I have many crafts that I like pursuing when I’m not writing. One is weaving. Now, I like to equate writing with weaving. With both, there is an endless array of fibers to be used or characters to develop. Each with their own personality traits, textures and quality. All just waiting to be interlaced into a cloth or story that reflects the author’s or weaver’s imagination. Filling the reader / observer’s eye with pleasure, and a sense of satisfaction.
The weaver, after searching through books or magazines, choses a textile pattern that befits their desired outcome. So is it with writing. The author imagines a story outline that she/he wishes to develop. By following a pattern the writer or weaver can intermingle and adjust design themes and story lines to their liking.
Choosing fibers. Decisions, decisions… colors, and textures, or your characters physical descriptions. Should I use vibrant or subdued hues? Thick or thin? Is the heroine going to be blond, blue eyed and slim, or full figured with long dark hair and deep brown eyes? A “woes me”, or “I can handle this” type of woman. Is the hero tall, muscled with thick wavy hair and chiseled features? And knows it. Or, subdued, passionate, and ruggedly handsome, hiding behind a beard, with hidden talents? Ah! Only time will tell.
Warping you say? Sounds devious… Not really. Warping is a step that weavers use before placing their chosen fiber onto their loom. A process by winding the yardage onto a warping board that allows the weaver to have the adequate amount of fiber to complete their project. In writing this is where the writer develops their characters personality traits. Solidifying, in a way, the characters relationship with each other and how the story will evolve. Who is going to be the hero/heroine in love? Or, are they the hated villain? Do they come to realize their misguided ways and find love and redemption? Or, do they end the story the same.
The eye of the needle… No, much bigger. It’s the part I like least in weaving. Threading the reed and heddles with the warp (front to back) fiber. If you’re a weaver, or have ever seen pictures of looms, this is where the end products foundation is laid. The fiber, once threaded through the reeds, moves on to the heddles which creates the pattern. The treadles are attached to the heddles in order to lift up according to patter directions. Lifting two and four creates… Lifting one and three creates… This is more enjoyable. But, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be errors on the way. Sometimes, this process needs to be pulled and redone. Oh, have I been here more than once! A very frustrating occurrence in deed. In writing, this heddle/treadle process is like creating the conflicts between the characters. If I place happiness through this heddle, will my character remain compassionate and loving? Or, if I place evil through this other heddle, will the character always remain evil? Or, will either change due to conflicts? And, will the writer redirect their characters destiny?
Throwing the shuttle. Yes! The actual weaving begins. This is when the weaver sits at their loom and truly creates the fabric. Using a shuttle filled with fiber, it is passed back and forth through the warp to create a beautiful pattern and finished product. This is where the story truly begins and my most pleasurable part of weaving and writing. Where my story comes to life and my characters jump from my imagination, through my fingers and onto the page. It’s where I let the creative side of my brain wanders and I come to love the interwoven characters I’ve created.
Completing a weaving project is rewarding, yet sometimes sad. But, it also leads to another, and another. A time to create, more fiber, and more stories. Bringing to life new stories for my readers to enjoy. The options in writing, like weaving are endless, where the story line comes only from the limits you set for your imagination.
I wish you happiness and joy in reading the stories I have woven for you.
