New colorways out of the dye pots! These are 5mm veils, very large...45"x108". Belly dance veils or shawls, the tri color banding on these gossamer silks flows and shimmers!

My sewing machine has made it home from the hospital! Finally I can proceed with the silk sewing...skirts and harem pants have been waiting to go! Lovely rainy day here on the coast; just right for studio work and fresh ground coffee from our local small batch roaster.

Today in the dye pots....I am starting to work up tri-color rainbows onto 3 yard 5mm veils. The 5mm designation refers to the weight of the silk. 5 mm is a dreamy, floaty cobweb...light as a feather. It ripples and floats effortlessly with the color shimmering and catching the light. I love these veils for dance...the color on this weight of silk is more ethereal than on the heavier mm's giving an aura of mystery.

Did you know that a 3 yard veil is also perfect for wearing as a shawl? Just the right amount of coverage when the summer evenings cool down. Large and drapey, it can be worn in a variety of ways.

It is cool and cloudy on the coast today...perfect weather for a full day in the dye studio with my Essential Women in Blues cds, my rainbows of color, and a lovely pot of Peru organic coffee!

Dye Studio up and running..

Finally discovered how to get back into this blog. I had forgotten the steps and password...generally just got confused. Now that I have rediscovered it all I can keep it updated with all the exciting forward movement in the studio! Been busy dying scarves and veils. Just did my first Saturday Market table here in Westport...very fun! I have a lot of new techniques and color combinations going...and a shop up and running at Handmade Artists. The pics are my new Nebula Series...these are the Ice Nebula, with other nebulas to come.
I am anxiously awaiting my sewing machine to come home from the hospital...in the sewing room there are silk overskirts, silk harem pants and tassel hip belts...all awaiting the sewing machine. Belly Dance and silk...a wonderful combination!

Creating in the rain

I have often been asked about the amount of rainfall and gray days here in the Pacific NW at the foothills of the Olympic rainforest. Folks seem to wonder about going stir crazy, getting depressed, and how is it possible to wake up day after day to gray overcast skies and generally some sort of precipitation.

My Muse is in her glory when the rains return. When the rains have settled in for the winter the Muse breathes a sigh of contentment as she realizes that there is no longer other things taking priority over the art corner. The gardens will be soon put to bed, the summer socializing of barbeques, park concerts, and day trips will now take the back seat.

As the rain and early nightfall blanket over the Pacific NW the flannel clothes and heavy socks and sweaters come out of storage. The woodstove is cleaned out and the wood laid in for the winter. The cocooning has begun and the Muse comes out to play. The art corner takes on a glow that beckons. The fire is burning both in the woodstove and creatively. With lovely hot drinks, cozy soft clothes, music playing softly, rain on the roof, and wind in the trees..time stretches out and the Muse is joyful.

Yes...I love the rain. From my Muse to yours....Create in the rain!

I just joined....

Creating the Hive...a marvelous gathering of artisans, crafters, and generally talented people. I look forward to connecting with other artists and sharing in the collective inspiration and camaraderie. As we connect with one another we enrich one another and the blessings can start flowing to enrich the world.

Whew!

I have finally wrestled Picasa to the mat and have a slideshow going with a few silk scarf photos. Today's mission is to get more batteries for my camera and start a marathon photo session of all the silk scarves in stock and ready to sell.

Also....a brand new colorway that is gorgeous and of my own creation!