Summer Heat and New Project

As the summer heat brings life to a slower pace, the frequency of my blogs seem to be affected as well. Even with the evaporative cooler set on high all day, my work pace is slower in my upstairs studio. But deadlines must still be met. I remind myself that this only lasts a couple of months each summer and I'm grateful for the cycles. In the meantime, the music reflects my summer mood with Crosby, Stills and Nash from 1969, singing Helplessly Hoping.

One day this summer I had an inspiration. It started with my collection of miscellaneous threads in rayon, silk, cotton and even cashmere. Some of the threads were very fine and I usually hesitate to weave with them. But this time the color progression was too delicious and I couldn’t help myself. I had earlier posted a photo of the beginning of the project. These are my warp chains. The colors progressed from dark paprika to a dark olive green. I had the yarn wound off the warping reel and onto the loom in just hours. The fine threads were doubled or trippled in the dents.

I decided to use a twill pattern which produces a nice drape. I wove in a shot of metallic/eyelash every couple inches. Then I had another idea – I left a two inch tail hanging instead of weaving in the end.
This kind of project is extremely different from my usual projects. I knew it would either be outstanding or a total flop and go into my pile of things I want to bury in the ground -- quickly before anyone sees it - yikes! That afternoon my daughter stopped by, took one look at my beautiful project and said, “I want placemats just like those on the loom!” As you can imagine, my weaving slowed down as I imagined horrible placemats instead of a beautiful shawl. It wasn’t until I finally cut it off, tied the fringes, trimmed the hanging threads and draped it on my mannequin that I could see my vision had been realized.

Away Too Long

For those of you still be reading my blog, I apologize for my silence. This past month was my busiest in a long time. We travelled -- another long road trip. Then there was the catching up of work left behind and new projects started.

For my Ebay customers -- check out my Summer Clearance Category. I'll also be running a few auctions each week starting at ridiculously low prices. My Artwear will continue to be offered on Ebay as well. Coming new this fall -- I will offer custom designed items for those of you who see something you like but want it in a different color or size. For custom orders I will make sizes Small - X-Large.

Recently, I had a customer purchase a Gypsy Tank and just loved it. She decided she'd like another one in mostly black. Since I currently did not have a solid black ribbon, I contacted my suppliers and found just what I needed to create a custom fabric. I wove it with a touch of purple (a few "Jewels" ribbon) woven in. This fabric is outstanding -- It's a little lighter weight than the other "Simply Ribbon" fabric. And of course this leads to many other possibilities. I can weave in any of the colored ribbons as an accent. And who doesn't like wearing mostly black? So, thanks to Ruby, it's definitely on my list of offerings for this fall. Here's the final piece.

Final Sunset Over Lake Michigan

Our last evening in Michigan found us on the beach watching this fabulous sunset after a rain storm.

Michigan

After a very fast trip across the mid-west with one fun evening in Omaha at my nephews wedding, a quick visit with my family, we now are in Grand Haven Michigan for the July 4th week. I worried a bit because my suitcase was not full like previous trips, but it's summer, after all, and no need for sweaters, jackets or sweatshirts, right? Wrong! We arrive to find cool breezes off the lake. I’m happy that at the last minute I threw my hoodie and a windbreaker in the back of the car. Yesterday we went out on Lake Michigan with relatives in their speed boat. What a lovely day to be on the water. There weren’t many boats out and the water was calm and just perfect. We motored, or should I say “speeded” up to Muskegan and had lunch at the BLT where we hear there are often Tim Allen sightings. But he didn’t appear, “sigh”!

Even though we’re technically on vacation, I’m never far from my work. I have my trusty laptop at hand for communicating with customers, and I’m planning the next project for my loom when I return.