This is a picture of the women in the District Check weaving workshop that Emma participated in a few months ago. I started wondering why the pattern drafting class members seem to be a closer-knit group than this one, which is less diverse.
Here are my ideas:
In the weaving workshop, it was hard to talk because of the noise of the looms. In the pattern-drafting class, the sewing has been almost exclusively hand sewing, so it is easier to carry on a conversation.
In the weaving workshop, there was really no need for help from the other participants. In the pattern drafting class, you become intimate with your sewing partner right away because you have to measure each other's bodies; everyone is called upon to identify the fitting problems and help solve them; you are somewhat exposed and vulnerable during the fitting process (as when you are standing very still while two people are pinning your bust darts), but then you are reassured and grateful when the other students are so helpful and encouraging. In short, there are many opportunities for bonding with the other students.
I don't mean to imply that the weavers didn't enjoy camaraderie. They did. But it was when they left their looms to talk in a group and when they did the waulking of the wool. The waulking drew them together most of all because they were singing together and working rhythmically together on the same wool blanket. And this synergy was heightened when the master called for them all to take a shot of whiskey together to re-vivify themselves for the next round. Unfortunately, waulking is the last step, so the feeling of community it engenders cannot be enjoyed during the weaving process.
One thing that both groups benefited from was eating lunch together. Nothing seems to build community as quickly as sharing a meal.
So this is what I learned from the two experiences:
If you want to promote community within a group of women who are strangers, have them share a meal together first, preferably a pot-luck. Then have them work together on something that is quiet enough for conversation to flourish but for which each individual will need the help of the other group members. Finally, create opportunities for one-on-one bonding.
2 comments:
I know what you mean about companionship. We homeschool so my eldest daughters, 12 & 14, don't get to be around a lot of people their age. There are not a lot of companions around that have the same conservative values as our family. We also go to a Latin Mass, so there are not a lot of girls their age there either, though we are fortunate to have a Catholic homeschool co-op. I have the same views about college as you, but my husband doesn't. So as it stands now, my girls (I have 5 & 1 boy) will be going to college.
Dear Anonymous,
It's hard isn't it? Emma has found that even when she gets to be around girls her age, she enjoys their company, but usually doesn't have much in common with them. The positive side is that she gets along well with women of all ages. That helps.
My husband wants Emma to go to college too, She would rather stay home and work on her homsestead and hope chest projects, but she will go out of obedience.
Thanks for commenting!
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