Twined knitting

Although I am doing two art journals, filled with family art memobalia I found the time on Saturday to take a class on Twined knitting. Taught by Beth Reinsel-Brown, one could not ask for more information. We saw photos of the old Swedish knitting and samples Beth brought to us. One interesting piece showed a sweater with the knitted sleeves sewn into an embroidered garment - all done by an expert tailor. It was amazing.

This photo is of Beth's fingerless mitts.

The class was at Knit or Dye www.knitordye.com in Brattleboro., VT, a lovely shop on Main St.

Brattleboro is a lovely town. Think shop small - lots of fun shops, a good bakery, restaurants, the Brattleboro Food Coop.

Artist Cards

Its a new year and time to do some new things. I did just that. I created more than 10 artist cards. They are so carefree and fun. Easy to make, easy to give.

Having a Pfaff embellisher really makes my life a pleasure. I don't know how I lived without it! I know it is hard to see in this textile postcard. However, I put various painted fabrics onto an iron on pellon, then put down some wool with cut up angelina. Over that, I put an odd shape scrap of nylon netting. Under the embellisher it went to keep it in tack. Works like a charm. So easy, quick and fun.

Glimmering Gone

I was very surprised on Friday when I received a package from the Museum of Glass www.museumofglass.org/in Tacoma, Washington.

Glimmering Gone is the latest exhibit that Beth and her friend, Ingalena Klenell have done. It is a fabulous exhibit. The book: Glimmering Gone was in the package. It is a fabulous book! http://www.amazon.com/Glimmering-Gone-Ingalena-Klenell-Lipman/dp/0295990805/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294070331&sr=8-4

Take your time!

Everyone is invited to the art opening for the Autumn Art Exhibit at the Jaffrey Civic Center
next Friday at 5pm. I have two textile collages about nature!

Yes, I am still represented at the Walpole Artisan Cooperative in Walpole, NH. Silk shibori scarves, sketch pads and fat quarters for quilters. Loribeth has some great Christmas decorations for sale, too. Check it out.

Recycled clothing!

What does one do when you own more than 100 t shirts and most have never been worn? Recycle them. In the thrift shops they sell them for rags.

I cut them up and did some artistic dyeing. Each pant front is the back of a shirt and each pants back is the back of a shirt! Whip out that serger and in 20 minutes, the pants are done.

I also use these for mono printing transparent fabric. Two for the price of one. These green pants were the fabric which took the excess of the mono print and then I threw them in a dye bath.

My twin granddaughters are the recipient of these pants! The little tucks near the hem are for the growth extensions!

Finishing the Katazome class

Here are some more images from the Katazome class with Akemi Cohn. I have two pieces all finished but can't wash the rice paste out of the fabric for three months. Check back then!

Katazome - first day

Today we cooked some rice paste and used a paper stencil to stencil the fabric. I did a piece of heavy silk, supposedly Vera Wang but who really knows. After the rice paste was applied, the fabric is stretch and hung out to dry. That is what you are seeing here. Akemi showed me photos of her home, the traditional Japanese screens and a shroud she made for her mom's burial. It brought back memories of my love affair of Japan.

Akemi Cohn is a very nice and thorough teacher. She is organized well and really knows her stuff.

I have a learning curve with natural dyes. Where oh where are those chemistry classes from high school? Long time ago, for sure. Now I am on to a new adventure.