Happy Warp!

Color always makes me happy and this warp didn't disappoint. When the threads are stretched on the loom before weaving begins, the colors are always more intense. When the weft threads (threads woven across) interact with the warp, the result is a muted or darken version of the original hues. The intensity of this particular warp was a feast for my eyes and for everyone else who walked into my studio this past week. It was one of those warps I hated to actually cut off the loom. Yesterday I did the deed and the fabric is now ready to sew. It will become three beautiful happy garments.

A Comfortable Rhythm

I seem to have settled into my usual winter rhythm of setting up the loom, cutting off the fabric, dyeing the fabric, and finally sewing the fabric into various garments and finishing scarves. As I sit at my loom and feast my eyes on the brightly colored yarns on my shelves or the finished garments waiting to be shipped, I imagine new possibilities and designs begin to form in my head. There's always the tension between working on the new ideas that come to me - and repeating what I know will sell.

As this week ends, I feel a great sense of accomplishment after looking around at the finished items. I love this rhythm - this is why I do this. The payoff isn't always monetary but the joy of seeing the work of my hands come to life and knowing each item will put a smile on someones face, if only my own - that is why I do this!

Color Anyone?

I spent last week, just as I'd planned, reorganizing my studio. I moved everything around for a fresh new look for fall. I love it! Everything feels fresh and new and I'm motivated to get back to work. This is the season for scarves and I find myself, as usual at this time of the year, pushing myself to make as many scarves as I can at the last minute.

I just wound a warp in a light blue-gray chenille yarn to be shibori dyed in colors that work with denim. On the main loom there's still the yellow/gold warp which will become more shibori scarves in my narrow fringy design. I must confess, I'm really getting bored with all the light and neutral colors needed for the background fabric in my shibori dyed pieces.I don't get to play with the color until I dye the fabric. So I've decided to plan another project in vibrant colors to feed my addiction to brights - ah yes, that's what I'm talking about!

Many Roads - Many Directions

Oh my, it seems like ages since I last posted here. I just returned from two weeks visiting family in the East. It was great spending time with them again. Fall is so different there with the beautiful colors of leaves, the smell in the air and the moisture. But now I'm happy to be back in my studio even though it's a bit overwhelming.

I have so many ideas, so many options and so many directions I could take. I'm spending this week, first of all cleaning up my work space of the clutter and then planning. If I'm not careful, my creative mind will go in too many directions and create only chaos and frustration. Getting the ideas on paper first and creating the plan next is where I am right now.

It seems the time is right to move forward with my images on fabric - specifically inspirational scarves. I've received wonderful feedback on my "Live in the Moment" scarf posted previously. Thanks to all for the encouragement. I am actively taking the next step to move ahead with more of these and who knows where it will take me. Stay tuned and we will see where this road leads.

Circle-of-Friends Scarf

Well, it has happened again! I've been asked to create another Circle-Of-Friends scarf. I'm always surprised at how meaningful this process is for me each time I design a new scarf.

I thought today might be a good time to describe how my Circle-of-Friends scarves began.

Inspiration

At a time in my life when I needed it most, I was invited to participate in a women’s group. We danced, played, and shared meaningful passages. We spoke of passions, deepest longings and pain. At the conclusion of each gathering, a circle was formed and anyone who wished, would enter. A simple silk scarf was placed on their shoulders as we slowly encircled our friend sending out our silent prayers and wishes.

Later, when my sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer, many of our female relatives were scattered around the country. Feeling helpless, and from a desire to demonstrate our shared support, we gathered the messages we would give if we could be there with her. I incorporated the messages into the design of a silk scarf to encircle her as if we were there in person to show our love. The Circle-of- Friends scarf was born.

Intention

With each scarf, my intention is that the recipient find comfort and deep meaning as they face their journey of healing. And the giver, whether from one person or a group -- may they know they have literally surrounded this person with their love.

After receiving multiple requests for these scarves, I'm considering offering these scarves as a part of my product line on my website.

This "live in the moment" scarf will be donated to a silent auction for Longmont (Colorado) Hospital's Health Center for Integrated Therapies breast health campaign called "Be your Breast Friend". The auction will raise funds to further the campaign and potentially launch a nationwide effort to prevent breast cancer.

My daughter, Brooke, is currently doing her internship at this Center and I am thrilled to be one of the contributors to this worthy cause. I feel certain this scarf will find its way to the right person.

A New Season Begins . . .

Today is the first day of fall. The air is crisp,the mornings are cool and I am re-energized and ready for this new season. The only down-side is that the days are shorter, and I need more hours in my day. New ideas seem to be coming at me from everywhere. What to do. . . what to do!!! Where are the weaving fairies when you need them?

On the loom for a few more hours is another flaxies warp. Every warp has its own personality and this one certainly didn't disappoint. Right off the bat, a thread broke which is not a problem to fix with my little film canisters filled with rocks for weight and the end of the thread tucked securely under lid. That's the little white thing hanging off the back of the loom. But then a second thread broke and my fear was that I'd be popping threads for days.
What makes this yarn especially nice and textural is the way it's spun. It's thicker in some spots than in others. The flax part of the yarn also has little fibers that stick out and catch on other threads from time to time, so it can be a challenge to weave. But it was only cantankerous for a short time, and then it was back to business. The final fabric will be vests - I'm thinking, and I'll dye them in shades of red and black.

This Week In My Studio

In spite of a short week, I did accomplish a few things. I sewed the button on this poor purple jacket which had been waiting in the corner since before my move. Now it can find it's new home.

I draped a spot in my back room with fabric and set up lights in an attempt to get good photographs of my pieces for my new website. Alas, my photography skills are lacking. But until I make the big bucks, these will have to do!

I shipped off items so they are no longer hiding in my little studio where I seldom have visitors, much less customers. Although, I was pleasantly surpised to have a couple stop in from Atlanta yesterday. With I-40 on the south side of town, people usually just keep on driving. And even historic Route 66 is quite a few blocks from my studio. So it's indeed a pleasure to have out-of-towners find my little hide-away!

I also finished a few sewing projects that were underway. My newest invention, pictured on the right, is the next installment of the scrappy jacket. It comes to the knees and has deep side vents allowing the fabric to drape and move no matter what size you are. I love this one a lot. But then, isn't that why I make all these things? If I don't think they're great, they usually get made into something else.

And that sunlight shining in my studio is especially nice on these cooler mornings. That pretty much wraps up my week - ahhhh and now the weekend - enjoy all!