Weaving works of art
Hatter uses weat weaving to keep busy years after retirement
Eighty-year-old Harold Jackle picked up wheat weaving as a hobby about 35 years ago, an activity that has stayed with him even through a series of strokes.
“I’m lucky I can still do my wheat weaving,” he said, adding that he can no longer read, so this is the pastime that keeps him occupied throughout the day.
His wife of 61 years, Irene, reflected on the suitability of weaving for Harold.
“During our time together, I wondered what he’s going to do when he retires,” she said.
“There was this course being offered in Fox Valley, (Sask.,) through the community college with wheat weaving and I thought that would be very suitable, because he is a farmer.”
Harold was the only male in attendance, but he was also the only individual from that course who continued weaving, Irene said.
Harold and Irene lived on the Jackle family farm in Fox Valley until he had his first of three strokes in November 2011, which brought them to River Ridge Seniors Village in Medicine Hat.
Harold used to sell some of his art, including about 50 mini-windmills like the one displayed on their wall, but since his stroke he’s given away much of what he’s made.
Irene suspects that most River Ridge residents have something Harold made for them.
“He just makes it and gives it away,” Irene observed. “Since his stroke he’s become very giving.”
Harold gets the wheat he weaves with from the family farm, where one of the Jackles’ two sons still resides.
He soaks the wheat for about two hours to give it the flexibility required for weaving.
“It has to be a hollow straw,” Irene added. “Some grain has solid stems.”
In his day, Harold weaved many larger objects, including baskets and chairs, but since his stroke he’s focused more on many smaller projects that can be completed in a short amount of time.
Irene said Harold’s weaving has helped him “very much” in his recovery.
“It keeps his hands occupied,” she said. “He was a very busy man before.”
“It’s very important to keep active at that age. It keeps the mind going and time passes,” said Irene.