tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51400938560793478552024-02-07T08:37:40.977-05:00Karen Donde HandwovensGarments, accessories, home textiles, weaving instruction, writingKaren Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-49714440591977346912014-01-06T16:45:00.000-05:002014-01-06T16:45:02.545-05:00Check out Karen's Interweave Webinar Jan. 16Looking for weaving inspiration and planning and design help in 2014. I am teaching an Interweave Webinar version of my Spice Up Your Recipe Weaving workshop. You can tune in live on Jan. 16, or order the recorded version to watch when you can. Here's a link:<br />
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<a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/spice-up-your-weaving-webinar">Karen's Planning & Design Webinar</a>Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-81745518641325182562013-05-24T09:30:00.001-04:002013-05-24T09:30:03.566-04:00The Classroom is Open!<p>Well, actually it never closed, but I am pleased to announce that I have finally graduated from the Haywood Community College Professional Crafts-Fiber Program!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2SXWoxkJ49a6Tugpav_0QUu9vSGljfccuz055DLCgr0hiC4y7HZsdXC-y5sqGSm2yg9FAJmePF275ExvpOGV-3VtZxflTKnNum_dU12xiJpRSujwCYk8T-S-AARFdgoru8bzJmcfIRg/s1600-h/karendiploma4.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="karen diploma" border="0" alt="karen diploma" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFLsB7tRR7yFh3h_YOor4_QmU3mGrJOm7RZClzgARlt3eTmMb_c1uVPxR_JzAFy6M7CPoQko-pQ8ExvCrDsiB2slmrIhu9fbOhyuvW6rhrlnE8DCMEdhP6y4H2SOC33eWO7WrnhGSBU8/?imgmax=800" width="166" height="183" /></a></p> <p>What that means, and no one is happier about this than Barb, is I will be much more available to work at Sutherland, and I am eager to welcome new and returning students back to the classroom. So I have been thinking about how to structure classroom time while maintaining flexibility for those who must schedule weaving classes around a job or other commitments or those coming from some distance to take a class. At the same time, I’m trying to carve out a little weekend time for myself, now that my weekdays are not dedicated to attending school.</p> <p>Here is the plan, beginning in June 2013.</p> <p>Open Classroom Saturdays</p> <p>Most Saturdays of every month, except those where I am otherwise committed or the studio is busy, will be Open Classroom days from 10 am-4 pm. On these days, students may schedule Just Weave, Weaving I; or any of the Next Step classes in four- or six-hour sessions. </p> <p>Next Step classes include “Weave a Twill Gamp, More Twills & A Taste of Overshot, Handwoven Lace, Color and Weave (a color a weave gamp below ) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJW2fE8fqTPNgMn3SCCISN90fq3b_MT29mF_AqCyvIWIO0_OLyX_M0LwxWDVyxpMBBniDezV4-WP66F8SABSOaVqzrwbHjAzN1SM9UCoDcMuil_NS3lU4tJQesnhJ5oqhOZEybcRNDyw/s1600-h/0263.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="026" border="0" alt="026" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9wMJ3c0rGxs4qe8WjUAApaKebRLbiu82Sm8ydH6dlKOPct_05-EmDpq0e9Q1u-le_P7W7PDmZPsTFhybMtAN7ceRx4q_rnBJAa3_oZvFPxxG2c7mfq40CyKqad3cXpRWtQ-IjECiUOs/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a>and Spice Up Your Recipe Weaving: A New Weaver’s Guide to Design & Project Planning.”</p> <p>Students may begin a class at any time as long as a loom is available. They will continue the class on consecutive Open Classroom days, sharing the classroom and instructor time with others who may be at different stages in the same class or in a different class. </p> <p>Advance registration and a 50% deposit are required to reserve an Open Classroom loom. Two make-up classes will be allowed, but if a student needs to miss more than two sessions, I simply ask that he or she leave the loom empty during the absence.</p> <p>Fees will be the same as posted in the Class Listing: $95 for Just Weave; $310 for the 32-hour Weaving I class; or $215 for the 18-hour Next Step classes, plus yarn fees. If Saturdays just don’t work for you, call and we’ll work something out.</p> <p>For the next few months, Open Classroom Saturdays will include June 1, 15 and 29; and July 13 and 20. </p> <p>Weekend Workshops</p> <p>To better accommodate those who travel here to take a class,  or who would prefer a more concentrated focus on a subject, I will schedule a two- or three-day workshop on Friday- Saturday or Friday-Sunday every other month. The subject may be any of the classes currently<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaTGJiDneq_GJDrWPWQL1JJI3LG4MatD696XLGcta0hlhW0pCXLwwvF2v2BA8Zn9yvS3qLLlSe6eCbk4LfkDMFW6O-sC43uE4rOKZWT-qKB4xKdFoveDo9ny5ZikT9ILoscpC5w3tNZrM/s1600-h/warprepsampler3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="warp rep sampler" border="0" alt="warp rep sampler" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XO1zyn8P4kZouEfUXIbZN63bKUlAXQ4Bg1bQdFwauqPq8aiBfyOu2Y1gz2puhfoX12BZ9LsNmo-6-k0AEtcSIryQXFTzxhTzboIKseUql6KVmztGiL7aUpZv5Y7sxRrOvYJgJUd-V7s/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> on the Class Listing or new ones I develop. First up will be Introduction to Designing & Weaving Warp Rep, July 26-27.</p> <p>For some workshops, including this one, students may be asked to bring a pre-warped loom, or they may reserve an available classroom loom one day in advance. A small fee will be charged for loom rental for workshops.</p> <p>Participation will be limited, based on space required for a particular workshop, and a minimum number of participants will be needed for the workshop to run.</p> <p>Two-day workshops will be $180 per person and three-day workshops will be $215 per person, plus yarn fees if applicable.</p> <p>Private Instruction</p> <p>I will also offer private lessons or custom classes on Tuesday-Friday at $30/hour, based on loom and time availability.</p> <p>Guest Instructors</p> <p>Sutherland will continue to present workshops by guest instructors. In fact, we’ve had a few seats open up in Daryl Lancaster’s Wearable Extravaganza five or seven-day workshop June 3-7(or 9). But contact us quickly if you are interested.</p> <p>We’ve also just booked Kathie Roig, who will teach her popular Warp Painting class on August 23-25 and Connie Lippert teaching Wedge Weave Fundamentals Nov. 2-3. You’ll hear more details about these soon.</p> <p>A new Sutherland Handweaving Studio Calendar of Classes & Events also should be ready for you to access soon. I’ll post a link when we’re done testing.</p> <p>For those who haven’t been to the studio in a while, remember that we have moved. We are now at 372 Depot St. Unit 20, a sister studio with Desert Moon Designs Studios & Gallery, just a few doors down. I hope to see you here soon.</p> <p>Your proud Haywood grad,</p> <p>Karen</p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-19322228539392421202013-01-08T19:13:00.001-05:002013-01-08T19:13:55.234-05:00Sutherland Study Group Invitation & News<p>Hello Sutherland friends, </p> <p>Happy 2013. We have three exciting announcements to share with you as the new year gets started. </p> <p>First, the third year of our Sutherland Weaver’s Study Group begins this Sunday, Jan. 13, at 2 pm at Sutherland Handweaving Studio. With the start of a new study subject, this is the perfect time to join. We will be reviewing our projects from the 2012 block design study with projects we wove from our shared profile draft. Then we will be kicking off our 2013 study of color in weaving with a video by Laura Bryant. We will be using Color-Aid papers to assist in our study and will have some sets available at the meeting. Each month, one member does a presentation related to the study subject, and we will be deciding what form those presentations will take on Sunday. We also leave time each meeting for show and tell, or show and ask, which is always inspiring and often just as educational as our study presentation. Please think about joining us this year. We have members with all ranges of experience who work on all styles and sizes of looms. Dues are $15 per year.</p> <p>Second, Sutherland will be moving to a new location Feb. 1. We have enjoyed our time at the Cotton Mill, but now are taking the opportunity to move to a new studio in the River Arts District. We will be at 372 Depot Street, Unit 20, under the building banner of Desert Moon Designs, a gallery a few doors down. Not only will we have a big, glass storefront and more visitor traffic walking by, we also will be air conditioned! We are excited about the opportunities this presents for more comfortable classes, events AND STUDY GROUP MEETINGS in the summertime. There is parking on the street outside the building or in a new free, lighted parking lot across the street. For those who are familiar with Magnetic Field Theater, we are in that building. We’re planning an open house to celebrate, but may wait until spring, when the weather gets nice. </p> <p>Third, speaking of classes, we are pleased that Daryl Lancaster has agreed to return June 3-9, 2013, to teach her Wearable Extravaganza, sewing with handwoven or other special fabrics workshop. For those who have never taken Daryl’s jacket class, that is the focus of this workshop. For those who have made the jacket, you may bring any pattern or patterns you like and get the benefit of Daryl’s help with design, fitting and couture finishing techniques. This year, you’ll be able to choose from the standard five-day workshop (Mon-Fri), or an expanded seven-day workshop (Mon-Sun). The two extra days are optional, but well worth the investment in terms of finishing up your projects. We’re still working out all the details given our new location, which will be…did I already mention this…air conditioned. But if you’re interested, let us know and we’ll put you at the top of our contact list when registration opens.</p> <p>Just to be clear, our Study Group meeting this Sunday will be at our Cotton Mill studio. Starting in February, we’ll be in the new location.</p> <p>We’re looking forward to a creative, successful year in 2013. We thank you for supporting us and hope to see you in the studio soon.</p> <p>Karen</p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-20432393152252784722012-05-27T10:28:00.001-04:002012-05-27T10:28:03.940-04:00Don’t Miss this Fashion Show Opportunity!<p><u>Call for Entries</u></p> <p>Project Handmade Fashion Show to Feature Contemporary Designs by Local Makers</p> <p>(May 23, 2012). Textile artists and fashion designers working within a 100-mile radius of Asheville, NC, are invited to submit entries for <b><i>Project Handmade</i></b>, a fashion show dedicated to showcasing contemporary garments made with traditional handcrafted detail using local materials. The goal is to inspire textile artists to engage resources available in the region and encourage innovation to showcase and distinguish the region’s creative fiber and textile art community. The fashion show will be fall 2012 at the Asheville Art Museum.</p> <p>Entries are due July 15, 2012, and must include digital images of original garments or fashion accessories representative of the applicant’s work and an artist’s statement that explains the processes involved in sourcing, creating, manipulating or embellishing the work and/or the fiber, yarn, fabric or patterns used to craft it.</p> <p>Participants selected for the juried show will be asked to create garments or fashion accessories following the theme: Earth Tone Palette. Finished work must be received by Oct. 15, 2012, and is subject to final approval by the fashion show committee after the actual work arrives.</p> <p>Any hand-processed technique may be used to make the fashion show submissions: growing, spinning, weaving, knitting, felting, dyeing, printing, draping, stitching, tailoring, painting or molding. Locally produced and repurposed materials are encouraged, as well as collaborations. For example, a local fashion designer might obtain fabric from a local weaver using yarn processed locally from a local fiber producer.</p> <p>The fashion show is a joint project of Local Cloth: Farm/Fiber/Fashion Network and the <a href="http://www.ashevilleart.org" target="_blank">Asheville Art Museum.</a> Local Cloth is a Western North Carolina-based organization that encourages and supports collaboration among textile artists, designers, fiber producers, suppliers and related small businesses. Its mission is to sustain and grow a thriving regional fiber and textile arts economy and bring locally grown and made textile products to consumers within and beyond the Blue Ridge. Both Project Handmade and Local Cloth: Farm/Fiber/Fashion Network operate in cooperation with <a href="http://www.handmadeinamerica.org" target="_blank">Handmade in America</a>.</p> <p>More details and entry guidelines are available at <a href="http://www.projecthandmade.org" target="_blank">www.projecthandmade.org</a>.</p> <p>-30-</p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-45324555929186282982012-01-04T20:48:00.001-05:002012-01-04T20:48:29.853-05:00New Year, New Study Group Subject<p>Happy New Year, Sutherland Handweaving Studio Friends!</p> <p>Karen Donde and Barb Butler invite all weavers and weaver wanna be’s to join Sutherland’s Weavers’ Study Group as we start our second year. Our first meeting will be this Sunday, Jan. 8, from 2-4 pm, at our studio in the Cotton Mill Studios, 122 Riverside Drive, Asheville. We’re starting a brand new study subject, so this is an ideal time to join. We meet monthly on a Sunday afternoon, but which Sunday tends to fluctuate. We’ll try to work that out at the first meeting. So check out the details below and let us know if you’d like to join us. If you’re interested but can’t make it Sunday, we’ll put you on the contact list for next month. Don’t worry, we’ll catch you up.</p> <p>Our study subject this year is block weaves. The group will choose one profile draft and everyone will weave a piece based on that profile, similar to Handwoven’s Weave-Along last year. Members will choose a month to show their sample and discuss how they interpreted the design. The process will work with any loom, from rigid heddle to multi-shaft.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieODABQMGXfAPNvvAOWlkcl1bph7vELTeLA0nYb2R01_u_exVczx0o8eG_Uf17zko8LkLBCFcNzomFxZ64QXoQgj5EWq_zDbUib20vh1WnmB8wrHj-Mfy7oXrct8AZ5rElBsu3HR6dIrY/s1600-h/KarenDonde_09_web%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="KarenDonde_09_web" border="0" alt="KarenDonde_09_web" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZKrJcNrHQVPGzY48XWyixrFVzm2m08GPyZ_FhoKa_qcFjKxhtwFPFdVhP_4NrYYonDQ_3KBNHLU6aE8PFZDmnDtPRBcr7lLb4ESD2kPoDaF3GMhvhVGEf-0npdu13ObTtOv3LDzVzb4/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a>At the first meeting on Sunday, Karen will provide a little tutorial about block theory, how to develop a profile draft and how to translate it to various weaves. We’ll work together to design a two-block profile draft that will be our inspiration for the year. Then we’ll assign months for members to present. Here’s one of Karen’s latest block weave projects.</p> <p>We will also collect our $15 annual dues for 2012. Show-and-tell is one of the best parts of our meeting, so please bring whatever you’ve been working on, thinking about working on or have questions about. We love sharing successes and ideas.</p> <p>We decided at our last meeting to arrange a tour of the Oriole Mill in Hendersonville, followed by dinner at the pizza place in Hendersonville. Our dues from last year would be applied to the bill for last year’s study group members. Others are welcome to join us. We’ll just ask that you buy your own pizza.  </p> <p>We had a lot of fun learning together last year and are excited about our study group’s second year. Hope you can join us!</p> <p>Karen and Barb</p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-17005493473169907072011-12-06T14:50:00.001-05:002011-12-06T14:50:29.574-05:00Dear Santa…<p>Sutherland Handweaving Studio has some exciting news about guest instructors for 2012, just in time for holiday gift giving or gift hinting!</p> <p> <strong>Excellent Holiday Gift Number ONE:</strong></p> <p>Laura Fry will teach a one-day seminar titled A Good Yarn, Saturday, March 17. Laura has been weaving professionally since 1977. Her work has evolved from table textiles to yardage woven for a fashion designer. She teaches throughout Canada and the U.S., writes for a variety of textile publications and has won numerous awards for her clothing fabrics. In 1997 she became the 27<sup>th</sup> weaver to earn certification as one of Canada’s Master Weavers.  Her book, “Magic in the Water,” which is filled with woven samples prior to and after wet finishing, is a very special acquisition for a weaver’s library. Here’s just one page from my copy showing the samples on the right and a photo of the finished project on the left.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNciE1Bf0NYt3Qh5qii79Cc6IS-ba61u5hc55uoEs_V1BZeYaQVSvdd1oBnBFoS6wOeMYQX1bGddKWMzE2eOv8fvz6fqp_S567UMYj6xKZEKrJd9g0AZ1tVpIT1veD7H9muV_2iLI3Lc/s1600-h/page%252520from%252520Magic%252520book%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="page from Magic book" border="0" alt="page from Magic book" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXm4WmGOTei5tjWLOz-oqZkwKi1yuK7tCxgx_I1Ri7l5QN8O5pvLPkpgX8ZHzIOfqMLD6WGccSn-K4SL-ooXnJeXR6xRw91tTQyRkDNPkOVFwsH5RuRFi-1C1J-x_Dre6ZLDi9GJFM2gE/?imgmax=800" width="195" height="147" /></a>  </p> <p>A Good Yarn is designed to help weavers better control their end results. Laura discusses fiber characteristics, yarn spinning and how weave structure and density affecting the finished textile. This is a tabletop workshop with no loom required. We have room for 20 participants and the cost is $120, plus a $10 supply fee. We’re going to need full payment for this workshop up front, as Laura is coming from British Columbia on a tour of the Southeast, and we need to lock in her travel plans as soon as possible.</p> <p> <strong>Excellent Holiday Gift Number TWO:</strong> </p> <p>Daryl Lancaster returns to Sutherland  May 29-June 2 to teach her very popular five-day garment construction class, A Wearable Extravaganza: Wrap your body in clothing from you own hands. This is a terrific class for those wanting to learn to fit and sew clothing from their handwoven, hand printed, dyed, quilted, felted or other special fabric, as well as for those more experienced students wanting polished and professional results. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTeGMVEymvKi2Lxm48ctlY6NB-9gUt5hI_-qvQ1rEb0naeSebHSSGaI_iBYZjeaO7UzhnQ2ftTkAJX13cDxenJiq1_X2Y-0NDTM5kQmOKtnQz-17L4TElCa15QIa6oV1f1xklE4dfe3Xo/s1600-h/Daryl%252520Lancaster%252520Jacket%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Daryl Lancaster Jacket" border="0" alt="Daryl Lancaster Jacket" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FsXFKhOeQKGYxaLkq-ltObuXNmZGyNE5Nye2r5bfivlZNxsUzlrIKkBPq_06q6FqWKfI23nDj4fJ2Gg63AZaIf7F3KvbKhbmlSWTs2VJ_SqRV-QY9aWazkldF30LSpFE0uZmNYfzVMw/?imgmax=800" width="147" height="154" /></a>Students will construct a basic unlined jacket, from their own fabric, custom fit to themselves, while learning all sorts of inspiring techniques to make their garments reflect their creativity. This class is designed to teach creativity as well as technique. Students who have already made a jacket with Daryl may opt to bring their own patterns. Even if you’ve taken a similar sewing class with Daryl, this class will move you to your own next level. Here is a link to the full <a href="http://www.daryllancaster.com/Webfiles/Wearable_Extravaganza.pdf " target="_blank">prospectus</a>, which includes more details and the supply list. Yes, you’ll need a sewing machine for this one.  </p> <p>We’re limited to only 10 participants for Daryl’s class, so make your reservation early. Cost is $450, plus a $35 materials fee, which includes an extensive handout…a book actually. A deposit of $225 will be needed to reserve your place in the class. The full balance will be due May 1, 2012.</p> <p> Cancellation policy for both Sutherland workshops: Refunds of payments and deposits, less a $10 service fee, will be accepted up to 30 days prior to the workshop. After that date, refunds are only possible if another student can take your place.</p> <p><strong>FINALLY, Excellent Holiday Gift Number Three:</strong></p> <p>If your interest in weaving classes is more at a beginning level, another Weaving I: Three Warps, Three Towels class with Karen starts Saturday, Jan. 14, from 10 am-2 pm. This class will continue for eight, four-hour segments on consecutive Saturdays. Cost is $310, plus yarn fee.</p> <p>So if your special Santa keeps bugging you for gift ideas, slip this blog post onto his or her computer screen . We have gift certificates!  BUT please don’t wait to contact us if you want to make sure you have a place in our guest instructor classes. We think these are going to fill quickly.</p> <p>Happy Holidays from Karen and Barb</p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-62783463975365856332011-10-26T21:06:00.001-04:002011-10-26T21:06:48.465-04:00What happened to this year?<p>It can’t be the last week of October. I feel like I’ve been in a time warp since last spring…which partly explains why posts have been few and far between.</p> <p>First the news of the hour. Our Sutherland Weavers’ Study Group will celebrate the conclusion of its first year of study this Sunday, Oct. 30, at 2 pm. We’ll discuss our progress, look at projects from the year and plan our study for year 2.</p> <p>This is a great time to join the Study Group. We include weavers of all experience levels weaving on all kinds of looms, rigid heddle to multi-shaft compudobby. We always learn from and inspire each other. The show and tell is excellent.</p> <p>Next year, we’re talking about stash reduction as the theme of our study, and we’ll firm up the details Sunday. We voted to use our dues from last year to purchase something (yarn or book maybe) that we can all use during the study. Suggestions welcome. We’re also doing a finger-food potluck. Nothing big, just some snacks and cider, but what’s a party without food?</p> <p>Let us know if you’d like to stop in and check us out. New members are always welcome.</p> <p>Next up at Sutherland is the much-anticipated tapestry weaving workshop with Tommye Scanlin and Pat Williams. It’s been full for months with a waiting list, so we’ll be talking with Tommye and Pat about scheduling another one for next year.</p> <p>The following weekend is our River Arts District Studio Stroll, Nov. 12 and 13. It’s always a crazy weekend with weaving demos and hundreds of strollers shopping for holiday gifts. All of our River Arts District Artists are open both days, so there are lots of great gift ideas. We, of course, favor handwoven scarves and towels!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxfvhWoYnBkoaHXW2BrniSS5OqXZRezNz3Z8IhRicfTw57elixfaP5empd3f0wlgABXGLAZGK_BP2yVzU8d5cVWKeSlkVUaQ4vrDdD2Cbn_u_-mMsl3Y7NEeN_SZZhvckXZmUDBVqqM8/s1600-h/kdonde%252520turned%252520beiderwand%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="kdonde turned beiderwand" border="0" alt="kdonde turned beiderwand" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUb_vnX2mb61hHVn4wm83EDvsCeJdcWDp7649dgpSBv9z5VyrWkleR1pEoXOx_mHSia3X0jxvZ-LEQphGXqEXylUNhpG0s3BVgZRVZdAbYtJs8NOuFdtH0FuGS4WKEZWmUKP5NsAEd6Xs/?imgmax=800" width="131" height="192" /></a>Meanwhile I’m trying to keep up with the schedule at Haywood Community College Professional Crafts-Fiber program, writing for the Handwoven’s Weaving Today newsletter and planning the classes I’ll be teaching at Convergence next year. Look for this scarf I wove for Weaving Today’s block draft Weave-along in the new November-December Handwoven!</p> <p>And Barb has Sutherland looking awesome with new work, new lighting, new displays and a NEW LOOM!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqtYkS_0M_0u516rm-bFRxsKGHV9JBBJvys3LhxFAaP6_EJH5AR5PzC2YlzPZOAoJMpXrGacvv6w0duDlxsOpqxhFp_wvsxXnqBtSrwrXXPilGH7BcTikRJx0qUpmfukiJulodR6eO8c/s1600-h/IMG_0055%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="IMG_0055" border="0" alt="IMG_0055" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DTDjJXAfWQkKpmffR9Vjo1uSUnZeTgGsGe2uaFAmYDp4TP-o1RZLFt6YUaBVIbnWa4ZFRdE-3V4wGlXEKaq8bM1vpWqBOjgnsmUh9DpvjVQn1TN1Fj1IvWg94Ej54qhjvPURP7TmrbM/?imgmax=800" width="134" height="176" /></a>Here’s Barb getting acquainted with Meg, our new 32-shaft Louet Megado compu-dobby. It’s added a whole new dimension to our weaving. </p> <p>Hope we’ll see you in the studio soon!</p> <p>Karen</p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-52501855941446057032011-07-01T11:19:00.001-04:002011-07-01T11:19:27.970-04:00The deal is done!<p>We have scheduled the tapestry weaving workshop team taught by <a href="http://web.me.com/tmscanlin" target="_blank">Tommye Scanlin</a> and <a href="http://web.mac.com/patwilli1/Site/Welcome.html" target="_blank">Pat Williams</a> at Sutherland Handweaving Studio Nov. 4-6, 2011. This will include 2 six-hour days of instruction Saturday and Sunday suitable for beginners to more experienced tapestry weavers, plus a little bonus the evening before (on the 4th) when Tommye and Pat meet everyone, begin to assess every participant’s experience level and talk a bit about their own work.</p> <p>For those concerned about equipment, no worries. Tommye and Pat bring looms, bobbins, yarns and lots of inspiration. Of course, if you have a tapestry loom and tools, please bring them.</p> <p>A warning, we have a 15 student limit, and 5 seats are already filled. Here are the particulars about registration. Cost for the workshop is $180 per person, payable to Sutherland, and $10 supply fee payable to the instructors at the workshop. We will need a deposit of $90 to hold your space in the workshop. So if you’re interested, call us right away to discuss payment. If you should need to cancel for any reason, we will refund your deposit (less a $10 processing fee) up until 30 days prior to the workshop. After that, no refunds are possible unless we have someone on a waiting list to fill your space.</p> <p>I’ve taken this workshop myself, and can testify to Tommye’s and Pat’s ability to take you where you are in tapestry, teach you better ways to do even the basics, and push you forward in both skills and designing.</p> <p>We’re thrilled to bring Tommye and Pat to Asheville. </p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-34500156006864678352011-06-21T15:26:00.001-04:002011-06-21T15:26:52.793-04:00Calling all current and potential tapestry weavers!<p>A number of Sutherland visitors have asked over the past several months about scheduling a tapestry weaving workshop at our studio. We are currently talking with Tommye Scanlin and Pat Williams about a 2-day, plus the evening before, tapestry workshop in late October or early November (before Thanksgiving for sure). Tommye and Pat have been team teaching this workshop that they adapt to people with no tapestry experience, a little tapestry experience and even those who’ve taken their class before. Having taken the class, I can testify that it is a fun, educational and information-packed two+ days. They provide tapestry looms, tools and yarns if you don’t have your own frame tapestry loom.</p> <p>You can read more about Tommye and see her work at her website: <a href="http://web.me.com/tmscanlin/web.me.com_tmscanlin/Welcome.html">http://web.me.com/tmscanlin/web.me.com_tmscanlin/Welcome.html</a>   Pat’s website is: <a href="http://web.mac.com/patwilli1/Site/Welcome.html">http://web.mac.com/patwilli1/Site/Welcome.html</a></p> <p>So we are curious to find out how many of you would be interested in taking such a workshop. We are estimating the price at around $180 per person plus a $10 supply fee (for some truly wonderful handouts). I know it will depend on when. But if you’re really interested and have schedule limitations, let us know and we’ll do our best to find the most acceptable dates. Generally we’re thinking about a Thursday evening through Saturday, or a Friday evening through Sunday format.</p> <p>Thanks for the input!</p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-41772632301132025962011-05-24T14:43:00.001-04:002011-05-24T14:43:20.622-04:00Broken Threads<p>The email group posting or guild newsletter ad is all too familiar, and weavers can usually read between the lines. A friend, often another weaver, is listing for sale the entire contents of someone’s weaving studio. Looms (usually more than one), shuttles, warping board, bobbin winders, lease sticks, benches, ball winder, swift , hooks and gadgets too numerous to mention, pounds and pounds of yarn and a full library of weaving books and magazines all for sale.</p> <p>We know it means another weaver has died. </p> <p>We read through the equipment listing debating whether to add this or that to our own collections, knowing the hands that threaded these heddles and threw the shuttles, the feet that tramped the treadles in a rhythmic order and the heart that pounded with excitement as a pattern began to emerge on the loom are gone.   </p> <p>Today my heart is heavy. My first weaving teacher, my mentor, my close friend, Naomi Cannon, lost her battle with advanced breast cancer yesterday. In her Cherry Hill, NJ, cellar some 12 1/2 years ago, Naomi laid her shuttle in my hand for the first time.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Oq8qFoBvF61Ca2qmpFXGzS7HKMRoIc7GoKkaPDupOMruhxjqfa7U9aHReWMZaf0SlOtTV94qSPIhsHRDu43oq1lwobbOngmXosogu6TEKc1d9YFo06IU8b3FzkllFvZlnzcN6wz6kfs/s1600-h/naomi%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="naomi" border="0" alt="naomi" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDxGltunU6PYQWrDyRRaqLjDuDWhyprO0USzDL_MDIJNaW3oWU_Cc1hV9WTkEbUOAfj65PtTgPGt2OsMVKNAoQLGaY2FrN75d7988bO4B6ZrqvmzNDzUVZ3TTgrSChBlZYkjBa-mflJc/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="211" /></a> “Step on a treadle,” she encouraged. “Now slide the shuttle through the opening and catch it with your other hand. Let go of the treadle and grab the beater right here. Now pull it toward you firmly…a little harder than that,” she instructed, grasping the beater and giving whatever she had been weaving a good thwack. “Now step on the next treadle and do it again.”</p> <p>That was all it took. I was hooked. My heart was pounding and this lovely little (only 5-foot tall) woman was beaming. She offered to give me weaving lessons in her cellar. Saying yes instantly was the smartest decision I ever made. Naomi, schooled at the heels of Doris Boyd, who also became my teacher, was a perfectionist. She wanted everything she wove to be perfect, and to me and her other weaving friends it always was, though she was quick to point out any tiny flaws.</p> <p>For me, this meant I was taught the “right” way to do almost everything and the value of a perfectly handwoven, properly finished textile. I will always be grateful to her for that.</p> <p> But I will miss her most because she was my friend, almost a sister, really. Even though she was several years my senior, we hit it off right away. She taught me how to speak “weaving,” and once I learned the language, we could talk for hours. Naomi was coordinator (she wouldn’t call herself president) of the South Jersey guild. In fact, she was a large part of what kept that guild functioning. She brought me in as secretary, and during the years all guilds seem to experience when volunteers are scarce, we managed guild affairs as a team.</p> <p>We drove to regional meetings together. We went to sheep and wool festivals, conferences and workshops together. We studied at Doris Boyd’s for nearly a decade after Naomi convinced Doris to take me on. Naomi was a joy to be around, and always first to share the latest internet joke or some delicious cookies she had just baked. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYyvhwauhyphenhyphenowNqDOI2l6vmfjmpx6eHt12a6C07cvXETwr0VNxaPWzP0E16ifuwVgLy1CvvdsKbzpFtmSEOG25Vy0YVrlF5G0y7Pc0kwIZb4pjn77G9Cg6Rm8e9QVbRbEoIHg5ZXEw-r0/s1600-h/Doris%20and%20Naomi%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Doris and Naomi" border="0" alt="Doris and Naomi" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokqo4m1KiQEfyJCeP9kKPBPluI5V-grX9_S9OQ-ziHOD0arwEzSSZ_LtL8-4M8JRGk4My5zxR8n96586K8MDwMIYzxrACeeUaLbQ3sVXm1gh_LZ_MYYQJbBCPfkJqNWxQ8VAu6gjPvwk/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>She insisted on washing the lunch dishes at Doris’, while the rest of us grabbed tea towels and tried to keep  up with her. Here’s Doris and Naomi celebrating the cutting off of another weaver’s project.</p> <p>Even after I moved away from South Jersey to Asheville, NC., Naomi remained my champion and biggest supporter. I am sorry she will not be at Convergence with me next summer. She was thrilled to learn I’d be teaching there.</p> <p>My most cherished memories of Naomi, however, are back when I was learning to weave from her one-on-one in her cellar. I’d be perched at her small Macomber, struggling to thread 20/2 cotton for an overshot sampler. He husband Del once asked her why she was making me use such fine threads as a beginner. She told him, “Doris made me do it.” And, of course, it taught me much more than simply overshot.</p> <p>At lunch time, we’d climb the stairs to her kitchen, where I’d pull out the lunch I’d brought, and we’d sit down with Del to relax and talk about family, or flowers or the latest news.</p> <p>I know that soon enough, Naomi’s weaving things will be dispersed among other weavers near and far. It’s the regular order of things. Whatever makes it back to my studio will be held very dear, a connection to the hands and heart that guided me along this path.</p> <p>Thank you, Naomi. I love you dearly and will miss you forever.</p> <p>Karen</p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-47258204897865842082011-04-27T16:00:00.001-04:002011-04-27T16:00:41.978-04:00You’re Invited to a Reception at Sutherland<p> </p> <p>Barb Butler and Karen Donde invite you to a special reception we’re having at Sutherland’s new Cotton Mill Studios for Wence and Sandra Martinez. Wence is the Oaxacan-born, Zapotec Indian who weaves the beautiful contemporary tapestry rugs we’ve been lucky enough to display at Sutherland over the winter. Wence and Sandra will be stopping by Asheville on their return to their Wisconsin home with new work to show us. We want you to be part of the celebration of their return. They’ll have lots to tell us about the new work and the inspiration they gained while spending their winter in Oaxaca, Mexico.</p> <p>We’ll also be cracking the champagne bottle (figuratively…we never waste wine) over our new Cotton Mill studio, just down Riverside Drive a bit from the first one. We have been settling in and testing it out with a couple of classes and workshops. It’s performing wonderfully and we’d love to show it to you.</p> <p>Please plan to stop by and say hello to Wence and Sandra. Here’s a small taste of the beautiful new work they’ll be showing, and they’re always fun to chat with.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdmbuW6_vabVQyoIILMS1x6iaH4UqkHIjSgndOOZO9tQTqIr82Ve69ujN3TpxMhz-c2qc0R6zVlfx1ZL39Sbcf-FAE0U3FA6BpdlTWqNWR_cZdMrAQA0QeUYpIXiWlTURF-UoIU3kW4w/s1600-h/red%20gray%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="red gray" border="0" alt="red gray" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qd7DSfOOi3N_JT30GSniYy9-kj7SSEO36ftUN4utQGg9wwk0oMOVy2MsCYf3spDvgsf6yHoixjlk5gfKmiXIGwYv-XApkf-g4OQ0d4oPa1ynCRoys2ztszVQvPJf2dHkd0Nntk5GJTE/?imgmax=800" width="187" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Here are the details.</p> <p>What:  Reception for Wence and Sandra Martinez</p> <p>Where: Sutherland Handweaving Studio, 122 Riverside Drive, Cotton Mill Studios, Asheville, NC 28801.  Come in the main door. We’re on the first floor just to your right.</p> <p>When: 5 pm-8 pm, Friday, April 29  (this Friday!)</p> <p>Why:  </p> <p>To see Wence Martinez’ beautiful new tapestry rugs.</p> <p>To check out Barb’s and Karen’s bright and roomy new digs in the Cotton Mill Studios.</p> <p>To enjoy some snacks and drinks.</p> <p>Because it’s SPRING, and we want to party.</p> <p>Please RSVP to Barb at <a href="mailto:barbbutler1@gmail.com">barbbutler1@gmail.com</a>   or call 803-513-1814 so we know how many to expect.</p> <p>Hope to see you there!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdmbuW6_vabVQyoIILMS1x6iaH4UqkHIjSgndOOZO9tQTqIr82Ve69ujN3TpxMhz-c2qc0R6zVlfx1ZL39Sbcf-FAE0U3FA6BpdlTWqNWR_cZdMrAQA0QeUYpIXiWlTURF-UoIU3kW4w/s1600-h/red%20gray%5B2%5D.jpg"></a></p> <p></p> <p>Copyright 2011 Martinez Studios</p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-74056815715754778932011-03-16T12:56:00.001-04:002011-03-16T12:56:06.107-04:00Weaver…unplugged<p>Well almost. I did bring my laptop on vacation so I could work on the lesson plan for the Handwoven Lace Techniques workshop I’m teaching March 25-27. And I’ve been keeping up with email. But all in all, my spring break in Sanibel, FL, has been quite relaxing.</p> <p>A couple visits to the spa, daily walks, a few exercise classes and I’m a new woman. I will admit that the restaurants in Asheville are much better than what we’ve found in Fort Myers or Sanibel. But the weather has been clear and sunny with highs in the 70s and 80s since we got here. That won’t be true in Asheville for a few more weeks, at least.</p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="002" border="0" alt="002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyYibRuuZuuQqe51nJvrxQqeZwQQauPLW88zIpsNm2SWPJ9YTygF3k5end8Xl2kgh0_EPMwYFDGUmGa0e8Sy44rYmBw5aEhbOn3asQ2BBspJwAcQC8RDgtfp7Y0KUAKcFEyvUKHrV9DU/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" />I took in a nice fiber show at Big Arts in Sanibel yesterday. Titled Hanging By a Thread, the contemporary fiber art invitational included a lot of politically themed applique and quilting, some fiber sculpture, hand-made dolls,  and some beautiful tapestry weaving by Terri K. Stewart, which of course was my favorite.</p> <p>We’ve stayed away from Fort Myers Beach, which is currently besieged by hoards of spring breakers…you know, the young and single who like to mingle crowd. Even the Sanibel beach parking lots are jammed. So we’ve mostly stuck to the quieter resort perched on Sanibel Harbour just before the causeway.</p> <p>We’ve heard so many nice things about our new website. Thanks to all. We love it too, giving credit to Barb’s very talented daughter Melissa for the concept, design and photography. And we’re settling into our new studio in the Cotton Mill Studios. I’ve already had one student in the classroom, and it’s working famously. Here’s Laurel warping Towel 2.<img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="003" border="0" alt="003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqW8W87CXyTJ6kzfHUf2zTb8T2IITOQpyE40bZcHqbZSyjGc4J-klgAswwTQefRUSDOOyGonzYlp7YuUKvclp63gTL3fqAxs8MG3E5iKF5tez-FODKe8U2sPlB5CvwZGI9Q401uXpYHQ/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></p> <p>The next class is the Handwoven Lace workshop, then in April is <strong>Kathie Roig’s Warp It! Paint It! Weave It! workshop</strong>. Deadline for registering for Kathie’s workshop is the last week of March, as Kathie has to send out pre-wound warps for participants and we need to know there will be enough students to run the workshop. So if you’ve been thinking about Kathie’s workshop, but haven’t committed yet, NOW is the time. <strong>We must have your payment in hand by Monday, March 28.</strong></p> <p>I head back to North Carolina tomorrow and will be in the studio Friday and Saturday. There is even a yarn and fabric swap from 1-4 Saturday at both Sutherland and Cloth Fiber Workshop, our new studio neighbor. Hope to see you there!</p> <p>Namaste</p> <p>Karen</p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-15344783290773125332011-02-02T17:24:00.001-05:002011-02-02T17:24:08.118-05:00More in the Valentine’s mood<p>Actually the two scarves I just finished got their start last fall when I pulled what was a poorly chosen supplementary warp off my loom. The remaining ground warp became a couple of plain weave scarves, one with ombre blue and turquoise wefts that was featured in our 12 Scarves promo. The other, a short one with stripes on one end, I kept for myself.</p> <p>Meanwhile, I couldn’t bear to waste the supplementary warp, a wonderful hand-dyed (by our friends at <a href="http://www.justouryarn.com" target="_blank">Just Our Yarn</a>) fine, unspun cotton from <a href="http://www.habutextiles.com" target="_blank">Habu</a> in gorgeous red violet shades. What can I say. I was seduced by the color. This d<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9UlXFvFqxfzm6Jkb1UysqmmzBpjhB0hVwfx_Mkdrczi_K7CYI1z9j5PJI1sBuTUP8MypwZ_Wvjf2uTRPj-87YCByQmV_ZyzyJsE9RvTRqUCQCyprxnVOOVFCcHhiLIKGLDtUoEepu0I/s1600-h/Jaguar%20diamonds%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="Jaguar diamonds" border="0" alt="Jaguar diamonds" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBXu4pIijK-tiIjg6ANHRsfGKYTFHKGiZgB35j_Tb0LVxrHcVR6JpvI_pj6EK5xUbnH74aIoJ5wHdTpRbsquZv4Egdy5gczOQygVZRcjpv6sQV6Ia5XcgKaDR02tRcVuhUotvaJsnDWw/?imgmax=800" width="175" height="244" /></a>elicate yarn makes a wonderful weft, but is challenging (to say the least) as warp.  No longer able to be anything but warp, the soft cotton was threaded onto my studio loom in an extended point twill, with a much wider sett and more open reed.</p> <p>For the first scarf, I wove in a few differ wefts that just weren’t working. Then Barb pulled a cone of red Jaguar, a modal blend, from our stash of <a href="http://www.silkcityfibers.com" target="_blank">Silk City yarns</a>. It was too fine to use singly, so I doubled it and, voila!, there were the lovely concentric diamonds. It washed up soft and cozy but still lightweight.</p> <p>The second scarf on the warp had to weave faster, as I ne<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicECDnKyopmjEAIk1sL852zvAyOHo5rsY9zwxz8cIVvY0nwE0mG9LimNNVqNmXOVy09KA8lLP2WjZPNM6jmdYOdYYT6_aDkPxspPnWPWDZl0tqt7ka8sIimNYei4MKj-Cocf8JQ2f9-R8/s1600-h/fuzzy%20ombre-closeup%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="fuzzy ombre-closeup" border="0" alt="fuzzy ombre-closeup" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHeTohFbJ5XFlRfrl73eG5dpkFMPRe5sTwCViFkWCNOY9c04ABil6o3ni2sj8NWhvswITHR5MJIoWAV_5xk05KSBEIzCF0F1bov30KYePQVi2sN9BFOHAEf6w-W8-I0G-5gBHc8axvCI/?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a>eded the loom for a class this Friday with a group of girls from a local high school. I rummaged through my stash of sock yarns and found a deep red and a variegated purple with some mohair in it. I blended randomly sized bands of the colors into each other for more ombre effects. It finished up both wider and fuzzier than the first, but I wove it off in 2 1/2 hours.</p> <p>Next up, when I’m not busy with school or homework, I’ll be sewing up some luscious yardage I wove last month into the long-planned “Akira” jacket, inspired by the work of potter <a href="http://www.akirasatake.com" target="_blank">Akira Satake</a>, I’ve been a big fan of Akira since he joined the group of artists at <a href="http://www.curvestudiosNC.com" target="_blank">CURVE studios & garden</a>.</p> <p>Speaking of CURVE, Barb and I have some exciting news that we’ll be  announcing soon. Big changes are ahead!</p> <p>Karen</p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-23769980002612791402011-01-24T20:08:00.001-05:002011-01-24T20:08:09.427-05:00Another pic of that Valentine’s giveaway scarf on our Facebook Page<p>Barb’s work is so fine, that when she weaves patterns, it’s often hard for the camera to capture them. I managed to get this closeup Sunday of the scarf we’re giving away as a prize in sutherland’s latest Facebook page promotion. Be sure to click on it for a better look.</p> <p>Keep suggesting our page to your friends and have them mention you when they visit and become fans.</p> <p>I really can’t believe she’s giving this one away.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-C-q12iwRz-gi52vUrqkRE18khlDMUddg8ppGhwqFdcQhQAHM6scRxUkZ_wLYqLO_-5pr_P1q5fZ3ri32M1aho2mIqMv8Vq5WyCszaqowWgDY60MhTpEDsO2oA8jt6S2O-afUvBT5Hg/s1600-h/019%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="019" border="0" alt="019" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWhc2csdQj9JlbTIN0S3pk4qIjb9_uJqxQ4jk9MzQVZyqtQfOmiEMug0_94DQeWIAGRB_ey4KssSvS6exR_PPUGMmE_BnOGUxiXQRNZ6h42UvxdvYaN00GvkCHPnxy1yaG2zi7LTz3UA/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-62833288887258609542011-01-21T10:54:00.001-05:002011-01-21T10:54:32.063-05:00Win this scarf in sutherland’s Facebook Valentine’s Giveaway<p>Calling all sutherland fans! Karen and Barb are excited to announce their Valentine's Giveaway on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sutherland.Handweaving" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. From January 17 through the 31st you'll have the chance to win a scarf handwoven by Barb valued at $195! We will draw for the winner on February 1. All you have to do to enter is: 1) suggest the sutherland fb page to your friends, 2) once they become a fan, they must post on our wall that you suggested they become a fan, and both of you get entered - it's that easy! There are no limits as to how many times you enter, so suggest away!</p> <p>Good luck!</p> <p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2957979&id=197958193537"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="clip_image002" border="0" alt="clip_image002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvZPdvvYMQAEjwyYd2vgE1hjvnT_0nP64U3VXN3tgnML2WrIC_cz8cy0WxmbtgeH4di8DICJ-aVa3NvpZxxIZsnXQota_LFmKub4_-DtiRFfz1P4cTFTLg265wyzm7ymWOhfkxJ3x-7w/?imgmax=800" width="224" height="385" /></a></p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-33930852327075780612010-12-29T17:24:00.001-05:002010-12-29T17:24:28.365-05:00We have a winner!!<p>What fun we had with our 12 Scarves of Christmas promotion on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sutherland.Handweaving" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. For those who missed it, we posted a picture of one of the scarves we have for sale each day for the 12 days before Christmas. We then invited folks to comment on them, and every day someone liked or commented on the post we entered their name in a drawing to win a 50% discount on one of Barb’s or Karen’s creations.</p> <p>Even better, we sold three of the scarves before the promotion ended! And we made a whole lot of new fans and friends. Our weekly views skyrocketed! One goal for 2011 is to really get a handle on social networking and make this Facebook thing work even  better for us.</p> <p>So, congratulations to Debra Davis of Brevard, NC, just south of Asheville, whose name we chose in a very scientific method. I’ll be happy to explain it to anyone curious. We have not met Debra in person yet, but look forward to her visit to sutherland. It seems Debra collects yarn, lots of it. Already we’re kindred spirits. And she’s taking a few small weaving classes in January from a local group. The chemistry is palpable.</p> <p>So, once Debra gets totally hooked on weaving, we’re looking forward to getting her in some of our classes. Following is Karen’s new class list for 2011. We’re going rogue with the scheduling, as we could never stick to the calendar anyway. If you see a class you’d like to take, call or email and Karen will schedule it based on time and loom availability.</p> <p>AND don’t forget to sign up for Kathie Roig’s Warp it! Paint it! Weave it! class at sutherland Feb. 18-20. See the Dec. 16 post!  This is going to be lots of fun. Kathie paints warps with fabric paints instead of dyes – a lot less mess. Please call if you have any questions.</p> <p>Barb and Karen feel very blessed to have spent the last year doing what makes them happy and sharing it with friends old and new. Here’s to finding your creative passion in 2011…and doing something about it!</p> <p><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5eOyyexRGk0xjjYYUbz0_P5mmywXRVKMmEoGC9I5i7F0B4l2Q-hzRBV2QNexHeewYrUQV1NFh-FjMxLZjSxqym1j_wxJJq18tMsPMsxj4OMbGG5eQfMdfVuZC5IAM3CNg3g1FArIxGLA/s1600-h/Hardy's%20baby%20blanket%20(2)%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmU0u7rkPUXK6oZhWooYTf1UL-UwjxoJ5QvYbmCr13SybbwdXYxyWgMz9Dzb6ZaU5pxmTXDR4-zPKAJbzILi0hlLvX4F3MtWJ0Ncxg-LrCBwXM4CoZoJM_7kO1K80hlm6Tyengj5kwous/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></b></p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>Hardy Holland took Karen’s Weaving I class last January and several others in 2010. This fall he stopped by to show off the overshot baby blanket he wove for a friend and stitched together by hand! Well done, Hardy!</b></p> <p><b>sutherland Weaving Classes</b></p> <p>© Karen Donde</p> <p><b>For Beginners</b></p> <p><strong>Just Weave $95</strong> This class invites students to weave a complete scarf in one day on a loom already warped in rayon chenille. They will learn the basics of loom operation, how to wind bobbins and efficient weaving and finishing techniques. It is perfect for beginners who want to try weaving before committing to an in-depth class, lapsed weavers who need a reminder of how much fun weaving is or experienced weavers with no time to warp who simply want to spend a day throwing the shuttle or weaving a quick gift.</p> <p><strong>Weaving I-Three Warps, Three Towels $310 + yarn</strong>  Warping the loom can be the most intimidating part of learning to weave. The only way to become comfortable with warping is frequent repetition. This in-depth introduction to weaving guides students through planning, warping and weaving three separate projects on three different short warps in eight 4-hour classes. Dish or hand towels are perfect short projects. The first will be a plain weave towel with a solid colored warp and contrasting color weft. The second will introduce twill. The third will feature threading and color variations. Along the way, students will learn about choosing fibers and colors, how looms and other weaving equipment work, efficient warping tips, proper weaving techniques and how to finish handwoven textiles.</p> <p><b>Beyond Beginners</b></p> <p><strong>Weave a Twill Gamp $215 + yarn</strong>  Students who have completed Weaving I, or have basic weaving experience, can explore four different twill patterns by weaving a gamp or sampler. We will review good warping and weaving techniques, and students will learn how to thread different patterns and vary treadling to weave different but related fabrics. Six 3-hour classes.</p> <p><strong>More Twills and a Taste of Overshot<i> </i>$215 + yarn</strong>  A follow up to either Weaving I or Weave a Twill Gamp, this class introduces students to two additional twill patterns and an overshot threading to make a cotton table runner. Students may choose one threading, or use them in the same warp. Lessons include a first look at overshot theory and design, and examples of twill variations. Six 3-hour classes.</p> <p><strong>Handwoven Lace Techniques $215 + yarn</strong>  Students who have taken Weaving I, or who are familiar with warping and plain weave, will be introduced to three different threadings for weaving lacy, open fabrics using fine cotton or fine wool. Choosing from Huck Lace, Swedish Lace or Atwater-Bronson Lace, weavers will create a scarf or series of napkins experimenting with various pattern effects possible with treadling variations.</p> <p><strong>Drafting & Design $215</strong>  For students who are comfortable warping, working from an existing draft and weaving tabby, twill or other basic weave structures, this class helps them learn how to design their own projects and draft their own patterns. Students will be asked to come to the first class with a general idea of a project they want to weave. We will work through decisions about appropriate fiber, yarn size, color and structure for the desired textile, practice planning yarn needs and pattern drafting and weave a project sample. Students will be introduced to computer drafting programs. Students may supply their own yarn or we will order for you from one of our suppliers. Six 3-hour classes.</p> <p><strong>Color and Weave $215 + yarn</strong>  This class introduces some of the many color-and-weave effects possible when color order in warp and weft interacts with weave structure in a gamp or sampler. Students may choose three different color orders and will weave them in both plain weave and twill. With the remaining warp, students may experiment with other weft color orders. Six 3-hour classes.</p> <p><i></i><strong>Introduction to Designing & Weaving Warp Rep <i></i>$215 + yarn</strong>  Warp Rep is a warp-faced (or warp-dominant) block weave in which a thick weft alternating with a thin weft produces color patterns and horizontal (weft-wise) ribs. In this introduction, students will learn Karen’s building-block technique for rep design. They will then thread studio looms with their own designs and weave a variety of treadling variations into a series of mug rugs or coasters. Six 3-hour classes.  <i>Minimum Experience Level</i>: Advanced beginner. Students must be able to read a draft and warp a precise color pattern independently.</p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-90783486515848686442010-12-16T20:51:00.001-05:002010-12-16T20:51:32.933-05:00Warp it! Paint it! Weave it! with Kathie Roig<p><i><u>A sutherland Handweaving Guest Teacher Workshop</u></i></p> <p>Feb. 18-20, 2011</p> <p>sutherland Handweaving Gallery & Teaching Studio is pleased to welcome guest teacher <a href="http://www.kmrhandwoven.com" target="_blank">Kathie Roig</a> to the studio to teach h<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_Kkw9-cN09STGM459mc1eSKxFI7bxEyYWPTqbHWPJZZ5H9AnW6OTFnAAMfGGCuu-_9TKiSVaKdYP69ahyphenhyphen0oVfqlRZzsObGcb669TFoCA3EmPamffgBy15GreMS8OplkIdBhrBZk0iSE/s1600-h/IMG_2144%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="IMG_2144" border="0" alt="IMG_2144" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs3PBl08Z7B8W2LtX0JRtNHdq6ZQ1jBvy-u48J72niIR8AS6oIR5wonXWassqHWxBjQzv1pa_AIuKsroQ7DnbvNuQgc2izQ_sEXdcAL_bKvMZgMN-JIZNzZm3GT1zAWqYSnIeaYo1tw04/?imgmax=800" width="200" height="153" /></a>er popular and unique method of warp painting in a workshop Feb. 18-20, 2011. The class explores two different methods of painting a warp using fabric paints instead of dye. This spontaneous method of applying color to yarn can be used in either functional or non-functional pieces. Students will learn to paint the warp once it’s already on the loom and prior to dressing the loom, and will be encouraged to experiment with color, texture, and weave str<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJiaSy7eu8bnR7X2TGikXf-6DBLYtWZfbbWZQmUpGTAoLW3QmkCkvGyrXKYKaVy6FTbilSFT4ilpl_XpLDiscNd3pWTCjrRy3TAEqwJVBgeJWZJ3LJfZYPLR9rShj3PZodJCC9yQqFN0/s1600-h/IMG_1059_1%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="IMG_1059_1" border="0" alt="IMG_1059_1" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCErL1xL1-Flcmjz_CeWReBDnTyccYgOBbLQ5OR6tFKtiacfimqS5Wh9ADXxsYSgwvQdg6nAp9M1uhGgKwA5s7BsDjqFc4Kmh43xlByDIBCiXBVADs6R4NCvGbvOb6cB0v0NgKQcC_ck8/?imgmax=800" width="141" height="185" /></a>ucture. Students must have basic warping and weaving experience. They will need to bring a loom pre-warped according to Kathie’s instructions with a warp she will provide in advance. sutherland classroom looms will be available for rental. Contact us as soon as possible for fee and availability.</p> <p>The class runs 1 pm-5 pm on Friday, Feb. 18; and 9 am-4 pm Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 19 & 20, 2011. Workshop fee is $250, plus a $20 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpM_tQCgrkJbBO8OkjeaNXcPOo43MhOuQEUpydIb6FSZPwvKHjR-5T0fFnoJhymkp5TeiADNB0znsLGeJqlthpKaE5SJW4YU6TGo3NAhp79sbEDasZs0ICFGuaJwH7DhatGd2sPAwNCCU/s1600-h/IMG_2150%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="IMG_2150" border="0" alt="IMG_2150" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtSSzwmotn9wcCXvXBjrUjIrEywDBNE5MqSI9OJUaY18srp5Snhx2ju89qnfc2gLRU_VUL6gnQ1obRkBd8RTeQ84JQNerMVs1AxPj253PD-3rLkFIwZBK0xG9e03g7bAY2LnKwoiVMcg/?imgmax=800" width="137" height="179" /></a>supply fee. Class is limited to 10 students, and full payment in advance is required to hold your space. If the class must be cancelled for any reason, fees will be refunded. </p> <p>For more information or to register, email <a href="mailto:sutherlandstudios@gmail.com">sutherlandstudios@gmail.com</a>  or call Barb Butler: 803-513-1814.</p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-87407580213767919082010-12-13T10:49:00.001-05:002010-12-13T10:49:53.915-05:00sutherland’s “12 Scarves of Christmas” on Facebook!<p>In celebration of sutherland’s first anniversary, we invite our friends and followers to enjoy a little contest feature we call, “The 12 Scarves of Christmas.” Starting today on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sutherland.Handweaving" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> through Dec. 24, we’ll post a picture of a different scarf or pashmina available for sale at sutherland. Think of it as a little inspiration for your own or your true love’s holiday gift giving. </p> <p>Every day you leave a comment (a nice one we hope) we’ll enter your name in a drawing on Dec. 26 for a coupon worth 50% off one of Karen’s or Barb’s creations. One entry per day, please.</p> <p>Featured items may be purchased in the studio or over the phone at any time, so if you have your heart set on one, best not wait! Call or email for prices.</p> <p>Enjoy the pictures and good luck!</p> <p>Karen</p> <p>PS: Each day we’ll also offer another gift idea available at sutherland. Feel free to share them with anyone you think might be interested.</p> <p>And here’s a peek at the 1st Day’s scarf.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjY6Sy3cGSj1a-V7xAlxzcRTImSFKJsnVorjM1thZTj9gy2rlF04Ng3mViRtcPn9PFBwYKZevX8yvPSiDfd-Y5xEe-Vgr7D_pFAV_xqS1geFc4BJK0aETLl2C7rJGhf9aqj2lDimmYRY/s1600-h/barb%20scarves%20001%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="barb scarves 001" border="0" alt="barb scarves 001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIjC6LOz4-R_s-FHrFfahgaSF8hWDgHC-UARDwgvOtZosCnDMoi3ychK2UTqhGpaWnRHXkktDUxJFBZH5Xq-dfjM8lL_QL1huGDWkhFYh55TXakYJEg4pQOFe4Pu5HsU0Y-qmWYWwv9c/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-80004947297210865062010-11-19T11:18:00.001-05:002010-11-19T11:18:44.522-05:00Happy Accidents<p>The latest things off my loom are the results of other plans gone awry. But sometimes you succeed despite yarn and color challenges. I am still experimenting with beiderwand and how to turn the draft for faster weaving and more drape. While at the Southeast Animal Fiber Fair last month, I stopped in to see our friends at <a href="http://www.justouryarn.com" target="_blank">Just Our Yarn</a>, looking for some pattern threads to go with some of their hand-dyed tencel skeins I had on hand. We pulled out this gorgeous deep red violet color of a very soft cotton from Habu that I’ve used before. It would make a beautiful pattern weft for the next beiderwand scarf. I snapped it up, without another thought.</p> <p>Back at the studio that afternoon I couldn’t wait to wind the warp. It dawned on me briefly that when turning this draft, the pattern weft would now be in the warp, alternated 1 on 1 with the tencel. I gave it the old “Is this strong enough for warp?” test, before winding the two yarns together. Mistake Number 1. What was glorious on the warping board turned into a nightmare when trying to wind it on the beam. The cotton was just too fluffy, the double-weave sett too dense. I persevered (stubbornness mixed with the thought of wasting this hand-dyed beauty) and once on the beam, it threaded fine. I started weaving the beiderwand pattern and it was beautiful. But about 8 inches into the scarf, the cotton fluff started clogging up my 15-dent reed and those devilish little cotton warps started breaking. One, then another. I fixed them and kept weaving. Then a few more, and finally two snapped in the space of a quarter inch. I gave up on the turned beiderwand for now, but was determined not to waste either the cotton or tencel.</p> <p>I lifted the pattern shafts, put a cross in all that cotton and pulled it away from the tencel, winding it on a kite stick on the floor under the warp beam. Then I decided to just weave the remaining tencel in plain weave. Probably would have enough for two scarves. I used the remaining cotton on the ball for weft and started weaving (very fast I might add). After about 48 inches of scarf, I ran out of the cotton. I toyed with the idea of using some of the warp ends I’d been saving, then thought better of it. Who says a scarf has to look the same on both ends? I used some stripes of the warp yarn and a little bamboo I had on the shelf to weave another foot or so. It’s a bit short, but I liked it so much I decided to keep it for m<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiiaBviM97Nq-kADK03WdlkVzj0UQDVNEVNgkMWJZGW6HyuERAXr_J6c77Irje_DZyeftKjfHeiNY98kcXpvdGA3FPwAhrIVQUB0m9j79q2b3p78U4tKkjESYcveNLvDibCXErkV-zlg/s1600-h/012%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="012" border="0" alt="012" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGlwV5TS0v-__uW774j8MrJ4oxp1IRUUS62Xs8hB1D9JqhwoKpYDcVy5Q0gG4EqbmRMhc_h0jxM0WktetEgwFwrFdPBxtdbfJi2o1R3ts0b6Oh21AagSeqNA4Ql1aUbBkASVOLzOZhFQ/?imgmax=800" width="152" height="199" /></a>yself.</p> <p>The fun thing about those JOY colorways is that you can weave almost any color into them and they look good. I pulled out some turquoise and blue silk I’ve had for a while and decided to weave them together in an ombre pattern. Here is the result. Happy accident number 1.</p> <p>The remaining cotton warp is now on my studio loom being threaded into a point twill, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsG-C3Cd8ABMQjCSzf6vc3aX6X0nzMFj7umXMTAaubzhbLHzweSl042_Dcg-wllsDEn1HMc0Q0NpEn7zWEhYpoGUTsG_6qwbY_8tMy0eEyCPFFDJ8onMCoc5SGpzH3S-k7Q-UrHKYSbzk/s1600-h/018%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="018" border="0" alt="018" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBg4GzU_7IEv8QOQad-7ref85DnvC-qDOmygETOEnM68F5r4RrVXPdeuoY7DKwelsbA9H3VNiwhaAvBolO8pffxwfF46h5SJ8y8tEGJYue5nMd1iokLOkKHYdHLhTRxcjLyac2DST2zk/?imgmax=800" width="167" height="128" /></a>at a much more open sett and in an 8 dent  reed. We’ll hope that ends in happy accident number 3.</p> <p>Happy accident number 2 was the result of not wanting to move heddles around on my teaching looms at the studio to accommodate that beiderwand project. (I wove that at home.) With an empty studio loom and time, I decided to stop planning and figuring and just wind a warp out of leftover bobbins. Because they came from Barb’s stash (thanks, Barb) they were mostly silk and bamboo. I gave only minor thought to the order an<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzzhPGkRh3tvle365fSwQ9GMcIvogA29OiT4vK2KLBJ8z8kIYmDQTg0ruqYyTYP4_6DfwT1O93S7mK0TtzytHI1E21dRL0ry7cqjVtJPSsAFKVFfcS2gq53N_hfSFDis05EJDR-EMWTA/s1600-h/022%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="022" border="0" alt="022" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPNLVgj43W8nUv4lpa6NNWp9i-iJNprMw5CWe8yINqN6MSWX8rXdmpWnVum0Etk7yakfahpiMjfJHlRoWTQXy6dRBcgTWSUdqqlh67W0O02PCJttrXPVHKgiMXqM548FUwIEwTb7IUtg/?imgmax=800" width="192" height="147" /></a>d started winding stripes. As soon as one bobbin emptied, I started another. Here’s a pic of the warp on the warping board. I thought it reflected Meagan Chaney’s tiles pretty nicely.</p> <p>Barb dubbed it the ugliest warp she’d ever seen. You can’t see the audacious pink stripe in this pic. Again, I persevered. After our first sutherland Weaver’s Study Group meeting last month, I decided to weave some honeycomb in this scarf which I threaded into twill blocks. That looked nice but was a bit heavy, so I wove the center portion in 1/3-3/1 twill to make pleats. Then <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_s1jK7tVdZmPe0Y3ma8Pe5-fkghJsPJI0QP8XZO1_eL-Klf90FXleP_hYGS3aKJmpVFlLz7UNyluhtKS-JABAEAfpppICuU9N1quTy95h7D7ZMmJZERuvwB6Uj9bshoznQCIL-AMmIkc/s1600-h/004%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="004" border="0" alt="004" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCz1Z-hSr6H1ZxeCffFKtYGkL0_nv-Xzt2bXq-6H_LNkXEDBN-f1mrdrAfODFkFu7KixzNavFvh3hGe-BDg-gpnHRcMBKULo6IrrbN3WQgyDB_5ui7nS4rAWR-icrYnPx2DpsbfwcoNzk/?imgmax=800" width="144" height="189" /></a>I finished off the other end in honeycomb. Barb still wasn’t convinced. So I washed the thing, which made both the honeycomb and the twill pleats do their thing. Then I decided to stitch the honeycomb ends into tubes to more closely match the width of the twill pleats. Ta da! Happy Accident number 2.</p> <p>As for the short scarf, I haven’t photographed it yet. It’s around my neck today.   </p> <p>Karen</p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-64117453269089782802010-11-11T19:31:00.001-05:002010-11-11T19:31:34.822-05:00Weaving His Way Back into Notoriety<p>I’m not really a Conan O’Brien fan, and was only half paying attention when I first caught his new American Express ad. Here he was walking into a shop in India, picking up a cone of silk and tasting it. Then he’s winding it, presumably a warp, weaving it on a loom with a fly shuttle (well, we see only one pick), crushing berries for dye and standing waist deep in red water either dyeing or rinsing.</p> <p>Next time I paid more attention. Still kind of missed the point of the Amex ad, but enjoyed all the weaving references. Maybe we should show this in a loop when explaining how much work goes into our fine handwoven cloth. The slogan: “When every detail counts.”</p> <p>Even if you’ve seen the ad, here’s a longer online version, which is even better. </p> <p>Enjoy.</p> <p>Karen</p> <p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/08/conan-american-express-india_n_780364.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/08/conan-american-express-india_n_780364.html</a></p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-6501678164603440272010-08-26T17:34:00.001-04:002010-08-26T17:34:15.560-04:00As it should be…<p>I had an economics professor back when I was in college – the first time – who used to talk about “hog heaven.” I can’t quite remember what constituted hog heaven from an economics standpoint. It had something to do with supply and demand, and it seems the elasticity of one or the other was involved. Basically it described a state where everything was humming along happily.</p> <p>Now while today’s economy may be a long way from hog heaven, I found myself in that blissful state today. I had returned from design class at Haywood Community College, where I have finally enrolled in the Professional Crafts-Fiber program, albeit on a limited schedule. After lunch I parked myself in my sunroom overlooking the Western North Carolina mountains and went back to work on my tapestry loom finishing a piece for the Blue Ridge Fiber Show in October.</p> <p>Meanwhile at the studio, I have two students coming in for class on Saturday, and I am weaving a scarf also intended for the Blue Ridge Fiber Show. It’s turning out even better than I’d hoped, but I won’t share pictures of either until after the show is judged, just in case the handweaving judge should happen across our blog.</p> <p>So while I was weaving today, listening to my Josh Groban CDs and snacking on a few pieces of dark chocolate (for my health, of course), I was thinking about these projects, being in school again and all the exciting things coming up on the sutherland schedule this fall: new classes; the start of a new study group at sutherland (more about this soon); the CURVE studios & garden open house and twilight party the last weekend of the September, an in-studio workshop with Daryl Lancaster on Sept. 27, new displays and furnishings we’re adding to the gallery side of sutherland, a special exhibit of contemporary tapestry rugs by Wence and Sandra Martinez that opens Oct. 8 with an artists’ reception (more about this later too) and being able to share it all with my good friend and studio partner, Barb.</p> <p>Suddenly I started remembering Professor Kuhlman and hog<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdh_yktkwFhLSihgTtBSfZ9GGIycUxBD2qiOV3AdGSzFT08_AZSBTb5ujzPbYFI3uuUzDJHqnyWIjIT3GKaPRi-3dSJnU07AfB69qDZTvU21gaHTDTefdcx5H4joyDb2vWx_PqsM19mo/s1600-h/funnysmilingpig%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="funnysmilingpig" border="0" alt="funnysmilingpig" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_V3NrdA45Jqssn7wTWH5en2lwrY6bC1AiCeIJJXiMvDGSfY-Ba3TOu7J-oOYE41Q_sli8IKfSsOrOGPXNUjRZG-nGy3Mr7r0LdBAL1wCrCWtphEVek0uAlvYhq1JjjvuI0CMeGeoNVA/?imgmax=800" width="149" height="135" /></a> heaven, and how that seemed like a pretty good description for my current state of mind. I don’t have a clue what hogs had to do with it, but here we are, me and the hogs, lovin’ life.</p> <p>Karen </p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-22876119140939025602010-08-10T10:50:00.001-04:002010-08-10T10:50:52.240-04:00I’m on TV, but don’t blink<p>Remember when I told you about QVC coming to our studio to do some filming about Asheville for a jewelry designer? Well the segment aired on Aug. 8, and here’s a link to a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoe6vLQIXaU&feature=relatedhttp://">very brief peek</a> at me at the loom now on UTube. CURVE studios & garden got a nice plug, and that’s our studio mate and CURVE owner Pattiy Torno quilting.</p> <p>Constance Williams next door got a speaking part, but then she’s president of the River Arts District Artists. The other clips about Western North Carolina are fun to watch too.</p> <p>Seriously, don’t blink.</p> <p>Karen</p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-17167429465844332802010-08-05T17:46:00.001-04:002010-08-05T17:46:56.732-04:00Blue Ridge Fiber Show Entry Deadline is AUG 13!<p>EIGHT DAYS!!  That’s when all entry forms for the 2010 Blue Ridge Fiber Show have to be received by the committee! I want to encourage all of you who weave, spin or felt to enter a few pieces of your work. The show is non-juried for entry, which means no one will judge whether or not your pieces can be included. If they meet the criteria, they’re in! For those unfamiliar, this is a production of the Western North Carolina Fibers/Handweavers Guild. Traditionally it has been one of the biggest non-juried fiber art shows in the region. You don’t have to be a guild member to enter and you don’t have to live in Western North Carolina! This show has attracted international entries.</p> <p>The deadline for receiving entry forms is Aug. 13...yes next week! For guild members, that is BEFORE the August guild meeting. However, your entered pieces do not have to be delivered until the end of September. (Are you reading between the lines, here?).</p> <p>Your entry form does not require a fancy photograph. Just fill out the one-page form, describe your pieces and send with a check for $30 for every two items entered. You may enter two pieces in each major category: weaving, spinning or felting.</p> <p>Although the items are not juried for entry, the pieces will be judged for several awards, which include many CASH PRIZES. You may enter in either the amateur or professional category. You’re a professional if you sell your work or teach.</p> <p>I would love to see entries from all our weaving students! I’ve included a link to the entry form. Click on it and print the form to remind yourself. Then fill it out and send it in so it arrives by Aug. 13. If you need help or advice, come see me at the studio. I’m there tomorrow through Sunday and again next Wednesday. If you have any questions email me.</p> <p>Karen</p> <p>CLICK HERE:   <a href="http://www.wncfhg.org/brfs10/entryfrms.html">http://www.wncfhg.org/brfs10/entryfrms.html</a></p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-14612325233761689722010-08-04T20:32:00.001-04:002010-08-04T20:32:50.107-04:00Convergence Reflections<p>Now that the laundry is done, students are back on the studio looms finishing their classes, and the boxes I shipped back from Convergence have been emptied, it’s time to reflect o<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWkQXpFJgvx8v-FmewAmWS09HS-9WTftqLHTiDlx4_w0eD4P7urQBfRFDyh8BngLNywTYloxyluVMbLgr8AnVYEcxwQ3DQB6iQT3Ct4MME5enwXUUNrF248l4HzmnbGg3ZsyivXFvRp0/s1600-h/005%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="005" border="0" alt="005" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY32RrrMbG6IfCpBCjxDMVk6a_oSf-zx8RgiWQanSItLQDWGenSXh5xRPSRkAAGy7us4MMiHkl05dBTWZg9-2-0vhzf_3ZnqYbphP3DpYE8v81G2GUWsstfk20T1fODkGwbx4FUqon8G4/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>n the inspiring but exhausting experience last month in Albuquerque. Convergence is the biannual conference of the <a href="http://weavespindye.org">Handweavers Guild of America</a> and attracts weavers, spinners, dyers and basketmakers from around the world.</p> <p>I hadn’t attended since 2006 in Grand Rapids, where I met Barb by the way. So I got there early to warp a rented loom for my 3 day workshop and didn’t leave until they were kicking us out of the exhibit hall at 4 Sunday afternoon. I spent a lot of time in vendor hall where I picked up some books from the Unicorn booth, a few skeins and cones of unusual yarns I want to try, several tubes of Bockens 8/2 cotton for classes…on sale (it pays to shop on Sunday) a new ondule (fan) reed for Barb, and my personal indulgence, a Randall Darwall scarf that begged me to take it home.</p> <p>My workshop was outstanding. <a href="http://www.spadystudios.com">Robyn Spady</a> calls it Pictures, Piles, Potpourri and Perplexing Curiousities. If you are a structure person, and ever have a chance to take it, don’t hesitate. There were 13 u<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHWFhYcG_3AQBCj_v3SVOXk6-jBBPWlN3Z1BzTv9c6kv8aRDRk43nusD__b4uhvvWa0WkKfIMBVRTnigD9AukllxpQm5tHpa1sRjk7YR8A40uZ1Cpp2uhfxtmniTm3la9w4VB_NiExGQ/s1600-h/082%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="082" border="0" alt="082" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUFsI8svsbKeyahuJnDdqqjc1UeCnrLhE3ZjTaGOIEcPBq8ac_kVtqArC4faaGU_U2uLs9cBe4t9oBX-LysY8iqntduqohceHZDT6ikihI3UEugQgvWK1Ws9tVWQ5j5saDLLnk_E9wL8/?imgmax=800" width="162" height="213" /></a>ncommon structures, on 32 different looms and 31 participants. Still, we all managed to weave all 13 samples. The sample notebook of all the structures is worth way more than Robyn charges for a supply fee. I warped one of the handwoven velvet looms. Actually I just threaded, beamed the ground warp, sleyed and tied on. Robyn had already done the heavy lifting, bringing the velvet pile warp on a secondary warp “beam” she had fashioned from empty wire spools she got from Lowe’s. Here’s a picture of the pile warp set up. It worked pretty well, but we had some tension issues as the sampling continued.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKOC3gRCAxFP13YIFh1w40ZuP45AS8dx3fYTCuw4apDZkIMmPVcA_eH1WjQD1oGUhsJo-qwUsuEE21bHb7w0xyg6lESN_7PhH4Ae_ji1jbW5Qlo5hkiRTvlEnv-GT7JIdtNeK2a2Ep1Q/s1600-h/105%5B12%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="105" border="0" alt="105" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuaSCNnlaLRMvawJ-bFG9x7crHTpYM3T3s2LF0j_1NotolxomZmn-73Aur2LU7DnceSJjFWFt2XGeUTDJ2Gi3eZEKHZePHHAXGjWAXHROrq2C9ZKj-ieH2Bbz82lj60XvqMbOXaKZV3o/?imgmax=800" width="83" height="103" /></a></p> <p>Other neat structures that I’ll definitely spend more time with include a fantastic supplementary warp and weft that I will subject to one of my differential shrinkage experiments…definitely making a SAMPLE first; a corkscrew twill that begs further study; and beiderwand. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9786BpVV1WiYwL65EvpFfW-zKG2iHrJjIBf1BAxjCt62rnUmrWO4BiYa-80fopGp-MdV5nK_glnnNjDXITEfj5BFL3IYOkGwYs2UXcBrfoRLf8280X2NtV7JMC1QPwF4ksPL16UOcCA/s1600-h/132%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="132" border="0" alt="132" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmYhyM2-Fa3UYMRZ4wbPn3_5Ggj1hAIN516xr_MxQXh76yxlIQM6SxbT2C83T2S3yL9lxU3kHwKuoE447SM-TV05-1FLexKphAJk1dcyU3DdEkzFb_rL5L2euZckd38KuH6AHakFVuiY/?imgmax=800" width="92" height="72" /></a>I’d always been curious about beiderwand, and now the next thing on  the loom will be a scarf that tests the structure with fine yarns: one of  those beautiful hand dyed skeins of 30/2 Tencel from <a href="http://justouryarn.com">Just Our Yarn</a> (met these creative ladies in vendor hall) for ground and a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMMQq-2xy1Vqcm9GWXi8_qvL0pjnXnV9aPetae6VXHA82cSjOkTeTWn3nszO9CwxJnqtBTlCw6m8dZYdqwUy_WuV_PLxEFbzCxH9kndb-EqcJBfP39gar-OuBxqvkG0wEJQ_zq5C-NNg/s1600-h/111%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="111" border="0" alt="111" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KmP-0Lw8078vSNfaogy3IiH_Ad3qOwjN7z99rjH6H5pTC2wu8AU7pP1AuUbJFNN4HgsE8Z8CHB21374O_EKsWMkPN1XyBMFwyLO7e5gjmdeTj0ZRtr_vxnmaDA9NuIer9RQzYKI59UE/?imgmax=800" width="81" height="103" /></a>soy silk I found at another booth as the pattern weft. Yes, I’m sampling first.</p> <p>My other Convergence classes included a behind the scenes tour of the Juried Fashion Show with <a href="http://www.daryllancaster.com">Daryl    Lancaster</a>, where I collected a bunch of clothing construction tips…and got to see inside some of these beautiful pieces. Sunday morning I attended a seminar with <a href="http://www.rosalieneilson.com">Rosalie Neilson</a> all about designing warp rep with curves. When pressed, she said getting real curves takes more than 8 shafts, but her design techniq<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvO_EaJ6yPY0sM5l5ldrIA-AXEkKimsjjH3HG1qSm1lyCEXZ_KkvG8QFaR5B_MUmCBnB4lrNVw2Chnhkt3KidJW_fJquI4A-uMc_df4P08wK3X8bFE6pOTPO87C_OTLCfxU6jcyaWBzvI/s1600-h/148%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="148" border="0" alt="148" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxtD_ZcFCfeTAlp7Ckti-3OeNpVgUL0sY83TAl13sytuvWWGAtvra3YWH4-6-8ol1DUJk_1UN_7puIkTIEmMPTVZSOibgDBNz0o2Ani5vq_L10de8ryARQlT_UvhzDWFR6pfiC3pQ1Tc/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a>ue will be very useful and her work is gorgeous. Here are a few samples.</p> <p>While in New Mexico, I spent time with good friends from New Jersey, reconnected with other friends I usually only see at conferences and met some fun new people. As a personal highlight, I got to spend a few days with my sister and her family in Las Cruces, and then drove north with her to tour Santa Fe and Albuquerque before the conference began.</p> <p>Kelly was also around while I spent Tuesday afternoon w<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVG-DpJ9LLo0e0HLzQA-wEitFhHpgGhKWManL3S2cS5JYxqIREAuJDnGvwLK9xqGB_oCxtAWeYbZaBCcj56_mnbLZNR8LCyiuO8bZoNNxq8VeqGXvSiwR3xH18ceqtKcovs7slW1WZDw/s1600-h/016%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="016" border="0" alt="016" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBm6gTZ_-DQGoOnUT1fUzjDQsk8mA36jxgkDjHQvDWMpPKqgnYulqUheJSIjVffetDbPKUGy8sHaNbyhaIM1OdJUQiqmZBKCW7SxueCl0U-K-Iuuw2NhT2azxyEt8zE1fjTKbQaOQ8yM/?imgmax=800" width="205" height="156" /></a>arping that velvet. I was so focused, I didn’t notice her taking pictures with her phone. She posted them on her facebook page with some interesting descriptions of what I was doing. Here’s Kelly at our Monday lunch spot in Santa Fe.</p> <p>Convergence is an expensive proposition, but this trip was well worth it. I asked a few HGA board members at dinner one night where the 2012 Convergence would be and was given the party line, “Well, there WILL be one.” They remained mum on location except to say the executive staff was negotiating with four sites and they didn’t want to muck up negotiations. Look for the site announcement in Shuttle, Spindle and Dyepot or join HGA’s email list.</p> <p>If you’d like to peek at the workshop sample notebook, just let me know when you’ll be in downtown Asheville and I’ll bring it to the studio. Pique, corduroy  or beaded leno anyone?</p> <p>Karen</p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5140093856079347855.post-40984394238429377452010-07-13T16:07:00.001-04:002010-07-13T16:07:51.902-04:00A Little Respite with Spot Bronson<p>The spot Bronson shawl,which I put on the loom to take a re<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3zei-ZpLw6UwhbKUr8FuOtkFzjs63OKu00I-ukIuNlgLWnZQg9V_1FUY0GUJiRoAJxp1J8W56JFRmfC-yTTZOSI9dD3WfoiEAmwmWzLkhDWqv6B4KDAnQ3WWolNav9L-0DAzJFOe_sI/s1600-h/spot%20bronson%20shawl%20bamboo%20195%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="spot bronson shawl bamboo 195" border="0" alt="spot bronson shawl bamboo 195" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdQSPEKbZdUFjKO1CBwwBltbGqBV0trqIhKkQvjB9-bfrf86C_bvXw8F6gMpLeWiaariazf5krAewLksr0PDBV6f9-YMj6pbXGe7HQwhgwvRbeJM-7IKy4X8VuN201tFhHJGrK1DWRL4/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a>spite from some frustrating differential shrinkage experiments, is finished and hanging in the studio. What a nice project. Aaahh.</p> <p>Barb was right. Experimentation and design is exciting, but sometimes you need to just weave something that turns out simple and pretty. This one has a Bambu 12 warp and 16/2 bamboo weft. It feels lovely.</p> <p>Now I am making final preparations for <a href="http://www.weavespindye.org/pages/convergence2010/homepage.html">Convergence</a>, the biannual international weaving <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Tyh53Bzdj8SKiAOFDnfeyuHvecH1WkF-b8SZfnqVbY67DWERMYuvQo-hVaTcRvUXWkR1ipGpemLu0Ctrg5w5sdKakv_H3g9tZSeMmZhLCaYQQEGPvH4TGo5zlJKglMBvHSWbAozBQ8A/s1600-h/003%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="003" border="0" alt="003" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYOD3wswBTON0ip6dcTtWTknZhEebLDb-nfzvkOUEJtOzbulrv9RHyAY8cE3SovOz6Az0TKZ0EiV3t0hozS6N3IcZaqhmmmMZVZ0I4kYOFgbs7KBd4wRWUB1oHCdAclEHEZq1Z0wUGv8/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>conference next week, organizing my travel plans and winding my workshop warp. I am taking a three-day workshop with <a href="http://www.spadystudios.com">Robyn Spady</a> that includes all kinds of interesting structures. I get to warp the loom for velvet, which I have woven before for my Certificate of Excellence Portfolio. I swore I would never do it again, but Robyn assures me she has a simpler set up for the pile warp, so I said I was game to give it another go. It’s a round-robin workshop, so I’ll get to weave samples of lots of different and less common structures.</p> <p>I’m taking a couple of other shorter seminars and will spend the rest of the time touring exhibits and galleries, visiting weaving friends and shopping at vendor hall. This is only my second Convergence, so it’s all still a bit overwhelming, but I will take lots of pictures and bring back notebooks full of inspiration and ideas.</p> <p>If you’re coming to Albuquerque next week for Convergence or <a href="http://www.complex-weavers.org/seminar.htm">Complex Weavers Seminars</a> or <a href="http://www.americantapestryalliance.org/">American Tapestry Alliance</a> conference, give me a call.</p> Karen Dondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00998423698746476761noreply@blogger.com0