Road to Billings
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When
Mike Shaw told me that I could make a kite, I laughed. I had not touched a
sewing machine
since a high school home economics class decades earlier and didn't know the
first thing about framing, pockets, or bridling. But I was yearning to give it a
try. I had just spent four days watching Mike's kites decorate the Pacific Ocean
shoreline over the Fourth of July, 2000, and was blown away by his level of
craftmanship and the phenomenal beauty of his creations. I did want to make
something of my own to add to the sky but didn't have the slighest notion of how
to get started.
Jerimy Colbert came to my rescue and gave me my first applique lesson while
watching the waves crash upon the beautiful Oregon Coast that summer of 2000.
Being a member of the Colbert Clan, Jerimy is associated with a great history of
kitemaking expertise. A Colbert Conyne is one of the finest flying machines that
you
will ever experience. Jerimy was making some excellent kites of his own by the
time I was blest with his assistance. What a gift it was to me to have Jerimy
take the time to explain how to put layers of fabric together, draw out a
design, sew along the lines drawn and cut away the layers of fabric not needed
in the finished design. I can still see him drawing in the sand and being so
patient to make sure I understood every step as he explained it. I was gaining
knowledge and confidence.
My confidence was bolstered later that summer when I was fortunate enough to
meet Mary and
John Gabby. In the length of a long weekend, this couple that I knew only by
reputation as great kitemakers, became life long friends. They echoed Mike's
encouragement to "make a kite" and like Mike and Jerimy, promised to give any
assistance that they could. An invitation to join them at their home in Colorado
Springs for Thanksgiving was the motivation I needed to give kitemaking a try.
My first sail was completed in time to get thrown into the suitcase for my
flight to the Rockies. While the turkey was roasting, I offered my sail for
critique much like a kindergartener at show and tell. John's comment was one of
those pivotal points in my life. He said, "Deb, this is competition quality." An
obsession had begun.
That
one kite became three when Mike suggested I make a train of them to fly on
Trains and Arches Day at WSIKF. And being inspired by Mary and John's della
portas, I did one of those for novice competition at WSIKF also. My train and
della porta were well received at Long Beach. During that process, Rod Thrall
took the time as a judge to talk to me about proper finishing of knots and some
other fine points of judging. The learning curve just kept growing.
The first place finishes as novice earned me a letter of invitation to bring
my kites to Billings. I laughed when I received the letter. I thought maybe four
of five years of perfecting this new craft might give me the confidence to
compete at the national level. But the kitegods had other ideas. While flying my
train at the Labor Day Kite Festival at Callaway, Nebraska in 2001 a voice
floated from behind me saying, "they need to fly at Billings". I ignored the
comment at first but upon hearing it a second time I turned to determine the
source of such silliness. Scott Skinner stood there, looking at my kites. He
smiled, nodded at me, and walked away.
My kites and I were going to Billings.
skydance@bis.midco.net
When
Mike Shaw told me that I could make a kite, I laughed. I had not touched a
sewing machine
since a high school home economics class decades earlier and didn't know the
first thing about framing, pockets, or bridling. But I was yearning to give it a
try. I had just spent four days watching Mike's kites decorate the Pacific Ocean
shoreline over the Fourth of July, 2000, and was blown away by his level of
craftmanship and the phenomenal beauty of his creations. I did want to make
something of my own to add to the sky but didn't have the slighest notion of how
to get started.
