Lessons I’ve Learnt 12 – Mentor, Role Model or Muse?

There comes a time when we all need a little help,a new direction or fresh inspiration. Creative types are no different however I often think we are inclined to get our ‘help sources’ confused.

We use terms like Mentor, Role Model and Muse interchangeably when in fact they are different. One is not better than the other, they simply offer solutions to different problems. Would you go to the dentist when your eyes are blurry?

There are many variations on  this Buddhist Proverb “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear”. It is a nice quote but rarely does the teacher magically appear in front of you. More often than not you need to do a little bit of searching.

Before you seek help, assistance or guidance you need to have identified (searched for) what exactly your problem or issue is. Has your creative streak left you? Are you suffering writer’s block? Do you need help identifying the next step to take to achieve your business goals? Whatever your need there is somebody, somewhere who can guide and challenge you to a creative ‘light bulb moment’.

Over the next couple of weeks I will explore and share some of the Lessons I’ve Learnt about Mentors, Role Models and Muses.

The Crafter’s Way 170- smallthingsmade

Sewing is a skill that I’m glad I took the time to learn. It wasn’t always that way. I simply detested sewing at school and actually failed the mandatory subject in Grade 8. It wasn’t until my Father offered to pay half the cost of a sewing machine if I learnt to sew that I became interested. Figuring the amount I could afford and doubling it, my father’s share, I was able to purchase my first ever machine. At 18 years old I learnt to sew.

Today, learning to sew is not always an option offered to students yet there is an increasing demand to learn. Kirstin Burrowes, an Architect by profession, a mother of three, and a lover of textiles, design and the modern designer craft movement has stepped in to fill the void with the opening of her sewing school, Small Things Made.

Having learnt her needlecraft skills in high school Kirstin recognised the gap in the market place and opened Small Things Made, “I had a very good textiles teacher who taught us how to make clothes, hand smock, knit, crochet, and exposed us to lots of different embroidery styles from Spanish Blackwork to Hardangar,” recalls Kirstin. “Many schools today do not offer Textiles as part of their curriculum and many parents don't have the resources or knowledge to pass these skills to their children. I believe it is really important to learn and pass on these skills”. Kirstin has a hands-on approach to teaching, encouraging her students to get straight on the machine, or threading a needle. Kirstin designs simple items that they can make in class and wear home or take home finished. Kirstin believes that sewing is a great creative outlet for young people who don’t see themselves as ‘creative”. “Sewing is quite structured. It often involves following a pattern and using repetitive techniques to create a finished item that is often useful. You don't necessarily have to be creative to achieve good results with sewing. This is why it is a great skill to teach to young people,” believes Kirstin.

Kirstin hopes that Small Things Made is the start of a sewing community in Brisbane where sewing is taught, new projects are started, and ideas, knowledge and creativity are shared in a relaxed environment. A variety of exciting and creative beginner sewing classes for kids 6+ through to teen are offered. All classes are held in the Ithaca Hall, Enoggera Terrace, Red Hill. For more information visit Kirstin’s blog at www.smallthingsmade.blogspot.com

The Daily News

Kumihimo Necklaces in Stock

I promised a while ago to post pictures of the Kumhimo Braiding I did over Christmas. The braiding was the easy part. The finishing off has been slower than expected. I can braid while at the hospital or Drs but the bits and pieces needed to finish off are too fiddly to transport. Anyway good things come to those who wait.

This has been braided with rope some traditional Kumihimo silk that I brought back from Japan.

A bit of bling.

This detailed image highlights the different threads I used.

The threads were eco dyed the match the pendant. The braid is actually much closer to the bail on the pendant than it looks in the image.

here you can see the subtle variation on colour of the thread and the bead detail.

Lariat braided with Eco Dyed Rayon in Purple and  Dark Gold.

These will all be available online by the end of the week. If you don’t want to miss out please email me at trishalandesigns[at]bigpond[dot]com for more details.

New Jewellery Displays

Have been pondering the best way to display the new Kumihimo Necklaces and Lariats. As usual my On-Staff Visual Merchandiser came up with the most perfect design. I really wanted them to be able to hang so that little fingers couldn’t reach. A hook slips easily into the hole at the top. Length can be adjusted by simply adding a length of chain.

They can also display shorter pieces. In fact the way Alan has designed the notches it is possible to display multiple pieces on each torso.

If you prefer, the torso can be free standing.

They look very striking when displayed en masse. Below, a mix of hanging and free standing. Grab a piece of chalk and write a description, price etc.

Do you have hanging space around your stall site that you want to use to display your necklace designs? Alan is selling the Display Torso for $11 AUD ea. Packet of 6 Hooks are available for $5 AUD ea. The torso is lightweight and packs flat for easy transporting to markets and fairs. If you are interested please email us trishalandesigns[at]bigpond[dot]com

Lessons I’ve Learnt 11 – More Market Hints

When I first started doing Markets I approached it like most people; set up a stall and see what happens. Over the years I learnt how to sell more by watching what others did and trial and error. By the time Alan & I started doing markets together my attitude had changed from one of a ‘nice way to spend a day’ to ‘ we are in business’.

Here are a few more Lessons I’ve Learnt

1. Don’t sit passively reading while you wait for customers. Reading keeps you occupied but does not entice customers. You are disengaged from your customers. Do something constructive. This brings me to my next point.

2. Demonstrate. Demonstrating your craft allows you to start a conversation with your customers. You need to think about this when you are setting up your site. You need to be where your customers can see you. Don’t sit at the back of your stall stitching. They can’t see what you are doing. If at all possible, stand up. The customer has a better vantage point and you have better access to your product.

3. Leave the kids at home. Do you take your kids into work with you? Of course you don’t. Think of your stall as your workplace. Kids have short attention spans and you will spend your time entertaining them instead of  selling to customers. They will also cost you more money than  you will make buying lunch, drinks, that new toy etc.

4.  Leave your wallet at home. You’re not shopping you are selling. In over 20 years of marketing I have made one impromptu purchase, a vintage kimono. Again I have seen stallholders spend more than they make.

5. Don’t treat your float as your wallet. Don’t shop/ buy lunch etc and pay for it out of your float. This is bad business practice.

6. Don’t be in too much of a hurry to pack up. Lingering customers often make last minute purchases. If everyone else has packed up guess who will make the sale?

7. Vary your display. This is especially important if your are doing a regular market. You don’t want customers to  think ‘its the same old stuff’. Change the products you put out the front, maybe highlight a different colour. Boutiques and Department stores change their windows regularly to keep customers interested.

8. Have an oooh aaahhh piece. One piece that is jaw dropping, stopping people in their tracks is one of the best marketing tools you can get. I know a Mosaic Artist who has  a life size cement base mosaic surfboard that he lugged around to every market. It was very expensive. The amount of people who stopped and admired this was incredible, people who probably weren’t likely to stop otherwise. Looking at the surfboard then lead them to look and admire other items which invariably lead to sales.  The Artist didn’t make the piece to sell, he made it to sell off.

 

Please leave comments on any other hints that may make a new stallholders marketing experience more successful.

The Crafter’s Way 169 – Bribie Potters

 This week’s Messenger column - Bribie Potters

Pottery is one craft that never seems to go out of fashion. Is it because of its versatility and durability? Maybe it’s the fact that it can be both functional and arty. No matter what the reason people still want to learn the many facets of the craft. Luckily, if you want to learn Pottery you won’t have to travel far.

Experienced Pottery Teacher Heather Rohde is running a series of workshops at Bribie Island. Heather has an eclectic crafting background having dabbled in sewing, bush craft, crocheting, felting and textile art in addition to pottery. All these art forms combine together to create the pottery art that Heather is known for.

No matter what level you are there is a Pottery course for you at the Bribie Potters at the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre, Sunderland Drive. There are groups on Mondays and Wednesdays, 9.00 am - 12.00, and a Monday night group from 7.00-9.30pm.
For the more experienced Potter, Heather will be holding a "Clay-Glazes & Firing' series of workshops commencing on Saturday 19th February, 9.00am-1.00pm for six weeks. Each week will cover a different topic with students taking home many interesting and usable pottery pieces.

Week 1: looking at clays – make test rings, grid plates & press moulded dishes.

Week 2: mix test glazes, and glazing test rings & grids

Week 3: learn firing. Make raku glazes & brt raku test pieces.

WEEK 4: plan glaze designs, wax test pieces.

WEEK 5: learn to dip, pour, wax & spray.

WEEK 6: Raku firing.

For more information on any of the courses ring Heather on 34087202 or 041 7202 814 or email heatherpots@bigpond.com

Images are courtesy of Heather Rohde.

A Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady

I found these two books at a church garage sale this morning.

The original was dated 1906.

And its companion. According to the dust cover the original lay undiscovered until 1977, when these were printed.

  I just have to share some of the amazing botanical drawings.

Some of the pages have poems.

Others have botanical notes.

  The second book also has diary/personal notes.

When I spied the books I was captivated by the watercolour illustrations but now I can’t wait to read the author’s musings. Great find.

Nature in the Park

While I have been busy doing Kumihimo Classes this week, Alan has been communing with nature.

Time for a swim.

Mum says, “no splashing”.

Wait for me.

Room for one more.

Our shop neighbours have put this water fountain in their front garden, the birds love it.

Lessons I’ve Learnt 10- Stall Setup & Display

Go to any market and a lot of the stall holders will have set up their display like this. I have airbrushed their faces and identifying signs to protect the inexperienced.

Their thinking is that as customers walk by they can see everything. Seems logical, Right? Lets go back and re-look at the phrase “as customers walk by”. That’s right, by setting up your site like this you are making it too easy for your customers to keep walking. And I didn’t set up this image. I literally walked outside my door and took this straight away, no waiting for people to walk past.

Another reason I don’t particularly like this set up is that the table has created a barrier between you and the customers. Its very difficult for you to get around and provide assistance, to make the experience personal for them, to engage with the customer.

The product is well packaged but displayed poorly. Having all your products sitting flat on the table provides no visual stimulus, there is nothing to catch the eye. The food is also directly in the sun.

If you have no choice due to site position then you need have an attention getter, something that will stop people in their tracks for a better look. That few seconds pause in their step could be all that is between you and a sale.

Not all sites and conditions are equal so your set up strategy will need to be flexible. Sue from Spoil & Indulge has mastered this. This is the stall set up Sue uses in wet weather and at busy Event Days. Being able to step in allows the customer to stay dry in the rain. At Event Days it easy for the crowds to be so big that it is difficult for a customer to stop without being trampled to death. Allowing the customer an opportunity to step away from the crowd and browse in peace will increase your sales.

Note that Sue has set up the site to entice the customer in. The placement of the 4 tiered stand catches the customers eye inviting them in a little further. The L-shape with the short end at the entrance is another successful ploy.

Here is another of Sue’s setups. Here Sue has no immediate neighbours. To the right of the photo is a pathway down to the building behind. To the left is a park bench. Customers can walk around the entire site.

Yes I know not the best angle but the best I could do to demonstrate this next point. Even though the weather was fine Sue has still set up the tables back a little so her customers can step out of the sun while looking. Customers linger longer when they are not melting away. Both of Sue’s displays utilise risers to vary the height of the display providing visual variation.

Setting up your site is akin to setting up a shop. Large Department Stores, Boutiques etc spend a lot of time & effort on Visual Merchandising. Why? because it increases their sales. Have a look around the next time you are a market at how more experienced stallholders set up their sites. Experiment and note how changes affect your sales. You’re not likely to get it right first time but with a little perseverance you will learn the best setup for you and your product.

Romantic In Nature – The Interview

When I received the responses for the interview questions from Jennifer & Sandra I knew I would have to edit quite drastically for the column. There was way to  much interesting material here to consign to the recycle bin so I decided to post the interview in full and unedited here. 1. Sandra, how did you come to start creating fabric designs?

I wanted a vehicle to take my art work from beyond the traditional 2D presentation to fashion and interiors. This was mainly an intuitive desire, fuelled by visions I had when reflecting on certain pieces of my art. They just cried out to me. When I discussed my ideas with some of my friends & peers, they too thought that some of my art work would be perfect for textiles. From here, I set about researching different methods and manufacturers to enable my dream! I needed to find a place that I could print on demand in an exclusive way with high quality fibres. I was thrilled with my results.

The process of making art wearable, akin to wearing your he[art] on your sleeve, blurring the lines between art, design and fashion was the motivating force. To see how art changes from being beautiful images to adorn walls to fluid moving organic wearable art has been a beautiful and wonderful experience, and one which we are keen to share with an appreciative audience!

2. Jenny, what about Sandra’s Fabric made you want to use it in your garments?

Sandra’s images are very captivating and evocative. I love her use of colour and composition. Once I saw them transferred onto different fabrics I knew I wanted to be involved in this collaboration. As I predominantly work in Bridal Couture I am always excited to get to work with vibrant and edgy fabrics and designs, Sandra has found a niche with these beautiful fabrics.

3. What lead to the collaboration between the 2 of you? How did you meet? Was it shared style? Personality match?

Sandra: Jennifer and I met through a group that we are both members of called BrisStyle. BrisStyle is a cooperative group of talented Australian artists, crafters and artisans who call the Brisbane area home. BrisStyle formed through a shared love of creating beautiful things, which members also sell on Etsy.com

Jennifer released a ‘ready to wear collection’ at the same time I was developing my fabric designs, and I thought that our combined skills and taste would be a great match! I contacted Jenny to speak to her about my fabrics and designs!

Jenny: When Sandra contacted me I was already a fan of her work and was very excited to hear of her plans to include fabrics in addition to her prints and cards.

Once I knew I would have the time spare to get involved in this collaboration it was a no-brainer and things have sped along from there.

Jenny: Sandra and I have worked really well together having only met as this project kicked off.

We seem to have a shared vision of where we wanted to take the designs and things have progressed beautifully. We can’t wait for everyone to see the final product.

4. Did you find that collaborating changed your Style, preferred colour palette, work ethic, etc. 5. Was it a seamless transition? 6. How has each of your work/designs changed as a result of the collaboration?

Sandra: The collaboration really has been a meeting of minds for me. Everyone works in different ways, but the important thing is planning and communication, also recognising each others attributes and skills that we both bring to the table. We bounced ideas and thoughts off each other, learning new things along the way, and both contributing in the areas we could. There is a lot of planning and co-ordination behind a project or event, more then you realise so we really pulled together to make sure we had a plan and schedule that was both achievable, challenging and most of all exciting! The collaboration has given us both the opportunity to really showcase our skills and offer people something individual, unique, inspired, creative and feminine.

Jenny: Having worked in the Bridal industry for the last ten years or so I have learnt a lot about the way fabrics fall and what styles they work best in. So with that knowledge I was able to really direct Sandra’s vision in the right direction. Some of Sandra’s designs looked much better printed on a certain fabric, Silk over Polished Cotton for example, which then in turn changed the Style or Design we decided to create. Ultimately the images on the fabrics were the inspiration and we think the final products are amazing!

5. Where to from here?

Sandra: I will continue on with my art practice of course! I have been very pleased with the response I have been getting from galleries, by way of selected shows – positive reinforcement goes a long way! I guess I thrive on divergence and this inspires me to try new things that will inform my practice. There are many ideas buzzing around my head that I would love to turn my hand too that are on the back burner as well!

Jenny and I have also been liaising with selected boutiques to make available our creations to the public which will serve as a wonderful feedback mechanism to find out how people respond to what we are doing.

Who knows, maybe one day a retail outlet we can call our own?

We are both interested in ‘talking shop’ especially in bridging art, design, fashion and interiors! All enquires welcome!

After the exhibition and fashion parade, we will have film footage and photographic images, so if anyone misses the event – we can share what we have achieved to date with a potential world wide audience.

Jenny: After an incredibly busy 2009/2010 with lots of Brides, Bridesmaids and Formal Gowns created, being only four weeks away from having my second child and busy renovating my house in Greenslopes, my thoughts for the immediate future are wholly

focused on having some down time with my family. I am really looking forward to taking a few months off for maternity leave.

With regards to the garments I have created for this collaboration I am keen to see them in a local boutique, for, if nothing more, but to get some feedback and then I guess we will see where that may lead in the future. Anything is possible.

6. Favourite pieces?

Sandra: Each garment, as they have been created, became our new favourite. From the initial conception to the finished garments, I can honestly say we love each creation equally. When designing the pieces for the Haute Couture collection, Jenny and I really looked at the art work and fabric design for our inspiration and lead. We really listened to what the fabric was telling us and used this as our inspiration for designing! Jenny’s professional skills and experience were paramount in advising on the design process and of course the actual construction.

Jenny: It’s is hard for me to say which outfit is my favourite “look” as I love them all. But as a Designer/Dressmaker I definitely had favourites to work on. These were probably the most challenging and time consuming gowns, The Winter Still Life and The Marbled Rose, I had a clear vision of what I felt would showcase these fabrics in the best way possible. I am very proud of the final product of all of the pieces and hope that people can feel the love and hard work that went into creating them.

Links: 

http://calicoandco.blogspot.com/2010/11/artisan-love-sandra-darling.html

http://www.sandradarlingvisualartcreations.com

http://www.jennifergifforddesigns.com

The Crafter’s Way 168 - Romantic in Nature

This week’s Messenger column - Romantic in Nature

Romantic in Nature is an exhibition opening on February 11 at Paris Design Living Robertson St. Fortitude Valley. This exhibition will feature the collaboration between Sandra Kane (Artist) & Jennifer Gifford (Fashion Designer).Together they will be showcasing Sandra’s fabric designs through the excitement and glamour of a Haute Couture Collection.

This is the first time the two ladies have worked together. Jennifer loved Sandra’s images and knew she wanted to be involved as soon as she saw them transferred to fabric. “When Sandra contacted me I was already a fan of her work and was very excited to hear of her plans to include fabrics in addition to her prints and cards”. Sandra was equally a fan of Jennifer’s work. “Jennifer released a ‘ready to wear collection’ at the same time I was developing my fabric designs, and I thought that our combined skills and taste would be a great match!”

For Sandra the process of taking her art work from beyond the traditional 2D presentation to fashion and interiors has been a long process. Researching different methods and manufacturers that could print on demand in an exclusive way with high quality fibres was a labour of love. “The process of making art wearable, akin to wearing your he[art] on your sleeve, blurring the lines between art, design and fashion was the motivating force”, says Sandra.

Jennifer works predominantly in Bridal Couture and is always excited to get to work with vibrant and edgy fabrics and designs. Jennifer believes that Sandra has found a niche with these beautiful fabrics, “Sandra’s images are very captivating and evocative. I love her use of colour and composition. Once I saw them transferred onto different fabrics I knew I wanted to be involved in this collaboration.”

While this has been a first time collaboration the Ladies shared a vision of letting the individual art work shine through fabric design resulting in new art through fashion. To read the entire interview including more on the collaboration process please visit my blog http://trishalandesigns.blogspot.com The Ladies shared much fascinating information that you won’t want to miss.

The exhibition continues until the 25^th February. The opening on the 11^th is strictly a RSVP event: Contact Julie or Louise on 0421089983 & 0407557701.

Daily News

Unique Wedding Style

Last year I was commissioned to create a Kumihimo Braid for use in a Handfasting ceremony. You can read about at this post. Now we are able to offer them for sale.

What is Handfasting? At one time Handfasting was the only way couples could get married as the church wasn’t always available to the common man. It continued to be legal in Scotland until 1939.

Handfasting is non religion specific and while today it is often associated with pagan weddings it can be assimilated with all traditional Christian ceremonies.

If you are looking for a wedding with a different style to all your friends why not consider incorporating our Handfasting cords. The cords have been handcrafted on a traditional Japanese takadai.Braids feature 13 symbolic colours, see here for meanings. Other braid structures and colours are available on request.After the Wedding use the braid to display your photos.

Please pop over to our website for more information.

Lessons I’ve Learnt 9 – Market? or Market?

Many Craft Artists choose to start selling at Markets due to the relative simplicity of getting started. But it’s not just a matter of putting your shingle out. Over the last couple of posts we have covered lots of Market tips. Today I’d like to cover a topic that often get missed in relation to Markets.

Marketing. To be a bit clearer, Promotion and Marketing. This is today’s Lesson and one I learnt very early on. Promotion and marketing is your responsibility. This is your business and as a business owner you will need to promote your business.

Do not rely on the Market Owners/ Stall Manager to do all the promotion. Here’s the thing, God did not create all Market Owners equally. I think of them as landlords and just as with renting a property you will  get excellent landlords, bad landlords, absent landlords and dare I say it slum landlords.The excellent landlords will work with you to help you, realising that good business for you is good business for them. The others, well…..

Marketing and Promotion need not be expensive. 

• Savvy use of social media sites can alert potential customers where they can find you.
• Pop a flyer in with each purchase informing customers where else they can find your product.
• Have some business cards made up with your contact details.
• If you truly have an unique product and can create an angle why not send a press release out to your local paper.
• Tell people. we all talk to different people everyday, Other Parents, the Postman, Doctor, Work Colleagues, the Passenger sitting beside you on the train. You get the idea.
• Join a group.

Having been a Market Committee Member for many years (past tense) I saw that the Stallholders who actively participated in promoting their businesses,(or indeed even considered their stall a business),were not only the most successful but were the ones who were happy to show up in all kinds of weather.

Are you an Active or Passive Stallholder?

More Marketing and Promotion Tips are available in How to Teach Art & Craft. These tips are relevant to all craft businesses.

The Crafter’s Way 167 – Want to Learn Something New?

 Here is this week’s Messenger column, Learning a New Craft.

A new year often bring resolutions and new craft goals. For many it might be the annual sweeping statement of keeping our craft room tidy, for others it is a desire to learn a new craft or revisit a skill long since forgotten. Committing to a Craft Class can be a daunting experience; there is the financial outlay, the time factor and desired outcomes to be considered. How do you decide which class is for you? Here are my Top 5 points to consider. 

What is your purpose? Maybe learning a new skill is not your primary reason for doing a class. Maybe you have just moved into a new area and are looking to make new friends, or perhaps you have decided that it is time to do something for yourself. Deciding on your purpose will help you decide if you are after skill based class, a craft social morning or weekend retreat.

How do you learn? We all have a preferred way of learning. Do you need to be shown? Can you follow instructions from a book? Do you need step by step instructions with a finished project to take home or do you prefer experimenting on your own? Answering these question will help you decide if you need project based or technique classes. Do you even need a face to face class or can you learn from a book or downloading a PDF Class.

When do you learn best? Are you a morning person? Or do you prefer to burn the midnight oil? Do you do shift work? Can getting to a class at the same time every week be difficult? Craft Classes come in many formats. If a face to face class doesn’t suit you consider the many online options. Online options include downloading PDF files and or recorded video, live video streaming, forums and groups. Undertaking an online class may suit your busy lifestyle better.

What level are you at? Just because you are learning a new skill it doesn’t mean that you are a complete beginner. Knowing how to sew a straight line on your machine doesn’t mean that you can do an advanced quilting course. Have a good hard think about your current skills then ask the instructor about the prerequisite skills needed for the class. Better to check than to waste your money.

How much is it going to cost? Not only is there the initial cost of attending the class but you need to consider the ongoing, often hidden costs. Are there additional requirements for the class? Do you need to purchase them from the shop running the class? Can you ‘hire’ equipment? Classes facilitated through Craft Shops are likely to have the expectation that you purchase materials and supplies from them. Social groups /online are more flexible.

Learning a new craft skill is supposed to be fun, exciting and challenging. With these questions answered you should be able to find the class that suits you perfectly.

Re-Stash Craft Appeal

  Liesa, Micky and Miriam from Handmade Heaven , Handmade Expo and Mimmis  are at it again. The girls are spreading  their crafty  love and support to Crafters  lost EVERYTHING in the Floods.

Through their Re-stash Craft Appeal they have collected donations of craft goods and are ready to start distributing to needy Crafters. So if you know of anyone who could do with a  Craft Care Package get in contact with the girls. They would love to meet them.

There is still time to donate to the  Re-Stash Craft Appeal @ The Handmade Expo. On Saturday, 19th Feb, 2011 there will be "bins" at The Handmade Expo - Market for craft supply donations of which we will then make available in the following week at Mimmis and Handmade Heaven. Lets help these creative souls get back into it.
 
The Handmade Expo is open from  8:00am - 2:00pm  at the Ipswich Turf Club, Brisbane Road, Bundamba 

This Could End in Tears

Alan decided yesterday afternoon that he wanted to take the braid he was working on off the takadai, dismantle the takadai and take it all home. Now in Japan they do this because people don’t have the room to have takadai at home. And they have a particular method of winding up the warp and transporting it home. And this is NOT it. Alan wound each bobbin up and placed them into egg cartons. The bobbins from the right arm were placed into one box, the left in another. So far so good. Once we gt home the first job was to put the takadai back together. Ta da! Now for the fun bit. I walked downstairs to see Alan peering at the threads. I went back up stairs before I was roped into helping.

Slowly but surely Alan got the threads back into position. Then he announced, “now we can be down here braiding together”. aaargh!