I'm back

It's a Christmas tree from scraps sitting on a Table Topper.

Thank you for an incredible art fair season! Your enthusiasm and interest truly fuel my creative energy. I took a break in October to rest and focus on some new projects. In November, I was invited to speak to a local weaving guild about my textile adventures in Italy. I gladly accepted and then immersed myself in embracing new technology while preparing a compelling hour-long slideshow that illustrates how I see threads connecting us to history. Fifty people turned out to hear me speak, and five new members joined the Guild. There is a page on my website with workshops I can give. This one was titled:

"My Textile Workshop Adventures in Italy." What I learned about a 6-Harness Diamantina Twill, Silk Lint, Eleonora (a 16th-century Fashion Influencer), and Jacquard looms while taking workshops in Italy.

Now, in December, I have been getting creative with a Zero-Waste approach in my studio. I save my handwoven scraps leftover from making jackets and coats, as they are too interesting to throw away. I am fortunate to have a fellow fiber enthusiast in the community who is a quilter. Zero-waste is something the quilting community has long embraced. Together, we brainstormed ideas for creating table runners and table toppers in a unique way that blended our two disciplines while following the zero-waste model. It was so much fun to design these distinctive textiles for the home. Each piece serves as a record of the fabrics I have woven over the years.

Diving into my tubs of scraps led to other small, fun projects as well. Stuffed hearts and scrap Christmas trees were added to the zero-waste project. My button collection was useful for finishing touches on the trees. These projects might seem like play, but they are small design decision projects that will lead to the new work I have been mulling over. I have some obstacles to overcome. Yarn prices are high. I am working hard on how to use what I have and still create the new work that I have in mind. I will feel focused once the next warp project is on the loom. Happy Holidays, and thanks for reading the blog. I will look forward to seeing you again soon.

Your handweaver,

Karen Gelbard

A short video of Textiles for the Home from The Oregon Weaver.