During the Summer of 2018, Maine Fiberarts’ member and friend, Nina Ruit, entered an apprenticeship program organized by the Maine Crafts Association. Ruit is a spinner, knitter, seamstress, and sheep and goat shepherd. She had done some weaving years ago, and now that she is newly-retired, was anxious to get back to the loom. Several looms grace her studio, along with books, sewing machines, spinning wheels, fleeces, and handspun yarns.
Her weaving mentor—Nancy Geisberger of Round Pond, Maine—has a beautiful studio located near the water. Nancy is quite an accomplished weaver with a long career of textile-related jobs. At this point in her life, she is ready to focus on her own artwork. But she was happy to teach her weaving skills to Nina.
The two worked together for the better part of Spring and Summer, and Nina’s knowledge about weaving soared. Nina’s new handwoven towels will appear in Maine Fiberarts’ new By Hand Collection at our gallery in Topsham. Nancy readied a few pieces for a show in Portland, and we are anxious to see what artwork she creates next. A very successful apprenticeship.
Beautiful photography and article about master and apprentice weavers!