There has been a lot going on in the studio the past two weeks. On Nov. 3rd, I received an email with a pre-approved invitation to join the Textile and Fiber Arts List. I sent the fee, and today sent the text and photos for my profile page which will be up soon. I’m looking forward to participating in TAFA and am feeling quite honored by this unexpected opportunity!
Today, my online shop finally went live, another exciting event! Shuttle Works Studio is on the Big Cartel site. Two handwoven scarves were listed along with three sachets, and more items will be listed soon. I hope you will visit!
Woven shibori mobius scarf, indigo-dyed.Detail shot of the woven shibori mobius scarf.
My first woven shibori mobius scarf, with the ends sewn together with a flat-fell seam. My daughter graciously modeled it for me (thank you, Sarah!).
Weaving continues, for Artistree Gallery, my online shop, and custom orders. I’ll be spending a lot of hours in the studio over the next three weeks to get everything woven and finished.
Also coming up is Artistree Gallery’s upcoming Holiday Art Bazaar on Sat., Dec. 5th, 10 AM to 5 PM. There will be refreshments, demonstrations, and opportunity to meet many of the artists. I will be demonstrating on the Glimakra band loom that morning. I hope to see you there!
Overnight Dec. 12-13, we received our first real snow, around 2″ by morning. This was what I saw looking out my second floor window about 7 AM that morning. It has melted now, rain comes and goes. The forecast is colder but no snow yet which is fine as we still have around 5 loggers cords of wood to cut, split, an stack in the woodshed. The wood burning range in the kitchen keeps us warm all winter, and to enjoy that, we have to do our part. We’re running out of time so we’ll be out working in the woodpile in the next few days. Coming back inside and sitting at a loom to weave is restful!
I’ve been thinking about the long WI Northwoods winter ahead, and what weaving I would like to do during the coming months. This is a preview, I hope, of what will be appearing on this blog.
Warp and weft for the Glimakra Regina.
I enjoy trying and learning about new areas of weaving, while continuing to explore current interests. Tapestry is something I’ve wanted to learn the basics of for the past 2-3 years. I had started a year or more ago, but the timing wasn’t working out with commitments I had made, so a new attempt is underway. I’m hoping with a few months of winter ahead, I’ll have more time to give to it daily.
To that end, I signed up for Rebecca Mezoff’s “Warp and Weft: Learning the Structure of Tapestry: (all-three-at-once!), almost two weeks ago, and since then have been working through the reading and videos, and ordering warp and weft which just arrived two days ago. Now, it’s time to make a warp and learn how to beam a warp on the Glimakra Regina,… very exciting!
Harrisville Highland in autumn colors.
At the time the yarn was ordered, we were at peak autumn color, and those are the colors I ordered. Autumn went by so quickly I decided capturing it in a tapestry sample would extend the season.
Marks Mattgarn.
Just over a week ago I had a phone call from an area TV news program reporter, asking if she could come visit and interview me. I was a bit hesitant, but agreed, and the day and time were set. She didn’t know until later, but the interview was the morning of my 65th birthday! The video can be found here. A couple days after it aired, I received a phone call from a gentleman whose (late) wife was a weaver,… would I be interested in purchasing some yarn. He arrived a couple days later, and I added 33 skeins of royal blue, red, and evergreen Marks Mattgarn to my weaving yarn stash. I’ll think of you, Alice, when it is woven up.
Woven shibori, in progress.
Woven shibori continues on my countermarche loom, currently 10 shaft/12 treadle, straight draw twill, 100% Bockens cotton. This particular scarf is planned to be an infinity scarf. After that, I believe I’ll change the tie-up for longer floats.
First scarf off this twill warp.
This scarf still needs to be washed, pressed, and have fringe twisted. I like the slightly meandering lines. This warp needs to be woven off, or re-threaded and new tie-up as I have a custom order to do and I want a different look for the borders. After several more scarves for Artistree Gallery, and after I have my online shop finally up and running, the next warps will be for my first attempts at woven shibori garments. I’m looking forward to this and expect a lot of trial and error, and learning.
Woven shibori.
This woven shibori was meant to be a scarf with hand-twisted fringe. Unfortunately, I ran out of warp just before the end, no fringe for the end, so it will be used in sachets, part of a cushion, or other work.
Single-unit drawloom, waiting for this weaver.
In the studio, the drawloom has been sitting neglected for a long, long time. I have a deadline coming up for a sample exchange so a lot of time at the drawloom, every day, will be needed, starting tomorrow. (Tonight I hope to finish up the Medicare Maze/decisions.)
Handspun Coopworth (roving).
I wrote about Spinzilla 2015 in the previous post. When I went to ply the yarn on four bobbins (into two skeins of 2 ply), the plying head driveband was nowhere to be found (and is still missing). However, I wasn’t going to wait to find it, and a new one is on the shelf. I need to place each skein on the yarn swift and re-fill the bobbins, then do the plying. Then back to occasional spinning (there is quite a bit more roving left). I’m hoping the yarn won’t be too bulky for a sweater; if it is, then a knit or woven shawl. Someday this project will be done.
Homemade valances for the kitchen.
One last small home project the past three evenings has been picking the hems out of seven valances and the linings, so 14 panels in all. I had these in the kitchen a few years back and want them up again this winter, but shortened by a couple inches. Two left to do, then I can rotary cut the couple inches off each, re-pin, and machine sew. They should be up in a few days! Living in a log home in the woods, curtains have never been needed, especially in summer with windows open. But in winter, that added color makes the kitchen feel even more cozy.
Being thankful for the blessings in my life, I like to contribute to programs that speak to me. KIVA microloans is one, Adopt-A-Native-Elder is another. A month or so ago, another program crossed my path, The Tibetan Nuns Project (website), and TNP Facebook page, and I have made the commitment to sponsor a Tibetan nun for a year (it will be more!), and have been learning about their lives, struggles, and goals. We can add happiness to our lives in many ways.
I had thought previously about giving a percentage of what I earn to a cause or program, and a few days ago decided The Tibetan Nuns Project would be the one. In addition to my sponsoring the young woman, 10%+ of what I earn will go to either sponsoring another nun, and/or towards the needs of the nunneries that TNP are working with.
The Tibetan Nun Project in Shuttle Works Studio.
So, as a positive reminder, a photo of the nun I sponsor along with her information, and a 2016 TNP Calendar are posted on the bulletin board over a work table, near the loom I spend the most time at. I’m looking forward to an occasional letter exchange with her, reading newsletters and updates about the nunneries and program, making TNP another reason to keep on weaving!
Oh yes, all that isn’t enough, I have a few sock orders to do, Artistree Gallery wants socks, and Louise (friend) and I are planning a first attempt at warp painting in November, before it gets too cold. It’s good to keep busy with things we enjoy doing!
POSTSCRIPT!
I had emailed The Tibetan Nuns Project to see if there was a photo I could use, without breaking copyright. Later in the day I did this blog post and had not yet heard back from them. Well, I have heard back, and a photo was sent, and here it is!
Tibetan Nuns Project photo, provided by and used here with their permission.
I’ve been working with woven shibori for going on three years now, enjoying every minute of it, and looking forward to exploring more ideas as they come.
Three of four new woven shibori scarves!
These are the newest scarves, woven on 4 shafts with Monk’s Belt threading. I love experimenting with treadling, spacing, number of rows of pattern rows as well as plain weave rows. And now enjoying trying out new ideas as they come.
Vertical Lines 1, July 2015.Vertical Lines 2, July 2015 (SOLD).
Vertical Lines 1 & 2, experimenting with number of repeats of treadling pattern rows. Vertical Lines 2 was sold before I had a chance to hand-twist the fringe.
Free-stitching a design on a plain weave area, and after gathering/tying.
This is the second free-stitch scarf I’ve done, and there will be more. I do work designs out on paper, but have the freedom to make changes as I stitch. And I learn from each one.
Dragonfly in Grass design (detail).
By the time I return home I’ll have the stitching done on another scarf, and it will be dyed the day after I return home, finishing it as I am back at the loom weaving more scarves, and trying new ideas.
Leaves, detail, July 2015.
For some reason this one reminds me of leaves, holly leaves really.
Vertical Lines 2 was sold on the second day of the art tour. The others are now at Artistree Gallery in Land O’ Lakes, WI.
I’m looking forward to seeing what else comes off the loom and out of the indigo dyepot!
It feels good to be back in my weaving studio again, surrounded by looms, threads, and books. I’m a bit late getting started on plans for the new year. A tooth infection, the flu (both in January), followed by a more severe tooth infection (same tooth), so in mid-February, I took time off to heal and take better care of myself.
I did meet the deadline of completing the woven shibori screen and three scarves for the Art Gypsy Trunk Show/Exhibit, now at Nicolet College Art Gallery,… the show ends Saturday, March 7, 2015.
Woven shibori scarves will remain the focus this year, Yes, I have noticed a lot of “blah” photos here, it’s not easy to make them interesting or exciting, until you reach the indigo dyeing stage. I am hungry for COLOR in weaving so I expect to slip a different warp/project in on occasion.
Artistree Gallery, Land O’ Lakes, WI.Artistree Gallery, Land O’ Lakes, WI.
Artistree Gallery, a cooperative gallery in Land O’ Lakes, WI with work of about 30 area artists, is waiting for more new work. I’m told they will take anything I weave that is woven shibori technique. Open now four days a week, they are closed the month of April for cleaning and rearranging, then re-open May 1st. You can find more info at https://www.facebook.com/ArtistreeGallery.
Also coming up fast is the Art Gypsies June 13th show/sale in Minocqua, WI, as well as the Northwoods Art Tour (summer and fall). A lot of weaving to do and socks to be made.
Drawloom warp is not clear, threads sticking.
I’m having issues with the warp on the drawloom. I really like weaving with the Bockens 16/2 cotton, but the threads stick together and it takes treadling a couple times at this sett to maybe have a clear shed, or clear each shed with a weaving sword.
Tiny spots of white where they should not be.
Random single threads showing (white) should not be there. It was suggested to me to re-sley to a bit wider sett, so I need to do a bit of research for sett for 16/2 cotton in satin weave. With more sunny days (I hope!) it would be a good time to do this, then enjoy weaving in the sunshine.
IWarp ends from previous owner need to be cleared from the Regiina.
The Glimakra Regina rug/tapestry loom has been sitting here now for a year. It was a busy year, and sometimes I need time to ponder what I want to weave while busy with another loom. I’ve decided I want to begin with a Rana, weft face weaving traditional in Norway and Sweden. There are nice examples in a number of books, and I need to order warp and weft so I can finally begin weaving on this loom. And yes, there will be COLOR with this weaving! The two harnesses with heddles are on, I just need to remove remaining warp ends from the previous owner, and add treadles.
So, a lot more woven shibori coming up for Artistree, the Art Gypsies show, and the art tours. Also, some Norwegian weaving, also for the art tours as well as for my home. And I now would like some handwoven valances on windows, so there is plenty to weave over the coming months. All this along with occasional visits to my 87 year old father, as well as my grandson & family.
I’m looking forward to continuing my weaving interests, exploring, learning, successes as well as challenges. Now, back to my loom!
2015 stretches out ahead, a new year of exciting weaving challenges and opportunities!
Art Gypsy Trunk Show at Nicolet College Art Gallery, Feb. 6 – Mar. 7.
January will be totally focused on weaving for an area exhibit. The Art Gypsies, of which I am a member, were asked if we would like to have an exhibit at Nicolet College Art Gallery. We all agreed, and the exhibit will open Friday, February 6, 2015, and close on Saturday, March 7, 2015. Visit their page (link above) for details. (I know, poor photo, but it’s all I hard to work with!)
I will be working on a collaborative piece with Char, and hopefully a garment along with a couple scarves. Designs and detailed calculations are being worked on now, and the weaving begins tomorrow morning. I have a woven shibori warp on the loom to finish (the first scarf is already sold), and I’m hoping another 3-4 scarves if enough warp, The next warp will be wider for the exhibit weavings.
Artistree Gallery, Land O’ Lakes, WI.
Along with weaving for the exhibit, I’ll have weaving at Artistree Gallery, Land O’ Lakes, WI, beginning mid-January. Artistree is a cooperative gallery so I will be working a couple days a month there, and always have weaving or sock handwork to take with, or a spinning wheel for a good days of spinning wool.
The Art Gypsies will also have their annual art show/sale on June 13th, more information here and on my webpage/blog (see 2015 Calendar page) for details of time and location.
2015 will also include the Northwoods Art Tours, always a good time, and this year my daughter Sarah Zindel will be a guest artist with her handmade jewelry. The summer art tour dates are July 24-25-26, 2015, fall art tour dates are Oct. 9-10-22, 2015. Mark your calendars!
Another part of my year will be the Weaving Study Group I am part of. I belong to an area weaving/fiber arts guild, and we meet monthly at our homes for a potluck supper and a show-and-share. While nice to have time with area weaver and fiber artists, three of us began meeting every three months or so for our own gatherings.
We each enjoy learning and exploring, in-depth, weaving areas that interest us so that is what we do,… work/study/weave independently, then get together and share information, resources, samples, and larger works in our area(s) of interest.
Carol Stone, weaver.Louise Engelbrecht, artist and weaver.
Both Carol and Louise have a great interest in the Norwegian weave, Krokbragd, and that is what they have been working on for the past several months or more.
Jan, starting a new woven shibori scarf.
My focus the past two years has been woven shibori and indigo dyeing, with no end in sight. I’m just beginning!
We also have other related areas or tangents we plan to explore this year, including warp painting. It is very nice to have weaving companions who are serious weavers and enjoy in-depth studies.
I’m looking forward to a productive year,… time to begin!
I visited Susan Johnson’s blog, “Avalanche Looms” earlier this week (link is on the list on the right of the screen) and found a post “Rags, Rags, Rags & More Rags,” where she writes about her love of old rag rugs and a new book just out, “Finnish-American Rag Rugs” by Yvonne R. Lockwood. I emailed Susan and ordered a copy from her which I found tucked in-between the mailboxes today when I arrived home.
Eagerly tearing into the package I found a large 11″ x 9″ book, about an inch thick, and 249 pages, full of the rag rugs weavers of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. If you’re like me and like to read not only about an art or craft, but the PEOPLE who do it, I think we will really enjoy this book. In addition to color and b&w photos of rugs and weavers, it looks like an interesting history/record.
In my brief look at this book, I saw photos of various Finnish and American looms, weavers at the looms, finished rugs, and so much more. I had to laugh at photos of their “stashes!
After finishing up this blog entry, I’ll be upstairs in flannel PJ’s, with this book in my hands, eagerly reading. The timing for this book was perfect for me, arriving while weaving my first real rag rugs!
Today was a work at the gallery day for me and I took a spinning wheel and basket of Coopworth roving to work on, along with the book “Damask and Opphamta” and printed out notes (emails) from several drawloom weavers offering suggestions for adjusting my drawloom. They enabled me to list everything I need to check and adjust on the loom to get it working properly. A good, productive day!
It is Art Education Month in WI and Artistree Gallery invited K-5 students, both from the Land O’Lakes Elementary School and Home School students, to create artworks to be displayed for a couple weeks at the gallery. Gallery artists removed their works from the big wall, the kids works were framed and hung, and a reception was held this past Saturday.
Their works are bright, colorful, cheerful and wonderful to enjoy. I had several visitors at the gallery today coming in to see them. Congratulations, Art Students and Teachers!
It’s late afternoon, snow is falling, New Year’s Eve is a few hours away, and I sit here wondering how December went by so quickly. Yet when looking back at photos, I can see where it sent.
I worked a couple days at Artistree Gallery, which had been dressed Northwoods Style for the holidays. Lots of wonderful art including fiber arts. I sat, Christmas music on, knitting a scarf and watching a number of cars go up the street with a Christmas tree tied to the roof, a most pleasant, homey sight.
On December 5th, Emilie and Anna were over to learn about wet-felting wool. They wanted to make some felted items to give as Christmas gifts. I sent them home with bags dyed wool and my drum carder to continue felting at home.
I did a lot of sock-cranking in December, right up until a couple days before Christmas as quite a number of people ordered socks to give as Christmas gifts.
I still have four pairs of socks to crank, socks not needed by Christmas. Now, with the New Year, it’s time to restock Artistree Gallery with socks and weaving, and begin cranking again for next summer’s art shows.
This past Friday afternoon, Artistree Gallery had an Open House with several of the 30+ artists providing demonstrations of the arts. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon, tents were set up to shield us from changing weather, and we had a very enjoyable afternoon visiting with people who stopped by. I was there with my sock machine, and took time out to take a few photos.
Mary Jackl, Whataview Farm & Fiber, Phelps, WI, is a rag rug weaver, spinner, and felter. This day she was demonstrating spinning, and spinning yarn with seed beads on.
Shirley Battin of Land O’Lakes, WI was demonstrating plein-air painting. Shirley is also the manager of Artistree Gallery.
Karen Lenhart, of Watersmeet, MI, is an award-winning watercolorist.
Shirley Surges, Conover, WI, is a wonderful watercolorist. This day, she was giving a demonstration of Chinese Brush Painting.
Sandy Hodgson, Land O’Lakes, WI, was working on a folk-art style quilt.
Artistree Gallery is located in the front room of Forget-Me-Not Floral, which was all decked out for Autumn. The following day, was “Art in the New Yard.” Stay tuned!
I am gearing up for the fall and winter Wool Sock Season! I had a request to make three pairs of neutral and/or pastel socks, and they are shown in the three photos below.
“Lake Placid,” wool socks.
“Morning Fog” wool socks.
“Sparkling Lake” wool socks.
On Sept. 25th, 1-4 PM, Artistree Gallery, in Land O’Lakes, WI, will have an Open House with several artists demonstrating what they do. I’ll be there to demo sockmaking on the 1908 Gearhart Sock Machine.
On Sat., Sept. 26th, 9 AM to 4 PM, the Art Gypsies will have their annual “Art In a New Yard” art show/sale at Fir Tree Cottage in Land O’Lakes, WI.
On Oct. 2-4, 10 AM to 5 PM daily, the Fall Northwoods Art Tour takes place. Visitors are able to go on a self-guided tour of artists studios and galleries in a three county area.
Needless to say, I am really gearing up for making a lot of pairs of socks. More will be shown here at they are made, including “Up North,” “Cranberry Harvest,” “Copper Leaves,” Colorama,” “Christmas at the Cabin,” and many, many more.
In between splitting and stacking winter wood (son Noah is doing the cutting), I’m trying to get back to my looms. There is a lot to be done both in and out of Shuttle Works Studio.
Congratulations to the participating artists in Artistree, a cooperative gallery in Land O’Lakes, WI. The gallery has been open for one week, and has had many visitors who comment on the wonderful space and the high quality of the art. Arts in the gallery include watercolor & oil paintings, fiber arts (weaving, handspun yarns, felted hats, needlefelting, handcrafted socks, wool applique, and rug hooking), jewelry, pottery, collage, photography, quilting, and wood furniture.
Considering that the decision to start this gallery was made in early May 2009 and opened on June 15, this has been amazing. Special thanks to Wendy Polalisz, Shirley Battin, Amy Higgason, Karen Lenhart, and Sandy Hall for their hard work in making this a reality, and thanks to the 19 participating artists! Also, thanks to Kathy Schuh, owner of Forget-Me-Knot Floral, for making this space available to us.
This wire rack from a Pier 1 store is a wonderful way to display business cards. On the side counter there is space for artists brochures and arts promotional information. Also on hand is a book with a page on each artist for anyone interested in knowing more about individual artists.
I had a very pleasant four hours today at Artistree, enjoyed conversations with a number of browsers and customers, and am looking forward to another satisfying cooperative gallery experience.
SHUTTLE WORKS STUDIO 