Weft Kasuri Explorations with Gail Blackmarr
The speaker for the April meeting is our own Gail Blackmarr. Last year, Gail attended CNCH2025 and was honored to be the recipient of one of the five Conference Grants. As such, Gail agreed to offer a presentation of her experience to her guild. A longtime admirer of Japanese design, Gail was enchanted with her class, “Weft Kasuri: Pattern at the Fell of the Cloth” with Beth Ross Johnson. Gail will share a slideshow that recreates some of the dyeing and weaving techniques explored in the class, along with pictures of her endeavors, as well as those of her classmates. Additionally, she will outline a brief history of Kasuri with photos and samples of vintage Japanese textiles. In the months since conference, Gail has continued to study and experiment with this fascinating weaving approach. She will also bring some recently created sewn and woven pieces to share.
Gail began weaving in 2018 and joined the guild not long after. A preschool teacher by day, Gail became acquainted with colleague Barbie Paulsen and the student weaving program at Peninsula School in Menlo Park. Gail credits Barbie, as well as Jodi Payley, John Horigan, Jaya Griscom, and the students of the Peninsula community with inspiring her to take up the craft. Gail is also grateful to the Black Sheep community for sustaining her focus and for expanding her knowledge during her eight-year weaving journey. Gail has served on the Black Sheep Board in a variety of capacities, including as President during 2023/24 and 2024/25. She is currently a part of the Programs Committee.
This month there are no plans for a pre-meeting dinner. Should that change, however, we will let you know the details via an email announcement. We do need help with refreshment offerings, sweet or savory. Please label your food item. Tea and serving items will be available.
We look forward to seeing you in person. (NOTE: The Senior Center is in the final stages of completing its new building at 1333 Madison Avenue. However, the new facility will not be ready until our May Meeting. Please join us at our usual spot!)
