The trip was a two-week tour in Florence, Italy, visiting ateliers, showrooms, and museums, followed by a 5-day workshop at the Lisio Foundation learning to weave on antique Jacquard looms. In addition, we took a few days in Rome to take in the Vatican Museum, the Colosseum, and the Pantheon. I posted pictures on Facebook and Instagram while on the trip, which you can visit by clicking on these links.

It is midnight. From the fourth floor of my room at the Hotel Pendini, I am watching a store display window being changed for a high-end retail store. The window is hinged to open out onto the sidewalk. Workers are busy cleaning the glass and installing electrical fittings, as the new window display components sit on the cobblestone street, wrapped and cushioned for shipping. It is an elaborate and shiny display!

I am the featured artist in the Fiber Arts Studio Gallery exhibit that runs through June 19 at the Lincoln City Cultural Center. For this exhibit, I put together some posters to go along with the collections. As you walk through the room, these posters are a guide to understanding the thoughts and inspiration behind the work. The Waterfall Scarves are an idea that thinks outside of the box of the typical handwoven scarf. Color, texture and process are used in an innovative

Want to try on the Ruffled Edge Collar? I have been learning new ways to bring my garments to you virtually. It is good to have friends in the AR world. Ger Killeen is a poet and creator of augmented reality for art and literature. He has opened my eyes to new ways of viewing my garments in motion. He has very generously shared a Snap Chap filter and QR code with me that lets you try on the Red and Black Ruffled Edge Collar. He is a wiz with technology like this. What fun!

ear Friends, I have been asked to provide a "catchy title" for my April exhibition as Featured Artist in the Fibers Arts Studio Gallery at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, Lincoln City, Oregon. Feeling too close to the work, it occurred to me to ask for your help. Can you suggest three (or four) active words for an exhibition title? Imagine this exercise like a game you might play in the car on a long road trip. I am hoping you can come up with an artful title. I did tr

Every year, I like to create a video that is an editorial of the creative process. This year, a trip down the Oregon Coast was the point of inspiration. Watching the water was the starting point. From that, a color palette was developed for the cloth. Then the fabric is cut and sewn. Making a video documents where these ideas began. These unique garments tell a story of the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy.

I have been working on new designs this Fall, with a focus on collars. Tearsheet PDX magazine asked if I was interested in a photo shoot. Work in my studio went into high gear to be ready. Now the November Issue is published, and six of my images were included. (Happy dance!) It is always an honor to have the opportunity to work with Tearsheet PDX magazine. TearSheet PDX - Nov 2021 - Issue # 35 is Published! There is talk of a Special Edition being published that w

Last month, Melanie Jackson of TearSheet PDX magazine asked me if I was interested in having a photoshoot of my new work. She knew that I had been working away at some new coat and jacket designs. My theme was “It’s going to be a collars-turned-up kind of season.” I have been exploring some new collar designs and enjoying it. Just the mention of a photoshoot put work in the studio into high gear. Could I create 12 new pieces in time?

Here is a short video of Vests made from my handwoven cloth. In addition to weaving the cloth, I enjoy adding other textile techniques to the garments. This week I will be working on a custom order vest. I can't wait to begin. Custom orders begin with a visit by Zoom and are followed by swatches mailed to the client. This way, the color and texture are actually in the client's hands for the full experience of color and texture.

Blackberry Jam A friend brought a gift of homemade Blackberry jam. I held it up to the light and was struck by the rich purple color and the golden seeds. I immediately went into the studio and designed the warp. Each warp thread needed to capture the color of lush, ripe fruit. Everybody else ate the jam on fresh scones. I kept the memory of the color. Now this yardage is available in the Hooded Shawl shown below. The Hooded Shawl is a 3-in-1 travel piece that can be worn

Spring is here. I am waiting to see if seeds will sprout. That includes show applications for this year. Some shows will be Virtual. Many of us are hoping that shows will return to their venues by Fall, with Covid-19 rules still used. This Month in the Studio I have my big loom apart in the weaving studio for some long overdue repairs and upgrades. It will take 3 months for parts to arrive. My smaller looms have let me know that they are eager for my attention. I am prepari

I just picked up the new, beautiful copy of the Second Annual Retrospective of TearSheet PDX magazine. This book is a collection of the best images submitted in 2020. Drumroll....19 images of my work were selected!! This edition is a page-turner, with something intriguing on every page. Go to www.TearSheetPDX.com to preview or purchase. Other good news this month: I have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have started making plans for fall shows. In May, I

Some find sea shells at the beach. This is what The Oregon Weaver takes away from a visit to the beach.

This week, I had an in-depth interview with Sharon McAllister, executive director of ArtFest Fort Myers. Covid-19 has closed art fairs events. Many of these same events rose to the occasion and found a way to go Virtual. This week, I am participating in ArtFest@Home based in Florida from my studio in Oregon. We are making an effort to stay connected with you. Sharon McAllister asked if I would do an interview with her through Zoom. The idea for the interview was to have a Co

This year I have explored many different ways to create “content” videos. Without being able to experience the fabrics first hand, these videos become the next best thing to trying on a garment. These videos offer a glimpse into the Oregon Weaver’s World of Wearable Art. Virtual Art Fairs are here to stay. Stay tuned for the upcoming Spring on-line events. Enjoy.

There is a relationship between reading music and reading a weaving draft. Both are on a staff and use notation. Music is not just about playing the notes on the page. The notes are meant to be interpreted, then played with heart and soul. When I look at a weaving draft, the notation lays out the structure. It is up to me to express an idea within that structure. Many of my scarves use a twill structure because it tells a story of the pattern the wind makes on the river. Th

Model Oksana Bell wears the Windy City Coat and is at her best dancing like a leaf in the wind. I have had trouble sleeping lately. When most are fast asleep, I spend these wakeful hours creating short videos. The concept of showing the fabric in motion has been driving me to learn some video skills. Art Fairs, that were cancelled last year, are just starting to plan for Fall 2021. Until we can meet in person again, please enjoy these short videos. Photos by TearSheet

My gift to you, dear reader, is sharing a favorite holiday recipe I bake for Christmas morning. Ours is a blended-traditions household. I borrowed some ideas from the Jewish Holidays cookbook my mother-in-law gave me and combined it with memories of cinnamon and yeast rolls from my mother's cooking. This combination yields a healthy protein packed breakfast bite that goes well with coffee. Dried fruits, apples, nuts, honey and cinnamon wrapped in puff pastry will get you thro

Quality always lasts. See more @www.theoregonweaver.com Photo Credit: Tearsheet PDX Model: Mekdelawit Little

Fall has arrived here on the Oregon Coast. The ocean breezes bring a chill to the air. It is time to break out the Hooded Shawl. This unique handwoven design is a great piece to wrap up in either as a hood/scarf or as a shawl/vest. Price: $290 plus shipping. See more colors on the website: www.theoregonweaver.com