by Ellen Hoel and Susan Atkinson
About two years ago, Susan Atkinson (Pacific Edge Cabins in Dominicalito) built a floor loom for Doña Marina and her group of Borucans weavers, Artesanos Naturales. The idea of the floor loom was born after the trip to Guatemala.
Traditionally, the Borucas weave on a back strap loom. The floor loom makes it easier to weave wider pieces. Learning to weave on the floor loom has been a challenge. Susie arranged for Sherri Smith, a master weaver from the U.S.A. to spend 11 days with Marina and her group teaching them how to use the loom. Sherri has taught many accomplished weavers throughout her 40+ year career. When Sherri arrived at Boruca, she reviewed the loom and had her doubts about the strength of it.
After some modifications, her two students began lessons in English and sign language. They quickly learned how to measure out the warp, and were excited with the way Sherri showed them how to put the warp onto the loom; Sherri knows all the shortcuts.
They also learned how to add on new warp for another project without having to re-thread the whole loom. The loom is set to weave a 30 feet piece of fabric, which with three panels sewn together would make a double size bedspread. They were amazed at how fast they can weave, nearly three yards in one day!
Artesanos Naturales can now take your custom orders in your favorite colors for bedspreads, tablecloths, curtains, and fabric by the meter.
INFO:In Boruca, next to the UNESCO sphere museum. Tel: Susie 2200 5428
