A WEEK AT PENLAND: TEXTILES, ENGRAVING AND MASONRY

A 29" X 32" quilt I designed and completed in Martha Clippinger's "Intuitive Geometries" class at Penland. Thanks for the red stripe fabric, Martha!

There is always something special about Penland. This week was spent in a textile class. We learned to put planning aside and work intuitively  It took a while for me to feel comfortable as I usually design everything ahead of time. By the afternoon of the second day it seemed like everyone was in full swing with projects growing and mistakes being turned into amazing work. Here's a photo journey of the week:

Beautiful moss covered steps greet visitors on their way to the supply store.

A mountain view was visible from our work tables.

Stitched projects hung from clothlines in the workroom.

Projects were placed on the design wall for study.

Some students worked on large projects.

There was an informal exhibit of work at the end of the week so we could all visit and learn about the other classes.

A close-up of part of the display by the engraving class taught by Pierce Healy.

The engraving class even made their own tools!

The masonry class, led by Joe Dinwiddie,  worked on building a stone wall and stairway.

Close-up of stair area

The wall even provided a place to store your moonshine.  After all, this is North Carolina.

After returning home, I found a great spot for the quilt.

We couldn't have had a better group of people working together.  A special shout out to Martha and Ann who worked to make this class informative, fun and a truly memorable experience.

TRAC GALLERY: EDWINA BRINGLE RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBIT

I was excited to see a textile show on exhibit at the Toe River Arts Gallery in Spruce Pine, NC.  A selection of Edwina Bringle's woven and embroidered works from 1963 to 2014 is presented in a well-organized display. 

I first met Edwina when I began taking classes at Penland.  She is a well-informed and creative textile artist and UNC-Charlotte professor emerita who adds to the feeling of welcome for those new to the Penland experience.  Please enjoy this look at her works and if you are in the area make a stop at the gallery.

It is a great feeling to live in an area so full of talent, sharing and love for the arts.  Enjoy what your area has to offer and have a great day.

A NEW YEAR MEANS EXPERIMENTING WITH FIBER

It seems I am always too busy to take time out to experiment with the fiber arts. There are so many ideas I have for what I would like to do with rug hooking.  This will be my year to find some time to play with those ideas.  I will most likely have to do this in the evening as my regular rug hooking schedule takes up a good part of each day.

Yesterday, I went through my studio library and chose five books to focus on. These were all chosen due to the inclusion of exercises or ideas for being more creative.  I will share my experimentation throughout the year along with my regular projects. Here are my choices:

The New Creative Artist is hands-on with a spiral bound interior so you can easily work and see the pages at the same time.  There are activities located throughout including working with designing, drawing and experimenting.  Lots of ideas and great visuals!

How to Be Creative in Textile Art is loaded with lists, which I love.  An example is embellishments, with a list of six categories and over 75 ideas for types of embellishments.  Just reading those lists can keep your ideas flowing for hours.

Creating Sketchbooks for Embroiderers and Textile Artists was chosen as this is something I keep telling myself I will do someday and so far have not accomplished.  No more putting this off.  It will happen this year and I am looking forward to playing with various fabrics, stitches, paint, drawing and book forms.

The Art of Urban Sketching is like taking a trip around the world.  Artists have shared their drawings of places they have visited.  As I love architecture and travel, I chose this to satisfy my yearning to get back to drawing again.  The book includes artist tips, from technique to proper materials.

 I had to have one of the five chosen relate directly to rug hooking.  Design Basics for Rug Hookers by friend Susan Feller was my choice.  Susan has a great way with words, is a great source of encouragement and includes exercises everyone from beginner to experienced rug hooker can benefit from.  Plus, I have this one on my i-pad.

Work on the studio was slowed down by the holidays, rain, sleet and snow this week.  Winds of 50 m.p.h blew through the area and I was pleased to see the far wall still standing.  Below you can see that footers in the front were placed along with the start of the back wall frame.  

My hope is that your new year will be filled with creativity and joy.  Choose your path, check out resources to help you on your way and have a great day.

TEXTILES IN SCOTLAND: LOOKING AND BUYING

Inveraray Castle, Scotland

One of our stops in Scotland was Inveraray Castle, the home of the 13th Duke of Argyll and his family.  Work on the castle began around 1746 and took 43 years to complete.  The home and gardens are immaculate and much history is found throughout.  I was excited by the many tapestries seen throughout our tour and delighted to find weavings by Louise Oppenheimer in the castle gift shop.  There were quite a few of her works and it took some thinking over lunch to decide which I would bring home with me.

  This is the piece I decided to purchase.  By Louise Oppenheimer.  I just love the feel of the blues, golds and greens against the red background along with the movement created.  It is now at home in our living room.

Close-up of work. (Louise Oppenheimer)

We traveled to more than a few woolen mills. Each town seemed to have its own shops for selling wool products.

Power loom with work in progress.

Information about power looms.  I only wish I could hook that fast!

Samples of fabrics woven at the mill.

Wool samples from mill.

  You don't go too far in Scotland without seeing fields full of sheep.  These were hiding out behind the mill.

  This weaving tool was on display and had been found on the grounds of one of the many castles we visited.

I had to have this shawl when I spotted it.  I love the colors and texture and plan to use it as a wall hanging.

A closer look at the couching used on the shawl.

I will close the posts on Scotland with this guy.  I thought highlanders would be everywhere.  As they were rarely seen during our travels, I took photos at every opportunity.

This trip really gave me the chance to think about the history of textiles, from tapestries in castles to clothing in woolen mills.  Find some time to think about the history of your work or hobby and have a great day.