Weaving Stories in Wool

I recently had the privilege of attending a Navajo weaving retreat at the Nome Schoolhouse, led by the incredibly knowledgeable Betty Carlson. This retreat was not just a deep dive into the art of Navajo weaving but also a journey of personal reflection, particularly in relation to my own craft of needle felting.

One of the themes that resonated with me throughout the retreat was the idea of weaving stories into our work. As we worked on our Navajo rugs, we often talked about how the stories of our lives—whether joyful or sorrowful—are woven into the fabric of the rugs we create. This concept mirrors what I experience when needle felting. Each sculpture I create tells a story, whether it’s an expression of happiness, a time of contemplation, or an experience from my own life. Needle felting, like weaving, is not just a craft; it’s an emotional and spiritual expression.

Nature was another powerful theme during the retreat. Navajo weavers often speak of their weaving as a representation of nature, and this idea connected deeply with me. In needle felting, I focus on creating detailed animal sculptures, and through this process, I feel a strong connection to the natural world. Just as Navajo weavers weave the elements of nature into their rugs, I feel the same connection to the earth, the animals and our Creator while sculpting wool into lifelike creatures.

The retreat also highlighted the meditative quality of both weaving and needle felting. Weaving, like needle felting, takes time—time that allows you to become fully immersed in the process. Both crafts offer a calming, meditative experience that is all about enjoying the journey rather than rushing to the destination. Working with wool in all its natural glory is an experience that transcends time, whether you’re weaving a rug or needle felting an animal.

I’ll admit, I was surprised at first to learn that we would only be making an 8×11 Navajo rug during the five days of the retreat. However, by the end, I fully understood why. Navajo weaving is meticulous and slow by nature. While most of us were able to complete our rugs, some didn’t finish—but that’s okay. The lessons we learned went far beyond completing a project. Even though we were working with a basic design, the retreat provided a wealth of knowledge.

Betty Carlson was an exceptional teacher, guiding us through each step with patience and wisdom. She skillfully moved from loom to loom, answering questions and helping us solve any challenges we faced. One thing I discovered was how much math is involved in Navajo weaving—something I’m grateful I don’t have to worry about in needle felting!

This retreat taught me so much, not only about the craft of Navajo weaving and its historical significance but also about teaching itself. As I continue to host needle felting retreats, I’ll carry forward many of the lessons I learned from Betty. I’m already looking forward to attending her next retreat at the Nome Schoolhouse in 2025, and I sincerely hope you’ll join me.

Whether you’re a weaver, a needle felter, or simply someone who appreciates the artistry of wool, this retreat was a powerful reminder of the stories we create with our hands and hearts.