Monday Mosaic: Fiber on my Mind

curated by Sharon Fischer/Straynotions

Its time for me to head to Fiber College so I thought I'd highlight our fiber artisans:

 
1. Orange Olive Brown Medallion Pleated Leigh Wallet Gaget Case, Abigail Leigh
2. Starburst- 220 yards of Peruvian Wool, Lady Dye Fiberarts

3. Tote bag - Giant Vintage Orange flowers and bouncy ball fringe, Stray Notions 
4. Silk Scarf, Snow Dyed, Black Rusty Browns, Hand Dyed, Enchanted Hue

Monday Mosaic: Thoughts of Spring Flowers

Curated by Kerry Hawkins

Though Boston is still covered in snow, we dream of spring!

1. Orchid Hokusai Hand Painted Ceramic Tray by Citybytheseaceramics
2. noteset with peony by cricicis
3. White Flowers, France, 8 x 10 Matted Photo Print by KHawkinsPhoto
4. Embroidered necklace - Cactus flower by straynotions

Featured Artist Sharon Fischer at the first Boston Handmade Trunk Show

by Sharon Fischer of Stray Notions

mixed media dragonfly brooches by Stray Notions

Yup, that's right - be kicking off the first in a series of monthly trunks shows at Cristina Hurley Gallery, in Canton, this Friday, February 8, from 4-7pm. I'm looking forward to returning to the gallery in person, and with some new and different work for this one evening event and hope you'll join in the fun.

I'm bringing a colorful array of items to decorate yourself or your home which will be for sale. You can enjoy some refreshments, bring in jewelry to be cleaned (by Cristina) and ask me those pressing questions you have about my work.

Note: I have a habit of not taking weatherfolk very seriously because in my youth they were simply NEVER right, but just in case they are this time and there is a major storm we will reschedule and post the details on the facebook page for the event.

Gallery location:
554 Washington Street
Canton, MA 02021

Monday Mosaic - Get Cozy!

Curated by Jessica Burko

It's chilly in Boston today so snuggle up and get cozy!

Pictured above:
Basic Mitten Pattern by Lady Dye Fiber Arts
Mug in Shino Glaze by City by the Sea Ceramics
Relax, 8 x 10 Matted Photograph by Kerry Hawkins Photography
Sleeping Cat note card set by Cricicis Design

Monday Mosaic: Take A Seat

Curated by Kerry of Kerry Hawkins Photo
 

Tired from all the holiday shopping? Take a load off and shop online for handmade art and craft: http://bostonhandmade.org/FeaturedOnlineShops.htm

1. 13x19, So this is Destiny - Bacon Limited Edition Poster Print by MonkeyChow
2. Collectible plush character - Mr. Noze Knows - hand sewn felt weird funny plush - OOAK by HibouDesigns
3. Take a Seat, Amsterdam, 11 x 14 Matted Photograph by KHawkinsPhoto
4. notebook with chairs by cricicis

Handmade by YOU at Gather Here in Cambridge

Detail of Tea Towel from the 2012 Etsy Craft Party at Gather Here, created by Saraland

Have you heard? The holidays are coming! It's time to crank up your creative spirit and show your loved ones what they really mean to you by making something for them with your very own hot little hands. You can do it. Really, you can.

To help you through the creative process is Gather Here, a fabric, yarn, and fibers store offering classes in an inspirational work space with knowledgeable instructors. For almost two years their aim has been to provide a creative, fun, inspiring environment for the maker in everyone.

The concept behind Gather Here is that if you have the space, equipment, and assistance, you can make anything. They provide a place to make something without having to purchase your own expensive equipment or make room in your home to craft. It's also a place where people can meet others who share a common interest (or two), and it's a gathering space to create, support, and learn from each other. Gather Here offers classes in sewing (beginner to advanced), knitting (beginner to intermediate), crochet, hand embroidery, and also workshops that cover crafts like block printing, and repurposing all kinds of stuff.

For your holiday gift making pleasure, there are still spaces available in a number of the December workshops at Gather Here:

• fliptop mittens (if you've been aching to learn to knit mittens this class is for you!)
• crochet lace bookmark (an introduction to crochet lace charts)
• patchwork stockings (a great introduction to quilting)
• penguin ornaments (make one, make a hundred)
• crochet cowl (a lovely striped cowl you can finish in a few evenings)
• an Ipad case (or Kindle or laptop or whatever e-reader)

There's also a special book binding workshop THIS Saturday, December 1st, at 3pm with recently published and seasoned North Bennett Street instructor, Stacie Dolin, and if you have children looking for a quick sewing fix, they're offering a three-day Winter Sewing Camp from December 26th through the 28th. This class is a great gift for a young crafter interested in using a sewing machine, installing zippers, and wearing handmade pajama pants in 2013. 

Gather Here is located at 370 Broadway in Cambridge, MA, right on the corner of Lee and Broadway. Check out their website for tons more information and let them help you MAKE SOMETHING this holiday season: http://www.gatherhereonline.com/

Greater Boston Yarn Crawl

Photo (of hand dyed alpaca yarn) by Jessica Burko

Seriously. OMG.

If you knit, crochet, or craft with yarn in any way, shape, or form, this weekend is for you!

The Greater Boston Yarn Crawl 2012 is happening THIS Friday though Sunday, September 28-30. Join fellow yarn enthusiasts for a self-guided tour of the premier yarn shops in the greater Boston area.

Sixteen fabulous local Boston yarn shops will be showcasing yarn, hosting special guests, and featuring trunk shows and demonstrations. Many special sales, raffles and giveaways will also be offered. This is a wonderful way to discover some different shops in your area, or revisit your favorites. You choose – visit all the shops, a few of the shops, or just one. A yarn crawl is also a super way to mingle with other fiber fanatics and find out what they are excited about.

Finding your way around the crawl is easy!  Find all the information you need here, http://www.yarn-crawl.com/, or at the links below...

• Click on Shops to learn key information regarding store names, locations and crawl hours. Pay close attention – the hours are different for each shop.
• Plan your route by printing a copy of the Pattern, which includes a map. It is VERY important to bring a pattern with you – some shops are offering special deals to those who present their pattern.
• Be sure to check out Specials to see a list of the exciting events planned at each shop.
• In case you get hungry or want a variety of shopping opportunities, you will find a list of local restaurants and shops near many of the yarn shops by clicking on Extras.
• Last but not least, you will find an amazing list of Sponsors who have generously donated items to help make the Greater Boston Yarn Crawl 2012 a success.

To give you a taste of what each yarn shop has to offer, here's what JP Knit & Stitch in fabulous Jamaica Plain is planning for the next few days:
• free mitten and scarf pattern with every purchase.
• with every purchase of $50 or more, you will receive a 15% off coupon towards your next purchase.
• lots of great raffles (blanket pattern + yarn; mitten and scarf; and more).

FRIDAY, 3-6PM at JP Knit & Stitch: performance by the fiber artist Virginia Fitzgerald: Come see fiber artist Virginia Fitzgerald perform her piece, Insatiable. This piece is an ever growing, organically crocheted fiber piece in which she crochets a myriad of different materials, some traditional fibers and yarns and some untraditional -- old plastic bags, electric cords, balloons, etc. Beside using the different materials that she has collected, Virginia encourages others to bring in materials to add to the piece.  So look around your house and bring in any greenish/brownish fiber like materials - such as, scraps of yarn, strips of fabrics, old nylons, gift wrapping ribbons, old ribbons, old packing materials, old plastic bags....the sky's the limit, let your imagination run wild!

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY at JP Knit & Stitch: Photo Booth Session: Crafter's Edition with photographer Jennifer Waddell. For more information about how to sign up for a session, click here.

SUNDAY at JP Knit & Stitch: Trunk show with Knit Collage, a nationally distributed indie yarn company based in Boston. Love their unique, globally inspired yarns and ethically conscious business practices. Come and be inspired by their handspun yarn influenced by nature, travel, and fashion.

Be sure to come back here to add your comments and share where you crawled this weekend!

Marketplace Preview: Handmade Happenings

Can you feel it?? The June 30th Boston Handmade Marketplace in Union Square Somerville is very, very close. Listen carefully and you can hear the whirring of the sewing machines, the clicking of knitting needles, and the frantic finishing of all types of handmade items getting ready to make their grand entrance under the big, white tents.

Lucie Wicker photographing Marketplace visitors in her 2011 live photo booth

You already know the Marketplace is home to all the best, most unique, gotta-have-it wearables, decor, functional objects, and art, but did you also know there will be activities, demonstrations, live music, DIY projects, and a live photo booth too?

photo courtesy of Creative Union

Creative Union will be at the Marketplace with a mixed-media project extravaganza for anyone who wants to participate. This VERY local organization has it's year-round home right in Union Square and is a partnership of two social service organizations, Walnut Street Center and Outside the Lines Studio. Their mission is to provide dynamic artistic environments for people with disabilities and to foster community collaboration accessible to more artists both with and without disabilities.

photo of Common Cod Fiber Guild Members by Jessica Burko

Joining the Marketplace for their 4th year in a row is The Common Cod Fiber Guild creating a "fun and supportive environment for learning and participating in fiber activities" with their tent o' textiles. Pull up a chair and hang with these guild members as they knit, crochet, spin, and do all kinds of stitching. Special bonus this year: Rebalance Bodywork & Massage will be with the Guild doing chair massages all afternoon. Oh yeah.

photo courtesy of Stitch House

If yarn and fabric is your thing, you will love seeing Stitch House at the Marketplace. In past years this wonderful Dorchester home for all your textile needs (and a generous wealth of classes) has presented DIY sewing projects to Marketplace visitors like quilting and quick sew broaches. Who knows what tempting treat they will present this year, but whatever it is, you'll love it. We promise.

photo courtesy of Gather Here

Making their debut at the 2012 Marketplace is Gather Here, Cambridge's first stitch lounge offering space for creating with fabric, fibers, classes, and knowledgeable instructors. Gather Here aims to provide a creative, fun, inspiring environment for the maker in everyone, and at the Marketplace they will be doing some hula hoop weaving. What is "hula hoop weaving" you ask? Find out in Union Square on June 30th!

Staff of the Somerville Arts Council dressed to the 9s in Lucie Wicker's 2011 Marketplace photo booth

Feeling silly, frisky, wild and wacky? Jump into Lucie Wicker's live photo booth with some feathers on your head and fun in your heart. The photo booth was a highlight of the 2011 Boston Handmade Marketplace and is returning for a 2nd year to capture your moment in the spotlight.

There will truly be something for everyone at the Boston Handmade Marketplace on June 30th so don't skip a beat, grab a pal and check us out.

Dyeing Yarn

By Diane of Lady Dye Fiber Arts & Design

I have been spending the last couple of weeks focusing on dyeing yarn that I have dyed before and for the most part I have been successful. However, there is one color combination that I absolutely adore that did not work well. I blended orange, purple, and green which in the past becomes this bright starburst candy color.

Instead of those colors, I ended up getting very neutral lighter shades if green, browns, cream, and reds after it was all blended together. I was disappointed at first as I had a new knitwear design pattern that I'm creating and wanted to use the original blended colors I had in mind but I later discovered as I was knitting with the yarn that it actually blended well and looked wonderful knitted up.

Long story short, I truly believe in the quote from the movie Forest Gump: "Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what your gonna get."

Learn Basic Embroidery

by Sharon Fischer of Stray Notions

On February 27 I will be teaching an intro to basic embroidery class at the Boston Center for Adult Education. We'll take inspiration from traditional stitch samplers to create a tea towel or wall hanging. There is still room for a few more in the class. Hope to see you.

First the Good News

by Sharon of Stray Notions

The good news -- winding down from the holiday season and planning for a better year to come -- because there's always room for improvement, right? Tomorrow my big plans are to take me and some personal stitching (embroidery AND knitting) projects down to the stitcher's brunch at Gather Here in Cambridge and enjoy working on something just for me (well, actually the embroidery is a gift, but without any pressure).

The picture shows both the good news and the alluded to bad news, as they are inextricably linked. All of the items -- the gorgeous variegated yarns that I usually don't splurge on and the nifty wooden display spinner were purchased this summer at at deep discount from a needlework store that was going out of business. I was happy to get them, but so sad that the store is no longer. So, while enjoying the great company and treats I also plan to support the retail end of Gather Here cause I'd be really sad if one day they weren't here. Please think about doing the same for your favorite local businesses.

Color Palette at Work

By Diane of Lady Dye Fiber Arts & Design

I am sorting through my inventory for the last couple of days and I was really inspired by the array of colors that I had created the past 6 months. Although most of that inventory has been sold, which makes me very happy, I am always producing more yarn each week. After looking at my inventory I have realized how much I enjoy mixing my color palette up with color combinations that make you think outside the box. I really have found my niche for my color and it's because I have taken the time to find inspiration from modern and contemporary artists but also I am trying to spend more time going on excursions locally to find interesting materials and people wearing amazing colors.

I don't like to boast about these accomplishments but I have seen a progression in my work that I am extremely humbled by. As crafters and artist, we need to continue to evolve in our own crafts. Sometimes you have to go against what you have always been comfortable producing in order to create new and innovative artwork and crafts.

Check this one out!

Why not another one to show you!

Crafting for the Holidays

By Diane of Lady Dye Fiber Arts & Design

I have spent the month of November preparing for my holiday craft fairs this month and I have to say, it was so exciting to be able to do more craft fairs this month and to see the amazing and talented crafters in Boston. I have been spending the last week or so dyeing and spinning yarn and I wanted to share with all of you some of the completed hand-dyed and hand-spun yarns I have done.

I am getting ready for the vibrant colors of spring and summer.

I call this Batman as I used black and yellow food coloring which blend into amazing colors.

Part 1: Interview with New Member Hibou Designs

by Anne-Claire of Hibou Designs

Hello!

My name is Anne-Claire and I'm a new member of Boston Handmade :)

If you want to learn a bit more about me and my work feel free to read the answers to the questions asked below. Thanks for welcoming me into your group.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself:

A: My name is Anne-Claire Regan but I often go by Hibou (“eeboo”) which means “owl” in French. My shop’s name on Etsy is HibouDesigns and I live and work in Jamaica Plain, MA. My husband and I moved from NY about 7 years ago but I am originally from France.

We have a little boy… scratch that… we have a big boy named Jack who just turned 5 and we have a happy bilingual/bicultural family (from Tours France to Princeton New Jersey… never a dull moment!).

Q: What is your background?

A: I went to the Ecole du Louvre in Paris where I majored in Art History and Egyptian Archeology. I then moved to New York where I did a Master degree on the "business" side of Art at the FIT. I worked in contemporary art galleries for a while and then in an amazing Decorative Arts Gallery before I moved to Boston. That is not going to sound very original but I had always loved Art, design and anything creative in general. I was always making things from clothes for my dolls when I was little to greeting cards for my friends and family later… (told you it wasn't original ;) There finally came a time when I decided to give it a shot and actually create full time… Plush making is my life now.

All boring things aside though I really think my background helped fuel my creativity. Also I'm French (nobody's perfect ;) which adds a touch of kookiness to the mix… according to my husband.

My family is actually a great source of inspiration too. My husband is a musician and always helps me find the best names for my plush characters. As for my son Jack who is 5, he just always has great unexpected comments on what I do and his world inspires me on a daily basis.

Q: Apart from creating things, what do you do?

A: If I don’t make things I get cranky so I’m always making something (whether it's for real or just in my head)! I’m also a real book worm and couldn’t live without music.

Q: What first made you want to become an artist?

A: The amazing art exhibitions my mom took me to in Paris when I was little. I particularly remember the Douanier Rousseau one, it was so incredible.

Q: What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?

A: A cone puppet covered with felt and that you could move with a wooden stick and a little clay mold that represented the stables of Augias (episode from the greek mythology of Heracles’ 12 labors). I loved those art classes and I believe that’s where it all started for me.

Q: What's your favorite color?

A: I love all bright colors but as far as colors to wear I like black and fuchsia.

Q :What are your favorite materials?

A: I mostly work with felt. I also use vintage buttons and fabrics from France. I love felt because it is very versatile, the possibilities are endless. The fact that it comes in so many colors never cease to amaze me. This is what makes me most happy in my creating process, to just sit there on the floor surrounded with all my felt and try to find a good color combo for a new plush!

The second thing that makes me happy is to forage into my vintage button stash. They were all given to me by my mom and my grandmas back in France and I love them dearly because they all have a story…. I can spend a lot of time just looking at them and think about what type of a second life they will have.

Finally my dearest treasure and most favorite thing to use when I have the opportunity is the big box of vintage lace, ribbon and fabric my grandma Paulette gave me last year. Some of it is really old and came from great aunts… I feel really lucky to be able to use it today in my designs.

Tomorrow we'll post Part 2 of Anne-Claire's interview!

Come Embroider with Me!

by Sharon of Stray Notions

I'll be teaching basic embroidery again on October 17 at Boston Center for Adult Education and would love it if you'd join me. Participant can choose to embroider a tea towel or small wall hanging. One option is an updated stitch sampler like the one pictured above inspired by an earlier version completed by a school girl named Wilhemina. Unlike young Wilheminia who received a 92 for efforts, class participants won't be graded.

Also it looks like you may be able to take advantage of this 30% off offer for any class in October.

Classes for Kids in Concord

by Sharon of Stray Notions

It's mid August and the summer venues seem to be clearing out earlier each year. Back to school is in the air ... and truth be told I always kind of liked that. It meant new pencils and art supplies! This year I'll be teaching in a converted school building in Concord, MA. Emerson Umbrella offers classes and workshops for kids and adults along with performances and environmental activities. I'll be introducing kids between the ages of 8-12 to simple hand sewing, embroidery and embellishment. I can't wait to see where they go with it. The first projects include creating a place to keep essential tools -- a needlebook, scissor fob, pincushion, basket, and drawstring bag.

The first 6 session class begins Tuesday September 20. If you know a child who might be interested you can see the full description and register online here or contact me for more information.

A Collaborative Wedding Gift

by Sharon Fischer of Stray Notions

While making/creating is a sometimes solitary pursuit their are opportunities for collaborating which I love to explore. Back in April I asked if any Boston Handmade members or alumni would be interested in collaborating on a quilt to give to Crystal Hanehan (now an alumni and soon to be Sloane). I tried to leave the options open: Create something on your own, or with my help and supplies in a group situation; No sewing required; Use traditional techniques or not... make it your own, make it with love. Have some fun and see what we can make together. I had so much fun coordinating this project and think that the final quilt is really fun and represents the range of talents beautifully.

Can you guess who created each block? If not each has hot link to the creator's online shop.

Recent Custom Projects

by Danielle from The Merriweather Council

Most of my recent sales have been custom orders, which I really enjoy doing. Here are some of my most recent commissions.

Patchwork Mini Pennant Bunting

"Safe and Warm" text embroidery hoop

State of Massachusetts Necklace

Three Hearts Necklace

Like I said, I really enjoy working on custom pieces and I love hearing people's ideas! Always open to chatting about custom projects.

New Items and inspiration

by Sharon Fischer of Stray Notions

I've been studying traditional Japanese embroidery for almost one year now. In another post I likened this system of formal study to Karate with specific skills required, although no actual belts are awarded. Sometime over the winter I completed Level 1 (white belt) and began a combined Level 2-3 piece which I worked on in a class setting in May. As someone who has done a fair amount of embroidery Level 1 seemed relatively easy but this piece represents a huge leap in the number and difficulty of the techniques to learn. What you see below is what I've managed to complete since February! I took the opportunity to use adaptations of some of these new techniques and materials (gold thread!) to create a few small "inspired by" pieces.

New Work

By Danielle of The Merriweather Council

As we all know, my favorite compositions happen in circles and so I've been working on a bunch of new necklaces in circle pendants to add to my collection of oval necklaces.

Circle necklaces will be in my shop soon! Circle and oval pendant necklaces are also en route to a consignment gig in Chicago - look for them at Sacred Art if you are in the area!

Maybe I'm a little early, but I have also started to collect Christmas fabrics for making hoop ornaments and other seasonal decorations for the holidays!

I've added a couple Christmas hoops to my shop already and will be adding more in the coming weeks/months.

Lastly, I've also been brewing up some Halloween decorations in hoops!

I'll have all of this new stuff and more with me at Union Made on Sunday so come visit!