Handwork

Handwork can be a moving meditation that focuses the mind on number and pattern.

Finally finished the newest LDK Cashmere Signature Line sweaters.
Well, nearly finished, the Three-Toned Ribbed sweater still has some ends to weave into the seams.

Like using the three natural tones of cashmere. Think of Rothko paintings and Agnes Martin's pale cloud colored paintings and how solid and purposeful Agnes was when Liesette and I visited with her in Taos.

I couldn't imagine Agnes Martin knitting, but her measuring, precise drawing of the grid with a sharpened pencil and focus on numbers to create her faint patterns are akin to the actions textile handworkers use when they knit, crochet, bead or weave. Agnes painted her rectangular grid canvases with a similar meditation on number and pattern that her Navajo and Spanish land grant neighbors did when they wove their rugs and blankets.

The LDK Signature Cashmere sweater is a prototype. I'll photograph it, then crochet on the LDK Cashmere Infinity scarf onto the front edge to make a collar and front edge.

These sweaters are soft and light as a cloud. They fit and feel great to wear. Warm, but insulating, so not too warm.

Love working with the handspun cashmere from Mongolia. The women there know the magic and healing of herding, spinning, textiles and handwork.

I've done some spinning of alpaca and wool, but not cashmere yet. It is so soft, it must be pleasant to spin.

Charleen Touchette March 2009