Thorns & Threads: The Final Countdown

Today I visited my Crossing Crafts partner Diane again, with the Ickworth deadline looming this Sunday.

Unfortunately, there was a problem with Diane's moulding machine, which meant she couldn't create the metal thorns we'd originally planned. There was another option, but with time running out we decided to go with 3D-printed thorns instead. The beauty of our design is that they are attached discreetly with magnets, so if we decide to make them in metal in the future, we can simply swap them out.

Thorns, Yarns and 3D printer

So, we worked out how many thorns we needed and roughly where they should sit.

I also had to put Diane's mind at rest about piercing the tapestry with them during installation. I'd deliberately woven the three tapestries quite loosely, allowing movement and letting some of the coloured warp show through the finished pieces. Diane just needs to push and pull the fabric around the thorns and let it move and do its thing.

She has promised to video call me on Sunday while she's installing, so I can help with positioning. Unfortunately, I can't make it to Ickworth myself—the journey by public transport is at least four and a half hours each way!

We also worked out the chain lengths, finishes and spacing between the stands. Everything is based around multiples of three, as three is the magic number according to De La Soul.

Working out how to attach tapestry to frames

Then came an afternoon of painting the pre-made thorns before it was time for me to head back to London.

Painted 3D moulded thorns

I'll admit I was hoping for a little more progress today. But that's one of the challenges of collaboration. You have to work with someone else's processes, equipment and, occasionally, machines that don't quite behave as expected.

I think this is probably why I love tapestry. Once I have

created the design, chosen the yarn and started weaving, I'm completely in control.

Well… mostly.

For Thorns & Threads, I'm learning to let go of some of that control. And although I won't physically be at Ickworth on Sunday, a WhatsApp video call means I can still be there, pointing at thorns and tweaking the positioning from 90 miles away.

Not quite as much fun as being there in person though.