I’ve got a photo of me from last month, completing work on the oblique-style sash sample.
Currently I’m weaving the Assomption swatch. It’s reached 12 inches in length, 60% done. And there’s a photo if it, too.
I will be attending the Artisans Market at Fort Whyte Alive on April 5 & 6. The Advanced Fingerweaving Class has already begun, and the Beginner’s Class is in the works.
In May I’ll be attending the Rupertsland Colloquium in Rocky Mountain House. I will also participate in the Musée de St-Boniface Museum “Visit with the People of Red River” on May 28, 2008

Dr. Katherine Pettipas, Curator, The Manitoba Museum writes:
This publication is welcome addition to the literature on the ancient craft of finger weaving. Carol James, an accomplished Winnipeg weaver and teacher, has dedicated over 20 years to the art. Her knowledge and sash reproductions are based on the detailed study of historical artifacts that are housed in various heritage institutions such as The Manitoba Museum and the Musée Saint-Boniface.
Beginners and experienced finger weavers alike will appreciate this well-illustrated “how to” guide that not only presents the basics, but also guides the user through the complicated art of “trouble shooting.” This type of information sharing is only possible from Carol James’ years of experience as highly skilled weaver and outstanding teacher of the craft.

Gabriel Dufault
President Union nationale métisse Saint-Joseph du Manitoba writes:
In an easy to understand format, Carol James has demystified the fascinating art of finger weaving, particularly that of the taditional sash. Through illustrations and clear explanations, she makes it relatively simple for the novice to create his or her own heirloom. Her many years of experience with her craft brings to the reader the required assistance and reassurance that they also can explore their creativity.
Excellent resource material!

Marie Zorniak
Grade 4 teacher
Strathcona School
Winnipeg Manitoba
writes:
Carol has a talent which transcends her delft fingers as she spins and weaves wool. Carol is a patient teacher who shares her weaving knowledge with young students and is as excited as the children when they see their first threads become a pattern. This book of wonderful information helps to unravel the technique of finger weaving in a clear and concise manner.
Carol is a master weaver who brings threads of wool to life as they dance in patterns as she weaves. This book reflects the simple and clear way that Carol teaches this art
Carol’s quiet way of teaching as she passes her knowledge on to students makes her an honoured guest in my classroom. Students delight in the process and the making of their projects.Carol’s book is reflective of the learner and their new found skills as she takes them on a journey of discovery.

A few new things to look out for at sashweaver.ca.
Information has been updated in nearly every section. Most importantly, check out the resources section for details about Carol’s book, weaving classes and different yarn types.
A brand new front page has been added.
Finally, a small temporary store has been set up on ebay. For now, you can only buy the book but there will certainly be more items to come. Keep checking back!
-B!

I’ve been teaching fingerweaving for some time now. My students have encouraged me to publish the ‘handouts’ in book form. It was a small project that really got out of hand. It’s now a full color 64 page book, entitled
Fingerweaving Untangled, an illustrated beginner’s guide, including detailed patterns and common mistakes.
The book provides two methods for fingerweaving, a beginner’s method and an advanced method.
It is well illustrated with step-by-step drawings and photos, vetted by a wide variety of students of varying abilities.
Also included are photos of museum-pieces, and sashes I’ve woven, illustrating the techniques, patterns, and common mistakes.
This way you can do-it-yourself for that sash you’ve always wanted.

McNally Robinson Booksellers has a box of my books, and have been selling them to people in their stores. Unfortuantely it does not look like it on their website. I mentionned this to my contact at McNally’s. She said that because it’s a self-published book, it does not go up automatically, but she will check to see that it does get on the net. In the meantime, dear reader, do not dispair. You can still acquire the book, either through me, or through McNally’s, just write and ask for it specifically.
I used to have a photo of the cover of my book on my website. That, too, will be back up shortly, along with the table of contents and a sample page, so you can judge for yourself.
Ishmael Baeh was in town last night, talking about his book, A Long Way Gone. What an amazing human being! Such a message of hope! ‘Recruited’ as a soldier (recruited is hot the correct term as it suggests a bit of choice in the matter, and for him it was life or death) at a young age, he was later rescued by the UN who took him to a rehabilitation camp.
Ishmael says that there is no limit to the resilliency of human beings. With the help of other kind, loving, humans, we can overcome anything, and live a full life, no matter what our past. It is never hopeless, just in a ‘not yet’ state.
I am in awe of this amazing young man.
Silly me, I feel a connection to Ishmael, as our photos appeared side-by-side two weeks in a row in the Winnipeg Free Press, announcing events at McNally Robinson’s bookstore.
Today I’m dealing with arrangements to have a display case made. The replica sash I wove last year will be installed just behind the information desk in the St-Boniface General Hospital, between the Atrium and the elevators. Today the carpenter, curator, and Atrium supervisor will meet to agree on details.
One day soon I’ll learn how to post photos for youall.
Carol

Halfway through my weaving project, I’ve been encouraged to post a blog, to help keep the world posted on my project.
I’ve set out to make a set of sash samples using the fingerweaving technique, representing the variety possible within this technique. There will be 8 samples in all, based on actual sashes found in museum collections across North America. Each sample will be aprox 18 inches (35 cm) long. The samples will be handed over to the Manitoba Museum. The project is supported by Manitoba Artists in Healthcare, and Manitoba Culture, Heritage, and Tourism.
I started in November, 2007. I have completed 3 of the pieces, and am working on number 4.
Here’s number one, from November, 2007. It’s a ‘W Pattern’. A Rindisbacher painting of life in the Red River Settlement depicts a Métis man probably wearing a sash of this pattern.

Number 2 was woven during the month of December, 2007. This piece is based on a sash in the Manitoba Museum collection, a classic ‘Long Flame’ pattern.

The third swatch is the ‘bias weave’ or ‘oblique’ method. White beads create the pattern.

The fourth sample is known as the double arrowhead.

These samples are all woven with a fine 2/8 worsted wool. I respun to tighten the twist, to help the wool stand up to the fingerweaving process.
Tomorrow, March 3, I will visit Friesen’s Press, to watch the pages of my book roll through the presses.