The old year went out not at all as I had planned, and I’m attempting to start this new year by making good on a few resolutions.

On Dec. 26 I received an email, which I didn’t see until the 28th, from Hand/Eye Magazine (online) asking if I would like to contribute a piece to be published.  My work had been seen on TAFA – The Textile and Fiber Arts List.  The deadline was January 2nd as the next publication date was  today, January 4th.  After my initial shock I replied yes, and the next day was thinking about what I could possibly write, followed by three days of rewrites, revisions, tweaks, and locating photos, all sent off to the editor just before 9 PM on January 1st.  My thanks to Rebeca Schiller, Hand/Eye Online Editor, for this opportunity!  The article is titled “Mystery Weaves.”  An exciting way to begin the new year!   Visit Hand/Eye Magazine at http://handeyemagazine.com.

I’ve spent days thinking about what I would like to weave and accomplish in 2018, what to continue, what new areas to try.  Lists are in progress, deadlines are on the calendar, and it is a matter of keeping it fun, interesting, and a healthy dose of self-discipline to make it all happen, something I was lacking last year.   It is time to change that!

Woven shibori and embellishment possibilities.Years ago someone I knew told me I needed to focus on ONE area of weaving, forget everything else, create a body of work in ONE area, create my own style.  I’ve never forgotten that discussion, and that is what I’ve been attempting with woven shibori.  I will be continuing to explore that technique  in scarves/cowls and other items that I sell.  I also hope to take it in areas new-to-me, larger works, and continue that body of work on a new level.

I will also  be incorporating some Norwegian/Scandinavian weaving, into my year.    And by “Scandinavian,” I a using that word in a very broad sense.  Traditional and contem- porary are both of interest, as are the looms/traditions.  My drawloom has long been neglected and that must change.  And woven shibori can be woven on a drawloom!

This table runner was woven from a project/recipe in a Swedish weaving book.  It has a seine twine warp, and was woven with Berga wool weft yarn from Sweden.

Bandweaving, particularly Scandinavian, has become a stronger interest,… plain weave bands, inkle, Norwegian pick-up, Sami, tablet weaving, so many areas that can be explored over time, and again, can be used in combination with other types of weaving.  Right now, I need more plain weave bands to use in the studio.  For example, to tie the trapeze uprights to the loom to stabilize them, my preference over clamps.

At the same time, I rebel against being told to only have one interest and work only in it.  I have never been able to do just ONE thing!  I like to learn, and tapestry weaving has long been at the top of my list.  This may not go anywhere beyond learning basics , or may go into some depth, but until I try, I will never know if I could learn it, become competent.

Many, many years ago, knowing nothing about tapestry, I warped a Schacht tabletop tapestry loom with navajo wool warp, spun and plied the yarns, and wove two small tapestries.  That was the beginning of my wanting to  learn more.

 

I  know I’ve mentoned it on this blog perhaps  two or three years ago.  After years of searching I even found and purchased a Regina tapestry/rug  loom nearly three years ago,  signed up for Rebecca Mezoff’s 3-in-1 tapestry classes, began working through it, then put the entire thing on hold.  Some people just dive into new ideas and projects, I quite often seem to need time, often a large chunk of time before beginning.  I believe it is mostly fear or failure.  Well, the time has come to sit down at the loom and begin.  I’ll share the good, bad, and ugly with you.   I have added a medium Hokett loom and signed up for Rebecca’s Small Tapestry class.  Also a Mirrix Zach loom, so I have no more excuses.  Tapestry weaving will be for my own enjoyment and learning.

And now, it is time to make a warp for new woven shibori scarves, I have new ideas to try!

**********************************************

My Woven Shibori works, as well as Scandinavian weaving will again be available at Eagle River Gallery,  836 W. Pine Street, Eagle River, WI.   Please check this link for days and hours open.  The gallery will be on the Northwoods Art Tour in 2018,  July 27-28-29, and Oct. 5-6-7, 10 AM to 5 PM.  Gallery artists will be present on these dates providing demonstrations of their arts.

I will also have work again very soon in my online Shuttle Works Studio shop on Big Cartel.

I will also have five Open Studio weekend,… May 19-20, June 16-17, July 14-15, Aug. 18-19, and Sept. 15-16, 10 AM to 5 PM.  Shuttle Works Studio is a working weaving studio with several Glimakra looms, as well as spinning wheels, and a 1908 Gearthart sock machine.  Demonstrations will be available on those weekends.

The only thing that would remove these dates is if my home/studio sells, and I move during that time period.   When that happens there will be a big announcement on the Home Page, my FB  Page and more.  I suggest before driving any distance, just make a quick check to confirm the date you were planning to visit is listed.  Otherwise, I will be here, weaving!

**********************************************