Trout Creek woman weaves masterpieces

Sue Scott recently moved to the Trout Creek area from Libby. Originally from WallaWalla, Washington, Scott has been weaving for over 30 years. She has several looms that are of various sizes and used for different projects. Her large Swedish loom can hold 300 threads, has 16 harnesses and can throw and catch hand shuttles. This larger loom is used for weaving the rugs that Scott makes out of denim and old sheets. "The rugs need a higher tension in the threads." Scott said. Her smaller but equally efficient looms are used for finer work such as hand towels, table runners and place mats.The smallest floor loom can be folded up and stored in a closet. One bigger floor loom currently holds the shawl that Scott is weaving from fine threads. Some of the threads are made of lace. Table top looms are a space saving option but can be pricey, Scott added.

Scott has a computerized loom that she has not set up yet. "It can be programmed for patterns," she said. Similar to a computerized weaving are woven drafts, or patterns that you get for a certain weave. These have been saved from the 1800's. They have been miniaturized and put into books that Scott uses for many projects such as a wedding pattern for newlyweds. "I can also weave words." But Scott says that looms are our first computers. The premise of open or closed for weaving is the same for computers.

A customer of Scott's at a craft fair said he liked her weaving. "It's magic," he told her. Scott agrees, weaving is magic. To share her magical talents and knowledge, Scott plans to have small classes that would run two days per class of no more than three people at a time. "I want to give people a chance to try a loom to see if they like it." Scott also says her classes could include room and board if someone came from far and didn't want to drive home. "It takes about an hour to thread the looms, depending on the types of material used." The classes would allow the student to try different weaving techniques and make various items.

On her bulletin board, Scott has a quote from Mary Meigs Atwater who was the editor of The Handweaver and Craftsman Magazine in the 1920's. Atwater said, "We believe in the immense influence of good in the development of character that is exerted merely by learning to use the hands."

Scott also plans to have quilting retreats sometime in the future. And another interest that she is currently exploring is wool embroidery. To find out more about her classes call (406)827-9662.