My favorite work

After signing up to be a vender and to give some workshops at the Holiday Market at Grove Center in Oak Ridge, TN in a few weeks, I was asked to describe my weaving and post some of my work.  That prompted me to go through several pictures of work that I haven't looked at in a while.  I didin't want to post work that was already sold on the Holiday Market site, but looking at them made me want to post them.  So, here they are.  These are items that I have woven over the years. They are examples of work that I am the proudest of.doing.

I wove this L shaped scarf for my Mother several years ago on my LeClerc floor loom.  She wore it often in the cooler months.  I love this technique, which I found printed in an edition of Spindle, Shuttle and Dye Pot.  I have used the technique several times to make other pieces of clothing.  This tunic, which is one of the first items I sold on Etsy.com, is one of the items woven using the same technique.

 These 2 fabric strip woven purses were identical except the size.  Both were made on my potholder loom.  One with only 1 piece in the width, the other with 2.    The smaller one is the first I made of it's pattern.  I've sold many of purses made following the same patern.

The fabric used in this Framed Billfold was one of the first of my efforts to weave small threads. I really like the way she turned out. I used the fabric also in a shell top and a Driving Cap I made as a gift for one of my brothers.

And last, a couple of favorite scarves that I made on my Louet table loom.
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And, not I'm going to start on a new weaving adventure with a new for me loom.  We've just brought to our home, an AVL Dobby Loom on loan from the Appalachian Art and Craft Center and the Tuesday Morning Weaving Guild.  More to come once we figure out how to put her together.

Loopers and Looper Rugs

You used to see looper rugs for sale at every festival and craft show around. Then the sock manufacturers all moved out of the US and the supply went away. But not entirely. I found a supplier a few months ago. Now, I'm weaving rugs and potholders and selling loopers to others.

I started marketing loopers along with the metal potholder looms this summer and have been selling them online and at festivals ever since.  I'm hoping to gain a following of repeat buyers.  I'm also planning on starting to make larger looper rugs very soon. 

Here are some new bags I've also added:

Tuesday Weavers

I joined  the Tuesday Weavers a few weeks ago.  They meet each Tuesday at the Appalacian
arts Craft Center in Norris TN.  It's so good to be weaving again with a group. I've missed the community and the shared creativity. 

That's how I got started in loom weaving beyond the little potholder loom.  I took several classes in the 1980's at the University of Tennessee Craft Center which was located at the time in the basement of the UT Student Center.  Sadly, I don't believe UT offers Weaving any longer. 

When we moved from Tennessee to Kentucky, I expected to find a similar group to join, but I never did.  There are many weaving guilds in Kentucky, but none that seemed a fit.  So, for 20 years, I was a solitary weaver. 

I'm back to being a weaving student again.  Love it!

Had a great day at the Union County Heritage Festival 10/1/2011

I spent all day yesterday with my friend, Linda Nichols, in at the Union County, TN Heritage Festival in Maynardville.  While it was windy and cold all day, and while there were fewer vendors and visitors than we had been told to expect, it was a terrific day.

Nearly everyone who stopped by, commented that they used to make those looper potholders.  When they then looked up to see the products that had been made with the potholder loom, they were impressed. 

I met my goal for this festival.  I sold potholder looms,  one pound bags of loopers and gave away lots of business cards that have my contact information and the Andy's Treasures shop email address.  People were appreciative of my woven bags, scarves and rugs, but more interested in buying the craft supplies.

I'll need to get more looms quickly, prepare more loopers, and get busy and prepare those instruction DVD's and/or written instructions with pictures.

My first show

Tomorrow, I'm going to be a vendor at the Oak Ridge Responsible Pet Owner Festival.  It's the first time I've tried to sell my weaving in person in a long time.  It's also just the 2nd time I've tried.  The first venture was a total bomb.  Zero sales.  It's been many years.  So, I'm starting over. 

Tomorrow will be different!

Loopers are back!

Back several years ago, you used to go to craft shows, and see stacks and stacks of multi-colored looper rugs or sock-ring rugs for sale.  Those beautiful, luscious rugs made from linked together cotton loopers.  Each link formed a knot that when stood on, would massage your feet.  I have always been in love with these rugs. 

Loopers or sock rings are what's left after a sock is completed during the manufacturing process.  Once the toe is sown, the sock is cut off.  Then, the looper is cut off with the next sock.  The resulting looper is about .5 inch in width.  They are the refuse from the sock manufacturing process.  They are also the product that prompted some ingenious inventor to develop the toy potholder loom.  How many children have made their own potholders using this cute toy?

We weavers could buy huge bags of these loopers to dye whatever color we wanted to have and to weave rugs to our hearts content.  Then, most of the small independent sock manufacturers in the US went out of business, due to intense competition from overseas manufacturers, and the looper or sock-ring supply disappeared.

But, there are still a few sock manufacturers left in the US.  I found one and they were open to providing me some of their garbage!  Ha! So, I am starting up a Looper sales operation.  I have several for sale now at my Etsy shop:  www://etsy.com/shop/Andy0514.com. I am also building a new website that will be devoted to selling looper rug-making materials, including loopers, metal potholder looms, long wide-eyed weaving needles, instructions for weaving on the loom, etc.

I hope you'll visit either site and enjoy.

Potholder Rug

The latest project is finally finished.  She's a Potholder Rug, made from 35 individually woven potholders that have been stitched together.  She took way longer than I expected.  I've made many of the looper rugs before and they are quick to make .  I'll go back to making those now.  While I really like the look of this rug. 

I'm working on another card woven band.  She'll be really pretty with a pastel variegated thread as the main thread and with heavier tones from a kelly green and a purple. 

I'm also preparing to weave some looper rugs after dying several loads of loopers in different colors.  The different colors will also be going on sale on my Etsy shop as supplies.  (Etsy.com/shop/andy0514)

New hand bags added to my Etsy Shop

On top of my watches and bracelets, I've also added a couple of new bags, some pot holders and my first weaving supplies:  Extra thick Cotton Loopers!

My new bags are different styles from my recent bags.  They are Spring and Summer bags with bright colors.  I know you'll love them as I do. 

Over the years, I've woven on all kinds of looms.  From my little toy pot holder loom and my tablets used for tablet weaving to large floor looms.  I love them all for their versatility and the different kinds of weaving I can do on each.  But, I tend to use my little pot holder loom the most.  It's just so convenient.  So, once I found a new supplier for cotton sock rings (Loopers), I immediately started making new pot holders.  The resulting pot holder is thicker but a tiny bit smaller than the ones I'm used to.  This is caused by the extra thickness in the loopers.  They result in a much thicker pot holder.  It's great.  So far, I've posted a set of 3 potholders and a bag of enough loopers to make 10 pot holders.  I'm starting to dye some of the loopers for sale and am working on several potholder rugs, too.  So, if this sounds interesting to you, keep tuned.  Here are pictures of the pot holders and the loopers for sale.

Recent additions to my Weaving shop

Hi, folks.  I'm still trying to get my new website up and running.  It's more difficult than I had expected. 

In the meantime, I HAVE completed and posted several new items for sale at my Weaving shop on Etsy, Andy's Treasures.  (www.Etsy.com/shop/Andy0514)

I'm getting more and more comfortable weaving with the little tablets.  I really enjoy the resulting bands.  I have several products made from my first good band (that is the first one that looked right) and so far, one that includes a shoulder strap made from a different band.  Here as the items that I've posted so far with tablet-woven bands.

New products posted on my shop at Etsy

I've posted 5 new items on my Etsy shop:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/andy0514

I've started making tablet-woven bands.  These first 5 show how I've progressed in a couple of bracelets and some watch bands.  I have a new warp that I'm starting to weave on today, too.  This warp is UT Knoxville colors.  Go, Vols!

I've also started doing some pot-holder loom weaving using a softer leather lace than I've used before.  It's so soft and pliable. I'm about half way done with the pieces needed  for an opera Clutch made with Deerskin lace.  Georgeous, so far!

 Lately, I've been trying to decide what types of work would I likd to focus on to take my weaving business to a new level of success.  I've done great with some of my styles and not so great with others.  So, I'm working on narrowing down some of the styles that aren't doing well for me.  As soon as I have my currently in production projects completed and posted, many of my older, less viewed products will go on sale.  If you're interested in any of these Older bags, keep an eye out on the site for the sale.

The weaving shop may also change names soon on Etsy.  I recently opened up a new website.  (still in production at present) 

I've finished my first tablet weaving warp, looking for closure suggestions

The first real try at any new craft for me is so much fun.  For my first tablet weaving warp, I used 3 colors (probably should have stuck to 2, but what the heck!), 20 tablets (again, probably should have stuck with 10!), and a pattern that I pulled off of the web (could've picked a simpler one for my first real try).

I realized quickly that I had bit off more that I wanted to chew with the 20 tablets.  So, I split them into two separate warps, separated them on the front and back beams, and proceeded to weave 2 separate bands. 

After rethreading the tablets and retying the warp a few times.... I've ended up with 8 bands long enough for friendship bracelets, watch bands or bookmarks.

Now, I'd love to hear some suggestions on how to take these bands and add closures for watch bands and bracelets.

Tablet or Card Weaving

I started searching for patterns to weave narrow bands on my 8 harness table loom.  I wanted to make interesting straps for my purses.  My search lead me to research several different kinds of weaving styles that I had never looked at or considered before.  And then, I round a site on the web that talked about tablet woven bands.  Beautiful designes.  Such versitility.  I'm hooked.  I quickly tried a short band, using cardboard tablets and a left over belt buckle that I stuck my big toe in to stretch the warp!  I'm in love.  This is such a beautiful style of weaving. 

Now I'm weaving bands on my rigid heddle loom, sans the rigid heddle, that I'll make into bracelets and watch bands.  I'm also planning on teaching myself to weave numbers and letters.  Then, I'm going to make a new collar for my puppy, Punkin, with her name and my phone number. 

I'll eventually get started on weaving straps for some tote bags that I want to weave using fabric strips for the weft.  I've made these before, but didn't have the handwoven straps.  They stand up to a lot of wear.  Great for the summer.

So, if you're interested in my new jewelry and my new tote bags, check out my stop on Etsy in about a month.  www.etsy.com/shop/Andy0514.  Better yet, check it out now.  I have several cute bags on there already.  Ha! 

My little Puter Toter

I've been weaving and making some other fiber items, too. Here is my newest bag:

And here's another view:

She was such fun to make.  I'm going to make many more of this style, using different colors and fibers. 

Coming soon:  fiber necklaces, bracelets and earrings.  I already have some made.  Very cute.  Thank you to the woman who gave me the necklace after I commented about hers.  Such Kindness and Inspiration!

I've been starting to make some changes lately.  Seeking counseling, joining a self-help group, preparing to become vegetarian, getting back to Yoga class after a month away.  I'm starting to be myself again after many years of being who I thought I SHOULD be.  It's a good feeling.  Thank you, my guardian angles for the encouragement. 

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"Hey, Lady!"

I stopped in at the office supply store today to buy yet another headset/microphone to use with my VOIP phone. Frustrated! This is the 3rd I've bought in as many months trying to get good sound from a virtual phone on my computer. (Yep, that's me. I've turned a little bit Geekish over the years, on top of my flower chld tendencies.)

Before I go any further, let me state that I am a 20 year old flower chld of the 70's stuck now in a 58 year old body!!! How did that happen!

As I completed paying for my headset, and started walking to the door, the cute 20ish fellow, who was next in line behind me, started walking towards me, yelling:

"Hey, Lady! You have my camera!"

He caught up with me and reached into my shopping bag, as I stood there with my mouth handing open! That's right, he actually reached into my shopping bag, looking for the camera he was wanting to buy. At the same time, the clerk said "Hey" and waved the camera box at him. She had picked it up and was in the process of ringing up the sale.

He mumbled something unintelligible, shoved my headset back into my bag, and turned his back on me to return to the register. Stunned, I just walked quickly out the door to my car.

Once I got into my car, I started getting really mad. REALLY MAD!!! The nerve! What was that jerk thinking! I was furious! He had yelled at me! What did he think? The gall! The Absolute Gall! I almost turned my car around to go back to the store to give him a "piece of my mind". (Sounds like something mhy Mom would have said!) But, then, he would have already paid for his stupid camera and left by then.

Now, here's the joke. I wasn't upset that the guy had yelled at me, not even upset that he had yanked my shopping bag open and taken stuff out of it with out even asking. I was mad ...
because he had said ...

"Hey, Lady"!

What did he think? That I'm an old lady?!?

Shee. I'm 58 years old. Of course, to that early 20's mind, I AM an old lady...

The 25 yr old flower child within me feels confused ..............

Peace, love and rock n' roll!

Quote for the Day - It really doesn't take all that much effort to be a Success!

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” bulldogman Ralph Waldo Emerson

--
Kim Shepherd
CEO
949-281-6428
kshepherd@dtoolbox.com

A new start this week

Monday, 8/23/10. Yesterday, I restarted my life. A new focus on my health, my fitness, my work, my life. It was a great day to do this. We're starting to source and interview replace 1 of Moms care givers, Pam. 2 of my close friends have joined AA last week and decided to stop drinking this week. So, I'm going to join them in my own way.
My goals? 1. Be Active everyday (practice yoga at home daily, walk daily,), 2. Eat consciously (follow the Kapha and Pitta pacifying guidelines, set up weekly menus from which we will buy groceries and all meals will be made, teach the caregivers how to fix the dishes on the menu each week)3. Meditate dailly.

40 years ago: "The Last Train To Knoxville"

40 years ago, I graduated from Oak Ridge High Shool, enjoyed my last real summer at home, then moved into the dorm at UT, Knoxville. There was so much going on that was important to me that fall, that I don't believe I even noticed this sad event. 

 http://www.metropulse.com/news/2010/aug/18/last-train-knoxville/

That year, 1970, I had only been on 1 real train (not accounting for the train at Rebel Railroad in Pigeon Forge or the little train that went around the little lake at Chilhowee Park!). That real train ride was one that my grandparents put together for their 4 grandchildren at the time. I was maybe 5, my brothers were too small to go. We got on the train there at the Southern Station and rode it to Morristown. It was a wonderful experience. I remember all of us girls squealing with mock-fear/delight every time the train went over a bridge (all of them pretty small in my jaded point of view today). Our parents all followed the train to pick us up when we got off. We could see their cars off and on. What an adventure for us little kids. Too bad that isn't available anymore

End of Summer Framed Hand Woven Purse

After a period where I was looking for a new job and not feeling all that creative, I am now back to work at a terrific new company and am also feeling my need to weave again.  I just finished this beautiful medium sized purse.  She measures 12"x9"x5" and has a 48" chain strap.  I'm working on several other projects right now that should be ready to post very soon.  Most of them are new ideas, different from the purses that I've made to date.  I suppose the new job has woken up my creative juices.  Just in time to get ready for the Christmas season.  Yippee.

Down Dog vs the Magic Four

I've been practicing Hatha Yoga for 6 years now.  Up until March this year, I had studied with 1 main yoga teacher and another one who was a student of the first.  I have really enjoyed studying and practicing with Amanda McMaine in Richmond, KY.

But in March, we moved 3 hours away.  So, I changed teachers and picked a Yoga teacher who practices a different style of yoga, Svaroopa.  I've come to really enjoy it, but I also miss the original style.  And now, my new teacher is getting married and moving. SHEE!

My situation is this:  I really enjoy yoga.  I enjoy the way a long practice makes you feel.  I'm going to try the replacement teacher, but I'm also going to try some other teachers in the area.    And, I'm going to start a more regular practice.  I have all of the props I need, several cd's and access to other classes online. So, I'm going to start a regular morning practice before I start to work each day.  Starting tomorrow.