Stash

Welcome 2019!🌲 There’s no stopping the march of time and the changes that come with it.  The highlights of the year was joining the Plein Air Club through the RumRiver Art Center in Anoka.  Returning to painting was gratifying and the group of artists led by Paul are generous and supportive of each other.  Each person has their unique painting style, yet we learn from each other.  I paint primarily with oils (water soluble, for convenience) and recently tried out acrylics, which I used many years ago and did not care for.

My easel is on the far left.  This was our last outdoor session in October.  It was very cold, but a glorious day with beautiful color and light where the Rum and Mississippi rivers meet.

Painting with fiber on the community felting project at Anoka Fiber Works

I enjoyed successful projects with the Gansey sweater and the handwoven tunic particularly satisfying. 

It is great when a plan comes together!

I snapped a photo of my pieces before taking them to the art center.  Sunup Over Castle Rock Lake, cotton and acrylic; Rustic Scarf, recycled sari silk and linen; and Handspun Vest, wool and wool blend.  The landscape was from a photo I took on our last camp out.  Mist was coming across the lake from the opposite shore.

The Rum River Handweavers had a show at the Rumriver Art Center in Anoka for the month of November.  We were the first show in the new gallery, and very successful.  We look forward to future shows!  

Last, but not least, we added our newest family member, Gus.  He came to us through Ruff Start Rescue .  He is a very smart and affectionate boy and although we have not had a puppy for 18 years and have been dogless since 2012, we are enjoying his company.  Since Jim is retired, he has a buddy to keep him busy when I am not around.  

Gus and Moosie.  The rug has since been removed temporarily, as Gus seems to love wool...this is a challenge for me...we will survive the puppy stage because Jim and Gus are attending puppy kindergarten.
Both of them are doing well in school.

Life at puppy level.

Goings on

There's always something going on at Anoka fiber Works.  I've been busy knitting swatches for classes and winding warp for my next weaving project.  Tomorrow is the Short Row Class.  I have five different short row techniques to teach.  It gives the students plenty of options from which to choose.  

A sample needle felted painting I made for Teresa's upcoming class.  I'd photoshopped the original photo to use as wallpaper for my phone or iPad.  

Bunny on the run!

Deb's bunny kept us company one recent Saturday.

Sample finished!

I like the curves toward the center.

I finished the Upcycled Elegance scarf this morning.  It was a challenge to get all the pieces to stick to the scarf, but I did it!  I didn't like the original idea of just having the pieces on the ends and wanted it to be more organic-looking.  To make sure all the ribbon, metallic, and wool pieces stayed on I spun a single of warm brown Shetland wool and plied it with some leftover mohair from the vertical lace scarf.  It was just enough to felt on top of the other bits and bobs.  Now to see if this can become a class...

Detail of the scarf.  The needle-felting also adds texture with the needle's barbs
catching the scarf fabric and pulling on the threads. 

The Silken Straw sweater is progressing and I am on the first sets of decreases and second hank of yarn.  Making my way from the bottom to the top.

It has been snowing quite a bit.  We said, "The heck with it," and turned on the Christmas lights outside for the past couple of evenings.  When spring finally comes to Minnesota, it will be lovely.  I do not worry too much about it, as the mosquito season will be shorter this year.

I am hoping the snow cover provides some much-needed moisture for the yard.