From FeltLOOM to Shibori

My life has changed now that I have found the FeltLOOM. And my painted shibori art has never been more exciting.

Now for the first time, FeltLoom redefines Fiber Art by enabling a person to make their own fabric with chosen colors, textures, and designs quickly. Feltloom provides choices that we have never had before. It allows instant creative gratifaction for people of all ages.

You do this by placing your colored fibers and design on the FeltLOOM table placing them next to the rollers. The rollers will move the fibers and the felting needles will go up and down to create the fabric. It is instant gratificaion when your design is done quickly. It does not require traditional spinning and weaving to make fabric. The fabric is felted so it will not ravel. It can be made into things such as a jackets, scarf, rug, blanket and other innovative products. The material can be cut and sewn for fashion or other uses.

The traditonal fiber artist will take weeks to make items from scratch. This loom does not need yarn, it uses batting or loose fibers. Unlike prior fabric making, a jacket may be made from scratch in an afternoon, including making the fabric and sewing it together. It takes a half hour or less to make a scarf. We had a group use the machine and they said it is revolutionary to have this much control over the end product without any prior training. This enables an individual to see the results of their ideas instantly.

Textiles for the individual have not changed for centuries. This new FeltLOOM is a true break through. It takes the technology that industry has been using since 1890 and puts it in the hands of the people so they can create wonerful one of a kind items. This will change what people want to do and make one of a kind unique items much more plentiful.

Over 300 people have used our commercial model with great enthusiam. They always say "WOW!", I didn't know I could do this. One lady said she could truly make what was in her mind. They loved using it and some have been sold. The conumser model will be smaller but with much of the same functionality. The FeltLOOM provides a quantum leap in productivity.

First of its Kind Collection

Off to Louisville for the Kentucky Market at the Conventon Center with my truly one of a kind, first of its kind, nuno felt collection which was created from the newly patented FeltLOOM and then shibori dyed. What makes these shawls so special is the soft merino on one side and the silk, with a dash of shine, on the other side. So perfect to wrap around you on a cool night.

Fashion Function at Living Arts and Science Gallery

It was great to reconnect with the Lexington art community during Gallery Hop at the Living Arts and Science Center. My only regret is that I didn't get to make it to all the other galleries. On exhibit was my copper Shibori dyed nuno felted devore and merino wool jacket, with a handbag and head wrap. I wore an natural brown alpaca and black devore nuno felted coat with nuno felted scarf and bag, and a Shibori dyed chartreuse mini poetry skirt. (Sounds complicated) I was toasty warm.

Copper Nuno Felted Jacket

I'm off to felt more silk and wool, even though it is sooooo cold, since there are only 20 days left until the Kentucky Craft Market and I want lots of these beautiful pieces to show and sell.

Nuno Felting on the FeltLOOM

I love the little felt sheep in the background reminding me where the wool comes from that I felt onto the devore silk. So wonderful to be able to use the FeltLOOM and create such large pieces of fabric that I can Shibori dye.

Tarnished Bronze

Dyeing 1/2 sarong scarves in a new color. Tarnished Bronze.

Artsy Fashion Show December 15, 2009 8pm

Getting ready for the fashion show on December 15 at Reinbargers Brewhaus on Bardstown Rd. in Louisville, KY sponsored by http://www.louisvillefashionnetwork.ning.com

So far, these are the looks I'm focusing on plus I will bring a few more.

Raw Silk and Dusters

Raw silk

Shibori

rope wrapped

in fall greens,

yellows and gold.

Poetry Vests

Citrus

crepe and devore

tied in front

or Blue Turquoise Sea

jacquard and devore

untied

revealing curvilinear lines

in the back

Copper Duste

Full length coat,
a duster perhaps,
in copper, rust and olive.
Crepe, charmeuse and devore
torn into strips, serged and sewn
together.
I don't know if it's dyeing the fabric
or sewing it back together that
gives me the most pleasure.

White Poetry Skirt with Long Vest

36 strips of
crepe, charmeuse and devore
serged, then sewn together
to 10 yards crepe
for a waist band
to wrap around
and tie

Turquoise Sea Blue, Citrus, Red Gold Poetry Vest

A poetry vest
because
it has
rhythm
and movement

What I like about creating my own designs

I can keep changing them as I go.

What I don't like

I often don't remember what I did.

I must take time to write it all down.

Do I do that as I design it

or later when I'm more likely to forget?

Citrus Poetry Skirt and Riding Coat

For a focused life

try art

For a life full of art

focus on the details

Living Art

If you're making art to sell
be careful.
If you're listening
and creating art you're willing to sell
be happy!
You are prolific!

Citrus Bolero

Every Citrus is different

the more color 

the more exciting

the more energy

Blue, Purple and Gold Goddess Cape

Is it
Making art
to make a living
or
Making art
your living?

Taffeta and Organza

Perhaps it was memories
of sassy taffeta
party dresses
with organza ruffles
that made me want to
discharge some
and use it for
a serenity shawl.

I Am in Awe

In the old barn I was in awe of the individually wrapped and twisted silks, saturated with dye that hung from nails spread across old planks. I loved the way the dye dripped on the paper beneath making another artwork from the colors that bleed and drip into curvilinear lines making soft amorphous shapes. It didn't matter that the barn was old and dusty. Now I live in a new cabin. I dye silk in the corner of the basement, dry it on the back porch, carry it upstairs to steam in the kitchen and in the loft I sew it into flowing works of art. Yesterday I looked at photos of my work over the past several years and now I understand the reason for documenting my work. I can see a pattern. I see what I still like. I see colors I want to continue and designs I want to let go of and ideas for new looks. I am in awe.

When I first began, my studio was in an old pole barn. During the evening I processed the silk I had dyed earlier. Wrapped in newsprint, heat set the dye as the silk steamed on the old canner on the wood stove. I loved hanging the freshly rinsed silks in the barn, the contrast between the rawness of the wood, its roughness and the softness of the silk, sensuously moving as the wind blew through the cracks in the barn.