Big changes underway at Galgael....
For more on these impactful happenings which swept through the ranks here since spring, read about it here, https://www.galgael.org/news/galgael-next, and see also what needs you might be able to help with.For now, for a wee while to come, woolcraft at Galgael is a colourful warm memory of the past, and a warm welcome wonder of more spacious times yet to come.
Meanwhile, 'though, it was time to rake through the perishable resources in the sail loft, sift out what needs using now and how, in some temporary home.
Lo and behold there appeared on the scene a contact with Govanhill Baths Comunity Trust, whose two current textile project are proud to house our beloved Dryad upright Rug loom, enticing their shop "From Rags to Riches" to sell the rag rugs produced at Galgael whilst their other newly expanding project, "The Cast Offs" is building capacity through volunteers learning how to expertly weave off the new warp on the Dryad into rag rugs.
The Springs are springing again
The latter would not have been possible without the spring experts in Ibrox, round the corner from Galgael, being right at hand to make the right spring replacements for the beater of the Dryad .Huge thanks therefor to Stewart and all from the wonderful Industrial Springs factory, who came again and again across to Galgael's loft to ensure the right springs and fittings were put into place. As the trusty Dryad looms have become an antique object, and as replacements for these vital springs for the beater are nowhere to be found, apart from now in Glasgow, we will ensure that word about this goes round in the global weaver worlds!
The weaver's magic
All traditional crafts are truly magical, and we hand weavers think floor loom and spinning wheels are particularily magic because one needs hand and feet to orderly create beauty and goodness out of the raw materials. Plus the processes of producing something can take a very long time.
See this wee video illustrating a small section or selection of the processes involved getting ready to get a rag ready. Catch also a glimpse here from the warp making with Laryna, and the journey with loom from Govan to Govahill the other week, where she will give the intro sessions for to train up a a couple of folks to care for and share the magic of working the rag loom. And thus for creating more sanity and joy in this world.
(which by the way reminds me: anyone got an electric spinning or plying wheel? The Casts Offs woukd need one to use up their yarn donations via rag weaving)
That day at Galgael we waved good bye for now to the trusty Dryad upright rag loom..
Good bye Dryad's lofty frame
at Galgael you gained fame
with many merry hands
weaving rags and bands
from Govan to Govanhill
you weave your way
being awaited there
may you now bring joy again
Like once upon a time as here
