Sue is back! Watch out - I'm an Apprentice Now

Sue V. Begay

2017/18 Apprentice

Hi blog readers! Do you remember me?! My name is Sue V. Begay an Emerging Navajo Artist from Dennehotso, AZ-Navajo Nation-USA. I am a proud member of the Navajo Nation.  My clans are the Hashtl’ishnii clan born for the Kinyaa’aanii, my grandfathers are the Tabaaha and paternal grandfathers are the Kinlichii’nii. You may remember me from the 2017/18 Navajo Cultural Arts Certificate Cohort – I was learning the cultural art of Moccasin Making and enhancing my skills in Weaving. Last year, my moccasins “White Shell Woman” took home the Board of Regents’ Choice Award at the 2017 Navajo Cultural Arts Exhibit.

Twill weaving inspired by our NCAC trip to Toadlena Trading Post

NCA Week Exhibit Submission and Recipient of the Board of Regents Choice Award

I am now in the NCAP Apprenticeship Program and under the guidance of Master Weaver TahNibaa Naataanii. The Apprenticeship Program is for NCAC graduates like myself who want to continue their learning in a more specialized fashion. During the application process, we submit interest to work one-on-one with a mentor.

This is my fifth week in the apprenticeship. I can honestly say that my learning about weaving has grown tremendously since day one when I met with TahNibaa and her mother Sara. That day we spent getting to know each other – our strengths (and my weaknesses). It’s a good thing I know when to ask questions – because I sure had a lot of them! My first lesson was on terminology. I didn’t know what some of the rug weaving terms were and I got a quick lesson that first day. The vocabulary words that I learned are the “S” and the “Z” twists, rolags, skein, fine weight, medium weight, and heavy weight.

Our vocabulary lessons quickly turned into hands on learning. At the time I didn’t even know how to wash wool. While I began my search for galvanized tubs to wash my wool in, TahNibaa taught me how to properly clean the wool. All sorts of tools were introduced to me like the Niddy Noddy, drop spindle, and the different types of carders.

Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning

With TahNibaa’s assistance, I ordered my a Niddy Noddy, drop spindle, and carding tool for myself.  If you are going to do things right – you need to have your own tools, she stresses. This way I can practice at home the proper way of handling my spindle. With the tools ready, I learned how to do the “Navajo three ply,” which is also called the “chain”. I learned how to do the “Andean wrap” on my hand. And with those first meetings under my belt, I was sent off with more homework – to use those techniques to make the edge cords of one of my rugs.

NCAP Budget Form

Another unique skill that is being taught to me is the introduction of record keeping. Not only does the NCAP teach me how to budget but TahNibaa is showing me the essentials on record keeping and how to price your product. Its one of the things that amazes me the most and I need to spend time on my record keeping and pricing my rugs.

Things that I learned are going to help with my future rugs. Proper warping and how to “dress a rug” have been just a few of the techniques that I have learned. All this new knowledge, I just soak up the information like the wool soaks up the water. I can only get better and I plan to work hard at the skills that were introduced to me.

Warp is ready

Warp is up

NCAPERS (Alumni and Current), if you are (1) a NCAC graduate or will be by Summer 2018 and (2) are interested in the being an apprentice, you should check out the NCAP website for the Apprenticeship Program. The application period for the Apprenticeship Program has just opened and will close April 20th!