In my workshop “Embellished Textile Assemblages”, I will be emphasizing both the craft of stitching & bead embroidery as well as ‘happy accidents’ of intuitive compositions and meaning that can arise from serendipitous material combinations. Participants are encouraged to bring a variety of objects/mementos that are visually and/or emotionally compelling. Plan to leave with a completed workshop relic!
To entice you to register for CONFLUENCE: 2011 International Surface Design Conference in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN (June 9-12), this issue spotlights featured speakers Pat Hickman and India Flint along with SDA’s President Emeritus Jason Pollen, who will have an exhibition there. Other articles consider ways in which the notion of “confluence” is textile-specific, where “ideas meet and mingle”–whether it be the surface design of municipal recycling trucks or how etsy.com has supercharged the DIY craft movement. Get your hot links here!
In the forward to this new book, Rudolf Smend writes, “Rita Trefois has managed to create a record that presents contemporary batik art in a timeless fashion, as well as expertly incorporating the history and, in particular, the batik technique….This publication is an important milestone in the long history of batik, as well as a prototype and inspiration for the younger generation.” Read Rita Trefois’s introduction to her long-awaited book here!
We all love the beautiful blue color found in indigo-dyed textiles. The time-honored process of dyeing with indigo is the perfect companion to shibori techniques. Whether I am working with white linen or a piece of fabric previously dyed with MX dyes, I find the process of adding color and pattern to fabric from the indigo vat a magical experience. Join me next June in Minneapolis to experience it yourself.
