Shifu

I decided to see if I could remember how to  make Shifu.  Shifu is the product of this process.
There are 8 steps in my process.

1. Write on the paper; I used black walnut dye andblack ink.

2. Write some more on paper with a finer brush and purple ink.

3.  Fold the paper in half and cut in fine strips.

4.  Open paper prior to trearing into one long strip.

5.  Tear into one long strip; if possible.  Tie breaks together.

6.Spin paper and roll into a ball.

7.  Weave on hand made loom.

8.  Finished product.

I have even made stripes.  What will I do with them?  I am thinking of making a book.

Miniatures

Last Sunday when we were walking to a birthday party, we walked past the salvos shop and spotted the most exquisite miniature mesh models of a dress and jacket which we just had to have.  So while I was shopping on Monday, Lenny was at the shop by 9.30 to buy them.  The woman in the shop knew nothing about them other than they came up from Melbourne in a truck.  The detail on them is amazing - the darts on the dress, the decoration around the neckline, the pockets on the jacket and buttons; they stand 57.cm tall. They are superbly made and we love them.

If anyone knows anything about them could you please let me know.

Marta's Yarn

I am not surprised that it has been 3 weeks + since I have blogged; I think I have been tapestried out.

One of the things that was commented on regularly was the colour effect at the top of the tapestry. This was achieved by using a hand - dyed yarn that I bought from Marta's Yarn shop in Caulfield several years ago.  I bought the wool to knit a pair of socks for my daughter and used what I had left in the tapestry.  My main concern in using it in the tapestry was about running out of it.  However my daughter still had the socks and if necessary I contemplated getting them back and unpulling the knitting; fortunately I didn't have to.

I used one strand of this with 4 strands of ATW wool.  What's left is precious stuff.

More square

It is difficult to get a perfectly square photo with a loom that is slanted so I had Lenny hold it up straight.  The result is better but not perfect. However it is a better picture.

Finished

Finished - minus the hem.  Alleluia.

Although it doesn't look it, it is square.  I have measured it.  The loom is on  an angle; sounds like a good story.

The Top

I have reached the top of the tapestry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Twice in 2 days.
On Sunday

and on Monday.

My aim is to finish it on Sunday.  I had made a decision to have it finished by 22nd of Jan. but I may get it finished earlier.  Am I looking forward to that. 

Getting There

Today I spent 4 hours weaving, just for a change, and one hour blending colours for the red escarpment shape.   My plan is to  try to weave 1/2 of this shape and across the tapestry tomorrow.  I have decided to set a deadline of Friday 18th to finish.  I am looking forward to exploring around Kyneton and give the dining room, which is my studio at the moment, a break.  The pictures below represent the progress of 42 1/2 hours.  Amazingly, I still like the design.  I haven't worked out if my sticking to the task is dedication, stupidity, bloody-mindedness or not wanting to be beaten.

I wish I knew how to put pictures side by side.  The bottom of the 2nd picture is a bit dark and I am glad I wove one of Albert Namajira's ghost gums given what has happened to them.