Thalia Truesdell

Weaving and I found each other in 1977.  I was seeking a creative outlet and my dozen little balls of acrylic yarn and one length of what I now know was chunky handspun wool called out to me.  I was a kindergarten teacher and knew enough to go over, under, over, under, but that is about all. I wrapped some jute on an eclectic piece of driftwood and began weaving, and lo!  I fell in love.  A year later I discovered spinning wool into yarn and then there was no stopping me.  In 1987 I retired from teaching and began my journey as a weaver.

I grew up in Hawaii and have spent my adult life living on rivers and nestled in the mountains.  I love to weave water, whether a calm mountain lake reflecting the moonlight, a stormy coastal scene, or a lazy river with a waterfall tumbling off the weaving.  The forests surrounding  the rivers are another favorite of mine, and the thrill I feel after weaving a mountain is akin to the glory of hiking to the peak.

The wool yarn I spin and dye is responsible for the rich textures of my weavings.  The driftwood I use as a loom/frame is usually the inspiration for my designs, which I visualize when I find the wood.  I work from photographs occasionally, but usually my heart and mind’s eye guide my needles as I create the scenes.  I love custom work, weaving your special place, and sometimes enhancing it with features you wish were there!

Care of your weaving

Keep away from direct sunlight. Your weaving can be vaccumed occasionally and the wood dusted with a damp cloth. It can be washed in the bath tub with cool water and Woolite, rinsed well and laid as flat as possible to dry.