Weaving in Beauty

Explore the beauty and harmony of Navajo weaving

WP Wall Guestbook

Welcome to my WP Wall Guestbook!

There are currently 73 responses to “WP Wall Guestbook”

Why not let us know what you think by adding your own comment! Your opinion is as valid as anyone elses, so come on... let us know what you think.

  1. 1 On February 18th, 2009, James Peiffer said:

    I want to do small blankets or rugs where you can sit at a counter and work on. Where can I get the supplies I need. I live in Pa. regards, Jim

  2. 2 On February 19th, 2009, Mary Walker said:

    Jim, thank you for being the first to use the new comment and question feature! On the East Coast, you can contact Firewatch Weavers in Brimfield, Massachusetts or Wild West Weaver in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Most people build their own loom and I’m going to post a plan for a workshop sized loom on the site later today.

  3. 3 On April 22nd, 2009, Jany said:

    I teach High School art and we have an ag department with sheep, and a wood shop, I would like to teach Navojo style weaving. Is there a simple way to prepare the wool? from sheep to spinning, I have a friend with a spinning wheel. Buts she buys her wool. Money is, of course, non existant. Am I trying to bite off too much, is this a rich mans hobby?

  4. 4 On April 23rd, 2009, Mary Walker said:

    Jany, with the resources that you have available, I’d definitely encourage you to give it a try. I think that the scarce resource that you’ll have to deal with is time, not money. Processing your own wool is not expensive, but it is time intensive. That’s probably why your friend is buying her wool. Weaving the Navajo way isn’t a rich person’s hobby, but it does require time and patience. I’ll send you a personal email with more information.

  5. 5 On May 16th, 2009, Mary said:

    We would like to convert a Mark
    Deschinney Yazhi loom to turnbuckles (like loom in back on pic #7 of the finish line). Any advice or suggestions, and maybe another picture? Thanks.

  6. 6 On May 16th, 2009, Mary Walker said:

    It’s very easy to convert the Deschinny loom to turnbuckles. This particular student had a fairly wide warp and she used four turnbuckles that were about 7″ long and attached them to the upper board in the back. I’ll try to find some other pictures of it. It worked very well. The turnbuckles could have been attached to the front board, but the warp was a bit too long to do that.

  7. 7 On May 29th, 2009, Lisa Reiser said:

    Do any of your artists ever exhibit in private galleries?

  8. 8 On May 29th, 2009, Mary Walker said:

    It depends on the weaver. D.Y. Begay and Morris Muskett certainly do. Some of the other weavers work directly with private clients. You can use the individual links to contact any of the artists whose work you’re interested in. What I try to do at my site is to provide a (free) link for any Navajo weaver who has a personal web site so that they have a conduit to higher search engine rankings and wider public exposure for their work.
    http://weavinginbeauty.com/wp-admin/edit-comments.php#comments-form

  9. 9 On July 8th, 2009, Eddie Bonnie said:

    Just want to say hello to all weavers and buyers. I’m a male navajo rug weaver of Wide Ruins,Az. Bye

  10. 10 On July 22nd, 2009, Jane Gerard said:

    we have just started with a beautiful herd of Churra, we are looking for weavers or hide tanners working in the old ways- any one out there?

  11. 11 On July 23rd, 2009, Lesia Spencer said:

    In reference to Weaver’s Day in Window Rock, FYI .. the NN council passed legislation for starting up “Green Jobs” within the nation … one of the suggestions was a wool/weaving coop for local weavers … I think that’s a pretty good start … now, to think of types of jobs!

  12. 12 On July 23rd, 2009, Mary Walker said:

    Let’s see! There’s sheep shearing, wool processing, spinning, dyeing…. We’ll have to be sure that they follow up!

  13. 13 On October 19th, 2009, vickie armstrong said:

    Will you be having another miniature navajo weaving event like the one on your website.

  14. 14 On October 19th, 2009, Mary Walker said:

    I’m checking with Vickie to find out which event. The chances are that we’ll be doing it again.

  15. 15 On November 8th, 2009, Deborah Downs said:

    Mary

    I don’t know if your are interested; however, The 13 Grandmothers Council will be meeting in Sedona, Dec 3-6. Below is their website.
    http://www.grandmotherscouncil.com/

    Deborah

  16. 16 On November 8th, 2009, Mary Walker said:

    If someone attends this event, please feel free to write an article if there’s weaving related content. I’m teaching a class that weekend.

  17. 17 On November 17th, 2009, Jan HP said:

    Mary-did you weave the Social Dancers weaving yourself? It is beautiful!

  18. 18 On November 18th, 2009, Mary Walker said:

    Yes, it’s my weaving! I get so busy washing, repairing and writing about other people’s rugs that I only finish about two pieces a year! Thanks for the compliment; it was a fun piece to weave.

  19. 19 On November 18th, 2009, Gabrielle Poorman said:

    Hi!
    My name is Gabrielle Poorman and I was wondering if I could interview someone who knows about rug weaving. I’m in college and have a research paper to write and i need to interview someone. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
    Thank You

  20. 20 On November 18th, 2009, Mary Walker said:

    You can interview me if you want to Gabrielle. Some of the weavers with web sites are also possibilities.

  21. 21 On December 18th, 2009, Jan HP said:

    Hi Mary & Jennie- I have a question about the C-Cactus Flower loom. Jennie-are you able to warp this loom in the tradional way for a Navajo rug? Love all your rugs!! Jan

  22. 22 On December 18th, 2009, Mary Walker said:

    No, the C-Cactusflower loom has a unique way of producing a Navajo warp with a system using two combs, but you can’t change the spacing of the warp or attach a traditional warp. For a portable loom that is warped traditionally, contact Mark Deschinny at http://www.markdeschinny.com..

  23. 23 On December 28th, 2009, topsy holmes said:

    i live in colorado and i have beautiful commercially spun navajo churro yarn. i would love to sell it to navajo weavers. i have all the natural colors. any ideas on how to get this yarn to the weavers? or get to know the weavers who are looking for navajo churro?

  24. 24 On December 28th, 2009, Mary Walker said:

    Perhaps if you could send some samples?

  25. 25 On December 28th, 2009, topsy holmes said:

    i would be happy to send some samples. perhaps you might email me with an address, of where to send them. topsy@dragonflychurros.com

  26. 26 On December 28th, 2009, Mary Walker said:

    I’ve provided Topsy with my mailing address. I’ll post pictures and a review when I’ve had a chance to look at the samples.

  27. 27 On January 28th, 2010, Oshea said:

    Hello
    Will there be any navajo weaving classes in massachusetts this year?

    Oshea

  28. 28 On January 28th, 2010, Mary Walker said:

    It’s possible that someone else will be doing them, but Jennie Slick and I will not be coming back any time soon.

  29. 29 On February 12th, 2010, Alison Halsey said:

    Mary,
    Long time no contact! My fault! I am doing well and continue to weave mostly on the portable loom although I did make myself a large wooden one. Time problem – work gets in the way. A few friends asked me about teaching them to weave and I said I would try. Believe me they will be no threat to the Navajo weavers.

    Could I buy from you 6 smaller width forks and 6 medium length and width battens? The problem is I need them by February 25th. Is that possible????
    A snow storm here knocked everything out for a week and a half hence I am behind on ordering things. Thanks. Let me know how much and if I can send a check or do you want a credit card number.
    I still long to be back on the reservation and weaving – what a great 3 weeks. I hope to be back this summer for a brief visit in July.

    Peace,
    Alison Halsey
    410-353-3456
    32 Franklin St.
    Annapolis, MD 21401

  30. 30 On February 13th, 2010, linda hernandez said:

    i would like to know when the next on line weaving class will be held

  31. 31 On February 13th, 2010, LINDA HERNANDEZ said:

    i am interested in the next online class or if there are any classes around toledo ohio.

  32. 32 On February 16th, 2010, Tracy Siebenthal said:

    I am interested in coming out to attend one of your seminars. Can you tell me about the overnight accommodations? I am anxious to expand my horizons!

  33. 33 On February 27th, 2010, Joan Van Wagner said:

    Interested in info. for begin.navajo weaving classes in Auburn April 30-May.I live in Rocklin. Thank you for any info. re: avail.,cost,time. Also have grandfathers old horse blankets I would like to learn how to repair. Joan

  34. 34 On March 3rd, 2010, anna florence atimango said:

    thanks for the onine class.i would like to know more about different types of plain weaves.

  35. 35 On March 6th, 2010, Bonnie Allen said:

    Does anyone know of any weavers in Illinois? thanks, Bonnie

  36. 36 On March 12th, 2010, michael H. said:

    hello,I’m trying to find information on a weaver by the name of “Bissi Claws”.I recently purchased a rug that was made by her in 1984. Thank You!

  37. 37 On March 12th, 2010, k.y. emberson said:

    Does anyone know if Mark Deschinny is still in business? I paid for looms and tools almost a year ago, he doesn’t respond to any contacts and still no looms or money returned. Any info? Thank you.

  38. 38 On March 14th, 2010, Celinda Hall said:

    I live in Albuquerque, NM and I am looking for a class here in town. One school I can find is booked up. Don’t want to have to take a vacation just to take a class. thanks

  39. 39 On April 12th, 2010, susan Mendenhall said:

    Curious to know if this is Mary R Walker who at one point did metalsmithing or silversmithing?

    Thank You so much

  40. 40 On April 14th, 2010, Pat Johnson said:

    K.Y. Emberson: Yes, mark is still in business. I just purchased a loom from him. His website provider went out of business. I’ll see if I can find the email I received from him.

  41. 41 On April 21st, 2010, Kathleen Higham said:

    Mary. I get to attend a work shop by Roy Kady in Idaho falls! Lucky me!!!

  42. 42 On April 23rd, 2010, DebraJ said:

    Mary, I ordered some wool from Burnham’s. The lady there told me that their source in Philadelphia went out of business. So they bought the rest of their yarn. She said after that runs out they would be getting churro. Thanks for the tip.

  43. 43 On April 26th, 2010, Mary Walker said:

    You will love it. Roy is a very special person and you’ll learn a lot from him.

  44. 44 On April 26th, 2010, Mary Walker said:

    Not to worry, they’re in the process of changing mills. I’ve had a chance to help them with it and it’s been fun.

  45. 45 On May 19th, 2010, Jim said:

    Question on behalf of Lillie Dugi. “How does one participate in your Weavings For Sale?

  46. 46 On May 27th, 2010, Doug in Denver said:

    I went to the Crownpoint auction a couple weeks ago for the first time, really enjoyed it and purchased a couple of beautiful rugs. For my next rug, though, I’m thinking I’d like to get a small tapestry. I didn’t see any tapestry quality weavings at the auction in May and wondered whether you ever see them at Crownpoint?

  47. 47 On May 30th, 2010, Mary Walker said:

    Tapestry grade pieces generally find a market outside auction venues. There are relatively few pieces of true Navajo tapestry, which is a class of weaving with 80+ wefts per inch. The Toadlena and Two Grey Hills Trading posts are the best sources for tapestries in natural colors and Perry Null’s and Richardson’s in Gallup carry limited numbers of both Two Grey Hills and other tapestry grade pieces. Be prepared to pay $300 and more for good tapestry grade weaving. Some larger tapestry pieces can take well over a year to weave.

  48. 48 On June 22nd, 2010, Emmy said:

    Does anyone ever teach an online class in cinch weaving.There’s
    not much here in Oklahoma.
    Thanks

  49. 49 On June 23rd, 2010, Mary Walker said:

    Look for an online cinch class and more online classes in general starting in mid-October. Thanks for your interest!

  50. 50 On July 5th, 2010, Pam said:

    Is there a possibility that you might add another Weaving In Beauty Class and Tour for this year? I came to the page tonight and saw that the July/August class is full. (Good news for you but bad news for me.)
    Thanks

  51. 51 On July 6th, 2010, kathleen higham said:

    Mary, will another Munsell group start up? I’ve been reading on the web aboutit and would loved to participate in it.

  52. 52 On July 7th, 2010, Mary Walker said:

    I hope suggest another one later in the year. I’m way too busy to participate right now.

  53. 53 On July 7th, 2010, Mary Walker said:

    Pam, thank you so much for your interest in our class. We can’t add an additional class this year due to other commitments that we have, but we can add you to our waiting list in case there’s a cancellation and we’ll be posting our 2011 schedule soon.

  54. 54 On July 7th, 2010, Pam Hellman said:

    Yes, please do add me to the waiting lists. I’ll also be checking for the 2011 schedule. Thanks for replying!

  55. 55 On July 8th, 2010, Emmy said:

    I’m curious now. What is a Munsell group?
    Thanks
    Emmy

  56. 56 On July 8th, 2010, Mary Walker said:

    The Munsell color system was developed to provide a precise numeric description of color based on hue, value or lightness and color purity (referred to by Munsell as chroma). This precision is helpful in mixing dyes to achieve the desired results. There is a Munsell study group on Weavolution.com, but I was too busy teaching right now to join. I hope there will be enough people interested to do another group later this year. If you haven’t already joined Weavolution, I’d encourage you to do it. The current study group is called the Munsell+dye study group.

  57. 57 On July 11th, 2010, kathleen higham said:

    I’d like to join with you when it starts again!

  58. 58 On July 25th, 2010, Janean said:

    Where do students lodge for classes?

  59. 59 On July 28th, 2010, Florida Sue said:

    Can you put me in contact with a Navajo-style weaver in Florida?

  60. 60 On July 29th, 2010, G. Lewis said:

    Im a Navajo weaver and I’m trying to completed a piece for College Expenses (Redheart yarn is all I can afford right now).
    Im seeking Some Donors of scrap wool/ Full Skeins. So I can make some pieces for my College expenses this Fall 2010.

  61. 61 On July 31st, 2010, Mary Walker said:

    I will be sending some wool! Please send me your address privately. Others interested in donating some yarn should contact me.

  62. 62 On July 31st, 2010, Mary Walker said:

    I’m not aware of anyone in Florida, but other readers may know!

  63. 63 On August 1st, 2010, John Sandstrom said:

    Mary–
    At Convergence you mentioned the possiblity of on-line classes. Is there any time frame I should be checking for them to start?
    Thanks again for your and Jenne Slick’s teaching at Convergence. They were great classes.

  64. 64 On August 1st, 2010, Jan HP said:

    Hi Mary-Is there any chance you have a picture of the class looms used at Convergence? (I met you in Window Rock last spring (VT natives) and I have pics of the 2 rugs we bought at the Adopt A Native spring Food Run! See you soon-Jan

  65. 65 On August 9th, 2010, Naomi julian said:

    I am desperate for some help with warping a navajo loom. Could anyone help me? I am in Albuquerque and have been weaving on the navajo loom for a few years, but still having problems with warping.

    Thank you, Naomi

  66. 66 On August 10th, 2010, Mary Walker said:

    Tyra Preston, Roy Kady’s neice teaches at Village Wools and Morris Muskett (http:/www.morrismuskett.com)is also in Albuquerque. Naomi was able to get in touch with Tyra, who is helping her out.

  67. 67 On August 18th, 2010, Judy Soivey said:

    I want to attend your class in 2011, my husband wants to come for the field trips but not to weave, it that possible, we are willing to drive our car as the extra car. Thanks judy

  68. 68 On August 18th, 2010, Mary Walker said:

    Judy, your husband is very welcome to join us for the field trips. We frequently have spouses, significant others and even BFF’s along. If he’s willing to drive, that’s even better.

  69. 69 On August 18th, 2010, Judy Spivey said:

    tried to sign up for Oct 2011 class and when I add to cart is comes up Oct 2010. Please advise. Thanks

  70. 70 On August 19th, 2010, Mary Walker said:

    I’ve got it fixed now. The dates were right, but the year was wrong! Thanks for the heads up.

  71. 71 On August 23rd, 2010, Mary Ann Polacek said:

    I am interested in signing up for future classes, but dont see contact info to discuss classes beforehand as you require or firsttimers. Also I dont do cyperspace business without a physical address involved when invovling money-waaaay too much internet fraud out there to submit deposits to cyperspace. Please advise how to contact you and engage in synchronous conversation about upcoming classes. Thank you.

  72. 72 On August 23rd, 2010, Mary Walker said:

    Our physical address is protected on the web site but appears on all of our online transactions and invoices. We can provide references from past students if you’d like them. We have provided classes on the Navajo Nation since 2000 and have taught over 500 students. Please contact me via email if you’d like to set up a phone or web conference to discuss a class. Thanks for your interest in learning to weave the Navajo way!

  73. 73 On August 27th, 2010, Jackie Schweitzer said:

    hello, if you happen to have a cancellation for Oct. 2010, i would like to take the spot. if not, probably May 2011. i have a 2nd person coming but he is not a weaver. thanks!

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    Latest on Fri, 08:36 am

    Jackie Schweitzer: hello, if you happen to have a cancellation for Oct. 2010, i would like to take the spot. if not, probably May 2011. i have a 2nd person coming but he is not a weaver. thanks!

    Mary Walker: Our physical address is protected on the web site but appears on all of our online transactions and invoices. We can provide references from past students if you'd like them. We have provided classes on the Navajo Nation since 2000 and have taught over 500 students. Please contact me via email if you'd like to set up a phone or web conference to discuss a class. Thanks for your interest in learning to weave the Navajo way!

    Mary Ann Polacek: I am interested in signing up for future classes, but dont see contact info to discuss classes beforehand as you require or firsttimers. Also I dont do cyperspace business without a physical address involved when invovling money-waaaay too much internet fraud out there to submit deposits to cyperspace. Please advise how to contact you and engage in synchronous conversation about upcoming classes. Thank you.

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