Chilkat and Ravenstail Weaving by Lily Hudson

While I was still in my teens, my mother — noted Tlingit Chilkat weaver Clarissa Hudson — taught me to weave Northwest Coast Geometrical weaving, often called Ravenstail weaving.

I am currently weaving a child-sized robe with a modified traditional Ravenstail design — Shaman Eyes, a flipped version of the Lightning design that I invented. I recently completed a pair of leggings which match Shaman Eyes, sized for a 6-foot tall man.

I have yet to master Chilkat weaving, although Jenny Thlunaut’s fingering (which my mother taught) comes easily.

In my free time, I occasionally hand-spin warp for other weavers. I can do either Chilkat or Raventail warp (Chilkat warp is twice the price per yard due to the inclusion of cedar bark). My mother claims my warp is some of the finest and most even she has seen. The secret is in the splitting of the wool and bark. The more perfect the splitting, the more even the warp.

I also studied Haida cedar bark hat making with master weaver Delores Churchill. This was my introduction to addictive weaving behavior. Once I start weaving with cedar, the whole world goes to sleep and I stay awake with the spiders and birds. Delores says, “If you are going to weave, it’s important to clean your house first.” I think this is so you are not distracted to do dishes or scrub the toilet when you’re in the middle of your project. It is also a spiritual cleansing, so your mind is cleared of other obligations and free to focus. My mother has behaved this way for years; now I understand her.

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