During a recent trip to Shaker Village in south-central Kentucky, Jerry and I both got some photos of the wool. They had it displayed with tags to show what was used to dye it - all organic materials from onion skins, indigo, walnut shells, and different berries and barks. In May, they do the sheep shearing and dying of the wool. I may have to return then...in the spring. And someone has to spin the wool into skeins to use for clothing. That is what this lady was doing, dressed in her traditional outfit and working to make thread out of the wool she was spinning.
I think "the good ole days" might have been pretty tough and pretty busy.
3 comments:
Rhonda, before I started to paint, I was a handweaver and did a lot of dyeing, mostly of silk fibers. The dyeing is a time-consuming job, but a lot of fun. I often painted on my warp to get some watercolor effect...I suppose even then I had a love for watercolor.
I also did some spinning and found it very relaxing. I suppose when you have to do all of of that to ensure that your family has clothes and sheets for the bed, it's a lot less fun:-)
Great photos (I must get down there next year!) Also see some painting possibilities?????
How neat, Christiane. It does sound relaxing and meditative - as long as you don't have to do it for clothing! I would love to see some of your work from that time :)
Deb, how about a painting trip: drive down, stay overnight, take lots of reference photos and sketch and paint while there? It's a great trip and short...easy drive. Of course, not until spring :)
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