Daily source of DIY craft projects and inspiration, patterns, how-tos | Craftzine.com

Daily source of DIY craft projects and inspiration, patterns, how-tos | Craftzine.com

6 Tips for Exercising in the Dark | Active.com

6 Tips for Exercising in the Dark | Active.com
It's always a surprise for me! when my way-too-scheduled day ends too early to see where I am running. I get all excited about the sunshine when I wake up, kind of like seeing the cake before you start on dinner. And I really have been around long enough to know better. So, tweaking my schedule today for a better chance of getting it done!

Tie me up!

I haven't made a resist warp in a while and well, this seems the time to do just that. I have used tencel, rayon, mercerized and unmercerized cotton in the warp- all undyed and a couple have been bleached. I have tied off a design that uses two short stripes ending in  resist areas, and one long stripe ending in resist areas. I am thinking of a nice charcoal so I can play with the wefts - I should have enough for four scarves.
Here is a photo of the tied threads. As soon as I take the tape off I'll decide if I over-dye the whole thing or leave the white. Part of me is still entertaining the idea of stenciling or block printing on the white areas. Of course, if I leave the white IO can always paint and print anyway... decisions to be made!

The New Studio

Yes, it is time to start on a new workspace. In order to do that I have to clear one space so I can move the stuff from the proposed workspace out. Everything has an equal and opposite action. Slow- like Democracy. But it is the process and well, there you go!
I will have space for the three looms at the house,  and if I need to move from our downtown studio (we are just checking our numbers and time and no plans are made to move. And actually, I hate to cut off that part of my life. I love that studio and the art-hood!) I will have space.
I've had some pretty productive work time lately, in spite of the killer goldenrods and leaves! they are beautiful and make my head ache. I have three scarf warps ready to tag and hang, three babyblankets ready to tag and hang-- well, they need their fringe trimmed. They are soft- like the ones I made for Wade. But pinker. Should be just as much fun to pee on as the blue ones, too.
And I have been working onmore blocks for printing. I still want to try morewoodblocks but my hands have been really sore lately- yardwork, house repair, stuff. Maybe when the trees are all trimmed and pruned and I've gotten in some rest. Yeah. like that will happen!

I started on a printed piece during the summer as a demo and then began embellishing it. I didn't start out thinking symmetry and now it is somewhat like the eye of Sauron, but some stitches, bits and pieces of found objects should change that a bit. We'll just have to see! I used found objects to print on muslin with ProChem textile pigments. The fabric is definitely soft enough to stitch through. I do like these pigments... I want to try different bases sometime soon. I have a few ideas to work through... I am thinking of a little stuffing, too.

Changing like the leaves!

This has been a year of change. I have new colors for fall-- new warps, a new heavy textured m's and o's scarf prototype to work on, putting the walls up on my new at-home studio (seems we need several of these-- one with people, one without). And I've met so many new artists-- well, new to me! but these conversations have really helped me put my ideas in a new light. Changing jobs- the other job I always seem to need! from working with the Art Alliance to working in the Rockingham County Arts council has been a real emotional ride. I miss being in Greensboro, miss the fun folks at AAG, don't miss the complainers! but the people in Rockingham County have been so friendly and they are excited about the new projects.. the new gallery, exhibits, craft shows, grants.. I'm feeling so much more grounded.
So this is the last jacket fabric for a month or so. time to get the fall and winter scarves.. have some new wools and will be trying the wool/tencel blend soon. And I have new tunes to work with! I have to say... this could be what I have been looking for and I just never knew! Now, if the creepy neighbor would stop asking me about why i don't have a boyfriend....

new path

time to move from autumn scarves and get the spring scarves going! And, along with this project, I will be working with Arts in-education projects in middle schools, batik class in Greensboro and an upcoming exhibit.
turquoise, tomato red, middle earth blue, clear sunshine yellow, mossy green and charcoal are ready for the dyebath!in tencel, silk, mercerized cotton and organic cotton.