baskets outlines Hiroshima Kazuo in "A Basketmaker in Rural Japan Exhibit at the Field Museum" and "Basketmaker Billie Ruth Sudduth Named North Carolina Living Treasure."

Betty Hancock Smith, in "Right From the Start," describes sectional warping. Specific equipment is required; it does save time.

This issue contains many articles about seminar and course instructors for Convergence '98. In addition to Michael Davis, Christine Spangler offers the benefit of 25 years of "Design--Exciting Territory." Verna Suit explains that much of this is multi-harness.

Another workshop leader is Bodrick Owen, who wrote "A Journey Beyond the Maru Dai." This form of Japanese braiding should be interesting to anyone who has followed Nancy Ryder's instruction.

Be sure to read all the extras offered by the Handweavers Guild, expecially the HGA Learning Exchange information. "The LE is an international swap. As a participant you weave samples or spin small skeins for everyone in your LE group, and in return you'll receive samples from the other group members. Your work, as well as the work of every member of your group, will be evaluated by an experienced teacher. Every member of the group receives all of the evaluations. It's a terrific way to learn from your own work and draw inspiration from the work of others."

There are five Learning Exchanges in this issue, many of them written by teachers at the forthcoming Convergence. Eileen Hallman explains "Spinning for a Single Shuttle Plaid." What a concept! Marcy Petrini tells of "Weaving with Cotton." This is all about cotton and offers an experimental idea for using setts and different size threads.

In "Spinning Alpaca," Paula Shull gives all the information you'll need to spin this lovely fiber. Jerie Lucas follows this with "Spinning Flax." The sum of these offers spinners practically all they need for most fibers.

The fifth LE says "Just Add Color for Complex Designs--Warp-Faced Rep: 2 blocks on 4 Shafts," by Rosalie Nielson. Join any of these five LEs and learn, learn, learn.

For a fascinating biography, read "Susan Martin Maffei Keeps Weaving," by Micala Sidore, for wonderful tapestry. Ms. Sidore also tells the inspiring story of "Dan Zulaski, Public School #3 and The Fiber Arts."

For those working with children there is Sandra Bowles' article on Kid's Fiber Fun, "Woven Heart Project." Maybe some adults will try it.

Part IV of The Teaching Circuit deals with "Evaluation, Record Keeping, and Revision, the Teacher's Most Powerful Tools," by Patsy Sue Zawistocki. Every teacher in the P.A.C.T. should be following this series.

It is recommended that weavers, spinners and dyers belong to the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc., by subscribing to this magazine.