A contemporary Chief Blanket pattern by Gloria Begay of Crownpoint, NM. Hover your mouse over the picture, for a closer look.

Gloria Begay

Tempe, AZ    Sometimes, a weaving stops me in my tracks.  Usually, it’s because the design is something unusual or the colors are stunning.  In the case of today’s weaving by Glora Begay of Crownpoint, NM, the arresting factors are in sheer excellence: the yarn preparation, the elegant classic design, and the absolute precision of the weaving technique.  The yarn used is Brown Sheep sport weight singles that is re-spun to achieve greater design definition.  There are three end cords and three side cords that are turned at 10 row intervals.   A detail of the weaving appears below.   Gloria used interlock joins throughout the piece to achieve the smoothest possible vertical joins. 

Gloria sometimes sells her work at the Crownpoint Rug Auction and this piece was photographed at Richardson’s Trading in Gallup, NM.   Last year, she and her family showed their work at the Heard Museum’s Gathering of Weavers, scheduled for November 5th this year and I’m hoping that they’ll be coming back!. 

A detail of Gloria's weaving. Hover your mouse over the picture for a closer look.

Hagoshíí (so long for now)

Mary Walker