As a math teacher, when my students were stuck on a hard math problem I would tell them to “go back to the basics” in search of an elegant solution. I found this tactic to be extremely helpful because it made students use their past knowledge to solve their new problems and develop new methods along the way. During my first weaving class, we had to use a Knitter’s Loom, calculate the length, number of ends, finished width, percentage of shrinkage and wastage. While I was weaving I experienced using my analytical and problem solving skills with a calm and patient mind to weave warps and wefts as I did when I managed large messy data sets. The basic mathematical skills to use the loom made me think of weaving intricate patterns and develop coding to create those patterns. I experienced many skills that are critical to left and right brain development. In addition, I have met amazing people who support my beginner weaving and help me feel a sense of belonging to a community.
I was constantly telling myself “why did I wait for so long and not dive into weaving earlier as a hobby for me and to use as a tangential learning tool for my students.” This has truly been an amazing experience. Now, I will let the pictures do the talking. I am very excited to be part of this community.
