what is it that I am trying to say?

In the back of my mind I am struggling for a definition of a directional change that is rumbling around in the far recesses of my menopausal chemo imprinted brain. It has to do with the melding of my far past, the sepia toned photos of long dead ancestors that hold a special magnetism for me and the memories of learning smocking and embroidery from my great grandmother in a room that smelled of tea and lavender with a desire to learn new techniques particularly dyeing, nature dyeing....I am leaning towards textiles rich in the muted natural colours and thick with texture, french knots, bullions, smocking......its all just below the surface, like waiting for water to come to a boil.....like looking at a picture through layers and layers of cheesecloth.......I recognize my process and it wont be long before I know what it is I am trying to say.

Rainbow Feet

Had a wonderful dye day.....3 racks full including some very successful discharge shibori shirts....but....i have rainbow feet....hoping i can make them look presentable enough to go to the store to get mushrooms for the shepards pie for dinner.

Eleanor's Middle Value Greys

The sky is full of Eleanor's MVGs again this morning, such a funny sight for the second day of July. As frequently happens when I spend the day spinning and in the company of other artist like I did yesterday I have the most visually mind blowing dreams all night....I have an asymetrical vest perhaps felted perhaps crocheted in my head, some great plans for some really funky art yarn, some baby jackets (inspired by my soon to be born great nephew-niece)and thoughts of needle felted melton (thanks Janna)
I have to dye some tied tshirts today and make bread and then I can get into the wool, maybe I will even drag out the sander and felting machine today.....now if the kids would just find something to do somewhere else when they get up......heres hoping.

Canada Day on Granville Market

Today was an action filled day at Granville Market.....Tamara, Hilary, Amanda and I represented Cap U at a booth outside Crafthouse. As with any time spent with these artistic women it was fun filled and served to reaffirm to me that negativity has no place in the creative flow.
Hilary and Amanda were phenomonal doing many interactive felting demos with the kids.....good thing too because Tamara and I were really hoping we didnt have to fill those shoes!
Tamara spun and carded and answered relentless questions on spinning wheels, ratios, fibre and the like.....
I sat out front and spun the never ending cria suri alpaca fleece that I got from Marilynn Ross last year, hopefully I will have spun it all by September and it will make its way into a weaving project....i am visualizing something with a silk warp and alpaca weft...maybe nature dyed with pomegranite....
I have never had my picture taken so many times with so many people....all in all a fun but exhausting day.
I have been cogitating a lot lately on dynamics of creative groups and am really moved by the supportive and respectful attitude of the women in this program. I am not sure if it is a result of the presentations and critiques that we do in class or why it exists but its is a very nuturing environment and I feel very lucky to be part of it....

Prudence Mapstone

www.knotjustknitting.com

It has been a while since I perused her site and it is well worth a look. I took her workshop on Bowen Island, more than 5 years ago and still today it influences my work.....a very very creative woman....

wishing Janna a wonderful adventure

Yesterday I braved downtown Vancouver again in the mega-van....I was lucky enough to purchase the last of Janna's stash before she leaves for Montreal to finish her degree at Concordia University. I now have some more dyes so friday will be a dye day....more tie dyes for sunday.....and tommorow we will be at Granville Market doing felting demos and selling stuff at Crafthouse.
I am also planning on taking advantage of being near maiwa while there are will pick up some indigo and cocheneal to dye the organic cotton stuff I am making.....great plans.
I am loving this whole knitting machine experience and will post some pic later, maybe even a video.

another manic monday

Yesterday Tamara and I did the whistler farmers market again.....It was a very good day although the weather was cold and windy......Our little friend Talulah helped us spin and weave all day in her poodle costume.....she had some very sage advice for Tamara about conquering her fears and going on the zip-line.....probably not going to happen. We had a lovely dinner with JP after the market....nothing like prime rib after a hard day at the market!
We are heading in to Vancouver this morning for supplies.....new t shirts and some organic cotton from dressew for these baby hats I have in my head.....thinking of making them first and then overdyeing in indigo and cocheneal.....might even weave a baby blanket or two....who knows.
I love the buzyness of the summer season.....lots to make, lots to do!!