Le livre Le Fléché Démêlé est maintenant disponible. C’est un manuel de 64 pages pour débutants, illustré en couleur comprenant des modèles détaillés et une explication des erreurs les plus fréquentes. ISBN 978-0-9784695-1-1
Prix $19.95 + livraison Contacter l’auteur Carol James carol@sashweaver.ca
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Published inBraid Society Newsletter June 2008
Carol is a weaver. teacher and researcher of the Sash, which is woven by the technique of Fingerweaving or Free End Braiding. The equipment needed is minimal, just a few sticks, some masking tape, and a fixing point- oh! and some nimble fingers. Any smooth yarn can be used, but given the work required in a sizeable project, it is worth procuring a good quality worsted wool which will not pill or felt. Carol takes us gently from a Beginner’s Project through stripes, diamonds and arrows to the Assomption and Arcadian patterns, thus providing a repertoire for more complex designs. The instructions are clear and the diagrams superb so even this rookie fingerweaver could follow them with no problems. Carol’s method of making and maintaining the shed did not take long to learn and, with practice, I am sure that a good rhythm can be achieved. Book review from the Fur Trade Quarterly, Fall 2008 You may recall the excellent Quarterly article by Carol James in which she carefully explained the difference between fingerwoven and machine woven French Canadian sashes. This is a superb how-to book with all color illustrations that can help anyone become a fingerweaver. Not only are the best patterns (arrowhead, Assomption, Acadian, flame, diamond, etc.) included, and the techniques to create them shown; she tells how to add beads to the sash and how to appropriately twist the end fringes. James illustrates the most common errors of fingerweaving and tells the reader how to correct them. There is plenty of information about how to get started, including where to buy suitable yarn, and there are lots of beautiful pictures of old, original sashes. There is so much to recommend this book, either for the collector, the weaver, or the reenactor. It’s a bust buy. – JAH Susan Styrchak’s review for the Guild of Canadian Weavers Fingerweaving Untangled: an Illustrated Beginner’s Guide Including Detailed Patterns and Common Mistakes by Carol James. 64 pages paper $19.95 available from McNally Robinson: www.mcnallyrobinson.com ISBN 978-0-9784695-0-4 This book is, as it says, an excellent book for a beginner. At first, like most beginners, I got “hung up” on the pages describing the common mistakes, but as I examined the sequence of projects, it all made sense. A simple eight strand friendship bracelet is the first project. And with that, Carol leads you to the beginner’s method of manipulating the threads, and then illustrates the “advanced” method. The essentials of set up, measurement of warp, materials to use and variations of pattern are all dealt with in a straightforward manner, and traditional patterns, like the sawtooth, lightning or arrowhead to name a few, are illustrated with simple examples to practice on . The colour order for these various patterns are given first in written instructions and later in graph form. On every page there are many diagrams and photos to help you see what the item should, or shouldn’t! look like. Photos of some of Carol’s own sashes provide inspiration and photos of historical sashes from museum collections provide edification. These illustrate some errors but do not negate the fact that these weavings are nevertheless an impressive achievement. If you ever abandoned a piece of finger weaving because it wasn’t turning out, or wanted to try it because, after all, “what could be simpler?” this book will help you keep on track. Met with the folks from the BBC the morning of Sept 3. They are currently producing a six part series presented by Ray Mears about Canada, its history, indigenous cultures and people. Ray Mears is a Bushcraft specialist and Woodsman and the programmes will reflect this expertise as well as Ray learning new skills from other experts. The six programmes are about the Boreal Forest, The Fur Trade, Samuel Hearne, David Thompson, Dr John Rae and the people who live West of the Rockies who have made Cedar wood a huge part of their culture and history. The programmes will be an hour long and will have a mixture of Ray demonstrating traditional living skills, living from the land and meeting various First Nations people and exploring the history of Canada. This morning Ray Mears interviewed me on site in the Atrium of the St Boniface General Hospital concerning my work, creating Assomption sashes, the technique called fingerweaving or ceinture fleche. The resulting program will be aired in the Fall of 2009. That afternoon, I went with my daughter to visit the sheep farm, the Seine River Shepherds. A visit with the shepherdess, Solange, is always a treat. Back to Winnipeg, for the concert Terre Ouverte, a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the community of St Boniface. As a member of the Maison des Artistes, I helped in the collection of donations for the new sculpture gardens. Today, Sept 4, the 2nd edition of my book was delivered to my house. I’m down to fewer than 150 copies of the first edition (1260 copies printed). The second edition no longer has the ‘staple together’ or ‘saddle stitch’ binding. Rather it has the kind of edge that displays the title when the book is on the shelf, they call it ‘perfect binding’.
This weekend I’ll hang out with Manitoba Living History Society, as they hold their annual Fall Gathering in Whittier Park. We’ll be celebrating with the Scottish folk of Winnipeg, participating in the St Andrew’s Society Selkirk Settler Parade. As well, I’ve prepared some indigo, and hope to dye 2 lbs of yarn, from pale blue to dark navy. Canada Day I spent time at the Mint, Citizenship ceremonies, as well as featuring the new coin commemorating the arrival of Samuel de Champlain. July 5&6 Olivia hosted Viking Days in Gimli, Manitoba. I prepared two tablet-woven strips, between which I worked some sprang to form a cap. For perspective, that’s a chop stick in the shed of my sprang. Today, July 9, I finished weaving #8 of the 8 fingerwoven pieces for the Manitoba Heritage project. Now to finish up the fringes, and I’m DONE! Now on to other projects, weaving more sashes, catching up on orders.
I’ve been working on recording the book Fingerweaving Untangled, putting it onto a DVD, along with pertinent video clips. Actually I began voice recording while at Convergence. Unfortunately the mechanism we were using yielded a less-than-desirable product, lots of machine noise in the audio track. So, later this month I intend to actively seek professional help … for the recording of the DVD. Tomorrow I’m off to Thunder Bay, for the Old Fort William RendezVous. Hoping to meet up with the David Thompson Brigade folks again. En route I’ll be stopping by Atikokan, and Quetico Provincial Park. Hope youall are having a pleasant Summer. I just got back from the Center for Rupertsland Studies Colloquium in Rocky Mountain House. So much information! Such interesting people! Now back to work on that 3rd variation of the Assomption Sash. This is the one that’s done in 2 parts, with a seam down the middle. The colors were hand dyed. I did a bit of back-and-forth to the museum, comparing with the original. The colors are not a perfect match, but pretty darn close. Yes there’s a hot pink in the original sash at the Manitoba Museum.
In my ‘spare time’ I’ve been working on some sprang. I’m hoping to finish a multi colored shawl, trying out various techniques and patterns. I think if I set a row of tassels along the lower end, it should hang open when I wear it. Booksales are going well. Over 400 sold in less than 3 months! Get your copy now while supplies last. Only 1000 were printed. 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. 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 |
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