Hip to be Square

 

This has to be one of my favorite designs ever! When Jane Patrick from Schacht Spindle Company called to ask if I'd create a piece featuring the Zoom Loom for TNNA (The National Needle Arts) Convention, I couldn't say "no".

And then there is the yarn. I had previously worked with Classic Elite's Liberty Wool Print on my rigid heddle loom. With the long color repeats, the effects when woven are spectacular. It comes in many colorways and is completely machine washable. What's not to love about this yarn? 

I had an idea in mind  when I started weaving the squares, and it evolved from there. To really show off the woven squares, I outlined them with crochet in a solid color. Classic Elite Yarns had the perfect Liberty Wool solid to coordinate. I played around with several arrangements of the squares. There are so many possibilities. I settled on the one I liked best and stitched them together. To add another element, a rib knit border and turtleneck were added. And the results, well all I can say is, It's Hip to be Square!

 

To purchase the pattern:

 Hip to be Square Poncho

 

 

 Photos by Bliss Photography

 

Special thanks to Jane Patrick, Heather McVicker and Sandra Geonetta

May Studio Stuff

Fun stuff at my studio in May included rigid heddle and Zoom Loom weaving classes. It was so rewarding to be able to introduce weaving on small looms to a new group locally. And having a classroom next to my studio was an added bonus. This time there was no need to pile looms and all my things into my car and drive them somewhere.

New classroom space worked out perfectly!

The T-shirt I bought at the Shenandoah Valley Fiber
 Festival last fall turned out to be an appropriate visual aid.

In addition to teaching, I've also been busy working on new designs that will become patterns for rigid heddle and pin loom weavers. Watch for them in my next blog post.

 

 

Busy Hands are Happy Hands!

Too busy to blog, I suppose that's a good thing since I'm having so much fun. But I do want to catch up here.
 
My newest pattern is the Colorado Rustic Poncho based on the Rustic Poncho from last year, but updated with a worsted weight yarn, Fancy Tiger Crafts Heirloom Romney Wool and available in colors. Both patterns are available in my Etsy Shop.

 

Courtney models this so well!

Since January, I am the newest "artist-in-residence" at the Artisan Textile Company where I moved my studio into their newly acquired space which is a total win/win! I can weave, design, teach, and interact with other textile people all in the same place.


 

Located at 121 Broadway Avenue, Pueblo, CO

My Baby Wolf Loom in my new studio.

Last month I drove back to New Mexico to teach again. It always amazes me how different New Mexico is from Colorado even though they're next door neighbors. Love the big skies!

Watch for new projects I'll be designing including this project for Cotton Clouds with organic natural colored cotton. I'll have more information on this project as the designing begins.

 

And I've still had time to explore the nature walk along the Arkansas River.  

Colorado Again

After our crazy year of travel, we found a place to move in Colorado. After much research, the small city of Pueblo seemed to call to us. But first we returned to New Mexico to pack up our stuff and regroup. So...another month in an RV park!



I got to hang out with old friends at the
Pecos Valley Potter's Guild Show in Roswell, NM





My big studio sale before I left NM

Now I am extremely happy and grateful to find myself settled into a "real" house and totally immersed in my new life in Colorado. I don't have as much space in my small attic studio but for now it will have to do.

 And there's a bonus space for my own little cozy sitting area and the doggie bed fits perfectly next to my desk. I love the light from the skylight and double windows. I may be a bit cramped but I'm gonna make it work!


Next Chapter
When I first walked into Artisan Textile Company on my visit to Pueblo back in November, I knew almost immediately this would be the place.

I was invited to become one of the fiber artists there. I now work one day a week. In addition I will teach weaving classes beginning this spring.

Riverwalk in downtown Pueblo

Close enough to escape to the mountains

I must say, it's good to be back in Colorado again. Yes, it snows here. But the sun shines. A lot! This place suites me and I'm so happy to be here.

And, if you happen to be in Colorado or traveling through, Please do stop by Artisan Textile Company, 113 Broadway, in Pueblo and say "hi"!