I have decided to work through some of the portions of the handbook independently. I don't think that I will take the time to go for the certificate after all. At 62, I would rather be weaving creatively and selling, rather than taking the next two plus years to get the certificate. I will use the materials as they fit into my current projects.The mentor assigned to me is in her 70's and put it succinctly: Will working for the certificate change where you are in 20 yeras? Put that way, I don't think that I even have 20 more years weaving, but we'll see. It is possible in the 80's I guess.  So, that said, I would still like to be part of this discussion group, if you all will still have me :)

Peg

Comments

Thu, 01/30/2014 - 09:50

Erica J

Peg,

I think we all understand your decision. I'd like to welcome you to stay in the group. Please feel free to share your thoughts on your independent study or any questions you might have. 

I know we'll all learn from each other irregardless of how many of use actually submit our COE studies.

Thu, 01/30/2014 - 13:46

laurafry

The COE is a great study program. I'm sure you will learn a lot by following it. :) Cheers Laura
Thu, 01/30/2014 - 14:00

Artistry

Peg, Many, many people do what you have decided to do. They use the handbook as a guideline and study what they think will be useful to them! There is nothing wrong with that and is a great way to go. I'm 61 so I completely understand taking on these kind of projects :) Frankly I tell people when talking about the COE to groups , achieving it will not bring you fame or fortune, it's the journey! In my view it doesn't make you a Master Weaver either . One could say, you're a Master in your Specialization. Also sets you well on the way for higher learning. So would the certificate impress people for sales ? Maybe. But always it's the weaving that speaks !
Thu, 01/30/2014 - 14:27

laurafry

I wear the title of master weaver with discomfort. When I interviewed the current master weavers (as granted by the Guild of Canadian Weavers) they almost all said that the thing that they learned best was how much more there was to learn. The creation of textiles is a multi layered endeavour. Change one thing, and everything can change. It is what keeps me coming back to the loom every day. Cheers Laura
Thu, 01/30/2014 - 17:16

Artistry

So well said Laura, I feel exactly the same way about myself and the COE. Plus the joy of learning more!
Thu, 01/30/2014 - 17:53

Peg R

I am relieved to hear that there are more of us who are thinking the same way abut the CoE. I was feeling a bit guilty for opting out. Thanks, everyone, for the support of my decision. It just feels right.

Thu, 01/30/2014 - 19:10

warpology

PegR I am in a similar situation. I bought the booklet in 2012 got started with it and realize that I had done a lot of it in the Professional Crafts / Fiber at Haywood Community College in NC. What I haven't done is probably what I will focus on but would like to continue with the group.

Lois

Sat, 02/01/2014 - 02:36

ingamarie

We have a face-to-face study group in Austin. 5 members but only 2 of us are actively working on the certificate.