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"!

A Michigan Summer of Traveling and Teaching

This summer in Michigan has been a full summer teaching weaving at yarn stores and quilt shops in Western Michigan. And the back roads aren't boring either.



Summer Storm somewhere between Newaygo and Muskegon



Scarf Class at Apple Knits & Purls in Muskegon

Beautiful scarf and a happy new weaver

Shabby Chic Table Runner Class at The New Ewe, Newaygo



I taught a version of my Fringy Cowl using Sari Silk at The Michigan Fibre Studio in Grand Rapids.

 

I traveled to Albia, Iowa to The Fiber Arts Shoppe where I taught a weekend of workshops. One of which was my "Weave A Rainbow/Color Theory for Weavers Workshop."

Warp for the Color Gamp Scarf

Weave A Rainbow Color Gamp Scarf

 

I made them work for the Chocolate they found in their packet

I stayed with my hostess, Sherri, in her beautiful country home. She gave me a tour of their natural pasture land for the deer to feed, and introduced me to their alpacas and homing pigeons.

 

 

I took a week to travel to Pittsburgh to be with my grandkids.

Last day of school and a ride in the Grandmom bus
otherwise known as the old Volvo Station Wagon.

An afternoon craft activity with my yarn thrums

Moon rising over the neighborhood my last night in Pittsburgh

And finally I traveled to Mississippi for a family reunion with my six siblings, their children and grandchildren at the campground of my childhood.

And all of this travel was just me, alone in my good old trusty Volvo station wagon. I wish Carl could have joined me, but he had family responsibilities to attend to.

In spite of my busy schedule of teaching and traveling, I was able to work in a bit of weaving for me and some local activities and time with Carl and Jujube my dog.

  

New Bonsai Vest made on my 15" Rigid Heddle Loom

Muskegon Farmer's Market. Just Amazing!

July 4th hike through the sand dunes to Lake Michigan

 Lots of morning and evening walks on the bike path

 

And so much beauty in nature

But our main reason for spending this summer in Michigan was so we could be here with my Mother-in-Law as she was in failing health and in hospice. She left us in July. We will always be grateful that we were here with the family this summer.

One of the last blooms on my Mother-in-Law's Bird of Paradise Plant

Another Summer in Michigan

If anyone's been "trying" to follow me, you'll know I haven't been keeping up with my blog. Writing is not one of my favorite things. New plan - Less words, more pictures. And pictures tell a story so much better. Now maybe I'll do it more often.

Spring Lake, Michigan. We arrived here in April. After a warm and lovely winter in Arizona, Michigan in April felt like going back in time. It rained and sleeted and snowed. All I could do was work on small loom projects as I looked out my RV window at the snow and rain.



Early April snow outside my RV window





Zoom Looming as it rains
outside

But it's spring here now with green grass, spring flowers, and bird songs. I've missed this kind of spring since living in the West.

I got here just in time to do Western Michigan's Yarn Quest. I visited 15 yarn stores in two weeks. Now I have many new fiber friends. And through those contacts I'm scheduled to teach more classes. Check my Schedule Tab to see where I will be next.

Learn to Weave and make a Scarf/Infinity Scarf
One of my beginning classes at yarn stores

For now I've rented a studio in Muskegon on Lakeshore Drive. The RV is way too small. How did I get so lucky. So much light and that view . . .

View across the street to the Marina

Looks like it will be a busy summer mixed with work and fun and enjoying the short summer season while I'm here in this beautiful part of the world. 

 

Lake Michigan with singing sand

Judi Vest

Since I first started teaching weaving on the rigid heddle loom, I've wanted to  create a garment pattern for those new-ish weavers who are tired of weaving scarves and table runners and are limited to a 15-inch rigid heddle loom. The most common size purchased by new weavers.

I decided to offer the pattern as a class to help test the idea with my students. Their vests all turned out so beautiful, don't you think?

And now the pattern is up on my Etsy store. Included with the pattern are worksheets to help each person customize the sizing and calculate exactly how much yarn they will need for the project. There are lots of photos to walk you through each step of the process from warping the loom to taking that first cut into your new fabric and sewing the simple pieces together. I used the lovely Tandem yarn by Tahki Stacy Charles with 3/2 Cotton. Cotton Classic, by Tahki could be substituted for the 3/2 Cotton. Next up will be a version of this vest for multi-harness weavers.