The week of Nov 30 – December 4, 2009, I was a guest artist in Heritage Immersion School.

School announcements

I worked with the students, ranging from Kindergarten to 8th grade, helping them explore a variety of fiber techniques. The youngest were taught simple braiding techniques.

Braided Bracelets, diverse uses of color

A pile of 3 and 4 strand braids were produced. These will be worked into split-ply belts for the winter carnival.

Massive piles of braids will be worked into belts

4 strand braids will be worked into a split-ply sash

The students demonstrated amazing creativity.
Here is a ‘portrait of Juliette’ by one of the students:

YarnArt portrait

As the week progressed some students wore their artwork:

Fingerwoven Hair ornament

Fingerknitting and braiding worn as scarf or necklace

Mostly I was very pleased by the way the students caught on to the use of the rigid heddle. Several lovely pieces were produced.

Results from the rigid heddle weaving

Interesting use of color, loosely packed weft, give a lovely pattern

Students explored diverse patterns

I am looking forward to seeing these students again in February … and the  sashes they will be wearing.

I’ve finished up an order for a spranged sergeant’s sash.

Sergeant's sash with a buff colored stripe in the middle

Here are some short videos, showing you how fingerweaving is done.

This is the very basic method for the voyageur ceinture fléché, adopted by the Métis as their arrow and lightning sash. If you can do it with eight strings, you then can do it with 24, with 50, or with 100 strings.

The videos show you the ‘beginners method’.

For more information, fancier patterns, you might want to have a look at my book Fingerweaving Untangled.

I made a video with my digital camera, filming the beginner’s method. It was previewed by Social Studies teachers at the Winnipeg teacher inservice sessions, upgraded, and then played at the ManitoAhbee festival.
My web person now tells me that the video is now on youtube, alongside my ‘advanced fingerweaving’ video.
There are three new videos: one showing you how to arrange the threads on a stick, the second video shows you the really basic method for fingerweaving, and the third video shows you how to finish off the fringes.
My website will soon be up-graded, and these videos are then going to be accessible through the website.

The World Premiere SashWeaving Square Dance was held on Saturday, Nov 7, and deemed an immediate success. A sash was created and presented. The 8 strands I had spun together worked just fine … although a bit worn from the practice, unweaving, practice, and re-weaving. The wool was rather soft. Next time I’ll recommend we fork out for a fresh set of cords for the performance.
The local french newspaper LaLiberté ran a front page photo coverage.

La P’Chit Dawnse