12/30/2011
by Linda Witte Henke

If your work – or life – feels stuck or out-of-focus as a new year begins, catch a fresh wind from the experience of 3 participants who are taking Jane Dunnewold’s independent study course to find creative clarity. Linda Witte Henke shares her perspective.
12/29/2011
by Mirjam Pet-Jacobs

SDA Europe Representative Karina van Vught recently planned & hosted a 2nd confab of SDA members at Zijdelings, her textile arts center in Tilburg, NL. Mirjam Pet-Jacobs gives an overview of the outstanding “Ecovision” 2-day program.
12/17/2011
by Mickie McCormic

In the mood to get inspired by some innovative work using fiber media? Check out this latest selection of sites curated especially for SDA NewsBlog viewers by web-roaming SDA member Mickie McCormic.
12/05/2011
by Barbara De Pirro

Experience the thrill of seeing Barbara De Pirro’s creative mind at work while getting your consciousness raised by her unexpected mixing of organic & synthetic (and environment-damaging) materials in her outdoor installations.

Get the real story behind what it takes to plan and shoot a video how-to about your favorite textile technique or creative process. SDA member Anne Selby (UK) generously shares her insights on making one about arashi shibori that includes the award-winning machine she designed.
11/29/2011
by Surface Design Journal Editor Patricia Malarcher

The Linen Biennial, a suite of international exhibitions at heritage sites in the Portneuf region by the St. Lawrence River (June-October, 2011), honored the flax and linen culture that 17th century farmers fr0m Ulster, Ireland, brought to Quebec. Patricia Malarcher takes you on a tour of the fashion, fine art and craft that were featured this year.
10/31/2011
by Carolyn Kallenborn

Let this travelogue by Carolyn Kallenborn transport you on a virtual vacation to Oaxaca, Mexico. Footage of exuberant dancers in technicolor textiles is a must-see – as is her documentary “Woven Lives/Vidas Entretejidas”.
10/27/2011
by Ming-Yi Wong

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts recently celebrated 50 years of inhabiting its superbly designed buildings with a conference on design itself. Whether you’ve ever taught/taken a class at Haystack or not, let yourself be transported there by this overview of a well-designed gathering in a spectacular setting dedicated to creative expression.
10/25/2011
by Marci Rae McDade

“Nothing beats good old-fashioned face-to-face (F2F) to really engage in a conversation or experience a work of art. With this craving for human interaction & creative inspiration, I eagerly attended SDA Confluence last June in Minneapolis.” Get an overview of featured exhibitions seen through Marci McDade’s informed eyes here.
09/30/2011
by SDA Digital News Editor Leesa Hubbell

SDA Member Melodie Flook (at left) was among 4 student/ designers who won SURTEX 2011 designext competition – and a booth of her own at the NYC trade show. Find out what it’s like to be there + get good backstory on 4 textile design schools in the US, CA & UK.