Boysenberry Tank is Blocking & Fiber Art

It was a busy weekend, but I was able to finish knitting the lacy tank last night and get it on the blocking board. You may notice that the shoulder straps on the front are an inch longer than the back shoulder straps. After I cast off the front I realized I got a little over zealous with the shoulders. Rather than rip back a half an inch, I decided to make the back shoulder straps an inch shorter. The end result should be that the shoulder seam sits back a 1/2 inch from the top of my shoulder. If this technique is good enough for Jean Frost, it's good enough for me.

I've been a little concerned about fit, so I basted the tank together and tried it on before blocking. It looked fine. The "crochet stitch" lacy bottom part seemed noticeably narrower than the "bodice stitch" top part, but I'm hoping blocking will take care of that. Blocking can work miracles.



On Friday afternoon, my friend Patti and I left work early and headed to Cincinnati for Summerfair. This is an annual juried art fair. Artists come from all over the US to exhibit. I look forward to Summerfair all year long, and I never miss it. Dave and I even attended the day before our wedding. (I told him it would get him into Husband Heaven.) As far as I'm concerned this was the best Summerfair ever. There were lots of new artists and lots of original work - much of it gorgeous.

This year, instead of looking for wall art, I concentrated on photographing fiber art for the blog. There were a number of artists who work in painted silk, painted rayon, painted apparel, sewed apparel, and quilted apparel. However, I focused on artists who work with yarn. I asked 5 artists if I could photograph their work for my blog. Three said yes. Four of the 5 artists were weavers. There was one woman who knit and crocheted exquisite, ethereal sweaters, vests, etc. However, she wouldn't allow me to photograph them.

Below is the work of Anne & Bill Howson of Bear Lake MI. Their company is called Freestone Valley Weavers.



Anne has an amazing talent for mixing colors. (I like bright colors, can you tell?)



Her jackets are made with chenille.




Patty van Gilse of Lebanon OH weaves fabulous rugs. She was a little puzzled when I asked her if I could post pics of her work on the blog, but she graciously agreed. I only wish my photography could do her rugs justice.

Barbara Rubright wove the following jackets. Her company is Barbara Rubright Wearables. I have her contact information if you want it, but her website is down for renovation.

Barbara jumped at the chance to have me post photos of her work on the web (even after I told her only 5 people read our blog). She asked me to photograph these 3 jackets because the designs at the hems are her signature.

I think Barbara also has a gift for mixing color. You can email me for Barbara's contact information.

Donna Mundschau, the artist at the "Natural Attractions" booth declined to allow me to post photos of her weaving. Her colors are more subtle than the others, but her garments are every bit as gorgeous. She explained that she and her husband had to commission special cotton yarn so it would have the color and interesting textures to make her garments. She said most cotton yarn is "pretty flat," but she uses cotton because her customers prefer it. She also commissioned an artist to make the fused glass stick pins she uses in lieu of buttons. Her garments are designed so the wearer can place the stick pin higher near the neck or lower with broader lapels - depending on one's mood or taste. She sold me this stick pin. (Again, I wish my photography could show its depth and colors to full advantage.) This winter I'll make a sweater to go with it. Donna said that if I send her swatches, she will send me other fused glass stick pins to match. Natural Attraction is in Manistee MI. They don't yet have a web presence, but you can email me for contact information.

Many of the artists who exhibited at Summerfair this past weekend plan to exhibit their work at the art fair in Columbus OH beginning this coming weekend. It's tempting to drive up there, but Patti and I spent 5 hours at Summerfair on Friday. It was in the 90s, humid, and sunny. Our feet and our wallets need a rest.