Providence. Not Rhode Island. Divine Providence. I had not intellectually encountered the concept until my friend Susan shared ideas from her seminary training about 15 years ago. And I periodically ruminate on them. This week I heard them in my pastor's sermon. I am preparing food for a church council supper this evening. I could … Continue reading A Bowl of Providence
Category: Uncategorized
Assisting Cinderella
I entered the aisle for fabric paints and saw a puzzled woman with silk shoes in her hand. I turned to the next aisle, paused, and came back to the woman. "What are you thinking about? You obviously are searching for a solution." Her face questioned me. I piped up, "I am a textile artist. … Continue reading Assisting Cinderella
Enough: Using All your Rooms
My walking partner asked me today if I use all the rooms in my small house for studio work. Here is the bathroom three hours later. This is not an unusual scene.
Practice: sitting quietly
I start most mornings sipping coffee in bed with little light for nearly an hour. I began this practice when I was a single parent of 3 adolescents. It continues to serve me well, although I periodically think I should wean myself off of this luxury of time.Last Wednesday I had a very busy day planned, including … Continue reading Practice: sitting quietly
June Morning
Today my hands rinse strawberries in a bowl with holes. I know the farmer who raised the berries. I know the potter who fashioned the berry bowl. This is the community I have been seeking. I pop a berry in my mouth. I recall William Morris's Strawberry Thief. I value the decorative arts, creative expressions … Continue reading June Morning
How Do You Like Your Eggs?
Fresh. Daily. From the Coop. One of my first jobs growing up was to gather eggs. Since that opportunity to become appreciative of the role of the egg on the farm, the egg has evolved into a personal metaphor for creativity. Today I live in a small house that was a chicken coop in … Continue reading How Do You Like Your Eggs?
Evaluation and Commissioned Work
I began accepting commissioned work over 40 years ago; it remains an important part of my textile time. Two weeks ago I found myself praying for the courage of my gifts. I was in the middle of a custom table runner in which I was combining favorite techniques, new tools, and an unfamiliar size. The delivery date … Continue reading Evaluation and Commissioned Work
Changing Color
I am reinventing this fabric and lace by overdying it. This project is an intentional focus on two of this year's words: prepare and practice. The fabric is being prepared for summer projects. I am practicing with a new to me product: i Dye for Natural Fabrics.
Materials at hand
I was thinking about Miss Alice this morning. She was my mother's mother and an expert in frugal living. She made patchwork quilts and rag rugs from used clothes and household linens. Her handiwork was colorful and serviceable. At lunch time, she opened the doors to the pantry and the refrigerator to survey what was at … Continue reading Materials at hand
Stoles
Ever Widening Circle Stoles This set of five stoles was designed for a bishop's assistant. The recipient worshiped with a different congregation nearly every Sunday, so he requested the stoles be portable (not wrinkly) and versatile in color. I chose quilt cottons in traditional patterns to accomplish those two requirements. Fabric selection and the set of … Continue reading Stoles