Big Weaving Time!

Summer Weaving is winding toward Autumn! 

And batik

And dyes.  

And more textile fun

These are great months to design, with so much color in flowers, sunrise and sunsets, rainbows after showers, vacation inspiration- the creative points are all around!

I've taken some details of successful weaving classes apart to introduce specific skills for the toolbox so when you try and tackle the "next big thing" it's a more pleasurable challenge. I am known to say repeatedly, there is more than one right answer. We can address some of those answers before we have just invested $$ in that incredible silk and wool yarn, dyed up an incredible warp to dress on the loom and start with a lofty yet sticky mohair!! If you have questions be sure and email me. 

Some of the classes have been rescheduled.  It is always helpful to hear what times are best for everyone so please let me know what times are best for you. That always helps us choose the best times!

August 20 and 21, 10:00am to 1:00pm at Sawtooth School join us for details on how to wind a warp. The first part of the process in hand weaving is determining which threads to use and then measuring threads. We determine the size we want to weave our fabric, what types of yarns we want to use, how soft or firm our fabric needs to be and we count and measure our threads to be ready for the next step.Threading a loom is much easier if the warp is wound properly, and there are several ways to determine “proper”. Head into your next weaving class with the power to put your threads on with order, less chaos and more control of your process! 

August 7 from 10:00am to 4:00 pm at the Sawtooth School join us for a batik workshop. 

Using soy wax as a resist to the dyes, we 

compose images using traditional tjanting tools, brushes, a collection of blocks and found shapes that we can use for pattern and visual texture. Soy wax melts and gives off some fumes, but is so much safer than microcrystalline wax. That said, feel free to wear a mask for the wax, or for any reason! 

We will break for lunch,  bring your own or visit one of the close restaurants in downtown Winston Salem. 

Our dyes are permanent so please wear art-friendly clothes. 

August 9 and 16 from 6:00pm-9:00pm at the Sawtooth School I’m bringing my frame tapestry looms to use in class for those who don’t have one (yet!) - if you have your own, please bring yours if you’d like to weave on your own between classes. We explore several tapestry weaving techniques, a bit of history of tapestry weaving, then warp up the loom and weave a simple piece with yarns and any other items we choose to add. If you have questions about the class, be sure to ask me! 

Thread a Loom, August 28 at Sawtooth School

Weaving involves a littlest of process: there are ways to simplify threading and dressing the loom to have lovely patterns, textures and structure for your special designed fabrics! Join Kathryn for a review of how to thread, why you thread in which direction (yep, some are easier one way than the other), some special knots and other ways to keep handwaving fun and creative. If you’re considering weaving classes, these techniques should give you tools to weave with a variety of yarns with the new patterns you’re exploring.

Floor Loom Weaving begins October 2 and we meet for five classes, October 2 and 5 (same week to eat started) then Mondays, 10/9,16 and 23.. This intro/beginner class is going to be fun! I love weaving and along my journey I’ve picked up a few tricks and am looking  forward to having a great time. 

Pattern Weaving begins October 5 and we meet on Tuesdays beginning October 10 then 17 and 24. We will explore pattern weaving, different threadings and for those ready, more than four harnesses. 

Coming in October! 

In between the  workshops, some travel and other events I’m weaving! I received an Artist Support Grant and am excited to have new equipment and materials to work with.. makes a HUGE difference. I’ll be sharing tht work in upcoming exhibits TBA and fall shows. I plan to bring out some colorful handwoven gifts for holidays and special gifts. I’ll be donating to Hirsch WEllness again this year, so please keep that event in

Back to the studio and hope to see you soon 

July is a big WORKSHOP month!!

But first

Let me share my ongoing project!

 My pal Professor Alan Miller, underwater photographer, gardener, member of the ginger nation, grew indigo and gave me some of the clippings! I’ve got a big blue vat of leaves and blue pigment floating, I’m clamping and stitching to get some designs going. I’m all buzzed stitching, folding, photographing.. so I’ll get that up in a bit.

Workshops

Scheduled workshops coming up are with the Creative Aging Network of NC, located in Greensboro and the Sawtooth School in Winston Salem, NC. Some of my favorite things to share! 

July 10, 10:00am-12:00pm at the Creative Aging Network on Summit Avenue, Greensboro join us to

make a Choctaw Elbow Basket. 

Supplies are included. 

We are using flat reed for most of this, round reed for a bit and as always, I’ll bring some fun stuff from my yard- grapevine, yucca leaves, curly willow. You can too!

I don’t plan to dye the basket reed but we can easily dye it after the basket is made.

July 11, 18 and 25, 6:30-8:30 at the Sawtooth School we are printing on

fabric. We did this at Taste of Art in a quick version.  

This workshop has the flexibility of three days so we can design our own blocks, discuss different ways to print on fabric, expand our color palette to explore more techniques and print in layers (we have drying time!!!)

July 14 and 15 we are dying with Indigo at Sawtooth School! On July 14 join us for a Taste of Art from 6-8 while we try a few quick shibori techniques. Come back Saturday from 10-3 (break for lunch, maybe blueberries?  Hmm) and we explore more techniques, with additional vat time for deeper and richer blues and a bit more studio time to enjoy this special dye opportunity. (Please wear art-friendly clothes! The dye is permanently blue)

July 20 and 21 from 10:00am to 1:00pm at Sawtooth School join us for details on how to wind a warp. One of the first parts of the process in hand weaving is measuring threads. We determine the size we want to weave our fabric, what types of yarns we want to use, how soft or firm our fabric needs to be and we count and measure our threads to be ready for the next step.Threading a loom is much easier if the warp is wound properly, and there are several ways to determine “proper”. Head into your next weaving class with the power to put your threads on with order, less chaos and more control of your process! 

July 22 from 10:00am to 4:00 pm at the Sawtooth School join us for a batik workshop. 

Using soy wax as a resist to the dyes, we

compose images using traditional tjanting tools, brushes, a collection of blocks and found shapes that we can use for pattern and visual texture. Soy wax melts and gives off some fumes, but is so much safer than microcrystalline wax. That said, feel free to wear a mask for the wax, or for any reason! 

We will break for lunch,  bring your own or visit one of the close restaurants in downtown Winston Salem. 

Our dyes are permanent so please wear art-friendly clothes. 

July 24 from 10:00am to 12:00 pm we are printing designs with natural objects at the Creative Aging Center in Greensboro. 

Printing is a great way to explore pattern, shape and color. All supplies are included and you are welcome to bring special items from your garden, nature walks, stash of cool collected things and I’ll bring things, too. Explore some different printing techniques using direct pressing and printing with gel plates. I plan to bring several samples that may inspire the group. 

August 9 and 16 from 6:00pm-9:00pm at the Sawtooth School I’m bringing my frame tapestry looms to use in class for those who don’t have one (yet!) - if you have your own, please bring yours if you’d like to weave on your own between classes. We explore several tapestry weaving techniques, a bit of history of tapestry weaving, then warp up the loom and weave a simple piece with yarns and any other items we choose to add. If you have questions about the class, be sure to ask me! 

It’s a busy summer! I”m looking forward to these workshops. I’m planning to post more images on my facebook page and instagram page as the month rolls along, including those of the workshops. Meanwhile, I’ve been uploading some of my past bits and pieces. 

I’m going to get back to these glorious blue leaves now… be sure and message me if you have questions about the classes. Sign up through the links above at the Creative Aging Center and Sawtooth School. I’ve spoken with a few other folks about workshops; as soon as they’re finalized I’ll post those too

a good day to dye

 A very good day

One of my absolutely favorite movies is "Smoke Signals", with memorable lines, embraceable characters and reminds me of living out west. which hasn't happened for a really long time. The line about (paraphrased here.. i can't seem to find the movie now!) it is a good day to die, but a better day to have breakfast.

I get to choose my dye days more than i used to. I've got clusters of work that are projects that have some overlap, keeping me working in the art and fine craft world with a lot of menu choices. Its time to get out the colors, though. I have sketches for some new fabrics that I'm super excited about. Some are really textural, some with pattern, some with dye variations and some to be woven with other people. All good, all fun and looking forward makes me really excited.

Here we go

I am so appreciative of the support from local organizations and state arts council grants that help me fund projects- for weaving new work and taking weaving out to my local community. The Community Tapestry project is so very interactive, with color and stories and  people that i get to meet, working in rehab centers, working in schools and the other big hat, working at festivals and fairs. I’m excited to have a few grants going to share projects without having to rustle up cash for the materials and expenses.. more community inclusive. :)

Invest in community

Writing hasn't been on the top of my list lately, though the grant writing is always a way to share more

weaving, textiles and engaging artwork with more hands and bigger creative projects. I struggle with being creative and the idea of what i make generating funds to share with my community. One of my favorite recent phrases that found me is "when you invest, invest in your community" and that is my theme song lately. After being in our secluded time, being out and helping to make a creative difference seems  incredibly important now.

Classes and workshops!

Join me for some fibery dyecrazy fun! 

Creative Aging Center workshops in Greensboro

Mondays, beginning June 12, 26, July 10, 24 at the CAN campus. 

Sign up at https://can-nc.org

Join us for fun introductions with a Nature theme in each class of weaving, painting, baskets and printing. 

Classes are from 10-12.

Sawtooth School

The weaving studio looks great! I’ll be teaching some weaving workshops with a few focused on getting
the details of starting to weave- winding, threading, dyeing your own warps, plus an intro class and pattern class.

A few dye and fabric printing workshops.

Taste of Art on June 16, 6-8 (head over to the Art Crush on Trade Street afterwards!) We are using fabric paints, practicing a few printing techniques on fabrics and a tote! Easy, safe permanent paints.

A more detailed workshop begins on. July 11 for two Tuesdays

We are going to dye with indigo, fiber reactive dyes, wind threads, warp looms… its going to be fun. Check out the full schedule and email if you have questions!

Sign up at www.sawtooth.org

Join me when you can!