Remember those new scarves from a couple of posts back, http://studiojottings.blogspot.com/2012/03/new-scarves.html? Well I've finally finished them. My vision was to create a narrow scarf out of a lighter weight material so it could be worn in 3 seasons and /or in summer with air conditioning.  I chose to make the  scarves out of tencel and I wanted them to have a different look than just a straight scarf.  I used a technique called differential shrinkage to get a ruffled effect.  I've used this technique before in my "Neck Scrunchies" .  These scarves were to be an alternative to my narrow chenille scarves.  I was hoping to stay within a lower price range.  Unfortunately the number of hours it took to make these is greater than the hours it takes to make the chenille scarves.  The yarn is thinner which means I must measure and thread more yarn ends onto the loom and that takes more time.  Because I am using a thinner thread it also takes longer to weave one inch of the thinner tencel than one inch of the chenille. So while I will have to price these higher than I had hoped, I am pleased with the effect. I will go back to the drawing board to design something that will be in the lower price range.  I already have another idea.  But for now I'll make a few more of these.

Here are pictures of the latest scarves:

Detail of Mauve Scarf



Mauve Scarf 



Coral Scarf

Detail of Coral Scarf





Adobe Brown Scarf



Taupe Scarf




Two scarves together



Two scarves together

So what do you think?  These scarves are 5 inches wide and approximately 72 - 75 inches long. They are great for wrapping and fun to find new ways to wear them.  They will sell for $145.

I'm off to make some warps for another colorway.

Woven Rectangles Become Garments

Most ethnic clothing is based on simple design. Take a simple rectangle and you can make many different garments with either no cutting or only a few cuts for neck and arm openings and have beautiful results. The colors and design of the fabric becomes the emphasis, not the intricate cutting and sewing.  While I love watching "Project Runway" ( and I have to say that "Project Runway All Stars" was "FABULOUS  Darling")  I still marvel at the simplicity of using a rectangular piece of fabric to make a beautiful garment.

Check out this video on just that concept.  The Sari is just one long piece of fabric wrapped around the body. No cutting or sewing is involved, just a beautiful piece of cloth!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQbZ011qy6w&feature=share

New Scarves

I'm working on some new scarves. They are made of Tencel with a small strip of wool that will shrink and create a ruffled effect.  I have used this technique before  with my "Neck Scrunchies".  These scarves however will be long and narrow.  They are an alternative to the narrow chenille scarves that I make and will be suited for warm weather areas like Florida and California, not to mention that they will look great as an accent piece for people in the North!

I'm  trying to add more 3 season wear into my inventory so that I can reach a broader audience. The first one will be a test.  I'll know better after I make the sampler if these will be a go.

So here are the beginnings of designing some new scarves. Follow my progress and let me know what you think.



First Warp Chain



Second Possiblity - very pastel



Third Possibility - my signature colors!

  

Fiber Philadelphia

The most amazing thing happens in Philadelphia, PA every other year.  The "City of Brotherly Love" is host to everything and all things fiber art. It is a city wide event with forums and symposiums along with guest artist workshops and lectures.  The whole month of March is dedicated to this event.  All the galleries focus on fiber art exhibits with artists who enter the shows from all over the world.  It is an event that started about 10 years ago and has continued to grow since then. 

The Philadelphia Guild of Handweavers will have their own annual fiber art exhibit called "Celebration of Fibers". It opens March 23 and will be held at the Philadelphia Guild House in Manayunk. It is included in this great whirlwind of gallery hopping that occurs around the city.  I will be exhibiting 3 pieces in this show all of which are very different.  If you live in Philadelphia or have a chance to get to Philadelphia, I would encourage you to visit as many galleries as possible.  I know you will have a great time seeing all the wonderful creative work that the city is honoring. I don't know of any other city that does as great of job of focusing on Fiber Art as Philadelphia does.

Here are a few links that you might want to check out:
http://bit.ly/AjJv0c
http://bit.ly/zJ2d5C
http://www.pghw.org/