They say every beginning has an end. In my case, this couldn't have been further from the truth. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. This wisdom only came after I wasn't in it, I believe you call it hindsight.
A funny thing happens to me while I'm learning new materials, I become obsessed. I become part Sherlock Holmes with a Salvatore Dali sensibility. There are no boundaries and anything is possible in design. While an in-depth study of the innate characteristics of the material. There was one more big piece I was overlooking, the right tool. It was gonna be a long, frustrating weekend.
After too many days of pure failure, I realized I needed to contact a Professor at one of the best Textile Schools in Philadelphia. If anyone could help with this, Pam could. And if she couldn't she would know who could. I called her immediately, she was in her studio and told me to come over.
My faith was restored and soon I had my hands on what they called a merrow machine. I was given access to an instructor's classroom between classes. Not only did I have my hands on the tool I needed, I was given all the information necessary to get a machine. How were we ever gonna get a $1000 machine? For the time being, I decided to focus on all prototypes and patterns. Get the products made and take them to the President, then Darcy.
I don't know why I was so nimble or so inspired? Was it my last attempt to save a sinking ship? Or was it my new love affair with sweaters and knits? Ideas were plentiful and the merrow machine was my best buddy, except when it became unthreaded..then I cursed like a sailor and preyed on the mercy of a student. The four spool machine required a diagram to thread properly. The patience of Job to adjust the tension of the threads each time I changed materials or tried mixing different weights. Time wasn't on my side.
I checked in, the President was calling our weekly meeting and wanted to know if the new prototypes were ready. I swallowed hard, she knew the answer. I explained I needed more time, maybe another week. I only had two samples and I had promised five or six. She wasn't happy. She also knew I needed a machine.