This past week was so necessary for me to finally be able to put my life back together after my husband’s death. I know I haven’t been blogging. The truth is, I don’t blog unless I have something to say, some point to what I write, and I won’t just list that I had for dinner or the stacks of paperwork I’ve gone through. My days are full, but not of anything you want to hear about Dear Readers. I spend my mornings on the phone, “Press 1 for more Options”, spend my afternoons going through the mail and the two hours of paperwork that always generates, but dear readers, I do not want to complain. All of this is necessary when you clean up after someone’s death, and I’m the executor, and it has to be done. The studio just has to wait.
The reason this week was so important was because I was finally on the road again, doing what I love to do, which is teach people to make clothing. In five days. I haven’t taught since May, when I had to leave Oregon early for my husband’s hospitalization. I cancelled everything for the summer. And here I was, at a place where I was welcomed, I was a returning instructor (is this my sixth year?), and I had a lot of repeat students. As a matter of fact, I had 15 students for a five day garment construction intensive. Talk about overload!
This week was a complete success in many more ways than I can explain. The students all seemed happy, most have just handwork left. Some of the speed demon sewers made a couple of garments, but all learned a lot, as should happen in this sort of class. We have already booked the dates for next year (same week leading up to Labor Day). I needed this class to go well, to remind me of what I love to do, and that I have a life outside of the stress of what happened to me and my family this year. And it did. It took a village, and I feel very very grateful for the patience of the students and the staff of Harrisville, and the wonderful food that kept me going from the general store across the street. I didn’t have to cook. And the wine that flowed. That made me smile…
15 students. Wow.
They made jackets of course, Lucy made hers with the band and piping, from her handwoven fabric, and Beate from a gorgeous commercial wool plaid.
And some made jackets with the new shawl collar… Judy used commercial fabric, Jane used her handwoven and made a bound buttonhole. Janet used her handwoven as well.
Anne H and her sister Mary made the swing coat version of the jacket…
As well as Nora, who use to be from my guild in NJ, and moved to Canada. It was good to reconnect with her.
Jan and Barbara L made the new tunic. Jan’s was out of carpet warp, an odd choice, but we made it work. Both fabrics are handwoven.
Barbara G made the long walking vest and when she finished that midweek, she pulled out the pattern for a pair of pants. I groaned but rolled up my sleeves and we got to it late in the evening because fitting pants takes a lot of concentration. We were both thrilled with the result. I’m not a fan nor an expert at fitting pants, I’m better with jackets, but hey, they worked!
Rita, Carole, and Amy have been with me for awhile, and they always bring challenging projects. All three are handwoven, Amy’s shirt was woven from 60’s silk. The fabric was gorgeous.
And Anne S, who brought in drapey handwoven fabric and made Simplicity 1920 into a stunning jacket.
15 students, Wow.
We even had a visit from Nick, with adorable puppies. What’s not to love…
Here is the picturesque postcard of the class of 2016, Harrisville Designs, Harrisville NH. Doesn’t get any better than this.
And now the mad scramble prep for 10 days at my other favorite place, Sievers in Wisconsin. It is a good month…
Stay tuned…
That’s good news Daryl. We haven’t met …yet…I will see you in the OBX in October! I am thrilled to be able to learn from you!
Be well & see you next month!
Beautiful work by all your students – very glad to hear your succcess at getting back to work doing what you love (and are so good at).
Your student jackets are wonderful. A great tribute to the teacher. Always do something that you love. Try not to over book. Remember that there will be piles of paper for a short time. I kept post-it of each new task and celebrated when it and others were finished. Being an executor is a full time job for only a short period of time. I look forward when I can burn all the boxes of paper in the barn. Look into the excited student’s eyes when they have completed a task and remember that glow. Keep that glow in you… Read more »
I know both Nora – from my guild in Canada, and Janet from a Blazing Shuttles retreat. So nice to see what they are up to. So glad that this is helping you to start putting life back together. Thank you for sharing.
It was a wonderful week! Thank you for all your wisdom!
Happy to see you doing what brings you joy. Looks like a great group of ladies.
This is a long hard trip to travel but you are strong and organized. I’m happy to see you are back on the road that you love so much.
Love the tunic, Daryl! Glad you’re able to have the joy of teaching again!
I love what you do and what your students make in class, but I also appreciate your comments about grieving and wrapping up a life well lived. Thank you for sharing!
So glad to see you back, Daryl. Like Dixie said, it’s a long hard trip to travel, it’s important that you do it at your own speed. Surrounding yourself with who and what you love is so important. I look forward to your return trip to the PNW, where we will wrap you in love and laughter, learn and create together.