Vendor Day at Art Unraveled

I'm preparing my garments to ship to Julie who will be selling for me on vendor day, Sat. August 6, at Art Unraveled in Phoenix.

These are some pics I took of some of my new items. I know they look better on a body but I can't spend too much time focusing with my eyes so I took some quick shots.

Art Unraveled Class

I was given the okay by my Dr. this morning to be on the computer for short periods of time. I feel like it's been a very long time lapse and I'm not sure how to catch up except I do want to encourage anyone interested in attending Art Unraveled and learn shibori dye techniques to do so. Even though I had to cancel I am so grateful that Glennis Dolce agreed to take over my class. If I could take a class from her I would be signing up! We both dye using shibori techniques but we do it differently and use different dyes and I'm always curious to learn other dyers processes. I know I'll meet Glennis in my future and spend time dyeing with her.

I am also grateful that Julie agreed to run my vendor booth, Lorie Garver is helping and several dear friends are prepared to assist if needed. Thank you Joanne, Fran, Martha, and Angie.

I felt so bad to cancel this event, especially after having to cancel the Create and event too. BUT I am going to be at Art Is You in Petaluma. I have my sister willing to assist me and other friends should I need that. It's a close drive for me and I just want to let everyone know who have signed up for my classes or are considering it that I will not have to cancel yet again. My eye is healing and I will be taking my doctor's advice seriously and going at the pace I need to so I will be prepared to teach and vend so don't be discouraged that I won't be there!

An update...

Cindy here, writing for Lorri as she's recovering from yet another torn retina (ack!) She wanted me to let you know that she's taking it REAL easy this time, but that she won't be able to teach at Art Unraveled next month after all. She's very disappointed and is going to miss being there and seeing everyone, but she has no choice. The good news is that she has arranged for Glennis Dolce to teach in her place! Glennis is a fabulous instructor and Lorri highly recommends her, so you can rest assured that you'll be in good hands. There's still space in the class, A Day to Dye For, which includes not only dyeing techniques, but shibori as well. Glennis (aka Shibori Girl) would love to have you join her, so take a look! She's in Yosemite for the next few days, but will be posting specifics when she returns, so you can check out her blog for an update.


If you were hoping to purchase some of Lorri's fabulous creations at the event, no worries—Julie Haymaker-Thompson has graciously offered to sell Lorri's goods, so come to the vendor show and check out the goods! Lorri will be there in spirit, that's for sure.

Please send positive, healing prayers to her—she's unable to read right now, but her hubby is taking good care of her and will be sure the messages get to her. She'll check in here again when she can!

Art Is You Petaluma!

I'm late getting this info posted because of my eye surgery and dealing with this issue BUT if you are reading this I want to let you know that if you sign up for classes for Art Is You Petaluma tomorrow, MONDAY, using the coupon code JULY4 you will get $50 off the full registration but it is only valid for one day – July 4.

As a reminder I'm teaching 3 classes at this event. One is silk scarf dyeing





one is collage nuno felting






a third is shibori and other ribbon dyeing techniques






I'd love to have you join me for one of these classes but do check out the other options of so many choices and wonderful instructors!!

Two Steps Back

I was given a good report at my last eye appointment regarding the healing of the laser that sealed the holes in my retina. I thought I could be normal again but I found out the hard way I was wrong. I could only be semi-normal. I went out and pulled some weeds and did a little pruning and tore a small hole in my retina so I was back at the doctors on thursday for a little more laser. Very disconcerting and I was lectured about what I can and can't do and this will be in effect for at least six months. sigh.

I can do a little reading/computer but no lifting, bending over, excessive up and down, aerobics and then my doctor showed she had a sense of humor and told me no rollercoasters, bungee cord jumping, rifle range shooting, or sky diving. This is going to be very hard to not be active as I usually am but I have got to take this serious.

I have some pics of more eco dyeing that I'll work on loading in the next couple of days and I am listing a few more shibori dyed ribbons on my lasfibers Etsy shop.

More Eco and Natural Dyeing

Here are some pics of more dyeing I've been busy with.


These pieces were dyed by using diluted ammonia and a piece of copper pipe. Look at the fabulous blue gray colors! The doily is cotton, the ribbon strip is silk noil and the little flowerette I made is silk organza.



Results from immersion dyeing in eucalyptus bath. A very pretty dusty pink.



Silk charmeuse and silk organza were wrapped around an iron pipe with string to get the shibori effect. Organza doesn't take dye as well and because it's stiff it doesn't conform to the pipe so I got a polka dot effect. I spritzed the pieces with vinegar which aids in helping the iron rust and the rust adheres to the fabric. It's just like magic!

Eco-Colour Dyeing

I've been eco dyeing these last few days. Eco-Colour is a book by India Flint and I highly recommend it to anyone who is remotely interested in natural and sustainable dyeing! My studio smells of eucalyptus with hints of vinegar, tea, and sage. Actually very pleasant and calming.

My plan before my eye issues was to be in Missouri now visiting my folks and friends. I would be anticipating taking a four day workshop next week with India Flint. Since I can't be there I have taken it upon myself to attempt the eco-dyeing using her book as my guide. I realize I am not a good book learner. I get so much more from kinetic hands on learning, BUT I am encouraged by my first attempts which I am posting here.

This is a scarf length of silk noil in which I used 3 kinds of eucalyptus leaves and sprinkled with tea. I laid the leaves on half the length of cloth, sprinkled dry black tea on top and folded the fabric length in half on top. I sprayed with vinegar water and rolled into the sausage bundle India describes in her book and then I steamed it for the recommended amount of time. I then let it set in a plastic bag for a couple of days and unwrapped it today. I am in love with the soft and subtleness of the colors.







This was a sample I did with the steam setting "hot bundle" method of ceanothus using the leaves and flowers on the stem.




Some of the bundles I made need to cure for a couple of weeks and as anxious as I am to open them (just like a little kid with no patience) I am restraining myself.




I've cut lots of flora from my property to use in sample dyeing with this method:

Bay


Rattlesnake Grass


French Broom


Spanish Broom


Clover

Monkey Flower


Elderberry with flowers and berries just starting. Will gather more when the berries ripen and change color if I can beat the birds to them.


Ceanothus


What I know as Yerba Santa

The above photo is what I've known as Yerba Santa and what is depicted in the Western Garden Book. I see this as the same plant on some websites known as Yerba Santa but some websites say the photo of the below plant is Yerba Santa. Is is more sage like, it even smells like sage and the leaves are fuzzy like sage plants. Do you know what this plant is?



Here's a photo of the two next to each other:


For those who care to know, I had my eye exam today and got a good report. The doctor actually said I was perfect but then she wouldn't put that down in writing. lol! I still have months to heal back to normal but I'm on the right track and it's all good.

Also remember you have 10 days to pre-order Altered Couture's Autumn issue in which I have a feature article for the $2.00 off and free shipping! Go here to order your copy.