September has been busy making Nannies and sorting out some shops in town to take a few things for the world cup crowds.  We shall see whether they have anything else on their minds.  I have also designed and started a big korowai.  This time I am keeping a record of time spent on it to see just how long it really takes me to make.  The start is always the slowest so after 20 hours or so here is what I have achieved.

The idea on paper

So far so good

It took a while to get my head around how to achieve the look because of course feathers aren't squares on paper but finally I am away.  This has been a learning experience and that's what this korowai is about.  The steps which when finished will go upwards both from front and back view speak about all the steps in my life that have brought me to the place where I can design and make such a thing.  I am also doing a Mauri Ora course with the Open Wananga  which I hope will help me understand the Maori world view better and so do better with my weaving.  The group Whiri Aroha which I attend  each week are a great source of encouragement and thus are part of my steps in learning.

I also have ideas of a wall hanging that I want to make representing a seagull.  The idea is there, the feathers and string are there but the conflict with what I have already started - shall I or shan't I start another at the same time.  I would like to have it finished a a couple of weeks when family come - is that possible??  Maybe with big string and big feathers.  We will see.