Weaving in Beauty is dedicated to expanding the appreciation and knowledge of the textiles of what is now the southwestern United States. We offer cleaning, repair and appraisal of flatwoven textiles and we coordinate classes in fiber techniques to help others learn.
As part of the weaving community, we provide a forum for discussion of the people, techniques and events encompassing this evolving art form.
I provide an identification service at $5 per item. You can submit pictures through the web site.
Yes, we have one group of beginners and another group of students who are intermediate,
Is the class running on 7/17, Weaving Bootcamp a beginners class?
I have a rug that looks Native American. I think it is cotton with a fringe. Bright colors of yellow, red, black, blue, burgandy, orange stripes. Large green background with black and purple arrow like designs. Have no clue. Approx. 50″ x 76. Any help will be appreciated. Carol
Paul, I have added you to the list that receives the first notice of all classes as they are added.
PLEAS ADD ME TO THE WAITING LIST FOR NEXT YEARS NAVAJO WEAVING CLASS. BETTER YET LET ME KNOW IF THERE ARE GOING TO BE OTHER CLASSES LIKE THIS. THANKS pAUL
Done!
Please add me to the waiting list for your next Online begining weavers course.
Unfortunately, Cay, I don’t know Leo. Perhaps another reader will know him.
I purchased a weaving fork signed by Leo Wolfe, Durango. Do you know anything about this weaver or his work?
I can send you a Paypal invoice. There’s also a link in my online store that will be sent to you if you fill out the form online.
I love your web site and have learned a lot! However, once I send a photo of my rug to your email address, how do I get the $5 to you?
Yes, you can send pictures to mary.walker@weavinginbeauty.com. After March 1, there will be a $5 charge for informal evaluations.
Hello, I have a single saddle rug that was my Grandparents. I have been trying to find out if it’s true Navajo and a rough estimate of date of weaving. Would someone be willing to look at some pictures? Thank you.
Done!
Please put me on the waiting list- for Sept or Oct weaving in beauty tour. thanks ann
Sandra, I’ll be adding a new online session later this evening. We sell looms and tool and you can also find them from Weaving Southwest, Halcyon Yarns and the Woolery.
Looking for a beginning Navajo on line weaving class. I do need to order a loom an tool;s needed. Any suggestion from whom?
Reply for Rick Johnston: Cinch looms are really just a long frame with feet. You should be able to easily make one.
It is probably from the area near Farmington, NM and was woven in the 1930’s to 1940’s.
HELLO I AM LOOKING FOR OLD PICTURES OF MY MOM,GRANDMA AND OLD OLD GRANDMAS WEAVINGS. THEY ARE OR WERE FROM THE TWO GREY HILLS AREA AD THE NAMES ARE: HELEN CASTILLO, FANNY HOSKIE AND MABLE POLICE (BOYD). I MYSELF AM LEARNING TO WEAVE WITH 5RUGS ALREADY UNDER MY BELT. I AM ALSO LOOKING FOR PICTURES OF THOSE AS WELL BUT TO NO AVAIL. CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHERE I CAN LOOK FOR THESE PICTURES FROM WHEN THEY WRERE SOLD TO VARIOUS TRADERS. ANY INFO WILL HELP. THANKS!
Do you have any cinch looms for sale?
Hello The following Rug or Blanket was passed down to me, they were at my grandparents cabin in northern minnesota since 1944. Could you tell me if they are a Navajo weaving please. The size is 52 inches long by 17 inches wide. Thanks Curt
From Mary:
It isn’t Navajo, Curt. The knotted fringe at the ends indicates that it’s was woven on a horizontal loom. My guess would be that’s a Hispanic weaving from southern Mexico or Central America.
Hi Mary,
Thanks for confirming that my rug is, in fact, Navajo. Can you tell me any more about it? Where made? Likely Value?
Thanks for your attention. And, Happy Holidays.
Tanya
I think I have a Navajo weaving. Can you verify if it is? I have some photos that I will try to forward.
You have a Marvelous site and so informative.
Thanks very much.
JoAnn, the loom is probably not at fault. Unless the loom is very large, you need to use the heddle rod with your palm facing you, pushing the warp as you pull the heddles. Send a note mary.walker@weavinginbeauty.com and I’ll send you a picture.
Hi! Thank you for all the detailed information that you provide on your website. It is not only informative, detailed, and provides magnificent pictures of rugs that are so inspiring!!! My question is: How do you keep a weaving loom from tipping forward when you pull the back strings forward? My neighbor and friend has a loom that she has discarded because of that particular flaw. She has so graciously consented to teach me how to weave. But her loom was not built properly. She wants a new loom. So in payment for her teaching, I have taken on the construction of a new loom for her as well as one for me. I cannot find a website that can answer that question so I really hope you can assist me. If I build the loom to exact instructions provided would we have the same issue when we begin weaving? Does the back leg board require additional weight? Or is the dimension of the legs need to be longer towards the back that in the front? HELP!! It would be so embarrassing if I build a loom that is inadequate for both my instructor and me.
Thank you. I sent the close-ups to your email.
You can send a picture to me at mary.walker@weavinginbeauty.com.
I would like to know if this Two Grey Hills rug is Navajo. It was assessed by a local expert weaver, and she looked at it carefully and didn’t find any evidence that it’s not; however, I wanted an expert Navajo weaver to look at it. There is no one in my area. I’m trying to upload a jpg to the response area, but it’s not letting me. Is there a direct email I can submit to?
Can you send me a close-up of the ends? It looks like there is fringe at both ends and the pattern resembles a Chimayo weaving.
I have an Indian rug/blanket; I don’t know how to tell. I found it hanging on the wall of a house that I bought to remodel. Anything you can tell me about it would be appreciated.
Charlie, are you still looking for a longer batten?
I do them, but I won’t be doing any new ones until next year.
can you let me no if you d enny online loom weaving corses
Tempe Yarn and Fiber carries it. You can also order it online from Paradise Fibers.
i need brown sheep wool other then fiber factory where else can it be purchased thank you in advance
I have a blanket simialr to the pink blanket. My dad’s family had sheep. Every year they would gather the wool and take it to Utah Woolen mills and make beautiful wool blankets. Similar to Pendleton blankets, in many different colors. Love the turquoise jewlrey. My mom has a big beaded bag of it that I hope I get a few peices of (she’s half Native American) She finds it kind of amusing that Native American prints etc. are “in” right now.
Way to go, Navajo Nation! Either cease-and-desist, or collect roiaetyls for the use of your name (only on quality products of which you approve, of course). Same with sports teams that use Native names as mascots. Until recently, the University of North Dakota was paying the Standing Rock Sioux annual roiaetyls to use the name Fighting Sioux , which was a win-win and a source of pride for both parties. Unfortunately for both the Tribe and the university, political correctness put an end to that.
Hi Mary,
Need to change to the waiting list for 9/13-20th. I hope this is possible.Also, going to see if I can sign up for the online class, need to check my computer. Thanks ann
Hello! I am registered in your class this June in Estes Park. I am interested in getting directions on how to build my own loom for class. Thank you, and I am very much looking forward to class and meeting you.
Ann, thanks for your interest in the class! I’ve added you to the waiting list. If there’s an opening, I’ll send a note out to everyone on the list and the first person who responds gets the opening.
Is it possible to get on the waiting list for October? If so, where on the list am I. Thanks Ann
Joyce, you are on the waiting list!
I would like to sign up for the October 2012 class (already full) or future ones, please advise when the next available opening will be. I live in Hawaii and need a little time to get to Arizona, but will come for a class. Thanks
Carol, you book is on the way!
Hello,
My friend has your “How to Weave the Navahoe Way” and I would love purchase one. Do you have any for sale?
Sincerely, Carol Bass
I can’t give you any idea without having a picture of it.
I have what I think is a Navajo weaving 23″ X 35″ that was made by ? Mary Rose James? Just wanted to know what its worth.
Alas, I don’t know of one, but perhaps one of our readers does!
Please contact me at mary.walker@weavinginbeauty.com.
Very excellent and helpful article. Where can I write to identify the weaving I have? It is around 1920’s, wool,gray & red design. Was bought in the Southwest as far as I know. Any direction you can send me would be appreciated.
Do you know of a useful site (like yours) that deals with info re Mexican blankets? Thank you!
Geneva, check this page on the site. Please drop me a line if you need more help.
Please provide me with instructions on how to hang rugs. Thanks
The deposit is $375. The link is http://secure.ultracart.com/cgi-bin/UCEditor?merchantId=WIB&ADD=WIB-2012-OCTOBER-DEP.
A Burntwater design is done with vegetally dyed yarns. If you think of a classic Two Grey Hills rug done in pastel colors, that’s a Burntwater.
I make the hotel reservations so that I’m sure that everyone gets the right rate. If you have other questions, just let me know. There’s more information on the web site at http://atlohi.wpengine.com/find-a-weaving-class/weaving-in-beauty-classes/weaving-in-beauty-a-textile-tour.
A friend and I are very interested in signing up for your 10/7-14/2012 class. What is the deposit required to hold a spot in that class? What is Burntwater designs? Do reservations need to be made at the Quality Inn the same time as securing a place in this class – or do you request that they hold a reservation? We hope to make our reservation this week after hearing from you.
Thank you,
Deidra Manary
Inge, Jennie Slick and I don’t have anything scheduled in that area in late 2012, but please check with Lynda Teller Pete. Lynda’s web site is http://www.navajorugweavers.com.
do you have any beginning weaving classes scheduled for Nov/Dec/2012 in Colorado Springs, Denver Colorado?
Many people like “Navajo Weaving Way” by Noel Bennett and Tiana Bighorse. You’ll find that our book, Atł’óhí Binaltsoos (The Weaver’s Book): How to Weave the Navajo Way, is very detailed and is supported by video resources that many people have found helpful. I think that you’ll find both books helpful learning to weave the Navajo way.
I have finally found what I have been looking for, and have enjoyed all of your questions and answers. I am trying to find a good book to help me get started in weaving of any kind of tapestry. I am a disabled U.S. Navy Nurse (I have MS) with limited financial resources, so I would like to find the best book to get started with. Is ‘Atł’óhí Binaltsoos (The Weaver’s Book): How to Weave the Navajo Way, in your opinion, the book I am looking for? If it isn’t can you point me in the right direction? I have access to lumber and other building materials and can build most anything. Looking at the price of looms, I know that I can build a Navajo loom and would love to be part of a very historic art.
Thank you for you time and information.
suZ
Mary
I would like to sign up for the spider rock boarding class next year if you are going to do it.
Please let me know.
Francine
This design is often referred to as a “whirling log”. It was used as a metaphor for the wheel of life, the four winds, the four directions, and the four sacred mountains. When it was appropriated by the Nazis, the Navajos and other Native Americans stopped using it in their art. Many of the rugs using the symbol were destroyed during the 1930’s and World War II. Many people who own the pieces that survived are still reluctant to display them, because of the visceral reaction that many people understandably have to the symbol, however innocently it is used. When I did an article discussing a rug that included a whirling log, three or four people wrote to me the next day and asked to be removed from my mailing list, so clearly there is still a lot of sentiment against it. Modern Navajo weavers use the symbol very sparingly because of this.
I have a Navajo rug given me by my Grandmother who lived on the reservation asa child. I am curious what the design that almost looks like a swastika stands for. Is there a book that determines the meaning of the designs?
Have a rug said to be done by a Jane Benally in Windorock AZ.How could I find out if there is such a rug weaver.She is said to be 90 years old and still weaving.
The most authoritative numbers that I have seen on this subject come from Ann Lane Hedlund. If I remember correctly, Ann estimates that there are about 20,000 Navajo weavers. Many, perhaps half, weave only occasionally to meet a pressing need. Another group consists of people who weave on a regular basis and weaving provides part of their income. Another and smaller group consists of master weavers who derive a significant part or all of their income from weaving and who are identified primarily as weavers within their community. A smaller number work as fine artists and many people in this group have formal training in art. Finally, there is a group of revival weavers, who weave not for income but for personal and cultural fulfillment.
I wonder how many weavers there are now? Any estimations?
Thank you for your wonderful site, I googled Two Grey Hills looking for a shop that I visited many times while in Arizona. I purcased many lovely pieces of jewlry and was looking for them online… didn’t find them but will return to this site when I have time to take in all the beautiful photos and information.
can’t wait to take a class in Navajo weaving – Denis
Hi Mary,
I was one of your students and attending the tour up around Shiprock back in the mid 90’s. I just finished building a cedar loom (big) and I am looking a purchase a 36-38″ batten. Can you recommend someone?
Charlie
A Storm Pattern woven in the 1970’s suggests that the weaver may have been in the western part of the Navajo Nation. I don’t have any information on the weaver, but another reader may be able to help. There were probably 30,000 weavers working at that time.
In 1972 in Colorado, Steven purchased two Navajo rugs both woven by Bessie Johnson. The storm pattern was lost in a fire but his mother kept the Yei rug. When she died, we could not find the provenance and would like to learn more about this weaver. Can anyone help us about who she was and when she was working? We are very fond of this weaving and any information would be greatly appreciated.Thank you very much.
Many students who don’t drive use the Amtrak train from Albuquerque to Gallup, where we’ll pick you up!
Transportation from Albuquerque to Window rock?
I’ll be sure to mention them next week too! Thanks for bringing it up!
OK,I see, you mentioned Hubbell. Sorry!
Please mention the Hubbell Art Auction-Hubbell Trading Post-May 14,2011
I’ve asked Daniel to send me a picture. I’ll let you know what I find out.
I have a large rug which has the navajo storm pattern, but has cotton warp and weft. It also has a few added fringes on the end that were added after the rug was woven. I was wondering if you might have some idea of the time period that this rug might have been woven? I can send some photos if that would help. Thanks, Daniel
Don, the 2” Velcro is about right. We just place the rug so that it holds and we’ve found that it provides the best overall support without clamping or creating extra hanging weight. You only need the hook side unless the rug is an older one that’s had a lot of foot traffic. You just press the rug lightly until it holds and gently peel it off when you want to do maintenance or rotate the side displayed.
I have found 2″ “industrial” Velcro at Hobby Lobby. Is this too much for the rug, possibly causing some deterioration when I remove it to flip the rug?
This is for Beth Robertson. I am a professor of education and we are working on an integrated sustainability unit for our future teachers. Would you be willing to share your “woolery” curriculum” with us?
Beth, I’ll send you a private email on this. Thank you for your comment.
I really like this site. I am enrolled with the Navajo Nation and I grew up and live in South Carolina. I am enrolled at Shiprock. I love to knit and weave and anything else about the felting arts. I card wool and spin. I use a lap loom and a shuttle loom and knitting looms and of course knitting needles I also create felted works of art. I would love to learn how to weave on a Navajo loom and thanks to you I can. I wanted to know if there is some way that financial assistance can be provided so that I can participate in the online classrooms.I am always w/a loom or knitting needles and my love for the art has allowed me the priviledge to teach others. I have recently been asked to teach children at libraries and schools on spinning, weaving, knitting and felting. I have a “woolery curriculum” that I have used with my children that incorporates fiber arts and handwork through the history of wool, weaving, knitting, chemistry (natural dying), geography, math concepts, balance, our connection to all things in nature and of course stories of Spider Woman.
Thank You
Beth Robertson
Hi Mary
I’ve been following the pictures you’ve been posting on your site, and I just have to comment on the one of Marilou Shultz spinning “under the watchful eye of her Mother”…it says so much…about spinning, but about mothers and daughters too…it’s a jewel.
Darn, I wish I’d been there to bid against you!
Mary….was able to achieve a rug goal by purchasing a Burnham weaving by Sandy Begay…at an umbelievably low price in Crownpoint. (you helped me purchase a rose yazzie at Hubble)
Carol, our schedule for this year is very full. It doesn’t look like we’ll have anything in Oregon.
The closest classes that I know of are at the Fiber Factory in Mesa.
I would love to go to one of your boot camps. Is there any chance you would be in Oregon?
my brother made me a navajo loom years ago and I even have the warp and weft required. I just need to learn how to weave on it. I was wondering if you knew of classes in Tucson. Thanks, Jill
We will be releasing a DVD on the horse cinch this summer.
Sorry for the delay in responding to your question. I secure the ends of a repair warp with a t-pin. I like the 1 ¾” pins that they sell at Jo-Ann.
Question: I am doing my second navajo weaving and the warp frayed apart in one area. Is there a fix for this? I have tied a new thread but does not stay tight once the warp is retightened.
i am interested in learning to weave the Navajo cinch maybe you could tell what to read or maybe you have a class thanks
The next beginner session should start around March 13th. I’ll post registration soon. Thanks for your interest in learning to weave the Navajo way!
I love all you have posted on your site, I hope to learn how to weave Navajo someday.
When will your next online beginning Navajo weaving class be?
Thanks,
Dinah Rose
http://www.dinahrose.com
We have a proposal in to do a workshop at the Estes Park Wool Market, but we haven’t gotten an answer on it yet. We usually do a three day class in Utah, but we won’t have a date until January. Thanks for your interest!
Do you have any 3 day courses scheduled for 2011?
Excitement Plus,Mary!! Just received “The Weaver’s Book How To Weave the Navajo Way” What a wonderful job ya’ll did. Now I can finish my rug.
Congratulations on a Job Well Done!
Sandy
The book is available at this link. It’s self published and the ISBN is 978-0-615-37744-5. The book is supported by online multimedia files that the student can use to re-enforce the printed material. I hope that helps!
We have a customer looking for your book on Navajo weaving by Mary Walker & Liz Munk. Can you send us ordering info, ISBN, price, etc. Thank you.
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!
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!
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.
I’ve got it fixed now. The dates were right, but the year was wrong! Thanks for the heads up.
tried to sign up for Oct 2011 class and when I add to cart is comes up Oct 2010. Please advise. Thanks
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
I’m not aware of anyone in Florida, but other readers may know!
I will be sending some wool! Please send me your address privately. Others interested in donating some yarn should contact me.
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.
Can you put me in contact with a Navajo-style weaver in Florida?
Where do students lodge for classes?
I’d like to join with you when it starts again!
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.
I’m curious now. What is a Munsell group?
Thanks
Emmy
Yes, please do add me to the waiting lists. I’ll also be checking for the 2011 schedule. Thanks for replying!
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.
I hope suggest another one later in the year. I’m way too busy to participate right now.
Mary, will another Munsell group start up? I’ve been reading on the web aboutit and would loved to participate in it.
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
Look for an online cinch class and more online classes in general starting in mid-October. Thanks for your interest!
Does anyone ever teach an online class in cinch weaving.There’s
not much here in Oklahoma.
Thanks
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.
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?
Question on behalf of Lillie Dugi. “How does one participate in your Weavings For Sale?
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.
You will love it. Roy is a very special person and you’ll learn a lot from him.
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.
Mary. I get to attend a work shop by Roy Kady in Idaho falls! Lucky me!!!
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.
Curious to know if this is Mary R Walker who at one point did metalsmithing or silversmithing?
Thank You so much
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
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.
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!
Does anyone know of any weavers in Illinois? thanks, Bonnie
thanks for the onine class.i would like to know more about different types of plain weaves.
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
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!
i am interested in the next online class or if there are any classes around toledo ohio.
i would like to know when the next on line weaving class will be held
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
It’s possible that someone else will be doing them, but Jennie Slick and I will not be coming back any time soon.
Hello
Will there be any navajo weaving classes in massachusetts this year?
Oshea
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.
i would be happy to send some samples. perhaps you might email me with an address, of where to send them. topsy@dragonflychurros.com
Perhaps if you could send some samples?
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?
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..
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
You can interview me if you want to Gabrielle. Some of the weavers with web sites are also possibilities.
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
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.
Mary-did you weave the Social Dancers weaving yourself? It is beautiful!
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.
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
I’m checking with Vickie to find out which event. The chances are that we’ll be doing it again.
Will you be having another miniature navajo weaving event like the one on your website.
Let’s see! There’s sheep shearing, wool processing, spinning, dyeing…. We’ll have to be sure that they follow up!
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!
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?
Just want to say hello to all weavers and buyers. I’m a male navajo rug weaver of Wide Ruins,Az. Bye
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://174.121.153.8/~atlohi1/wp-admin/edit-comments.php#comments-form
Do any of your artists ever exhibit in private galleries?
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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