The Tale of the Three Postcards

Months ago I signed up for the American Tapestry Alliance post card exchange.  You are assigned a partner and swap tapestry postcards.  To my surprise my assigned partner is Alex Friedman.  Alex is a professional artist from San Francisco.  I have long admired her work with eccentric weaving.

A little intimidated, I wanted to do something different.  Decided to do this little postcard of the Cape Hatteras lighthouse using recycled plastic bags.  It was fun but I had alot of drawn in with the plastic.  Sad little postcard wasn't up for the trip to California.

What to weave instead?  I decided to weave what I love, wedge weave of course.  Still fascinated with alternative weft materials, I spindle spun some newspaper.  

What was super fun about this piece was using a variable warp.  I am sure there is a proper name for that but I don't know it.  I warped at 10 ends per inch, wove the newspaper at 5 epi and the colorful linen at 10 epi.  I will definitively play with the technique again!

On the left is the postcard Alex sent to me from San Francisco.  On the right is the postcard I am sending off to Alex.

Proof that Alex's card was post marked in San Francisco and made it to North Carolina without incident.  Alex sent me a bit of her home.

I am sending Alex a bit of my home too.  The handspun newspaper is the Raleigh News and Observer.  In addition, the linen is from my guild's stash.  Triangle Weavers Guild is a wonderful group of weavers and we have a stash of tapestry yarn.  Our most celebrated member, the late Silvia Heyden donated yarn as have others.   I like to think I have included some of Silvia's magic in my little postcard.

Last but not least, some pictures of indigo fun with dear daughter Rachel this weekend.

Ode to Gunta

The primary benefit of practicing any art, whether well or badly, is that it enables one’s soul to grow.

                                                                                                           —Kurt Vonnegut Jr

After reading about the role of women at the Baushaus I wanted to try to interpret some of the principles in wedge weave.  The minimalist style of design embraced ideas of functionality and true materials. Bauhaus artists favored linear and geometric designs, line, shape and colors were the focus.  The stripes of Gunta Stoltz above are a prime example.

Finished.  Not sure Gunta would appreciate this interpretation of her work.  However, it was an exercise in emphasizing line and color.

Our tapestry study group met today.  I love the opportunity to weave together.

Working hard!

I love these colors!

Mistakes are almost always of a sacred nature. Never try to correct them. On the contrary: rationalize them, understand them thoroughly. After that, it will be possible for you to sublimate them.

 Salvador Dali

Point of View

I have spoken often of the joy and benefits of having a community of tapestry weavers.  Of course, there are facebook groups and instagram hashtags but nothing beats real live face time with your tribe.

Tapestry Weaver's South opening

Tapestry Weaver's South  new show Point of View opened at the Yadkin Valley Fiber Center in Elkin on Sunday.  It was wonderful to see everyone and see the tapestries.

Mirage by Connie Lippert and Miss Headwinds by  Louise Halsey

Jennifer Sargent

There were so many lovely pieces, I was inspired by the range of techniques and approaches to tapestry.

I submitted two pieces for entry.  I experimented with alternative materials.

Hand spinning newspaper 

Wedge weave of course!

This piece is titled "Fine Print".  The warp is wool and the weft is handspun newspaper.   It wa woven at 10 ends per inch and is 8" by 8".

Recycled grocery bags and handspun newspaper

This piece is titled "Paper or Plastic" and is woven on a C. Cactus Flower loom at 10 ends per inch.   It is 14" x 6".

Next post, I will tell the sad story of the postcard that stayed home.