Loom N Essence - A Fiber Artists' Blog

>>> If I Only Knew How to Tie A Scarf

I have been asked so many times by my customers about how to tie a scarf and I came upon this great photo in a magazine and thought I needed to post it for their reference.

 

   Loom N Essence was recently asked to attend an event at the beautiful Kirkwood Hotel Conference Center in Cedar Rapids.  Along with their invitation, we were asked to offer something from out spring line to pamper the nurses attending this conference.   It didn't take much time for me to think about what would be a great addition to any woman's wardrobe and one word came to mind.... SILK.   I brought along a lovely assortment of my hand dyed Shibori silk scarfs along with some great hand dyed silk ties.  Needless to say, this little instruction card was very much appreciated.  Now I just need to find instructions on how to tie a tie!!!

>>> Huck Lace Piece by Carma Koester- Prescott, AZ

Photo: Huck Lace Weaving

This beautiful piece was done by my weaving instructor, Carma Koester - from Prescott, AZ.  I spent many many hours learning to weave under Carma's gentle instructions.  After leaving a very hectic lifestyle in Southern California I decided that I needed something creative in my life and weaving was just what my psyche ordered.   I fell in love with weaving the instant I stepped into her studio and from then on there was no holding me back.   I cannot thank Carma enough for what she has instilled in me as a person and a weaver.  Carma is owner of Fiber Creek Studio located at 371 Garden Street - Suite D, Prescott, AZ.   Fiber Creek and The Good Yarn share studio space in the downtown area of Historic Prescott, AZ.

>>> Coming Soon From Loom N Essence Boutique Items

>>> Stylus from Majacraft Fits "Aura"

Majacraft writes: "We have received quite a few emails this last month asking if its possible to use the stylus on the Aura.  I figured it was probably cooler to show you, rather than just say yes!   And just to be a little bit flasher, I asked Glynis if she would demo it on Lexi’s new wheel.  You can now find it on YouTube on the Majacraft1 channel"

>>> Kumihimo Braiding - A Yarn Is Not Just a Yarn

So many ways to braid yarn using the Kumihimo method.  However, for beginners, keep it simple and let your yarns work for you.  The yarns shown in this photo are from left to right: cotton, a bamboo blend, a nice verigated silk and merino wool.   Each braid has it's own distinctive look.   These braids make great bracelets and necklaces which are just waiting to be adorned.  There are no limitations to Kumihimo braiding. 

>>> Handwoven Table Runner by Loom N Essence

The photo to the right is of one of my Handwoven table runners. This table runner was a commissioned piece from a lady in town who was looking for a heavy textured table runner to protect a handcrafted Amana drop leaf dining table which was passed down to her by her family.   I was invited over to tour her lovely home and able to  get a idea of her specific design tastes.  I left with a sample piece of fabric from her custom draperies and was given the go ahead to weave a custom table runner which would fit her table to precise measurements so that the piece would be striking but also protective.   This was such a fun piece to weave beginning with the color selection for the carpet warp to the blending of textured carpet and upholstery fabric.   Just imagine this tablerunner setting on a dark handcrafted wood table with the warm color hues competing with the sun streaking through her custom drapes into her dining room. Breathtaking and functional!! 

>>> Jewelry Design with a Doris Day Connection

   

Rowena Tank, Arizona Artist writes " Recently I acquired a small bag of lamp crystals from another artist in Prescott, AZ.  He said they were once part of a lamp which belonged to Doris Day.  Hope this is true because I sure have always loved Doris Day.  I created a necklace using tiny drop beads to adorn the crystals.  This necklace will soon be at Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery"

Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery is located in the Historic Whiskey Row area of downtown Prescott, Arizona. 

>>> Arizona Bead Artist - Rowena Tank- New Beaded Creation

    

   OH MY..........

 

  Arizona Bead Soup and Branch Stitch

                    Kumihimo

    Merlot and Antique Lamp Crystal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This stunning piece can be found at Arts Prescott, Whiskey Row, Prescott, AZ   

                    Check out more of Rowena's work at www.rowenaart.net

>>> Stepping Stones in Prescott Valley, AZ to Host UK WeaverJason Collingwood's Workshop

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity!

Workshop Leader: Jason Collingwood

 Workshop Location: Stepping Stones, Prescott Valley, AZ  

Workshop Dates: February 21-23, 2012

 Cost of Workshop: $200 

Description: "3 -end b l o c k w e a v e . An exploration of three end block weaves, the same structure Jason uses to weave all his rugs. Starting with simple two colour designs and moving on to designing within the blocks and the introduction of a third colour. Techniques such as clasped wefts and dovetailing will be looked at to further increase the design scope of this structure. 2 / 1 double faced twill will also be covered in this class. Special emphasis will be placed on Shaft Switching, every one being able to adapt their looms in class to try out this exciting technique." 

http://www.rugweaver.co.uk/  - Jason Collingwood's website 

Contact Diane Braun, President, Mountain Spinners and Weavers Guild, Prescott, AZ, for more information. (928) 442-9291 - highlander1@highcastlecrafts.com

 

 

>>> Hempseed Lotion - A Must for Spinners Hands

    I've searched high and low for a good hand lotion that I can use when spinning and not feel like it's competing with my drafting by being too greasy and holding me back. I need the protection of a hand lotion but I just didn't want it to come off on my beautiful fibers.

Hempseed Lotion is just one of the many natural products handmade by Jeanne White, owner and founder of Jeanne's Soaps. 

In the summertime you can find Jeanne through out the Farmer's Market circuits.  Here are a few of the markets you will find Jeanne selling at:  Cedar Rapids Downtown Market, Marion Uptown Market, Iowa City and the ever popular Des Moines Farmer's Market.  Farmer's Markets in Iowa are absolutely amazing!

You don't have to wait to catch up with Jeanne at a local market, Jeanne has a store front with her son Jeremy in Uptown Marion called All Things Therapeutic Massage.  Contact Jeanne at 319-521-9676.