Grateful

At the weaving workshop run by the Saccidanada Ashram.

Young priest at village temple.

I am back home after an amazing 5 week journey to Southern India. Most of my visit was based at the Saccidanada Ashram in Tamil Nadu. It was here that I lived a simple life style with about 28 other travelers (pilgrims) mediating, chanting and reflecting. Every few days we would journey of from the ashram to visit a local temple for a traditional Hindu puja.

Simple looms at the village workshop.

The ashram supports a small weaving workshop in the local village (Tannirpali). These weavers create stunning fabric for shawls, scarfs and saris.

Peacock roosting on the ashram cow barn.

India is a riot of color, from the meals we eat, to the laundry hanging EVERYWHERE (literally, even in the traffic islands of the village) to the peacocks that freely roam and roost.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to visit this warm, gracious part of India. The changes in my heart and spirit will be evident for many months ahead. And I am grateful to be back home, setting up the big loom (almost threaded!!) and soon back to teaching in schools.

Note that I have included an image of the plastic bobbins that Macomber sells now - in 2 sizes (both for $2/each) 4" and 6".

All is well.
Namaste, Sarah

Color everywhere!

Kumar takes care of the cows at the ashram.

Heart-melting smiles.

Simple looms - notice the kolam on the floor under warp.

Winding a bobbin.

Weaver's pride.

Color everywhere!

Temple in Thanjuvar

4" and 6" bobbins

Happy New Year and happy trails!

Back of loom - setting up warps on raddle.

2014...amazing isn't it? The years just keep slip sliding away. I have been weaving for 45 years....geez that's one heck of a long ride! This post will include some photos of the process I use to set up my 56" B4 Macomber.I know everyone has their special methods for dressing the loom.

Most folks stick to one method and will not deviate. Others are looking for some new tricks. These photos will help illuminate how I dress the loom, but they probably won't fill in all the details. So if you are curious for more...let me know!

Tying the two rods together with shoelaces.

Warp set in raddle. Rods tied together.

Warp is ready to roll onto warp beam.

Warping on in process.

Securing the warps at the front of the loom

Beaming on with sticks (not paper).

Another view of warps under tension while beaming.

I hope that this process intrigues you! Send me photos of your warping process!

Next bit of news, I'll be traveling to India for a month from January 11th - February 11th. I will have intermittent email access. If you want to place an order please call the shop directly (207-363-2808). Please ask Eddie to give me credit for your order...I rely on your business to keep my studio afloat! Many many thanks!

Colorful laundry drying in India.

Indian woman weaving.

Indian man weaving rope rug.

Let's grow old together!

I will close with some images from my previous trip to Tamil Nadu in 2007.
Happy New Year!
Namaste ~ Sarah