NAVAJO WEAVER CLARA SHERMAN CARDING AND SPINNING

[@caitlinroeder5679]

I have watched this video many times over the years, and I always learn something new. When I first started spinning yarn, there were many tutorials, but many of the people had very poor ergonomics and my hands would hurt. I figured out that watching people who have hand spun yarn for years and who have passed the knowledge for generations was the best way to go. This was one of the first videos I found from an indigenous expert. I am so grateful that she was able to pass on her knowledge to so many people through this video.

[@douglasgrant2190]

This woman truly walked her path. That she shared a tiny piece of it with us is a gift. Listen, and learn.

[@millieo7155]

Listening to this has the same effect as a short audio meditation.

[@navajostyle]

I remember as a child I watched my grandmother do this as I sat on the dirt floor of the hogan. It has always brought me peace to watch and still does through the eyes of KZbin. My culture being preserved through youtube.....Beautiful!!

[@codygeewin5166]

@Catherine Buck Thanks for watching and for your sincere gratitude... Just know.. we are not Indians... That is a fake News reference to who we really are as Native People... As future Native generations assert ourselves.. Indian will no longer be used to reference Native People...!!

[@okaminess]

‘Eilaa!

[@rayskitten78]

Many cultures spin in different ways but every year fewer people know how that's why I got my spindle we can't lose crafts of any kind

[@jadeandwhizz3566]

@@rayskitten78 i agree i got into spining yarn by this video to help me connect some of my Cherokee heragtige even though im 1/8th and i got a Navajo drop spindle

[@Hippidippimahm]

I'm so grateful that she shared this knowledge and it was filmed before she passed away. Rest in peace Clara

[@jsmith3980]

oh sad to hear,

[@CariMachet]

There really is no death only transformation - she passed yes but not "passed away"

[@jsmith3980]

@@CariMachet so true

[@sarahhennessygray4363]

Yes so beautiful to watch and listen to, I honour her spirit, with a smile of thanks

[@msjennable]

She passed away!?😭

[@quitaboynton1744]

I am a knitter, crocheter, do embroidery and can sew. Lucky me I learned from my Mom, Grandmother and Great Aunt. Started doing these when I was 4 and at 71 am still practicing these arts as there is always something to learn. Going to the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Nation was thrilling. To watch them practice their crafts was spectacular. So calm and easy going. No pattern to follow only in their min's eye and done to perfection. I could sit and watch for days. Sadly many of these crafts are being lost. I pray the younger generations realize the value in learning them before they are gone for ever!

[@StarriSprinkles]

It's actually being preserved right now in my generation! Many crafters my age and younger are and still is practicing these crafts right now but with a hippie like twist! It got a HUGE boost during the COVID-19 pandemic when hitted, textiles was now a huge hit during that time and still is! (I prefer your generation of crochet including your colors designs, with all the ones that have kids and are stressed out uhh ye)

[@sandialoia4453]

She is so sweet and patient. I love how she softly speaks about what she is doing. When these elders we have right now are gone, we have lost a national treasure.

[@dwaynedonald2939]

Hello Sandi, i agree with you

[@jneen17]

Mark Winter, you helped me understand the 100 year old floor rugs I inherited from my ggf back in the 1990s. I know this video is 12 yo now… I’m not sure if you’re still here at the bottom of WC because the building you were in then has changed. Thanks for the work you’ve done to preserve an understanding of the Navajo weaver’s world.

[@cora_kathlena]

The wool cries...such beautiful words, in all of its simplicity.

[@onlyone8331]

Everyday Kathlena by the time I thumbs up I hear her say the wool cries

[@roseshollivy7220]

Eu gostaria este video fosse traduzido pra o PTB Desde já agradeço

[@Rita-gt5od]

Wonderful lady, Ive met and known her for several years, she has a beautiful family too. Brought tears to eyes when I came upon this video, and I recognize her. Not only did she weaved beautiful rugs, she had a woderful voice singing navajo church songs. Until the lord has called her home. ❤❤

[@TheMrpiggyboy]

Hi. I must have watched this vidio 15 times and each time I do it tears me up. Clara is so sweet and instructs us in her strong and easy manner. When I teach I always sugest that my students watch this vidio. She says" just go easy". That pretty much says it all. We miss you Clara

[@whitecapshop8327]

She speaks good English for an elderly Navajo. It's rare to see people weave with their own hand spun wool anymore because of the work and cleaning that goes into it. Hand sheared, hand carded, hand spun, hand dyed, hand woven= 100% Navajo Rug. What a treasure.

[@brodyhill1449]

White cap shop Most of the old people talk English but prefer not too. Also, most educated or employed Navajos don't live on the land. The ones that stayed are usually traditional or people moving back from big cities.

[@jsmith3980]

@@brodyhill1449 I was going to say the same, many of the elder generation speak English well, that's not at all surprising.

[@okaminess]

Take that comment back.

[@kristenkehl]

There are tragic circumstances underlying her generation's English proficiency. As recently as the 1960's in some states it was still legal to buy an Indian child from the missionary orphanages that "acculturated" them. Maybe you weren't aware of this before you posted that comment.

[@JacquelineWachell]

She knows the simplicity to the sacred work. Most can't, thus why they don't.

[@mranster]

Thank you so much for this video! What a treasure, and how sad to hear that Ms. Clara is no longer with us. We should all take the time to video something from any of our elders, not just the Native ones, but all of them, to gather what we can of their knowledge.

[@groovygrump]

This video is wonderful. I have been watching it over and over again. I have always wanted to learn how to spin like this since I was a young child. My grandfather took tours through Monument Valley, spoke Navajo, and knew all the Diné. I was about five the first time I went with my grandfather. We stopped at a hogan where a woman demonstrated weaving and spinning. It was so magical to me and I felt a deep grounding to watch this process. Many years passed while I longed to learn but never found the opportunity. Eventually, I learned to spin on a drop spindle, and then a wheel, though I never found a workshop or a teacher to learn the Navajo way. When I came across this video I decided that I would give it a go. From observing Clara Sherman card the rolags, and prepare the spindle, and expertly and deftly spin I was able in one day to advance to make a nice yarn with Churro wool. I have been watching this video many times and just wish that it were possible to thank her. I know that she has long since passed away but I adore her. I have loved watching the other videos of her as well. Where can I watch the whole documentary? Thank you so much for this precious excerpt.

[@CraftyFlorrie]

Incredible video, very informative, helped me to improve my technique. Sometimes I watch it just to feel good. Clara Sherman is one of our true national treasures, and through a video like this one, will always be with us.

[@Nerdificent]

Gladly, more and more people are tiring of mass produced, poorly made goods. Learning skills like this teaches us all to slow down again, and to appreciate where things come from. I have yet to learn spinning, but I love to knit. I learned that from my mother. I could listen to this woman forever.

[@BigJim-n-OsageCo]

I watched a woman work on her rug at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame back 27 some years ago. We talked and she touched my heart. She told me some stories and she also signed my pamphlet from the NCHOF. Forever touched by this beautiful person. She give me hope to stand proud. I'll come back again. Jim Gauger from Oklahoma

[@seeingdragons4319]

I absolutely love this woman and this video. Whenever I need something soothing to calm me down, I put this on. It reminds me of how life ought' to be.

[@Fraususemil]

Very impressive. I would so much like to meet a woman like her. I hope she is still fine. ... Aaw. I googled and found out that she died in 2010. R.I.P. Clara Sherman, and thank you!

[@onlyone8331]

Fraususemil WHY DOES SHE HAVE TO DIE THE YEAR I WAS BORN

[@RockyMountainHighCO]

This is great. I'm teaching my students about a Navajo weaver in Arizona and now they'll be able to see what it looks like to weave!

[@KoryKoryArtsMisss]

I just LOVE Her! the way she teaches is aesy, simple, direct, her voice is calming...Thanks a Lot for posting this video! All the Best Beautiful Lady!

[@jeaniephillips4083]

KoryKoryArtsMisss She embodies the term "growing old gracefully" maybe it was because she grew old with nature and not in a throw away society!

[@onlyone8331]

KoryKoryArtsMisss um what is aesy

[@indigenousspinster_6665]

Update: I finally purchased a Navajo spindle and have been using it for about 4 months now and I love it. Hopefully I'll make my first skein when im done practicing my tension My friend Patty has a Navajo Spindle and she let me use it to try it and learn, she tried teaching me but I just couldnt get the hang of it, mad respect for Navajo People, I finally found what works for me, a drop spindle I hope to master the Navajo Spindle even half of her skill

[@catherinearmstrong4709]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@tinacayford7549]

How much we have forgotten, and how much we are in the process of forgetting! So much of the world takes for granted the ease with which we visit a store or even click online and have clothing and blankets and rugs in fabrics of all kinds of fibers and colors. We forget that once each piece of cloth was the gift of skilled patient hands, who could hear the wool crying. Blessings on your spirit, Clara. Thank you for the gift of sharing your talent, skill and wisdom with us all, that we should find the peace and reverence of your patience and focus, and the quietude of your pride. May your descendants remember and carry forward your legacy.

[@dwaynedonald2939]

Hello Tina

[@earllutz2663]

Thank you so much, for the video. I have 2 Alpaccas, just purchased a drop spinal, & I am at the very beginning of learning how to spin, at the age of 70.

[@mastinomama8939]

Wonderful woman, great artist and teacher. Wish she was still around😢

[@This_is_Jikky]

over the years I have watched and rewatched this many times, so much gratitude for the teachings and sharing of knowledge in gentle, patient way. Thank you so very much.

[@courag1]

Beautiful video, I admire how skilled you are. I knit almost every day and so appreciate what you do from my heart.

[@madamfluffy]

Wonderful video from a wonderful teacher. Thank you Navajo Nation for keeping your culture in the forefront of textile arts.

[@lorimangold2890]

Thank you Clara Sherman for Teaching this tradition so many more people can carry on a learn in a traditional way,

[@draguta8995]

The efficiency of movement of a master who knows her craft. Beautiful.

[@valerietravers4874]

Wonderful lady, just loved watching this. Reminded me of my grandmother! I hope the old ways of doing things never die out because heritage is so important. Teach your children good values, tell them about what you remember of your childhood and hope that they pass the stories on to theirs! In this crazy mixed up world we live in at the moment, we can but hope!

[@vangu2918]

Valerie Travers I'm black but she sounds and looks like my grandmother. Watching this made me miss her so much. Omg when she wrapped it around her foot I had a serious flashback.

[@lindagore5811]

What a wonderful gift to share.

[@barbaraburdick3359]

The elders, their sheep, their spinning, and their land which they have honored with this ages-old tradition is such a beautiful legacy to pass down thru their own families, and they willingly share with us. The Navajo have such close ties, and respect for mother earth. For them,weaving is a spiritual experience,and they are always wearing their turquoise to protect them as the weave. I think the Navajo are awesome! They have maintained their language, their spirituality, and the purity of their clan lineage, and for the most part remained who they are, Navajo, and proud to be Navajo(or Dinet).

[@crazyhorsetrading8655]

No thanks to the GREED of the American NATION

[@bashkillszombies]

You realise everything about this video besides the corny music and the woman involved is European in origin right?

[@dk2614]

@@bashkillszombies the United States government forced sheep herding onto the Natives after they were forced onto reservations. It was either adapt or die. Kind of bitter sweet as the skills of the Natives attest but indeed sheep herding was not a traditional Native American way of life.

[@jsmith3980]

@@bashkillszombies She had Navajo blood and there is nothing corny about the music so piss off somewhere else.

[@jsmith3980]

@@dk2614 Well at least the great Navajo Nation survived the genocidal White man and thankfully are still strong.

[@craftsandnails]

i was thinking "there should be a way to spin by hand, to mix wool easy" and this shows on my youtube home. RIP great lady. !! love your culture.

[@nikkirunningbear1]

i am starting to miss my great, great grandmother. she was teaching me how to do things, like weaving, navajo games, and beading. i was six yrs old when she past away. i miss u nana

[@crazyhorsetrading8655]

Blessing Mother for sharing your knowledge. Goes to show with all our technological innovation, how simple life can be, if we don't add unnecessary complications, and high tech solutions. This clip does't show the beauty of the carpet she was weaving, I'm sure an oversight by those who edited this original clip. Be at peace my Sister

[@MsLadyhorse]

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful knowledge. Words can't express how beautiful this is.

[@moinmt]

Thank you Sarah. I'm sure you are happily at home with your ancestors. I'm sure you went there at a time of your own choosing.I'm also sure you left behind you people who will never stop missing you until they join you. What a wonderful gift this film is to leave the world.

[@bfinfinity]

She makes it seem so simple, and such fine work with so few 'tools,' but instead using her whole body and do beautiful amazing work!

[@deebrake]

Thank you and bless you for sharing this; my memories of my great grandmother doing this work are honored by seeing this.

[@millieo7155]

I’ve watched so many, many videos on KZbin. This is my consistent favorite. I love to hear her talk, especially when she says, “the wool cries.” I feel our spirits touch on these three words. Romanticisn but some will understand.

[@Gladtobemom]

Magical. There is something so universal and connecting about spinning. Every culture has it in common and uniquely all at the same time.

[@300xavierk]

Don't even care for wool spinning other than being just curious about how it is done. But after watching and listening to this lady, describe her craft and yeah. what she has put more time we can even imagine into. Lots of love for this amazing old soul.

[@abcd543217]

Thank you! You don't see things like this anymore. God bless her.

[@aprilamos6429]

So cool! Can't stop watching!

[@John-wx4ci]

She is a treasure, a national treasure. She should be respected and honored as one.

[@paulasmith7803]

Not only is she beautiful, but an excellent teacher! I was awed with her ability while watching

[@mizzmusicthief]

She is so peaceful to listen to. And that version of spindle is amazing!

[@marseilletarot]

What a fascinating woman, and what a lovely bit of living history. Thanks

[@paradisefibers]

This woman is amazing. I am totally entranced with this video. Makes me want to give up my processed roving and get out the hand cards and a fleece.

[@JohnCoctostan]

I know, right?

[@crazyhorsetrading8655]

I hope you have got out your hand cards.....................cos it is very different and very rewarding to feel the fibre as you process from lock to rolag

[@stephanienuce7711]

The wool cries..... This is an art that is fading and it’s so important to keep alive. So beautiful. I love this so much!

[@dwaynedonald2939]

Hello Stephanie

[@mejoramientodeprocesos7027]

Respect for old traditions. Thank you Clara.

[@inannashu689]

Such beautiful tradition,and wonderful that she shared it with us.

[@Colorado106]

i live the way she wraps the wool around her foot!

[@michellessard7047]

Art in motion ! What an incredible person , thank you so much for sharing !😊💖👍

[@navajodoll6320]

As a young Navajo I appreciate this!💖

[@joywilson8483]

This is one if the reasons I have so much love and respect for our elders!!!! They are so full of knowledge and wisdom!!!!!! If we really watch and listen we also can carry on their traditions. I can sit for hours just listening to them talk. God Bless All Our Elders!!!!! I want to thank all of you for doing your best to teach us. With all my love and respect. Joy

[@jsmith3980]

beautiful video, thank you.great skill, a lovely lady.Greetings to all the Navajo.I visited the Navajo Nation Inn 1993 and watching this and hearing the music touches my heart.xx

[@fid066]

Clara is an awesome lady and a great teacher....thank you Clara

[@danjf1]

Glad to see people out there still doing things the old way - truly a lost art in our mass production society. Thank you for posting this excerpt!

[@silvarainbowsparkle]

Oh my, she has such a chill vibe. My anxiety is finally taking a vacation

[@Peachrainbarrel69]

Beautiful - thank you for helping to keep these sacred traditions alive

[@RivaKath]

how badly i wish to learn from my elders. Thank you for sharing this with every one. i am very greatful for the knowledge that is being passed down. I am a tsimshian native of the raven clan. And people like you and all others every were make me proud to be native

[@missxalim6822]

She's just smilin! Must love making yarn. Not many old Indians to share knowledge no more. Thanks for the video.

[@lindacmoore7646]

What a blessing to see a master at her craft! Thank you so much

[@valerielaster1073]

This is an awesome video. So peaceful and soothing to my soul. Thank you.

[@mestabrooke]

Watching this is a calming meditation. What a wonderfully skilled woman! I just love it. Thanks to Clara Sherman for sharing her art and skill with me.

[@dwaynedonald2939]

Hello Marianna

[@emily91ify]

I so enjoyed this video! As a new spinner, I thought perhaps I would forgo the Navaho spindle, but after seeing your video, I know I cannot. Loved this. And the joining of the already spun skein to the cop on the spindle is information I can put to good use with all other spindles as well. Adding a Navajo spindle to my long list of spindles I must have! Thank you for sharing your tradition.

[@elaineg60]

What a beautiful, talented elder!! LOVE her advice, "you can feel it"!! I've heard other very experienced spinners say the same thing. Although I have a very late start, I hope to gain a fraction of skill before I leave this planet.

[@dwaynedonald2939]

Hello Elaine

[@Nyknits]

I love this video. Such valuable traditions.

[@robbinrobinsonmyfavoriteaz656]

Thank you for taking the time to post this video. It is helping me out a lot with my attempts at using my Navajo hip spindle.

[@moonolyth]

Wonderfull Clara Sherman!! I have a puppy that passed many years ago a pomeranian, I've kept her fur so long just to run into this piece of wonderful history. I am no expert at anything just glad to be here every day. I will now be able to finish what I started. Much respect. I had a friend in school a Navaho boy named Jimmy... My good friend. His family apparently had to leave the Res. If they wanted to keep him, in other words, he had to go to a public school and so the entire family pulled up roots, moved. Once finished, several years later they again went back to their home. Jimmy told me it had torn him and his family up. As a grown man, he felt not accepted too well as a full Navaho, being cultured differently, and as a man introduced into... "regular" society he felt much different also, not the same or equal to the "paradigm". Did not cope well with this, He ran into much trouble because he became an angry lost man he felt little for others for a time, yes white people too. He finally found himself again and got back on track. I am touched by the stories I hear and especially his because I felt his pain he was my friend and it was not in books or some untouchable place in my mind. Forgive us our trespasses and the trespassed our fathers leave us with as we are responsible now. for their gifts and misgivings.. .. . There is nothing worse than taking a fellow-creature away from their cors from separating nature from our humanity. To treat the natural earth as something to fight conquer is like creating a world oblivious to where our origins come from, to erase the past our bloodlines, and our loved progenitors. To erase history may be possible to create a new history that should not be accepted .... .. .Hozho

[@GraciaBelievesthatJesusSaves]

💐🙋🏻‍♀️Thank You Father Almighty Holy Spirit rest in Peace Ms Clara Sherman , this is beautifull and a blessing and peacefull to watch also with the music on the background .

[@deniseculver8373]

I bought my first spindle today, I'm inspired by how she demonstrates it, much thanks

[@nancythompson2627]

Excellent explanation and good photography. Helpful to me as I am learning to spin and card my goats mohair. Thank you.

[@fionamccool6977]

in addition to being informative, this video is SO relaxing!! love the music too, something I've never said about a youtube video before--usually people play garbage, annoying music. thanks for posting this lovely tutorial!!

[@cyndibee2289]

This is wonderful! I've just started my journey learning spinning and weaving. This is such a great resource! Thank you 😊

[@dwaynedonald2939]

Hello Cyndi

[@littlelittlerein261]

Thank you for sharing….. I am learning to weave and I appreciate your teaching.

[@gabemccue3497]

This is absolutely beautiful! I love learning about it! And I didn't expect her to speak such fluent English! Very beautiful!

[@MsTintinlover]

Mesmerizing! It's hypnotic, I could have watched her all day.The simple perfection of spinning and weaving.

[@SailorsDaBomb]

Thank you for your wonderful teachings, Clara. It is an honor to see how your tradition is handed down to the next generations. My utmost respect to you, your art and your people. +

[@pamelamckenzie2685]

Prays be to all the Animals what they offer to us bless these people great work.

[@melicephas3292]

Clara Sherman, thank you. Much respect.

[@marculpa]

Absolut cool die Omi. Dankeschön fürs Video.

[@terrimalen710]

So beautiful, peaceful. Love watching you and thank you for all this great advice to spinners!

[@johnycooke1358]

Thank you for mother Sherman for your great gift of wisdom such a special task. So much warrant giving over the years.

[@miranda8423]

Incredible! Extremely intriguing! Thank you so much for your presentation!

[@lelandpmorrill]

Thank you for the gift of sharing this great video. I am one of the stolen ones who has just recently reconnected to my Diné family this past year. Through the WWWweb, social media and videos such as this captured and preserved, I am slowly learning the culture that was lost through assimilation. It's early, been watching Navajo videos all night...but it is a hunger from four decades of separation being fed. Thank you for this, Lele

[@lesmessbucilova2732]

She is fantastic! Thank you for showing us this video.

[@kjctubestuff]

The perfect teacher! 💜 I'd like to see this video without the music - it's distracting & unnecessary. Thank you for posting - this is an incredible treasure. 💜 SHE is an incredible treasure. 🌻

[@ginnied7346]

it's wonderful to be able to watch a true master artist at work Thank you for sharing

[@graybowe]

Beautiful. I've always wanted to learn spinning and weaving. This has just increased my desire. Thank you.

[@ginnyqueior3319]

Wonderful tutorial....love the Native Americans and their ways.

[@shannonbyrne3713]

I absolutely LOVE this!

[@rh2618]

After watching her card I realized that I was holding my carder wrong all these years; it's so much easier using her technique. Thanks!!

[@Robertahausen]

this is amazing!! she's just using a stick. It's all the experience of the tension and knowing the feel of the wool

[@sergeantmajorette]

Brilliant!!! Extremely useful to those of us trying to learn to spin on a Navajo spindle!!!

[@beatricelim7969]

this is so calming

[@thenextbeautifulthing3284]

Amazing video, with so many thanks. It is so calming.

[@mcsnygg]

Wonderful! She's amazing. What wonderful knowledge and to share it as well! Thank you.