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!