Thistle Talk- and compulsive obsessions about naturally dyed fibers

Lavender in Winter

2012-01-23T09:35:00.000-08:00

Like last year, I've been making use of some of my bags of linen scraps to make sachets- filling them up with amazingly fragrant organic lavender from Washington State. The entire studio is permeated with the aroma when I fill a few up. Mmmmmm. Don't think any moths will come near this place!

Last month, I sent a "Knitter's Peace Dove" sachet as a gift to one of my favorite knitting designers, Anne Hanson, of Knitspot and she generously posted about it on her blog. If you're a knitter, and don't know about Anne's great designs, and fun blog, please visit her!

Since it's nearly Valentine's Day, I've also started to make "Lover's Peace Dove" sachets. Here is what one looks like, but don't feel it needs to be gifted for that holiday- give one to yourself, or to someone you love. It's white and cold here, but the scent of lavender will keep me going til Spring.

the Only Clematis around Here

2011-12-20T10:37:00.000-08:00

are gone.

Earlier in the year I showed this commemorative design while it was in the works. I now realize I never provided photos of the completed design. The limited pieces I made are now living elsewhere, and I'll try to be patient til spring brings the Clematis flowers back. Stay warm, enjoy your friends and family, and be healthy.

Fueling the Fire

2011-12-08T10:03:00.000-08:00

Not related to embroidery, but what IS helping to keep me cranking right now- a little shipment of goods from Teavana.com.

While at a family Thanksgiving in Portland last month, one of my cousins brought some Teavana tea from the California Bay Area. The aromas were astounding, and I just loved the actual tea. Even with our small order, they sent a free tin, which is now filled with "My Morning Mate". mmmmmmm.

Etsy Shop filling up!

2011-12-02T14:43:00.000-08:00

I'm working to list some items in the Etsy Shop, and also trying to add some new little sachets I've been making.

Stop in and see what you can find!

Return

2011-10-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

Where have I been? I just can't say, but obviously not here. My hands have certainly been occupied, but not on the keyboard.

I made an appearance for the Annual Historic Seattle Bungalow Fair, and I will post some photos the new designs I showed there. But not today. It was nice to be back at the show, and see many folks I so love talking with.

More soon.

More Educational Needlecraft and Applique

2011-02-14T09:14:00.000-08:00

In honor of Educational Needlecraft's 100th birthday(see previous post), I'm working on some pieces that either reproduce or reflect on those found in the publication. They will not become permanent offerings, but will be limited in number throughout 2011, and will most likely vary some in color and design. Here are a two photos of one that is currently underway.

100 Years of Educational Needlecraft

2011-02-07T12:13:00.000-08:00

Amazing, it was 100 years ago, in 1911, that Ann Macbeth and Margaret Swanson's revolutionary instructional book was published by Longmans Green & Company. When I first became interested in Glasgow Style Embroidery, I found two copies of the book in the UK- one is the first edition from 1911, and I'm still happy to have it. It is listed on my website page of resources to "find out more".

Pioneers in the UK, the authors wrote other instructional books to better enable teachers of "domestic arts" to inspire girls and young women to expand their skills- and to encourage the social revolution that the arts could be for All, not just the economically secure. Practical creativity meant that needle crafts didn't have to be created from expensive materials, nor did they need to be confined to evening wear or purely decorative objects.

The publication is now readily available in paperback version, and also online.

If you're going to be near Glasgow Scotland the middle of this month- an event celebrating the 100th anniversary of Educational Needlecraft is scheduled. Textilefest includes a tribute to Glasgow's role in the textile industry-Visit http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/ for more info- there is even a workshop on making your own drawstring bag- Glasgow Style!

Hearts and Knots

2011-01-19T15:42:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned, I'm having fun making some new sachets. While procrastinating about something else, I made this one:

I found the basis for it in book that details methods of construction for Celtic Knotwork panels of the Pictish School. Pretty fascinating design stuff!

And, not too long ago, continuing my current avian interest, and figuring that it will be Valentine's Day soon, I embroidered a Crow. That is addicted to love.

They are both now listed in my Etsy shop- link on the right hand side of the page.

LOVE Sachets?

2011-01-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

It's cold, and it's white outside. My mind wanders and thinks about everything else other than What It Should Be.

So, I'm playing with Love Sachets. Heart Sachets. Kind of Arts and Crafts period, kind of not. But different.

I'm starting to put some into the Etsy Shop- link on side of this page. Check them out.

Smelling great!

2010-11-12T12:14:00.000-08:00

WOW does the studio smell fantastic! If you don't like the smell of lavender, don't come over. I just got a new shipment of amazingly fresh organic Washington lavender buds; it's truly astounding how fragrant they are.

Here's a quick shot of a large order that went out recently....

And, I seem to be on a bird binge.

I've been watching them come to the bird bath, which is now frozen every morning. As it thaws, little visitors show up for a drink and perhaps a short bath. They must know that the mountains are getting slammed with snow, and soon enough, the white stuff will be here too.

I've been drawn to red tones, as the fall ends here in Montana. Not much can compete with the brilliant red of a Cardinal in snow, but the logwood dyed red silk I use comes pretty close, don't you think?

The Robin on the right uses the same ruby red silk, and being the early bird that it is, has nabbed a ball of tweedy cotton yarn- naturally dyed by the talent Andie at Renaissance Dyeing, in France. There is a link to her site on the right of this page. These sachets, and more, are available in my etsy shop(again, see right for the link).

Back from the Summer

2010-10-28T15:35:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been some time. No excuses, except it WAS summer, and I was keeping busy.

I had an interesting project, one I never thought I'd make. Actually, I never even thought about making one til I got a phone call. Many of us might have a need for one, living in old houses, with old interiors, and still, it had never crossed my mind. Ok, I'll say it.

A FLAT SCREEN TV COVER

Do you have one? Well, someone in my state does! Here are a few shots. I wish I could show it to you in situ, but the owner doesn't live nearby. If he ever sends me a photo, I'll post it here.

Sorry, not the greatest shot, but I had a hard time getting the entire piece. It's 70" wide. Yup, a big boy. Here's some details.

The cover is entirely lined with a high count muslin, to avoid static. You can see that in the photo on the right. Anyway, making something for the first time is always fun, and sometimes challenging.

ETSY SHOP SALE

2010-06-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

Visit the Thistle Handwerks Etsy shop for a SALE on anything with PURPLE or BLUE. Sale ends July 31st.

My gardens are overflowing with Penstemon, Clematis, Wisteria, Veronica, Allium, Pansies, and more- in every hue of purple/blue you can imagine. I just love it!

Montana Association of Weavers and Spinners Conference

2010-06-03T07:46:00.000-07:00

Is where you'll find me, beginning this evening, through Sunday!
I'll be a vendor there, with my small but wonderfully fragrant sachets for stash protection.

There's alot of events, workshops, classes. As a fiber freak, I'm thrilled to be taking two classes after the market is over, from Jane Fournier.

If you're in the area, stop by- the market is open to the public.
More info at www.mawsonline.org/Conference.html

Roses for Springtime!

2010-03-31T10:25:00.000-07:00

In my studio, there is a bank of 2 large windows that look out into the gardens. Watching the yard this time of year is so exciting, after spending the winter staring at white and brown. All I want to do is embroider with bright colors, and since that isn't what just everyone wants, my little sachet project gives me the chance to go WILD. Well, sort of.

Of course, there aren't any roses blooming in my garden yet(I'm just starting to see live stems and buds)- but I can dream, can't I? I'm a patient person, I can wait. These brilliantly colored Glasgow-esque satin stitch roses will probably go into the Etsy shop soon.

Merging Hearts

2010-01-08T11:59:00.000-08:00

are on the next sachet design I'm listing in the Etsy shop. If you don't like the smell of lavender, you can always order one without it- and fill the mini-pillow with the fragrance of your choice!

More on Etsy

2009-12-02T18:35:00.001-08:00

I've added some new sachets along with a pillow that is not a standard design- it's a Glasgow style floral applique motif in blues.

I don't know about where you live, but winter has absolutely arrived=snow + below freezing temps! Stay warm!

Squares of fragrance

2009-11-17T14:02:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'm nuts. At least, some of the people closest to me think so.

For the past ten years, I've saved all the fabric scraps from my projects. No, I mean ALL THE FABRIC SCRAPS. Really. I just knew that one of these days I'd think of something practical yet fun to make with them. I did offer some to paper makers, but there's not a big demand around here. In my spare time, when my hands don't hurt too much, I knit. And spin. And I have quite a stash of fiber that needs protection. That's how I arrived at the decision to make sachets.

I wanted to make re-usable sachets, being the thrifty person that I am. Plus, if someone is going to spend money for a hand embroidered sachet, it should be reusable. I found a local source of lavender, and it's amazing stuff. Her family grows it in Washington state, in the Sequim area of the Olympic Peninsula. If you haven't been there, do it. Lots of lavender farms, and gorgeous scenery.

Anyway, I'm having a great time making little squares. Fragrant squares. They're just starting to get posted in the Etsy shop.

more on Etsy

2009-11-03T14:01:00.001-08:00

I'm a slug, what can I say?

More of the new in the Etsy shop......

Etsy update

2009-10-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to add some new items to my Etsy shop; take a minute and visit. There are, and will be, some designs not offered on my website- or variations that I might not repeat again. Let me know if there is something you'd like to see....

Staying awake for Seattle

2009-09-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

It's been quiet on the blog in part due to readying for the upcoming Seattle show, just a bit more than a week away.

I've had a chance to make a few one-offs, which I really enjoy. Different colors, different take on an older design.... I'm looking forward to the drive westward; the mountain colors are always SO fantastic, and I get to see my friends in Missoula and Seattle!

Last year I brought a small amount of silk floss for people to purchase, and it was scooped up right away. I'm putting together another batch to bring- the colors are just too glorious for words. Too bad I'm so inept with the camera....

Portieres- BIG!

2009-07-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

Last year I completed a large project but it wasn't until this spring that I actually got to see it in-situ. One of the negatives about many of my custom projects is that I never get to see them in their final resting place, so to speak. Once in a while, someone will email me a photo, which makes me VERY HAPPY. Some very nice people confessed to me that absolutely would not happen, and a number of states separate us- so I hired Durango CO photographer Chris Marona to take a few photos.

They arrived this spring, and, in my usual manner of procrastination, I am just now posting two here. This is one BIG doorway, and it required some equally BIG panels. Each one measures 6 feet wide by 7 feet high. They are two sided, with the appliqued design on both sides. These very nice people wanted a bold design to echo a mural nearby, with apple branches, and they wanted ravens similar to some life size sculptures on their deck. The panels are usually open, not closed, like in the photo. The fabric is Belgian linen, the embroidery floss is, yup, you guessed it, naturally dyed silk. Lots of it.

I thought I could resize the tiff file, but my photo program won't let me. Here's a closeup.

More Etsy- and PayPal Payments

2009-07-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

It's happening slowly, but I've added a few more items in the Thistle Handwerks Etsy shop(see previous post). Hopefully over the next few weeks, I'll be able to list some more- but I'm beginning to prepare for the September Historic Seattle Bungalow Fair.

For the past 10 years, I have accepted direct credit card payments. The processing fees have continued to rise in cost, and I reluctantly decided to make a change. I will continue to accept payments via credit cards, but only through PayPal. If you've not used PayPal, and want more information, let me know, or, visit their website at http://paypal.com . One advantage is that you can email me an order, and I can then email you an invoice, which you pay via the PayPal site.

Hope you're enjoying your summer!

Etsy Shop is Open, Finally!

2009-07-14T19:29:00.000-07:00

www.thistlehandwerks.etsy.com

I can't imagine anyone taking any longer than I did, but the Thistle Handwerks shop on Etsy is now open for business! Today I listed some kits, and as I have time over the next week or so, I plan to list some finished textiles as well. Perhaps some embroidery silk too- I have an over abundance of some colors, and perhaps someone will want some to play with.

Summer is flying by: in addition to stitching, I'm trying to catch up on year's worth of gardening, and doing some house painting. A summer holiday included a trip to the Oregon coast with a stop at the Black Sheep Gathering in Eugene, where I purchased/shared the purchase of some gorgeous fleeces. I hope to make some time soon to wash them and start spinning.

2009 Show Schedule

2009-05-21T19:47:00.000-07:00

This is on the website also, but again, this year for slightly different reasoning, I'll just be doing the Seattle show. My energy level is returning, but, one show and my studio work is enough for me this year.
Sorry the etsy shop is taking so long, but well, it just is. Getting close....

This and that

2009-04-01T20:15:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure where March went, but it seems it passed the blog right on by...

The etsy store is nearly ready, and when I return from a bit of a vacation, I should be able to start listing some items for sale. I'll write here when it's open.

Until then, a few photos of what I've been up to:

Below right, is a dresser scarf I made for a customer who wanted oak leaves. I had fun with the little acorns.

I learned how to spin a few years ago, and lately have been experimenting with silk. I have a few ideas of how I might incorporate my handspun silk into some embroidered pieces. There are some gorgeous hand dyed spinning fibers available now in naturally dyed hues. See below for a couple of skeins I spun from tussah silk, dyed by Kristine from A Verb for Keeping Warmhttp://averbforkeepingwarm.com/

where Inspiration comes from

2009-02-25T21:03:00.000-08:00

It's been a long winter, and I'm not sure it's quite over yet. One week my view out the window is this,

and yesterday these dainty little colors popped open! I went to the cupboard where all the silk is stored, and began to take out yellows and purples, along with vibrant greens. I'm tired of browns and golds. I'm ready for Spring!

Singing a Song of Glasgow Embroidery

2009-02-06T08:07:00.000-08:00

If you subscribe to the magazine, www.style1900.com, you may have seen Laura Euler's article. If not, stop by your local bookstore and pick up the Spring issue- She offers a nice summary of Arts and Crafts embroidery in the UK, with not the usual images of period pieces. She also has a new book out, The Glasgow Style, which I have not seen yet(published by Schiffer).

Happy 10th Birthday Thistle Handwerks!

2009-02-05T18:03:00.000-08:00

I was digging through some files, pulling receipts for my tax prep, and WHAMMO! it hit me; just a few days ago TH had it's 10 birthday. Obviously, a very quiet one, since I didn't even remember it. Now I need to decide whether or not to have a belated celebration....

Back up, and Running (sort of)

2009-01-30T14:12:00.000-08:00

If you've come here from my old blog/news page, welcome, and thanks!

I know its been forever since I've posted here. If you saw me at the 2008 Seattle Bungalow show, or have been in touch, you know why. For the rest of you, I'll make it brief.

Right after the last post here, in March, I was diagnosed with fallopian tube cancer. I had surgery, months of chemotherapy, well, I'm sure you know someone who's been through this. Perhaps you have. I'm told there is a 25% chance the cancer can return, but I passed my first 3 month check, and will continue to have them for the next few years. I'm learning to be positive, and trying to get on with my life. It's a challenge, but I have a wonderfully supportive husband, family and bunch of friends.

Anyway, I've had loads of time to think, ponder new design ideas for products, web site revisions, etc. As I have time, I'll be doing something about them. I'm also at work on an Etsy Store, so you can buy pieces online. I've been experimenting a bit, and like the idea of making some "one offs" that can be available elsewhere other than shows. More on that when its ready.

To those of you who have provided kind words, cards, and encouragement, I send more thanks than I could ever verbally say. And for those who saw me with a shiny bald head, the hair is back- with more gray, and curly, for now!

2008 Show Schedule

2008-03-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

I'm cutting back on shows this year; right now I'm only scheduled to do the usual September Historic Seattle Bungalow event. The Durango Conference that has been in October is being moved to late spring, so it is currently on the calendar for 2009. If there are changes to this, updates will be posted here and on the thistlehandwerks.com site.