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!

Yeah! Yeah!

Its been too long. We can meet, see stuff and most importantly, we can touch stuff

With Textiles that is a thing

I've been dyeing to share some new work with you all. I've done that with the website updates, new weaving, printin on fabrics and then meeting folks through galleries

here s the thing

I spend a lot of time making what I like. I love color, shape texture and structure.I don't think i'll ever bored with weaving, printing and painting. I've chosen to make this a life work. 

Residencies

I am always excited to share textile techniques so lmk if you have a group interested in a workshop. I love the grants through school programs that i work with, sharing what  i know and what I've learned is such a good feeling!! (hugger moment) 

Festivals

always try to attend. Artists are kind of struggling now. remember toe ou saw earlier at shows and try and connect with tem on line. we have had a lo of folks that are more interested in non ontact sales through events because of covid, to e safe. consider these wonderful folks as you make your holiday shopping decisions

meanwhile

, all about me....

check out my website, with links to social media. I usually don't sell on there, but def provide a link to my vits and pieces

Sunrise

 

Artist Support Grant

I recently received an Artist Support Grant through NC Arts Council and Yadkin Arts Council. 

 

 

I truly enjoyed having time to work through just the one thing, from drawings to watercolor to thread and dye and fabric upon structure.

The finished project is a short series of dyed and woven pieces that are based on a brilliant sunrise. The colors are mixed, as watercolor, and are bright against night sky then bright against a morning sky.  I liked to use a narrower fabric width that would wrap the sunrise colors side by side, showing the consistency and magic of ordinary days. I decided to line up the sunrise, loop the nights at top and bottom and frame the days with the brilliant colors centered as a celebration, as the birds sing to welcome the day. 

As my residency contracts were cancelled in March of 2020, I worked entirely from home. 

 I live in an urban setting and the connection of days in a grounded location away from packing and driving has given me enlightened perspectives for what I want to explore, breaking the previous routines that were, for the most part, wearing.

  Often, I am weaving for festivals, shows and retail project that are functional and wearable. I sometimes don’t have the time it takes to develop something that I’ve started from an idea, a drawing, a complete draft of a project that I can exhibit and I feel that I miss out on a lot of participation because I am using my art and fine craft for personal business income. 

The ASG and the time I had to invest due to quarantine situations has been an opportunity for me to follow through on the idea of days that loop into nights into days, as color can transition from warm and bright to dark and subtle. When I first began weaving, non-functional art was my inspiration. These materials and time have given me a body of work with story, color, structure and an opportunity to exhibit non-functional work. 

I look forward to exhibiting this work. And I still have a few ideas on how to continue the project, too.

Meanwhile, there is more coming as far as exhibits, as workshops and other fun and yarny things. 

Art Camps at the Arts Center in Carrboro, June through August (specific times through these dates)

New work in City Gallery, Galax, VA (and in time for Fiddlers Convention!)

Story Cloth exhibit at Art in the Garden, August-September

Creative Sewing workshops with Art in the Garden, Reidsville, NC

Adult Art Camp at Reynolds Homestead, Critz, VA

 

and-- back to the outside world!

 Put on pants, meet the world

Actually, I've had on pants. But the idea of getting out to meet folks in workshops, at festivals and exhibits is a bit mixed. Its great to have conversations, hear what everyone has been up to and just take off outside without always suiting up. I am looking forward to all of that!

I am one of those who always has something going on- a project, trying a new technique, so i am pretty self entertaining. I've learned a LOT of new things and my studio is full of samples, a few finished pieces and a box of ideas. 

so, as we trek out into our vaccinated world, i'll look forward to seeing everyone!

and I'll still be on the trails sketching and photographing wildflowers

and I'll
be working through the projects started!

Upcoming:

Block Printing on Fabric at Blue Ridge Fiber Fest, June 5

Art Camps at the Arts Center in Carrboro, June through August (specific times through these dates)

New work in City Gallery, Galax, VA (and in time for Fiddlers Convention!)

Story Cloth exhibit at Art in the Garden, August-September

Creative Sewing workshops with Art in the Garden, Reidsville, NC

Mud dyeing

 I suppose, with all of this rain, the time has come to sing the virtues of mud.

Mud has some serious mineral content that brings out warm earthy variations, permanent stains and interesting textures. The colors are regional and can have a wide range of variations.

One of  my favorite painting classes involves making paint. Basic paint is color and vehicle. Something slightly adhesive, whether permanent or not, needs to be in the vehicle to move the paint and secure it to the surface. That is the root of why we have such a selection of paints.

Water will flake with most pigments, though watercolor is one of my favorite paint mediums. The particles are so small and the paper used "toothy" enough to grab those bits of pigment. Milk is a good base, as it has sugar, starch and liquid- casein paints. As we now have a variety of milks, soy milk is a choice along with dairy. And egg tempera gives the pigments a real glow, depending on the layering, the ground and the part of egg used. 

Oil and Acrylics have firmer bases that capture the pigments in solid layers that can be less fluid, though pushing the oils to a wash in layers gives depth and texture. Acrylic paints were developed for permanence and washes can particulate, if thinned too much without some additives. 

There it is! the paint story!

I use watercolor a lot when designing warps as it mimics the way dye works very well. I've made paints from natural dyestuffs, painting in journals and using everything from laundry starch to potato starch, paste for bookmaking, and soy milk. 

The soy milk is interesting as it is a mordant (keeps the color longer, sometimes permanently) and can make an interesting paste of thick dyestuff, such as (wait for it.....) MUD. Mud paint is often scrubbed into the fabric, can be stenciled on, is affected by after baths and is very textural. I've mostly played with paints from mud, adding color and scraped out textures, layered and very often didn't wash off the mineral content. I framed it, kept the sample book and used in sculptures for thick paints that show the brush bristle trails, allow for scraping and thickness.

And, the rains and mud will help to produce beautiful spring flowers, sweet garden peas and lettuces and show where the deer have been loitering in my garden beds :)

Happy Almost Spring to all y'all!