Yesterday was the AGM at the Weaving, Spinning and Dyeing Guild. I took my trusty 'Ashford Kiwi' Spinning wheel and actually managed to get some spinning done. It was nice to sit and natter and spin. I sat with three other spinners. It is good to look at what others are spinning and chat about wheels, technique and yarn. I learned a little more about the ratios on my wheel that can be varied for different yarns. My level of spinning has not progressed much from simply being delighted I can spin a yarn. My Mom did not take her wheel and chose to take part in the 'Ribbon Weaving Workshop'. It looked challenging. The lady that lead the workshop is a very talented seamstress and she bought lots of little bags you could choose from, that could then be embellished with the braids of woven ribbon. I bought a little bag and some ribbon to play with at home.
Here is an Excellent Youtube Tutorial
I watched the above video tutorial and then had a little play with some ribbons.
I think the results are pretty, this is another craft that I can see being highly addictive as it is therapeutic once you get in to the rhythm of it and quite instantly gratifying.
I made enough of this braid to go around the whole bag, I just need to stitch it on. It is very flexible and goes around curves and corners really well. I also like how you could use either side of the braid, each side looks slightly different.
I wonder how long it will take me to actually get around to sewing the braid around the bag? I will definitely be showing you as soon as it is finished. I will also photograph the bag in daylight as that is not the true colour at all. It is a pinky, lilacy, silvery sort of colour if you catch my drift. I do like the grey though that has turned out in the photograph.
I am going around the house now looking at the lampshades and thinking 'Oooo they would look pretty with a ribbon braid'. Looking at curtains 'Oooo they would look pretty with a ribbon braid'. Cushions 'Oooo they would look pretty with a ribbon braid'. If my boys were girls 'Oooo they would look pretty with a ribbon braid'!
