Weekend at Grandma’s

Awhile back, I started working on a rug that I wanted to make entirely out of hand processed yarn. I wanted to challenge myself by not only shearing our sheep, but to actually use the wool to make a Navajo rug by using traditional methods. I took on the challenge but soon realized that it would be done faster with some help and advice from one of my great grandmas. So one evening I drove over and we talked for a few hours, I told her about my idea and plans of what I wanted to accomplish, I asked her if she would be willing to help me. She agreed to do so! I already informed her that I would be recording, she was a little shy and hesitant at first but later on she became a natural. She didn’t mind the camera at all and now she’s use to it. We then made plans for a weekend to work entirely on carding and spinning the wool that I had with me. From the moment I got there, we immediately got to work! I remember my great grandpa talking about how excited she was the next morning because she woke up earlier than usual. While I was still asleep, he already had coffee going and ready to start to day. I immediately jumped up and met her outside before the heat started to pick up. Being able to sit, talk and just process the wool into yarn was everything I always thought of. Now I can say I actually did that, I always heard other people saying they remember doing the same thing with their grandmothers. I understand that there aren’t as much translations in the video but I felt it meaning of it all would be lost or misinterpreted somewhere along the way. I really do hope you enjoy this video!Recently after talking with her awhile back, she admitted that she most likely won’t be able to card and spin wool anymore because her body is getting old. This only makes me more happy to know she was able to help me at one point in time. Whenever she does come around to visit, she loves to look at my loom, my weaving tools all while admiring the entire room and atmosphere.

Thank you for your time to watch this video and hope it gave you a better understanding of Navajo weaving.