Biene told me a couple of weeks ago about a fiber arts faire that was going to be in Modesto this past weekend. She was so hooked on getting involved in the experience and the idea of starting to learn the art of weaving, she volunteered to be a floor walker. Basically she got to get in free and do nothing except walk around making herself availabe to answers questions. And of course, not being a weaver (yet), B was clueless but that didn't matter. The idea was to get involved and have a chance to look at all the goodies for hours and hours. The idea for me, on the other hand, was to get myself out of my comfort zone and take a 20-minute drive up the road. In other words get myself out of town and away from my island mentality I am so afflicted with.
As fiber faires go, this one was probably relatively small but from the moment I walked in I felt like I had fallen into Wonderland. The riot of colors and textures was stunning. I had never seen so much fabulous yarn in one place, many I had never seen before. The colors were jewel-like, metallic, natural, and liquid. I definitely was not in Michael's. I found some beautiful undye chenille mill ends. I picked up two large skeins and promptly decided I had to have more. Mail order to The Yarn Barn in Kansas was in my immediate future.
As I walked around touching and caressing the yarns, I came to a vendor booth that seemed to be a little more than all about yarn. I discovered free-form art pieces, book covers, small purses and boxes all made by something called silk fusion. A door opened! I now have the technique to use to make the cover for my Art Journal.
5 comments:
No, I paid to get in, BUT parked in the Convention/Plaza parking lot for free, which was fantastic, and better than anything! What a fabulous day! I still don't know why I volunteered, but knew I had to be there and see this totally other world stuff. There were so many nice people, and once they knew I didn't weave, were extremely patient and helpful. I just loved it so much, being in an area loaded with creative people, who all came to see the same things! The best part? You came, and we got to see it together, that was so great. You are a good friend, Anne. Thanks.
Great rag rug. Did You make that? I have been thinking of making one; wondering if they have to be cotton and if all those little strips have to be sewn...
(I lived in that area for awhile; got too hot!!)
Hi Ascender - Me make the rag rug?? Don't I wish. Unfortunately, I don't know who made it. It was part of the wearable art exhibit but wasn't i.d.'d that I could find.
Actually, I just finished knitting a small rag rug made from strips of cotton fabric I had leftover from other projects. Not terribly satisfied with the results, but it's a start. I went to the faire looking for skeins of cotton rags. Didn't see any. I'll keep looking.
Ooh, what fun! It all sounds so beautiful. Can't wait to see what you do with the cover of your Art journal. And thank you so much for your good wishes about the anniversary! You're so sweet...
Anne, you might want to check out the current exhibit at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center; Valley Threads: New Perspectives in traditional craft April 25 through June 30, 2006.
I immediately thought of you when I received the web site update request and when I saw what the exhibit was hosting I thought you might be interested to know about it.
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