These are a few of my favorite things: #26 – Loop Braiding

As a child, I was introduced to finger loop braiding at camp.  It’s one of many fiber-related techniques that has crossed my path, but it wasn’t until I was in Manchester, England last year teaching at the International Braids 2012 Conference that I developed a new appreciation for this technique.

Finger loop braids are braids woven using loops of string on your fingers. It’s a technique that reached a high point in Medieval Europe and England between 1200 and 1600 CE.  Now, via the beauty of the internet, we can see how loop braiding artists are showing us what is truly possible and taking this technique to new heights.  If you know someone involved with the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) http://www.sca.org/, you’re probably not far away from knowing a loop braider.

I remember the moment at Braids 2012 when I stopped and stared with amazement . . . and that was when I came across Ingrid Crickmore creating a stunning braid during one of our breaks.  I was mesmerized as I watched a technique I had learned briefly as a child transformed into something remarkable . . . and certainly beyond my expectations.  (By the way, the International Braids 2012 Conference was one of the best experiences in my fiber life . . . the next conference will be in 2016 and will be held in the Seattle, WA area . . . perhaps that is the impetus for expanding your fiber repertoire!)

Not only can you create braids by yourself, there are also loop braiding techniques that require a partner.  It was fascinating during Braids 2012 to watch two braiders in beautiful synchrony creating a single braid.  I desperately hope to try that sometime soon . . . in the meantime, I’ll continue to explore techniques I can do on my own.  I think loop braiding would be a wonderful opportunity for a guild or small group of fiber artists to explore together . . . so, I hope some of these resources will be helpful to providing new insight into this old technique.

If you only check out one of these resources on loop braiding, definitely head to Ingrid Crickmore’s website!  It’s loaded with amazing information.  I could spend years exploring the information, videos, and more and never be bored.  Thank you, Ingrid for producing a fabulous website and promoting loop braiding to an extreme worthy of recognition and admiration!

Ingrid Crickmore’s loop braiding website –  http://loopbraider.com/

Examples of five-loop braids

If you’re eager for more, Mistress Rhiannon y Bwa (Lois Swales) and Mistress Azza al-Shirazi (Zoe Kuhn Williams) have an information-packed website on finger loop braiding.  One thing I really like is their explanation of how to read loop braiding schematics.  As a traditional weaver, I really needed some assistance in understanding this notation system.

Fingerloop.org - http://fingerloop.org/

 

 

Finger loop braiding is only one thing covered on this next website, Stringpage.  I really like the clear introduction to a classic five-loop braid.

Stringpage - http://www.stringpage.com/braid/fl/fingerloop.html

Finally, SFHandyman has a handy on-line video for loop braiding . . . plus, he’s used large cords to help the viewer better understand the technique.

 SFHandyman - http://www.instructables.com/id/Multi-Strand-Finger-Loop-Braiding-or-How-to-braid-/

 

I hope you enjoy my latest favorite thing and develop a new appreciation for loop braiding.  Enjoy!

These are a few of my favorite things: #25 – Paul O’Connor

As a weaver and fiber artist, my life has been touched in many ways by other weavers.  The most exceptional have inspired my work and compelled me into unfamiliar territories.  When the journey concludes, I can look back and revel in the experience knowing my life and work will never be the same.  One of the most influential weavers I’ve ever met is Paul O’Connor, who is sometimes referred to as the father of double weave.  Paul didn’t invent double weave (cloths woven with multiple layers).  What Paul did was advance the use of double weave in ways we hadn’t seen before and inspire new generations of weavers to pursue this rather ominous topic.  He also left behind many web-based resources for those interested in learning more (see below).

Examples of Paul’s double weave

Last week, Paul passed away.  As painful as this news was to hear, I know I can celebrate his life and help carry his work forward to other weavers.  Paul was extremely generous with his knowledge and produced numerous publications to assist weavers learn about double weave.

Paul’s work was significant to my master weaver study on loom-controlled stitched double cloth (a subset of double weave).  While working on this study, Paul was one of the few people that could keep up with my ramblings about how I was pushing this weave structure to achieve different effects.  While in Boulder, CO in 2004, I’ll never forget how patient he was as I chatted away about a project I had in mind . . . tubular stitched double cloth (a tube woven within a tube and the two tubes would be connected together during the weaving process).  As I described what I was planning to do, Paul listened intently.  I was hoping he could point out flaws in my plan and where I may go wrong.  Instead Paul replied with enthusiasm for my project and told me he had never seen anything like I described.  He also went on to mention a critical component . . . this was not a double weave . . . it was a quadruple weave (four layers of cloth woven simultaneously on the loom).  That comment helped me finish wrapping my head around what has been my biggest weaving-related mind bender.

Two years later I was able to share the results of my tubular stitched double cloth with Paul.  The image below is a look through the muff.  The red inside tube is a cashmere-blend.  The gray outside tube is rayon.  After weaving, the muff was wet-finished and the inside tube shrank and felted, which caused the outside tube to pucker and create a dimensional cloqué effect (this was the plan).  I was thrilled when I showed the project to Paul and he got excited with the results . . . so excited that he asked to borrow it to show others . . . in particular his wife.

Tubular stitched double cloth, by Robyn Spady

Since my completion of the tubular stitched double cloth project, I crossed paths with Paul many times.  I even managed to acquire two artifacts of his.  The first one is a double weave woven by Paul titled Lines II.  This was woven with sewing thread and is an item which he kindly donated to an auction after his retrospective exhibit at CW Seminars 2006 in Holland, MI.  I was fiercely committed to purchasing this piece and I appreciate that others didn’t take advantage of my enthusiasm and bid it up with the sole objective of making me pay through the nose for it . . . although, Paul was stunned by how much I ended up paying for this piece.  This double weave became a cornerstone for the first article I ever wrote for Handwoven magazine,  A Tale of Two Weavings.  Today, it is proudly displayed in my office.

Lines II, by Paul O’Connor

Another artifact I own is Paul’s baseball hat.  Anyone that has been around weaving for a while may have seen Paul wearing his Eager Weaver baseball hat.  At a conference, he was persuaded to donate the hat to the auction to raise money . . . and thank goodness someone told him to autograph it.  I ultimately ended up bidding against Bob Keats (aka Fiberworks Bob).  Once again, I prevailed and came home the proud owner of Paul’s Eager Weaver baseball hat (never underestimate my determination to achieve a goal), which has a place of honor on the wall in my studio.

I will miss Paul.  He was a brilliant weaver and a kind man.  His legacy will live through the lives of those he touched and his generosity with his knowledge and experience.

To appreciate Paul’s work, check out the 128-page catalog from his 2006 retrospective exhibit

Double Weave; A Retrospective, 2006 - http://handweaving.net/DAItemDetail.aspx?ItemID=7897

Also, check out some of Paul’s web-based resources on double weave

Reference Guide for Double Weave – http://www.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/webdocs/opr_rgdw.pdf

Double Weave Workshop Notes: Taking the Mystery out of Double Weave Tieups – http://www.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/webdocs/opr_tie.pdf

Double Weave Workshop Notes: Double Weave with a Four-Shaft Loom – http://www.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/webdocs/opr_4s.pdf

Double Weave Workshop Notes: Double Weave with a Eight-Shaft Loom – http://www.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/webdocs/opr_8s.pdf

Double Weave Workshop Notes: Basket Weaves in Double Weave – http://www.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/topic_doubleweave.html

Double Weave Workshop Notes: Twill Weaves in Double Weave – http://www.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/webdocs/opr_twil.pdf

Network Drafting for Double Weave – http://www.cs.arizona.edu/patterns/weaving/webdocs/opr_nddw.pdf

These are a few of my favorite things: #24 – Tessellations

I am fascinated by men’s silk ties.  Unfortunately, the number of men wearing ties continues to decline . .  . however, there are still some men out there wearing ties and I salute each and every one of them.  On more than one occasion I’ve asked a complete stranger if I could take a closer look at his tie.  I’ve even photographed a few.  Hey, when this gal’s on a layover in an airport, I start watching people and have sought out many of them to study what they were wearing.  Okay, I admit it . . . I’m a textile and fashion stalker!  I suppose this means naked people hold less fascination for me compared with the folks garbed in a unique textile.

What do I find so fascinating about men’s ties? (No, not the ones from the leisure suit era).  Many of them are exceptional works of art.  First, the silk fabric is often of the highest quality and the hand-sewn craftsmanship is inspiring . . . but, better than that are the designs that go into the weaving of the fabric, the print design on the fabric, or both.

The design complexity of a man’s tie should be appreciated since many of the design elements are layered producing subtle patterns of distinction.  The actual pattern itself may be elusive because of its scale, complexity, or both . . . which means one must take a little time using good light to appreciate some of these works of art.

Yes, men’s ties are some of my favorite things to play around with . . . however, that’s not what this latest “favorite things” is about.  What sparked my desire to rave about men’s silk ties and how inspiring they can be is the fact that many are excellent examples of a tessellation.

A tessellation is the repetition of a geometric shape with no overlaps and no gaps.  Escher was a master of designing tessellations as evidenced by a couple of examples of his work below.

The first example of an Escher tessellation shows the repeat of the fish pattern shown in the lower right hand corner.

The next two show different images . . . the first is the seahorse tessellation . . . followed by the Pegasus tessellation

The repeat of a geometric shape may also be observed in men’s ties

Dinosaurs

Fat cat spirals

Devils . . . One thing I love about this tie is that the devils are naked.  Thousands of people could look at this tie and only see some sort of yellow and red pattern and completely miss how provocative it is.  Art work in men’s ties takes a lot of artistic license.

Web-based Resources 

If you’re interested in learning more about tessellations, there are a number of resources available on-line you may enjoy using.  Below are my favorite four web-based tessellation generation websites.

http://www.Tessellations.org – This website has some wonderful examples of tessellations.  Best of all, there are a dozen lessons on how to make your own tessellations.  The image below shows the first four steps of the paper cut technique.

http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/tess/index.htm – This website has some fun tools to use to create your own tessellations . . . but, I warn you . . . there is one area showing optical illusions using tessellations and it can make one a little dizzy to look at them.

http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/math/games/first-second-grade/tessellation/ – The PBS website has a tool for showing how a tessellation can be developed.  It’s really designed for children . . . but, I have absolutely no problem getting in touch with my inner child.

http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/Tessellate/ – This is another fun tool for designing simple tessellations.  Below is a tessellation I developed with a couple of mouse clicks.

Now, you may be asking how tessellations fit into weaving.  Well, did you know that many of our patterns are tessellations?  The most common are perhaps the pinwheel color-and-weave effect and houndstooth twills.  Below are a few weaving drafts to get you started.

4-shaft pinwheel

8-shaft pinwheel

Houndstooth

Tessellations are every where . . . so keep an eye out for them.  And, if you end up leaving a man completely and totally bewildered why you found his tie so intriguing, you have my permission to blame me.

These are a few of my favorite things: #23 – Get the picture? (Photography-related resources)

A number of distractions from 2012 have continued into 2013, but I’m optimistic I’m close to getting myself back on track and doing the things I love to do . . . and one of them is sharing my favorite things with others whom I think may enjoy them.

Recently, HGA announced the dates, July 14-19, 2014 for Convergence 2014.  Woohoo!  This is exciting news!  In addition, they have also posted an invitation to submit teaching proposals.  http://www.weavespindye.org/pages/?p=convergence2014/leaders-teachers.html&loc=8-108-00 .  This too is exciting . . . but, it probably has sent more than one person scrambling to photograph f their work in order to submit images as outlined in the proposal guidelines.  Therefore, I thought it might be timely to share some of my favorite things related to photography.

Digital cameras have made my life infinitely easier.  It was less than 10 years ago I would shoot a bunch of 35mm slides, send them off to the film processing lab, wait a day or two, shell out a bunch of money, and then hope/pray that something turned out.  Digital cameras can also make it easier and less frustrating to improve your photography skills since you can immediately see what the results are.

For those that would like some on-line tutorials to better understand f-stop, aperature, rule of thirds, I recommend you take the opportunity to visit Cambridge in Colour.  There are numerous on-line tutorials and examples I find extremely helpful . . . although, some of it is more technical than I need at the present time . . . but, I’m getting there.

Cambridge in Colour -  http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials.htm

I’ve been a subscriber of The Crafts Report for a long time.  It’s an invaluable publication for the professional crafts artist and every issue is full of helpful information and articles.  In every issue there is an article by Steve Meltzer on photography crafts.  Some of his wisdom is shared on The Crafts Report website.  Click on the link below and scroll down the screen and start with Steve’s article Tips for Better Photos.  In just a short amount of time, you may find something that helps.

The Crafts Report – http://www.craftsreport.com/crafts-photography.html

Another source of on-line tutorials in Digital Photography School (http://digital-photography-school.com/).  I think my favorite article may be 21 Settings, Techniques and Rules All New Camera Owners Should Know . . . but, who knows.  I may change my mind as I review more of their tutorials.

Digital Photography School - http://digital-photography-school.com/

Photography is a topic of interest to many . . . and the website Craft Buds has a nice write-up Photography Tips for Bloggers: The Basics.  This write-up also includes links to additional information.

Craft Buds - http://www.craftbuds.com/photography-tips-for-bloggers-the-basics/

 

Finally, I recently learned of Pininterest . . . and even though I’m not entirely clear on what it is, there are some interesting links available . . . including one on craft photography.  Check it out . . . you may find something that works for you.  I really like the links to the posts about how to make a light box.

Pininterest - http://pinterest.com/ayuovira/craft-photography/

The only thing I know for certain about photography . . . it takes time and practice . . . but, fortunately with digital photography we won’t break the bank experimenting . . . plus, you can always delete what you don’t like and erase the evidence.

 

These are a few of my favorite things: #22 – Free ebooks from Handwoven magazine

Hello weaving friends!  Happy holidays and everything that goes along with the cheer of the season.  We are now approaching my favorite holiday . . . New Year’s Day!  However, today is December 26th . . . a day called Boxing Day.  Regardless of how you chose to celebrate Boxing Day . . . if you do at all . . . I decided this may be an appropriate time to re-gift one of my favorite things . . . free ebooks from Handwoven magazine!

At the present time, Handwoven magazine has 11 ebooks available for free download from the Weaving Today website .  These are not the same as the ebooks they have for purchase and download . . . but, they’re FREE!  So if you’re gearing up for 2013 and are interested in learning new things or seeking inspiration, check these out at http://www.weavingtoday.com/content/Free-eBooks.aspx.  Yes, you will need to create an account on Weaving Today to access these ebooks . . . but, that’s free too.

Here’s a very brief preview to the 11 ebooks:

Learn How to Weave – Whether you’re interested in learning about warping techniques, becoming acquainted with weaving terms, would like a weaver’s guide to yarn . . . or are an experienced weaving veteran and want to validate how much you know . . . this resource can be a great place to start.

All About Weaving Looms – Have you always owned a rising shed jack loom, but wondered about counterbalance and/or countermarche looms . . . and how these looms differ and their strengths and weaknesses?  I highly recommend this resource.

Hand Weaving Supplies – Weavers needs tools and gadgets (I’m a self-confessed gadget junkie).  This resource presents the fundamentals on a wide variety of weaving tools and supplies, such as a yarn swift, using McMorran yarn balance (and how to make a yarn balance), choosing the appropriate shuttle, and even improving the ergonomics of using a warping board.

Weaving Patterns – There may be only four weaving patterns in this ebook . . . but one of them, Four-shaft Huck Towels by Lynn Tedder, is one of my my all-time favorite weaves . . . huck lace!  Plus, Lynn even shows different hem treats to add that little something extra.

Weaving Projects – There are a modest number of weaving projects in this ebook, but they’re simple, beautiful, and versatile.  The huck lace placemats by Suzie Liles were especially intriguing to me.

Handwoven Scarves – I don’t weave scarves very often . . . mostly because I don’t tend to wear scarves . . . but, there are six in this ebook that could easily inspire me to change my mind.  The scarf below was woven by Madelyn van der Hoogt and I know I want to give it a try in 2013.

Table Runners – Table runners are a wonderful thing to weave because they often require less materials than many other projects.  Plus, they make great gifts.  There are four table runners in this ebook that my be fun to consider to weave as gifts for the holidays in 2013.  Oops!  Sorry!  I should probably hold off mentioning weaving things for 2013 for while, right?

Woven Throws – Cold months make me want to weave throws . . . some thing to cuddle up in with a cup of tea or hot chocolate sounds pretty good, huh?  I have an especial fondness for this ebook since one of the projects was woven by yours truly.

Woven Bags – From a bag made from felted squares woven on a pin loom to a yoga mat carrier to go along with the New Year’s resolution to get fit, there are four fun projects in this ebook.

Woven Rugs – Weaving a rug can be an ominous undertaking, but the three projects in this ebook could give you a great start.

Know Your Rights: Copyright 101 for Weavers – Yeah, I know.  Copyright may not be the most exciting thing when we talk about weaving . . . however, it can be helpful to know your rights with your designs and images . . . and how to properly use information and images that inspired you for your own work.

Again, happy everything to everyone . . . There are a number of gifts waiting for you at http://www.weavingtoday.com/content/Free-eBooks.aspx!

These are a few of my favorite things: #21 – More color resources

Every year about this time a magical and wondrous occasion comes upon us.  No, I’m not referring to Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or the winter solstice.  I’m referring to Pantone’s announcement of the Color of the Year!  And . . . drum roll, please . . . 2013 Color of the Year for will be Emerald!

Now this is not the only color Pantone endorses . . . emerald is also part of an entire color palette for 2013.  (Personally, I’m pretty excited about these colors)  To learn more about Pantone and the Color of the Year, go to http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/index.aspx 

Now, I’m not the only one that vacillates between thinking How dare anyone tell me what colors I should be using in my work! . . . and . . . Why am I stuck in a color rut and how do I get out?  After all, I often manage okay when it comes to color . . . well, some of the time.  Oh, heck!  Color is something I can always work on!   But, more importantly, color is something that can help sell.  It can also detract or make something look dated.  I remember back to the eighties when many of my friends were getting married and teal and fuchsia were popular color combinations.  By the way, I didn’t go there . . . but, I do confess to loving the color combination back then . . . along with my boxy jackets and really big shoulder pads (I never did the leg warmers or finger-less gloves).  Thank goodness we didn’t have digital cameras back then.  There’s no evidence of my 80′s fashion adventures . . . only word of mouth.

I have met only a few fiber artists that do not feel challenged in anyway by color.  My friend, Randy Darwall is one of them.  But, he will also be the first person to tell you the use of color requires practice.  So, how do you get practice?  Well, there are some resources on-line that can give you a boost.

My very first Favorite Thing was www.colourlovers.com . . . which I still think is a wonderful resource for playing around practicing with color.  If you missed this Favorite Thing, go to January 2012 of this blog to take a look at it or click on the link above.  In the meantime, perhaps you’ve decided color is something to explore in 2013 . . . so, here are a few resources to give you a boost.

Color Scheme Designer – http://colorschemedesigner.com/

Below are a couple of examples of what you can do with Color Scheme Designer using Emerald, Pantone’s 2013 color of the year.  The first one is an monochromatic color scheme . . . the second one is using the same color and seeing what is produced when I choose the analogous color scheme.  I really like the blue and bright lime green!  My mind reels with the possibilities!

Color Wizard at Color on the Web - http://www.colorsontheweb.com/colorwizard.asp

Like Color Scheme Designer, this resource allows a user to take one color . . . again, I used Pantone’s Emerald . . . and look at it in conjunction with other colors.  Below, this resource shows variations in hue, saturation, and tints/shade.  Plus, I included what I got when I chose a split complementary color scheme.  The brown and the fuchsia were a bit of a surprise . . . but, this also gave me ideas.

Easy RGB – http://www.easyrgb.com/index.php?X=HARM

This is pretty easy to use.  Enter the values for a color and it surrounds it with other colors as theme variations.

Color Blender - http://meyerweb.com/eric/tools/color-blend/

For anyone interested in creating ombre-like effects (ombre refers to a gradual change of color) in their work, Color Blender can give you the midpoints between two colors.  The tool allows you to set the number of  midpoints (10 is the maximum) . . . but, for those that dye their own yarns or have a stash of yarn with tremendous breadth of color, this may be a fun way to create new effects.

I hope you enjoy exploring color using one or more of these resources.  Getting good at color requires the same thing it takes to get to Carnegie Hall . . . Practice! Practice! Practice!

On a related note . . . This past January I started posting my favorite things and committed to posting a total of 50 of them here on my blog.  I had initially planned on posting one a week . . . but, life sometimes has other plans (especially since August) . . . but, I will continue to add my favorite things here until I have at least 50 . . . and hopefully a little more often!

These are a few of my favorite things: #20 – Peter Collingwood

Peter Collingwood.  Few weavers in the world have left a legacy like he did.  Next Tuesday, October 9, 2012, will be the 4^th anniversary of his passing and I wanted to take the opportunity to share with others my appreciation for what he contributed and how so many of us benefitted from his work and publications (and some of my favorite things).  Peter was one of the weavers I knew I could go to when I had a question . . . although, when I went to him it was usually about something rather obscure and I had exhausted more traditional resources.  I could always count on him to respond and only once did my question stump him.

The week after Peter passed away I was in Vancouver, BC teaching.  On the day I left Vancouver to teach in Oliver, BC, I needed to make a stop while I ran an errand.  Unfortunately, I have a pretty bad sense of direction and I got turned around.  While trying to figure out how to head in the correct direction, I ended up stopped on a side street.  I looked to my left and saw Coe Lumber.  Now, anyone that has worked on HGA’s Certificate of Excellence (COE) will often look at “Coe” and see “C.O.E.”  On the lower portion of the sign it read Good Neighbors, Good Advice and it made me think of all of the people that helped me by answering questions, etc. while I was working on the COE . . . including Peter (and Jason too!).  Then I looked down and to the right and found I was on Collingwood.  I still get chills when I think about that moment.  The picture below is what I saw out of the window from my car.

A couple of years before Peter passed away he gave permission for five publications he maintained copyright on to be reproduced and made available on-line . . . including The Techniques of Rug Weaving . . . one of the most important weaving books in my library.  I’m not a rug weaver, but I often turn to this book on topics from velvet and corduroy to soumak and fringe finishing techniques.  http://handweaving.net/DAItemDetail.aspx?ItemID=1961

Since The Techniques of Rug Weaving wasn’t enough, Peter then went on to write the follow-on book Rug Weaving Techniques: Beyond the Basics.  This is another great resource for weavers.  http://handweaving.net/DAItemDetail.aspx?ItemID=1960

Peter enjoyed little-known textile techniques, like sprang (Sorry, his book The Techniques of Sprang is not available on-line . . . but, you can still find it for sale).  However, he was interested in ply split and other techniques.  He published articles in Weaver’s on ply split and oblique twining.

Ply split articles – part I and II  http://handweaving.net/DAItemDetail.aspx?ItemID=3514 and http://handweaving.net/DAItemDetail.aspx?ItemID=3515

Single Course Oblique Twining - http://handweaving.net/DAItemDetail.aspx?ItemID=3516

Thank you, Peter for the memories and the resources you left behind!  Your legacy continues!

These are a few of my favorite things: #19 – Embroidery Stitch Identification Guide

Bonjour, mon amis!

You may have noticed it’s been a while since I posted my last favorite thing.  Well, I think I have a good reason.  I’ve (literally) been out of the country.  England and France, respectively.  I had the honor to teach at the 2^nd international Braids 2012 conference in Manchester, England.  After that I headed off to Lyon, France to indulge myself in their weaving history and culture.  Then I wrapped up my trip when my wonderful husband joined me in Paris for a week-long visit to explore the city.  Thank goodness we went just about everywhere foot!  It allowed us to work off all of our epicurious adventures.  I know I will have lots to share with you later, but let’s take a look at a new favorite thing . . . which is oddly enough, from a place in my own back yard.

My latest favorite thing to share was brought back to my attention because of the time I spent with my new friend, Claire Sparling.  I first met Claire nearly four years ago when I was teaching in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  I first knew her as the daughter of Carol James, a remarkable fiber artist when it comes to finger weaving and sprang.  To learn more about Carol and her publications, check out http://sashweaver.com/.  She’s a mover and shaker and I look forward to following her progress as she continues to wrap her arms around sprang; a rare and little known about textile technique.

Anyway, back to Claire.  Before our small group left for Lyon, France, there was a little shifting of where people would be staying and Claire and I ended up rooming together in Lyon a block away from Bellecour, the center of Lyon.  Claire and I had many adventures when it came to textiles, fashion, and food . . . where she also served as my translator.  She’s a textile artist and works with theaters, re-enactors, and other performers to design and create reproduction fashions and accessories . . . she can also coordinate one heck of an end-of-conference party!  To learn more about Claire and see images of some of her work, check out http://csparling.ca/.  While in Europe, her plans included studying embroidery in Italy . . . which leads me to the latest favorite thing I would like to share . . . the Embroidery Stitch Identification Guide.  http://dig.henryart.org/embroidery-stitches/first_level_pages/default.html

Earlier this year, while working on a project and looking around on the Internet for another resource, I stumbled upon this fabulous resource located on the website for the Henry Art Gallery.  The Henry Art Gallery is not far from where I live and is an active part of the University of Washington’s cultural landscape through its exhibitions, collections, and public programs to stimulate research and teaching.

This project is dedicated to Jacqueline Enthoven and Virginia Harvey for their inspiration and guidance.  There are hundreds of examples of embroidery stitches!  According to the website, the purpose of the Embroidery Stitch Identification Guide is as follows:

The Embroidery Stitch Identification Guide presents a standardized nomenclature and classification system for embroidery stitches based on seven structural and three usage categories. The goal is to provide consistent nomenclature for designers, ethnographers, textile historians, curators, and others who wish to identify embroidery stitches or create embroidered textiles. The project includes names for stitches previously undocumented in embroidery literature, variations of named stitches, and stitch combinations. The index cross references stitch names that deviate from this standardized nomenclature. The focus is on surface stitches, joins, edges, withdrawn element embroidery, deflected element embroidery, and cut work. Stitches used in smocking, lace, dressmaking, needle weaving, wheels, webs, and bars remain beyond the scope of this project. The group analyzed the stitches on approximately 3,500 pieces in the Henry Art Gallery Collection including items from China, India, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and other embroidery traditions. The stitches found are recorded in each object’s catalog record and are searchable in the collections database.

There is an image of each stitch.  In many cases, the instructions for how to recreate the stitch are provided.  If not, the reference where the instructions for the specific stitch is provided.  What I love is the possibility for embellishing garments and accessories using leftover yarns and thread . . . or even mending a hole or covering that dreaded stain.  Below are some examples of what you will find there.

Woven Circle filling

Antwerp and Buttonhold Picot Edge

Deflected Honeycomb Filling

Couched Circle

Double Faggot Stitch

Double Back

 

Russian Overcast Filling

I hope people will find this resource helpful and interesting.  It really shows an enormous amount of work completed by a group that we get to benefit from.

These are a few of my favorite things: #18 – Resources for artists wishing to sell their work

First, allow me to say mea culpa . . . I know there’s been more time than normal since I posted my last favorite thing.  My favorite event, HGA’s Convergence 2012 was held last week and I was busy preparing to teach.  Yes, Convergence is one of my favorite things; however, that’s not what favorite thing #18 is about . . . This time it’s a short collection of resources I think artists wishing to “go pro” may find helpful.

Second, I want more people weaving!  And I believe attracting people to weaving and other crafts may have as much to do with ensuring it can be a viable profession as much as having a passion for the creative process.  If you’ve ever dreamed of making money with your craft, there may be some listed below that may be helpful.

10 Great Websites to Buy Handmade Goods – http://mashable.com/2010/05/26/handmade-goods-etsy/

Many people are familiar with Etsy, but there are more opportunities.  I figure if this list includes websites to BUY handmade goods, perhaps it’s a good list for many wishing to SELL their work.  I’ve known of this list for over two years and it’s a great way to see what others are doing.  1,000 Markets is now Bonanza.com, but here is list of reasons to sell through them . . . and a couple (e.g.,  Artflock and Folksy) don’t seem to be working . . . however, there’s still an opportunity to take a look at these websites to see if they are a potential fit.  Yesterday, I met a gal in Weaverville, CA who was telling me that she and her husband ran a salsa business through Etsy.  Surprise surprise!

The 10 Biggest Mistakes Artists and Creatives Make at Internet Marketing (and How to Fix Them) – http://lateralaction.com/articles/artists-internet-marketing/

Learning mistakes from others can be invaluable and save a lot of wasted time and money.  I appreciate many of the mistakes this author shares . . . such as not doing it and the use/abuse of social media resources.

Top 10 tips for approaching galleries – http://thecreativeboom.com/tips/top-10-tips-for-approaching-commercial-art-craft-galleries/

During Convergence 2010 in Albuquerque, NM, Jill Heppenheimer gave a morning presentation on getting in to a gallery.  I was impressed with the turnout and appreciated every tidbit she shared.  For those that were unable to attend, these tips may be a good way to help attenuate you to prepare to approach galleries.

How to Market and Sell Art – http://www.borsheimarts.com/booths.htm

For anyone thinking of going in the direction of exhibiting and selling at arts and crafts shows, there is a list of Tips for Exhibiting Arts and Crafts in Shows that may help from the application process to avoiding aching feet.

10 Top Tips For Artists- http://kirstyhall.co.uk/2007/10/09/10-top-tips-for-artists/

Being a professional artist isn’t just about staying home and making stuff.  This list raises some very important issues and some point out the need to stay fresh and keep in contact with other artists.

The above are a mouse click away . . . but, I wanted to add a few more that may be as close as your neighborhood library.

Craft, Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business (ISBN 978-0811858366) and Craft, Inc. Revised Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Turning Your Creative Hobby into a Successful Business (ISBN -1452101415).

Hand-Dyes For Sale: How I Turned My Hobby Into A Business (the Kindle edition is only $0.99 . . . and there’s not much else available for under a dollar)

The Crafts Report – http://www.craftsreport.com/

The Crafts Report is a magazine aimed at the professional crafts artist.  I have subscribed for over a decade and it has paid for itself many times over.  Articles range from marketing and photography tips and techniques to business and tax information to staying organized.  A digital subscription costs less than $1/month.  There’s even a free issue available for viewing.  I learn something from every issue.  For anyone considering making money at their craft, this magazine is definitely worth a look!

These are a few of my favorite things: #17 – Revisiting crochet

Like many women my age, I learned to crochet as a child.  I made a few things, but weaving has always been more attractive to me for a variety of reasons.  Some say weaving isn’t portable; however, over the years I’ve tried a couple of ways to make weaving more portable.  Two years ago I posted a write-up on my blog on how to make a weaving etui.  This was inspired by a sewing etui I own (an etui is a small case designed to be portable with items inside.)  You can find it at the following link: http://spadystudios.wordpress.com/2010/06/30/for-the-weaver-on-the-go-create-a-weaving-etui/.  I also have a one-page article in the current issue of Handwoven on making a portable marudai from an empty half-gallon of milk and a CD for doing kumihimo, a Japanese braiding technique.  It has a handle and can easily be carried from place-to-place.

What I really like about crochet is its portability.  Like knitting and tatting, it costs very little to get started and I can easily carry it around with me.  Plus, crochet hooks don’t seem to attract the attention of the TSA folks at airports like knitting needles sometimes do.

Recently, I’ve noticed a resurgence in interest in crochet.  Perhaps it helped when Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge wore a crocheted sweater last year.

Like many people, I have some vintage lace.  In fact, I have a couple of trunks of it . . . much of it was crocheted.  I come across it frequently at thrift stores and antique malls.  Every time I see a piece, I wonder about the person that took the time to make it.  I think of different ways to use this lace in garments or accessories.  For a new-to-me twist, I recently came across a couple of pictures of people using lace trim and doilies in unique ways . . . like a wedding dress  http://giacanali.com/blog/2010/05/jillian-daxs-romantic-handmade-everything-california-mountain-elopement/

Or to create new lighting treatments http://www.lightsandlights.com/2-diy-lace-lighting-projects-a-doily-lamp-and-ceiling-lights/

I love the heirloom quality introduced with these items and think these were clever ways to use crocheted doilies that may be tucked away in boxes and drawers.

I recently dusted off my crochet hooks and books.  If you’re interested in learning about crochet or refreshing your skills, there are some good resources a click away.  Below are just a few you may find interesting and helpful.

Learn to Crochet – a 46-page PDF that covers getting started, basic and fancy crochet stitches, and more http://www.learnhowtocrochet.net/LearnToCrochet.pdf

19 free ebooks (Yes, 19!) on Interweave’s Crochet Me website - http://www.crochetme.com/content/Free-eBooks.aspx

Bernat Mosaic free ebook - http://www.bernat.com/ebook/mosaic/#/0

11 free ebooks on crochet - http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979167204

I’m looking forward to see how the resurgence in crocheting will inspire us beyond the granny square.  Enjoy!