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

Three Words 2013: prepare, practice, evaluate

"What three words will help you in 2013?"  That was the last sentence of the last post of 2012.  I planned to write this post a month ago.  I had my three words.  But I also had doubt, the kind of doubt that sabotages movement. "I believe in the power of words.  Each year I choose three … Continue reading Three Words 2013: prepare, practice, evaluate

Three words 2012

I believe in the power of words.  Each year I choose three words to shape and focus my time, space, and energy.  They usually arrive in my brain sometime between Thanksgiving and the New Year.  I am grateful when they appear early, because I can roll them around and get comfortable with them. Last year … Continue reading Three words 2012

A Short Distance Correctly

I collect quotations.  They are tucked into books, into drawers, into baskets.  Some are neatly assembled in a small notebook.  And some roll around in my head, waiting to be recalled.  On certain days those head rollers push into my routine and demand attention. Today two quotations have pushed their way into fabric calculations and food preparation.  The first … Continue reading A Short Distance Correctly

Start, Finish, and Make

I do not like the word deadline.  I do not read nonfiction books from the beginning.  I am in essence a maker and I favor neither the starting nor the finish point.  I like the exploration that comes in the middle. I am planning the next 6 months of studio work, during which I will make … Continue reading Start, Finish, and Make

Using Stuff to Get to Enough

I like being in that place between work and play.  It is not a blurry, ill-defined place for me.  It is where my imagination is happy, and often, productive.  I create games that make my work more playful.  And I have a new one. It is called "I own it; I use it."  It is less … Continue reading Using Stuff to Get to Enough

Questions about Enough

I am a morning person.  I like waking up.  My better mornings are when I remember to prepare the coffee and set the delay brew the night before.  But with or without the smell of coffee, I like the moments between waking and leaving the snugly comfort of my rest. I think about those I … Continue reading Questions about Enough

Unfinished Objects

My brother,Paul, is a wood carver.  Periodically we have phone chats between his wood shop and my fabric studio.  The one this week included the question "What do you about UFOs?".  For the uninitiated, that is short for unfinished objects.  I believe all makers of art and artifacts have them. Paul liked my approach.  About four … Continue reading Unfinished Objects