The Fall season was a productive one–with the creation of several new weavings, and the acquisition of a second loom for my “studio” at home.

After talking with a number of weavers at the Santa Fe Indian Market in August, I was inspired to try a new pattern (for me), and designed a piece that featured a “lightning” border with a nice centerpiece. The piece won a blue ribbon at the end of semester show.

I entered a long floor runner in the Taos County Fair, and won a blue ribbon for it. That was nice. And, in September, I entered two pieces in the Taos Open, just to see what that larger venue felt like. I didn’t win any prizes, but sold both pieces, so that was good!

Now, it’s back to work on new pieces on the two looms at home, and I’m also planning to make another Saltillo in my “projects” class at Northern New Mexico College Fiber Arts program. People ask me why I still take classes, saying “haven’t you learned how to weave yet?”, but the camaraderie of other weavers is fun, and Karen Martinez, the teacher, is a master weaver who is a walking fountain of knowledge about patterns, designs, technical skills, etc. Compared to Karen’s lifetime of weaving, my four years’ experience doesn’t seem like much! But, I love it.

Please check out my other new pieces on this website in the gallery or sub-sections, and let me know if you feel like purchasing an existing piece, or would like to request something made especially for you.

Until next time,

Judith

It’s been a few months since I wrote a “monthly” newsletter, so there is much to tell!

Over the summer, I did quite a bit of weaving, mostly on small pieces (”ruglets”) and weaving samples which I applied to canvas/denim bags. This gave me the opportunity to explore different colors, sizes and relationships of various design elements. Some of these may be viewed in the sections of this web site.

September brought a new burst of weaving energy, and I embarked upon my first adventure with the Vallero star (actually many Vallero stars on one piece), and also was thrilled at the outcome of a multi-colored piece that used 12 colors against a black background. These two creations are pictured in the Larger Design section.

The biggest news at the moment is my undertaking of a large floor rug, finished dimensions of which will be 60″by 60″. It is the biggest piece I have attempted, and I’m getting my exercise reaching from side to side. Commissioned by someone who is giving it to herself for a Christmas present–what a good idea!

I always enjoy doing commissions. Besides the promise of a sale at the end, there is a real thrill to be weaving something especially for a particular person. I invite you readers to participate in this thrill. I usually create an original design based on a brief conversation with the person regarding preferred colors, size needed, and general design thoughts. I then present a draft drawing and, if possible, yarn samples to the client, along with a price estimate, and if all looks like a go, then I “just do it”! One client said I could quote him as saying, “it turned out even better than we imagined!”

Well, I guess it’s off to weaving–wonderful pastime. I’ll try to keep the website updated more faithfully in the future.

Judith

In April, I accomplished quite a bit of weaving. Major accomplishment–I completed the long-awaited “hurricane rug”, which I’m now calling “Florida” since it contains oranges, golf clubs and Nike golf balls, a golf hole, and an alligator in addition to a radar view of Hurricane Jeanne, one of the four hurricanes which hit my brother Tom’s house in 2004.
(You can view a photo of the finished weaving in the gallery section of this web site.)

I also completed a commission for someone who wanted a weaving to cover a fuse box on the wall in his and his wife’s bedroom. No problem. We aim to please. Upon my inquiry as to how it was working for them, he said I could quote him as saying, “it turned out even better that we expected!”

A realtor here in Taos, for whom I have been doing various editing and organizational services, has also become a patron of my weaving. She gives one of my weavings to clients upon the conclusion of their buying/selling ventures. That’s a very good thing!

I had three of my pieces showing in the recent Ghost Ranch exhibition during the month of April, and will again enter my recent pieces in the Fine Arts Show at the Espanola campus next week. We received a really fine review of our Ghost Ranch show in the Rio Grande SUN.

And, today, I acquired a second loom! It is in need of some TLC, but came my way via a new friend who was formerly active, but no longer weaving. She had seen a couple of my pieces one day, and called me to offer her loom where she knew it would have a good home. So, in a few weeks (and with help of Clarence on the sander), I should have it up and running. Do you think I can weave on two looms at once?

And, finally, my web site has netted its first commission, and that piece will also soon be underway. That was a nice call to receive!
Check the Gallery or individual sections for new additions. If you’d like to add some Rio Grande color to your home, or give one to someone special, just give me a call. We can discuss color, size, weight, design, etc. It’s not necessary to know precisely what you want before calling, I’ll help you zero in! And, I love creating designs, so not to worry!

That’s it for this month. Thanks for reading!

Judith

For the month of April, the Ghost Ranch Museum in Abiquiu, New Mexico, is featuring the weavings of the Fiber Arts program of NNMC. If you’re in the vicinity, please do stop in and see the show. I have three of my larger design pieces in the show, and there are also many fine weavings from other weavers in the program. It’s worth the trip!

I’ve just completed a series of smaller design pieces for table tops, small areas, etc. and also have prepared my first series of fun handbags decorated with colorful mini-weavings. Next, I’ve warped my loom for making some more of the heavier weight rugs for the floor. I’ll be working in shades of brown, gold and dark green, then in black, red and oatmeal. Let me know if this sounds like something you’re looking for! (see the “for the floor” sections of this web site for sample designs)

As the days lengthen, the sun stays up and lights my weaving space for extended hours. So, I’m looking forward to much more time on the loom. Rugs will soon be “jumping” off.

And, on the loom in the studio at El Rito, is the one-of-a-kind “Florida rug” which includes oranges, golf clubs, a golf hole, an alligator, and, most impressive–a hurricane! Soon, photos of this piece will be appearing on this web site in the “larger design pieces” section.

Thanks for visiting with me! More to come next month…

Judith