Fabric artists and quilters often point to a fabric in a piece, naming it as the inspiration, the starting point. My work usually begins in a conversation with a client or in an a dialogue that has a bit of friction to it. I have struggled with getting started on works I want to make … Continue reading Fabric as Inspiration
Tag: hand crafted
Wes and Will: More Good Questions
On good weather school days, my father Wes often managed to be in the farmyard when the school bus pulled in to drop off the three of us kids. We enjoyed seeing him there. But as we made our way off the bus, we prepared for the certainty of him asking, “What did you learn … Continue reading Wes and Will: More Good Questions
Joy of Making: Knots
Custom work filled many summer days at the studio this year. Completed projects are now delivered. Before I completely shift into next season's work, my hands and mind are revisiting techniques and tools: a bit like a family reunion. Grandma Alice showed me how to tie quilts when I was a teenager. My fingers readily … Continue reading Joy of Making: Knots
Hone: Knowing And Maintaining A Tool
I use different scissors for different tasks in the studio just as I use a variety of knives in the kitchen. Practice informs me which tool works best for a particular task. Experimentation increases the scope of usefulness for each tool I own. Recently, I have begun to regard my screen images as tools. This set … Continue reading Hone: Knowing And Maintaining A Tool
Origins Of A Crisp Finish
The conversion of garage to art studio began this week. I tiptoed upstairs to see the progress during lunch. The framing confirms that I like my plans; it assures me that the end results will work. The craftsmanship also informs me about my own work. I have been complimented over my years of custom sewing, … Continue reading Origins Of A Crisp Finish
3 Patterns, 7 Colors, and 10 Women
I led my first dyeing workshop this month. 10 good women braved a cold night to gather in a pottery studio to put their hands and minds to dyeing silk scarves. After I demonstrated three fold and tie patterns, each participant received a scarf to manipulate and then color. Here are their results. I discovered … Continue reading 3 Patterns, 7 Colors, and 10 Women
Bring On The Heat
The sewing machine or a pair of scissors are often the tools first associated with my art practice. But it is the iron that is used most frequently and consistently. When I am working well, focused on what is before me and its purpose, it is the iron that guides me into good evaluation. Fabric … Continue reading Bring On The Heat
Chiseling The Craft of Business
There are many woodworkers on my family tree. I have an appreciation for the medium and for the work. It is my delight to have a local woodworker as a friend and business buddy. Ron Light creates wood furniture and accessories here in the Northern Shenandoah Valley. About once a quarter we meet up in … Continue reading Chiseling The Craft of Business
A Chasuble Returns to the Studio
Occasionally my work returns to me for an adjustment or repair. The chasubles made for the chapel at The Village at Orchard Ridge were lined in slippery fabric, so that they hang away from the pastor's alb. The Chaplin reported that they slipped backward during worship, becoming uncomfortable. We devised a solution of cotton … Continue reading A Chasuble Returns to the Studio
Sister says “Share!”
Beth Nyland, my sister, chastised me when I hesitated to post some of my recent work. She said I needed to work on the discipline of sharing. Noah Scalin's Creative Sprint appeared as an opportunity to follow Beth's advice and to have some fun creating and sharing. Today the task was to make something that will … Continue reading Sister says “Share!”