blue lines

I have been playing with my indigo vat again. The result is an array of papers, dip dyed to create blue lines and shadows. I used a few for a new collection of notebooks called "blue line". Some of the books are larger than previous ones—5.5 x 8.5. I love the feel of these books and the blue hues appear so different depending on the paper source. You can find a selection of these new pieces in the store, where you also will discover a new sale section with items offered at 20-40% off the original price.

In a few more days I will find myself right here, in this little cottage on the edge of Lake Michigan, with two of my greatest friends, Christine and Kelly. We will spend a long weekend stitching, cooking, dyeing, chatting, and stitching some more. Can't wait...

This Friday is the opening of the show "fiber + fabric: art • craft • design" at the Craddok-Terry Gallery in Riverviews artspace in Lynchburg, Virginia. Three of my pieces were selected for this exhibit (Similitude being one of them) which is a group show of works by Virginia and West Virginia members of The Surface Design Association.

book covers

I had forgotten how much I love making these moleskine notebook covers. They are perfect for smaller pieces of fabrics, that may not find their way into larger art quilts or collages. This time I used eco prints as well as indigo dyed swatches, sometime adding stitch, sometimes leaving the print as is. The store is stocked with these books - with more to come.

I am also lining up some exciting events for this summer and fall. I am honored to be part of the group show rooted  at Lark & Key Gallery in Charlotte, North Carolina in October and this summer my work will be on display in the gallery boutique at Kunstlåven in Seljord, Norway. A few other exhibits are in the works, so it looks like busy and happy times ahead.

winter blues

The sky is the bluest of blue this time of year. No haze or humidity, just limitless blue. I have been working with remnants from last years indigo experiments. The small shibori pieces will be part of a group show at Chroma Projects opening next week. 25 Chroma affiliated artists will display affordable, lovable, and mailable art during the month of February. I hope you can come by if you are in the neighborhood.

A small throw quilt is also in the works. The layering and quilting is still left and I am imagining a soft backing and lots of hand stitching to finish it off. I love how the shades from the various indigo dips set each other off.

Then there are the blue sachets, all indigo dyed, lovingly stitched, and sweet smelling. They are available in the store ready to ship...

Blue is the color of choice this time around.

seeing blue

Blue is on my mind. In March I will take this online class, to get a better grasp on indigo and its properties. Glennis Dolce is a renowned indigo dyer and shibori artist and you can find samples of her beautiful work in her shop. Then, come summer I will be back here, for a class with french natural dye master Michel Garcia and indigo will once again be on the agenda. I can't wait for these opportunities to learn and grow, and to unveil the mystery of dyeing blue. For further indigo adventures check out  India Flint's workshops at Long Ridge Farm in New Hampshire in August. I am thinking that may be a perfect ending for a season of blue. The rocks in the image above turned blue after being used to hold the red cabbage under the surface during our latest sauerkraut batch. Love that color.

Images courtesy of Glennis Dolce, Shibori Girl Studios. All rights reserved.