custom work

custom work – det. 1Originally uploaded by SOFennell

Dyeing a shirt like this, a tablecloth or blue jeans puts the indigo into a different context – at least for me. I tend to look through a different lens most of the time. So, doing custom work presents new challenges and a different perspective. It’s refreshing.

It also puts me in contact with people who think differently about what they wear. Some are passionate about indigo (as this customer is) and some want to “upscale (?), recycle or change what they have. They want to keep that wardrobe, make it last, but also make it new. I do the same with my own wardrobe.

In this case, I’ve been introduced to new fibers and fiber combinations, so it has given me a lot to think about, at least in terms of material.

What’s the deal about Linen?

To answer that one you need to read this informative article about it featuring several TAFA craftspeople (including yours truly).

I do love working with linen.  It responds so well to the work I do in shibori as well as indigo (and other dyes).  It’s also fast becoming the only fiber I want to wear in the warmer seasons.

Having said that, be sure to watch those videos on processing the fiber.  Watching them brought to mind the stories my grandmother told about her grandmother who grew flax, processed it and then wove with it (and also may have dyed it).  I am humbled to see the labor involved.

My only (but fortunate) connection to my ancestry is simply that I also work with fibers, but not nearly on that level of involvement.  This small piece (above & no longer in my possession) is a wall hanging featuring a longtime and well-loved theme in Asia, but more specifically Japan – my lens and heartland.  In Japanese it would be called 兎と月(usagi to tsuki), Rabbit and Moon.

the CFF – Carolina Fiber Fest

CFF: Japanese Temari 2

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

I’d say we had a good time and were successful, each in our own context. Barb sold a lot of her books and both she and Dana raised awareness of the beauty of Temari here in NC. A lot of folks were intrigued with the art.

Personally, I enjoyed meeting and conversing with the many folks (craftspeople & visitors) I encountered – exciting, thought-provoking…just good fun.
There was a lot to take in – weavers, spinners, dyers, knitters…and lots of color.

I’m so grateful to my customers and really appreciate the compliments on my work – very affirming. If all goes well, we will look forward to participating again next year.

Shibori at Artspace

collage4

Originally uploaded by SOFennell

The joy and fascination of teaching kids, for me, is that they always do the unexpected. I love it. My stint at Artspace began this week ( only for this week) teaching middle school aged kids the “fine” art of shibori. I think most of us who are engaged in this activity agree that it is a fine thing to do (we love it so much!).

So far, the reaction has been that it’s a “cool thing” to do and I really had no idea how this would go over with this age group (so far, so good). We began with paper, just folding, clamping, then dipping, brushing or dyeing in food color. They caught on quickly. Then when their pieces dried they cut or tore them into pieces for a collage. Needless to say, I was quite pleased with the results.

Writing with Thread 2

Well, what do you know? This month’s(Jan./Feb.) Fiberarts Magazine has a 4 page feature article on the “Writing with Thread” Exhibit. The illustrations are exquisite.