The Southern Mango

 Some plants have a constant beauty.  

To my little eye, with which i spy, the PawPaw is one of those plants

it grows as a thicket, doesn't ask a lot other than sunshine and rain, and i'm not so sure about drainage. it seems to grow in red clay soil. That can take the strength of a superhero. Super PawPaw

The spring leaves are bright green, the blossom is a deep red/violet that opens slowly. The fruit is without texture, and a flavor like a mango-banana. The fruit color is a light bright green with a golden yellow blush and an occasional brush of scarlet red that looks like it is glowing from underneath

they grow wild in my back yard

i love those colors!! 

I recently purchased some cotton/linen yarn and I haven't dyed this kind of yarn recently so tests are in order. I think something different for autumn. its time to bring out some new things. I've got a few threadings that i want to work with- a wave of twill variations, a narrow warp of three weave structures and a solid straight eight that i have tied up for a braided twill. i may change that to a dimensional weave.

The cool mornings are wonderful for weaving time. the afternoons for administrative work. So many things coming up in the next few months and just like that, the year will be the next year.  Days fill in quickly, and there is more dyeing and weaving to be done, with plans for new weaving and such. 

Shows

I'm looking for a few more small local shows. send me a note if you have a recommendation! The "Keep It Local" show with Leanne and Will Pizio in Oak Ridge is a fun show, lots of local folks, music, great atmosphere and its usually a lovely day. 

The two shops that I've been sharing handwoven work with are the City Gallery in Galax, along with a lot of very inspired fine crafters and artists, and a few things in GreenHill Gallery in Greensboro. 

Workshops

Lately its been a blast with weaving intro classes at Sawtooth in Winston Salem. I have a history of work with Sawtooth and its nice to support a local art school. 

Other Jobs and Events

Working in the VIP area of Floyd Fest! Always an experience, such great people and music and I like the new layout..well, there are changes i haven't seen but its a lovely spot. And good company. Maybe not the monsoon start off of last year, but its a great year for rain in the area!

I'll be in the Makers Marketplace at the NC Folk Festival, September 12-14, Greensboro, NC coordinating the Marketplace, located between two stages with over 50 art, craft and made in NC/Local vendors. This is one of my ever-favorite festivals, with friendly talented vendors, good food trucks, downtown Greensboro atmosphere, super-dedicated-to-a-good-experience Operations crew and music. 

And coordinating the Piedmont Craftsmen Education programs at the annual Piedmont Craftsmen Fair in Winston Salem, always the weekend before Thanksgiving at Benton Convention Center. Its my job to sort the artist demonstrations, invite a few groups of local organizations to share the crowd and help out with all the bits. I definitely get my steps in! for all of the festivals 😃

A reading Year

I've started my book list. In workshops and guild groups and lecture things, the books are a part of the conversation. I add to the list as I get through them, and a LOT of the books i choose are from other blogger suggestions and lists. I do miss going to the library and grabbing seductive covers but I don't have that kind of a path now, and the buying of books is categorized into: will i read it again, do i want to share it, do i just need this one? 

And..

I may be painting again. I miss painting- its time!

summer is fleeting! here we go