Why are there so many songs about rainbows?

I have finally - yes, finally - completed a project that I put on the loom oh so long ago.  The rainbow warp has been woven, sewn, fringed and washed.  It is now many different items.  All different from what I had thought they would be originally - I love being surprised by fabric off the loom!

So without further ado...

 small table runner - cotton and cotton chenille

 hand towel and face cloth set - cotton and cotton chenille

 scarf - cotton and cotton bouclé

 scarf detail

 scarf detail #2

 woven pouch or bag - cotton and wool

bag detail

This feels like it's the beginning of something great.  A bit like Christmas!  There is a small piece of the cotton and wool fabric that was too long for a bag, so I'm thinking it will become two large pillows.  It's lovely too.  After a wash and dry in the machines (thank god for them) the fabric is very soft and cushy.  Perfect for pillows!!

The next warp going on is the Zebra Wood warp.  Click for a reminder ;)  It's all gorgeous too!  

Here's another runner that I made a while back and thought I'd post now.  It was the remnants of a commission warp - love having extra!

 table runner tan/yellow - cotton and cotton chenille

table runner tan/yellow detail with fringe

As always, if you see it and like it, contact me about buying it!  'Tis the season to be thinking about gift givin'.

Things I learned this week....

1. An overdue book that is also a good read is worth the $1 or so in fines.

 

2.  A day spent at home with my wee sidekick means that I can clean the cupboards, rearrange cookbooks, clear off the counter tops and the dinning room buffet - all while enjoying his company and playing stickers.

3.  There is balance in not finding a day of work (the double edged joy of being a supply teacher).

4.  I really love my babysitter (and also that I love that my wee sidekick also loves her)!

5.  Sometimes, frozen pizza IS the answer to "What's for dinner?"

6.  I enjoy working half-days because I pay for a full day sitter and that means MommyTime (aka studio time).

7.  The best part about a YMCA membership is having access to a heated pool.

8.  Dollarstore chocolate imported from Turkey is JUST AS GOOD as the American made stuff.

9.  All purpose flour is not created equal.  Although the label says "All Purpose Whole Wheat Flour" it does not make cookies taste the same.  They are heavier.  So much for trying to be healthier....Bring on the white stuff.

10.  There's nothing like a 6:00 AM dance party to the Indigo Girls on a Monday morning! 

Gotta love the internet!

One of the participants in my Art workshop took photos and put them online.  And now I can share too!  Thanks, Kali :)

It was a super fun afternoon and these baskets were a real treat to share with others.  The possibilities are endless as far as materials go.  If you want to make one, let me know and I can send you the info.

Making newspaper strips.

Putting the base together.

Adding string to lock it in.  String comes out later.

The chaos of beginning the weave structure.

Clothespins make up for humans only having 2 hands!

The bottom of the basket.

Finished basket - string removed.

Everyone hard at work.

Making a basket with bristol board.

Finished bristol board basket.  I love the finish at the top!

On the left:  A pizza box basket.  On the right:  A newspaper basket.

Basket miniature - using 75mm strips.  Teeny tiny work!

Drama, Drama, Drama Fest! and some other PD

For the last two weeks I've had the pleasure of doing workshops with students and teachers about all of my passions: drama, music, and art.  I feel blessed (and exhausted, really) to have the chance to share my knowledge with others.

 First I did a stint as NB Drama Fest for High School and Middle School students and teachers.  I got to share singing techniques and tips as well as creative story time theatre ideas.  Watching students try new things is one of the reasons I teach.  What a treat to do it at Drama Fest (the largest drama festival in Canada, just so you know).

Then I capped off the two weeks spending a day with NB Teachers at their provincial PD day.  We did art and it was awesome.  I taught basic basket weaving skills.  It was new to everyone who attended and we had a such a great time turning newspapers and packaging boxes in to lovely baskets.  Again, a real treat to share my skills with others.

The plus side to all of this?  I'm now super inspired to get back at the loom which is currently still has the rainbow project warp on it.  I know, I know.  It's been ages since I put it on.  But I took advantage of every teachable day I could get.  I'm a supply teacher, and I need them all!  However, summer is just around the corner.  I have Nana and Grammie coming closer for the summer and have also found a lovely teen who loves to babysit.  I will weave, my friends and get my many warps on and off the loom and photographed to share with you all.

How do you keep a weaver busy?

How do you keep a weaver busy??  Warp!!

Today I measured off four (4) warps - future projects, if you will.  Each one is destined to be table runners.  Or at least that is the plan.  They are colorful, cotton and ready to go on the loom.  Now, which one will I choose to go on first??

From left to right:

Peacock (turquoise, royal blue, emerald green)

Sunset (framboise, red, light orange)

Zebra Wood (chocolate, honey, vanilla)

Des Colores

The colored pathway down the center was warped in the rainbow colors using red, light orange, warm yellow, emerald green, royal blue, turquoise and framboise.  It is flanked by natural cotton.

All of the runners will be woven with cotton chenille.  Photos to come as they are finished!!

Happy New Year!

Christmas has come and gone. Turkeys have been devoured. Gifts opened. Naps taken. Overall, a grand success!




I want to take this opportunity to thank all my customers, near and far, for their support during this holiday season. 2012 is going to be a big year in the studio as I celebrate 10 years of *unbeweaveable. Scarves are being designed and planned, new ornaments for 2012 are in the works and inventory will be available all year at Botinicals on Queen Street in Fredericton - as well as at craft shows!

Stay tuned as 2012 becomes the year of *unbeweaveable!!

A looming of owls

Owls seem to be all the rage this year as a folk art decoration. I had some remnants of handmade wool fabric laying about, so I jumped on the band wagon and started making felted wool owls. The fabric is felted in the washer and dryer, then cut into the shapes of owl heads. I needle felt the eyes on and put on the finishing touches of creative faces. They are super fun to make and I've used up all my remnants. Not too shabby. Limited edition 2011 owls - a looming of them, no less.