My mother passed away recently, and one of the ways that I have been processing my grief is to take it to my looms and weave about it.
Because I am deeply focused on weaving tapestries and woven pieces for my solo show, ‘Woven Women’, it was natural that this weaving would take the form of a Woven Woman.
My mother suffered from a form of dementia, I have been feeling is how sweet it is for her to be released from that dreadful fog of confusion……..
And, so, I have woven a piece on my Saori loom with supplemental embellishment with my stick weaving loom, that I call:
“Out of the Mist”. She’s approximately 30 inches tall by about 10 inches wide at the widest point:
‘Out of the Mist’ by Noreen Crone-Findlay (c)
One of my close friends gave me a seashell instead of a card, and it felt natural to have it become part of this piece.
I made a Kumihimo cord and tied a Celtic everlasting knot, which is stitched to her forehead, but barely visible under her cowl.
Weaving this tribute brought me great peace and comfort, and I think that my Mom would like it a lot.
Yes, I think that she does…
Tottie Talks Crafts Blog 
What a wonderful wonderful weaving that takes my breath away and brings a tear to my eye – a beautiful tribute Noreen!
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I think this is probably the most beautiful woven piece I have ever seen.
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Oh, thank you so very kindly, Brenda!
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Thank you so much, Terri – it was truly woven from the heart….. ❤
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Noreen –
I’m so sorry to learn about your mother! I understand how you feel though; my grandmother had Alzheimer’s and unless someone has experienced it, they have no idea how difficult it is to watch a loved one fade away.
Your weaving is absolutely stunning! The colors and variations of the weaving are just beautiful. What a wonderful way to memorialize someone you loved.
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Thank you so much, Tammy…….. I feel very peaceful and contented with this tribute to my mother- weaving it really helped me at a deep level ….
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Oh Noreen… I didn’t know. I know what a hard thing this has been for you for a very long time, and I’m so sorry for your loss, you know I know how hard it is despite it all. I send so much love and we’ll talk soon.
Love, ❤
Maitri
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Thank you, Maitri. Yes, it has been coming for a long time, but it still throws you for a loop when it happens. Weaving is a godsend. As are my beloved family and friends, of course 🙂
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Oh honey, I wish I were there to give you a great big hug. Know that I am with you in spirit…
Gentle hugs and loves to you and your family…
Maitri
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And the woven women is just breath-taking! What a beautiful tribute…
Love,
Maitri
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Thank you Maitri ❤
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And I know what comfort it must be for you, in the weaving. I remember when you made the precious doll for Jim’s Mum for Patty. Lord, the time passes so swiftly. Your work is a treasure to so many people. Goddess bless you…
Maitri
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This is a moving and wonderful tribute to your mother, such sensitive handling and skill. Thank you for showing us.
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Thank you so much, Liz. To be honest, I wasn’t sure that I was up to sharing it yet, and I deeply appreciate the very kind responses.
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Oh, Noreen, She is beautiful! My mother had Alzheimer’s, too. She passed 4 years ago on Valentine’s Day. She was love personified. Your post made me tear up, too. Also got a little goose- bumpy. When my mother was dying, I was knitting leaves and hearts at her beside. I am sure that was the year I was also making your I-cord hearts with wire inside. The goose bumps came because I just got out the project box they were in this morning, thinking of that time and my mom and thinking of you…then here is your post with so much resonance with all that. Love to you!
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Thank you so much, Zann- it doesn’t surprise me that you were in a state of synchronicity …..big hugs
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Beautifully expressed, in both words and art. My sympathies to all of you on your family’s loss.
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Thank you so much, Judy – I know that you also immerse yourself in the artmaking process to honour those who have passed. It really helps, doesn’t it?
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OMGosh! I am at a loss for words…beautiful, heartwrenching…nothing seems fit to use. I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful way to remember your mom. ❤
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Thank you so very much!
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I remember about 10 years ago when I met you on line your mom was sick and at the same time I almost lost my daughter. Since then you had always been in my thoughts. Your doll is so beautiful and I’m sure that your mom is looking down and smiling at the wonderful tribute that you made in her honor.
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Thank you so much, Maurine- I hope that your daughter is well and blooming. It is, indeed, a miracle that my mother survived so long. I think that she likes this piece, too, and it was so comforting to weave it. It was just essential to me to weave and create this….
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I know that she is so proud of her wonderful and very creative daughter.
My daughter is doing fine. It was so hard at that time for both of us.
Thanks so much for sharing all of your wonderful talent with all of us.
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I am so happy to hear that your daughter is doing well, Maurine! and thank you, thank you, for your very kind words!
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Beautiful, and it makes my heart sing – bet your mom’s heart is singing, too, for her lovely tribute.
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Lost my Mom to Alzheimer’s 4 month’s ago. Love your tribute to her. I’m hoping that doing the same sort of thing will help to fill the hole in my heart. Thanks for the inspiration.
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My heartfelt condolences, Martie. I am sure that your tribute piece will be very healing for you. I hope that you can begin it soon.
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Thank you. I’ve been feeling the need to do something with hearts ever since Mom joined Dad. I think I’ll do a wall hanging in Swedish weaving and incorporate some small things that belonged to them. Thank you again for the inspiration. My spirit has begun to feel lighter already.
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You have touched a lot of hearts with sharing this amazing weaving. My mother in law passed away the beginning of Dec. and when I weave I think of her – she was a wonderful artist. Thank you for sharing your tribute to her with us
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Thank you so much, Lynn, and my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother in love. I found it hard to post this, but I have been deeply touched by the incredibly kind responses- it means so much…. thank you….
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My heart goes out to you Noreen and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wendy
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Bless your heart and thank you so much, Wendy!
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What a beautiful thing to come from loss and sorrow. So powerful and healing. Your mom must be beaming ! Thank you for sharing her with us.
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Thank you so much, Carolee
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What a wonderful tribute and it is obvious the piece was woven from the heart. Thanks for sharing xxx
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Thank you so much, Wendy – It really was woven from the heart….
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Very, very moving and beautiful tribute to your mother’s memory.
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Oh thank you so much, Gabriella!
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Nothing could be more appropriate at this moment of your life. “Out of the Mist” allows your Mother to have a voice for your one woman show. It also allows you to express your grief in a positive way to others who must live throught the challenge of Alzheimer’s. Peace be with you and your Mother and the love you share for each other. “Out of the Mist” are very soothing words to me. Good words to describe a very challenging condition. I will use them in the future. We send you blessings of joy to guide you through the grieving process. Hugs and Love, Mac & Sue xoxo
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Thank you so much, Susan and Mac… I really appreciate your kindness! and hugs and love back to you!
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Noreen–I dearly love the doll you made to honor your mother–it is truly beautiful and considering her illness, out of the mist is the perfect title. You will miss her as I miss my mother–but now they are both FREE to run,to play, to enjoy each day.
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Thank you so much, Kesam. Yes!
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Your Lady is truly beautiful, thank you for sharing her with us.
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Thank you so much, Caroline! It was hard to post about this, but I am glad that I did, because so many people have told me that this has inspired them to make a piece in honour of ones that they love and have lost.
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Noreen, I’m so sorry for your loss, though I know, with Alzheimers, some of the most difficult losses come far before the end is nigh, and I’m glad that you take some comfort in her release from the overwhelming toll of blindness that this disease’s far-reaching fog exacts. This piece is breathtaking, with all the little spiritually resonant details that guide her…just beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing it.
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Thank you so much, Lee Ann. You are so right- Alzheimers is a brutal disease and I hope that the scientists will find a way to unravel it. I found so much healing in creating ‘Out of the Mist’, and even though it was challenging to post about it, I am glad that I have. I hope that it will help other people find ways of expressing their emotions, too….
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What a loving, beautiful, courageous, creative tribute to your mother. The face on your piece feels very real and quite haunting. I’m imagining your mother, freed from all that previously kept her tethered, being held up by the light that is now her home, and in that light is a strand of the love that is this piece.
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Thank you so much, Aleksa. I love the image you created, of her moving into the light, and those strands of light being of her, and in my life and work….. thank you! such a beautiful image…..
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Noreen, what a beautiful blog entry and the lady is just just beautiful. Your mother would be honored- is honored. I know that all of those that have passed into Heaven are still very much with us. God bless. xoxoxoMarianne
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Thank you so much, Marianne 🙂 and blessings to you, also!
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Noreen, I don’t have words to tell you how touched I am by your loving tribute to your mother. And yes, I know your “Mom would like it a lot” too. ox
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Thank you so much, Dawn ❤
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This is just gorgeous and such a wonderful tribute to your mother!
I am just learning to weave, much of it from you on utube and your blog. I LOVE it and look forward to being able to weave something like this. Thank you for sharing your work and your knowledge! 🙂
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Thank you so much, Sharon!
I wish you great joy in your weaving adventures! It’s a life long passion and will bring you peace, inspiration and delight!
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This is incredible work and love your thoughts on healing in this!
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Thank you so much, Verlie 🙂
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You are so very welcome Tottie :)! I gave this link to Christine K Harris on FB.. She makes dimensional sculptured dolls and is also an art therapist:) You too would love each other :)! Mel steered me here..I am free to the FF group and an arti
st in wax..switching to FF!
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Hi Verlie
‘Tottie’ is the little green tomato doll that you can see at the side of the page 🙂 …. I am Noreen 🙂 Are you familiar with Saori weaving yet? It’s a very freeform style of weaving that I suspect that you will love 🙂 Enjoy your freeform work!
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Sorry about getting your name wrong! 🙂 I knew it was Noreen…I am not familiar with that weaving but bet I will love it! I knew how to weave on a big floor loom..once long ago and loved it! I hear YOU are the queen of weaving and I think you certainly are Noreen! Thanks for pointing me to a weaving direction! FF in weaving will be a joy!
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Thank you so much, Verlie 🙂 I dearly love weaving- it is a great passion for me, and it delights me to share my joy in weaving. I hope that you will enjoy FF weaving 🙂
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This is so beautiful. It is a wonderful tribute to your mother.
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Thank you so much, Linda.
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