I had a different friend drive me today to the Tuesday knitting group, usual friend not well. It was a great session, with two new members, and an array of skills.
One member was making starters -- a bit of knitting set up ready -- for several of her work colleagues she's starting to teach beginning knitting. Another was knitting socks in her own handspun as well as a commercial self stripe. Another learned to knit on the spot and was moving on to the purl stitch before we left. Another was getting to the waist of a topdown color worked sweater,and she's going to teach knitting at the library next month. And a new member brought all kinds of items to show us including beautiful tiny knitted and beaded purses, which can be worn as pendants.
Talk ranged over summer travel, miniatures, band weaving, woodburning, back to the land, driving, Maine, the V&A, introverts, hearing aids, sweet woodruff, quilting, long draw spinning, short draw, and a lot more.
Then to the post office to send off an artwork, and home to Textiles and Tea with Kira Keck, based in Michigan.
They're a weaver, embroiderer, mixed media worker, exhibitor and workshop teacher, still very young and already with prestigious fellowships and residencies behind them, including Cranbrook. Take a look.
It's exciting work, full of references and experiments in color and texture, mixing weaving with needlepoint and fabric printing, and interrogating the lesbian experience in textile form. I came home too late to catch the intro slide, but you can see their website at kirakeck.com, which explains their philosophy and approach.
Meanwhile back at my weaving studio, well, table, I've set up threads ready for a second band after the loom arrives and after I do my first band.
Those little beaded purses are just exquisite! I enjoyed seeing Kira Keck's work too!
ReplyDeleteThe purses are quite heavy, surprisingly so, because of the beads. They're lovely to handle and I guess wear.
DeleteThat artwork of Kira's is beautiful. Wow.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a good day.
It combines all sorts of unlikely partners and it works.
DeleteHow adorable are those little bags. I also noticed the bag someone is using to organise their circular needles. What a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI think I might start trolling Pinterest and see if they have any patterns
It's a really good organizer. But nowadays she does everything on those interchangeable needles!
DeleteI like the pillows
ReplyDeleteThey're dual purpose: for regular use and, stacked , as art installations.
DeleteLovely artwork.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it good to have a knit 'n natter.. And such a range of skills there. Mind you, a good stitch' n bitch can be a relief too!!
It's a relief valve!
DeleteAgain, such a talented group you are. Love the weaver's work too.
ReplyDeleteThey're so generous, too, nice people.
DeleteOff to pottery to perhaps make more fishes! Time to create.
ReplyDeleteI think fishes are becoming your pottery signature. I love them.
DeleteI'm imagining that you spend almost as much time at Tuesday knitting group taking pictures as you do knitting. :)
ReplyDelete(I can relate. I'd do the same thing.)
It's just quick clicks, a few seconds each, so as not to interrupt the flow. I'm glad they look as if I spent actual time on them, though.
DeleteLots of inspiration and ideas for you. Hope your loom arrives soon - you're ready!!
ReplyDeleteI am so ready!
DeleteThose tiny purses are beautiful. Such talent.
ReplyDeleteShe's very good. We're hoping she'll keep coming back.
DeleteI knitted one of those little purses a long time ago - wonder what ever became of it. I wouldn't attempt it now because I suspect it was a chore to do.
ReplyDeleteShe told us each one was many hours work. But over the years she's made and sold hundreds.
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