I seam to think sew...

Follow me on Instagram

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 23:27:00 +0000

I've succumbed to laziness for now... While I loved posting to my blog, the format of an Instagram photo with a brief description has become the extent of my social media. Follow me there and watch the progress of my weaving.
#abcrags

Talmadge Art Show for Mother's Day Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 03 May 2017 07:45:00 +0000

This is where you'll find me with all the goodies I've made! See the weaving on the top row? That's mine. Come see what it's all about this Sunday from 10a to 4p. Follow your nose to the scent of lavender in my booth.

Saori Weaving in San Diego

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 20:15:00 +0000

I've been bitten hard by the weaving bug. Eat, sleep, breath, weave -- this describes my life in its current form.

Last fall I worked on a Zoom Loom, thinking I could get the urge out of my system. The 4" squares satisfied me at first, but I had to have more. In January a Cricket rigid heddle loom took its place. Together, Cricket and I cranked out ~20 scarves and shawls using yarn I originally purchased for doll hair. Then I discovered Saori (brand) looms and, at about the same time, my creative buddy Paul mentioned he wanted one too. I became obsessed with acquiring this loom.

I viewed countless blogs, Saori websites and videos. I wanted to try this treadle loom to free my hands for only throwing the shuttle. Repeated searches showed the nearest Saori studio in Los Angeles.

Saori looms seem special for many reasons. They are compact, can be folded and easily stored (depending upon model), and are beautiful pieces of furniture made of cherry. A spool winder is part of the loom. Tying warp threads onto the front beam is unnecessary when using clip/tying rods (there's one for the back as well for less loom waste). Pre-wound warps are available up to 30 meters -- that's nearly 100', woah.

Saori weaving is expressive, free-form and non-judgmental. There are no rules as in traditional weaving and everything goes. Furthermore, one does not need a Saori-brand loom to produce Saori weaving. After all, it is a philosophy. The principles are:

· Be bold and adventurous

· Consider the differences between a machine and a human being

· Look out through eyes that shine

· Inspire and learn from one another in the group

Locally, I found a weaver who was scheduled to talk about Saori-style weaving at a guild meeting, Suzanne Person. I wrote to her and she immediately confirmed the upcoming presentation. More importantly, she wrote about her brand new Wabi Sabi Weaving studio. She offered an introductory class and I couldn't get there soon enough!

 Suzanne has the most adorable studio space. It's compact and perfectly outfitted with Saori looms, a wall of yarn in glorious colors and inspiring woven pieces. She holds classes and sells supplies -- everything you'd need to learn to weave Saori-style.

 Suzanne was trained in Japan to teach Saori weaving. She is easy to be with, encouraging, a quick and comfortable friend and excellent at explaining freestyle weaving that anyone can do. I highly recommend spending time with her.

 Wabi Sabi Weaving

2825 Dewey Road

Barracks 14, Studio 213

San Diego, California 92106

858-354-9392

* * * * * * * *

Here are a few things I've worked on. Materials of choice are natural and synthetic yarn, new shibori silk and vintage Japanese nagajuban kimono strips. These table runners will be for sale at Talmadge Art Show in May. See sidebar for details.

"Where do you get your lavender?"

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 19:30:00 +0000

I get asked a lot at shows, "Where do you get your lavender?" The fragrant buds I use in pillows and eye masks comes from the south of France and then it is shipped to me in sacks.

These images were taken by Jerome Courtial, a photographer known for his drone work ("dronographer"). His two photos below give me the same feelings as when I'm enveloped in the glorious scent while stuffing pillows.

This image was selected as one of Dronestagram's top 20 drone photos of 2016, and with good reason. Mr. Courtial wrote, "I went to Valensole hoping to get a new angle than the classic view. I knew this was harvest season so I looked for tractors and waited patiently until some started to harvest in a pattern that would create a pleasing composition from above. I just had to start the drone engine and capture the photo against really strong wind."

We have been to Provence and there the mistral blows steadily in winter and spring. Mr. Courtial wrote, "Hope you are not all sick of lavender shots just yet. It was really windy when I got to Valensoles in Provence. Like mega winds. It was shaking the tripod. I was cursing my luck, thinking I wouldn't be able to get the postcard shot of the lavender fields neatly aligned. But then, as you must often do in photography, I tried to compose with what I was given and decided to make the wind part of the image and I'm actually more pleased with the picture now than if i got it without wind. When life gives you lemons..." This is my favorite of his photos with all of its warm colors and sunshine.

Studio Sale Dec 10

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 08:41:00 +0000

We do this every year. We (hubby and I) open our home to our family and friends, and the lovely patrons who support the independent artisan that I am, and we share food and wine and cheer. My equally lovely artisan friends will be in attendance with their meticulous handwork.

Aniwares

Marion Paper Art

Nacy Anne Quiltworks

Whether you come for food & drink, shopping, a studio tour or all three, you are warmly welcome to join us. We hope to see you this Saturday, December 10. The door will be open from 11a to 3p.

[address removed]

Artisan Market at Union Cowork

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Fri, 25 Nov 2016 08:05:00 +0000

What're you doing on Dec 2, Friday night? Come see us at 1010 Coast Highway in Encinitas California from 6p to 9p. This show benefits Community Resource Center. Come on out for shopping, food and drink. See you there!

ABC Rags

Jewelry by True Love Remembers

Jewelry byt These Stones Will Shout

Mariette Martin Photography Notecards

Talmadge Art Show

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 20:44:00 +0000

You know this show -- it's the best in San Diego County with over 85 artists and artisans. There are food trucks and, now, the producers have included four art classes. *FUN!* Come out and see us at this location on Sunday, November 20. We'll be there from 10a to 4p. You will not be disappointed.

As for me, follow your nose to the scent of lavender. And remember I now have aprons ready to take home, sewn from cotton that was handspun, hand-dyed and handwoven, and from an area just outside of Shanghai. Lovely stuff, this textile. The pattern is from The Sewing Workshop and stitched for sale with their kind permission.

Olivenhain Arts & Crafts Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Sat, 12 Nov 2016 20:00:00 +0000

Thank you to everyone who came out to the annual Olivenhain Arts & Crafts Fair. We had a lovely turnout with wonderful guests, and beautiful weather to boot. I am grateful for your support of independent artisans.

Olivenhain Arts & Crafts Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Sat, 12 Nov 2016 20:00:00 +0000

Artisan Festival 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 23:47:00 +0000

This Sunday, I will be hawking my wares. The event will be at the beautiful Temple Emanu-El in the Del Cerro neighborhood of San Diego from 9a to 3p. I hope to see you for a hug and a hello.

My newest offering is an apron much like the one I wear at shows. Now you can have one as well. Each apron is made from fabric which was spun, indigo-dyed and then woven by women on an island near Shanghai. The ladies used to keep the cloth for their dowries and, back in the day, the quality was the measure of a potential bride. The textile is 100% cotton and is machine washable and dryable. Mine has gotten a lot of abuse and it holds up sturdily through repeated washings. The ties go around your waist where you might hang a dishcloth while preparing meals. The aprons are suitable for all genders and have a generous double-pocket on the front, large enough for a cell phone. Choose yours from among various woven patterns, primarily indigo-blue or indigo and white. My friend Johanna wears it well. The pattern is by SewingWorkshop.com, and I am selling what I've sewn with their kind permission.

Managing a Mess of Minky

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Thu, 06 Oct 2016 04:14:00 +0000

You know the scene you have after cutting Minky fabric -- snow everywhere. My trusty 1.5 hp canister vac was the knight in shining armor that rescued me. Fringe on a no-sew blanket received the full treatment, severely reducing lint that would otherwise clog the washing machine and the dryer. It made quick work of the table and floor mess too.

Bernette ProGlide Iron, 1994

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 08:04:00 +0000

This iron has been with me since 1994. That's a long life for an appliance. Bernina/Bernette hasn't made such things in many years, and I consider myself fortunate it's still going strong. All other brands went kaput within a couple of years.

For a long time, the iron seemed to have a worn cord, and a clicking sound and a red flash of the power light confirmed it. If my Dad lived closer, he would have repaired my iron in a jiffy. However, I am my father's daughter and knew I could fix it myself. After an online search for common issues, I got busy taking it apart. Sure enough, it was a worn cord, as evidenced by the second photo. See my repair work below. We're back in business.

After removing a screw, I could take off the base.

Wear and tear on the cord shows where it rubbed against the plastic housing.

I cut away the worn cord, stripped the wires, reattached and capped the new connection.

It's time for Talmadge Art Show

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 06:01:00 +0000

Mother's Day will be here before you know it.

Are you ready to celebrate, to give gratitude, to show love and spoil the woman who is your one and only mom? There's no one like her and, when you give the gift of handmade, that gift is one-of-a-kind too.

Dear friends, come see me for a hug and hello at Talmadge Art Show this Sunday, from 10a to 4p. Let your nose lead you to the scent of lavender which fills my booth. I'll have my usual complement of textile goods and beaded treats -- all new and recently made -- ready to take home to Mom.

Remember, Talmadge Art Show is in a new location with plenty of on-site parking. Click "directions" below to find us inside the Conference Center at Liberty Station.

If you cannot get to the show, please write for studio appointments.

Here's wishing you a wonderful summer.

❤️, Lauren

"Ageless"

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 06:52:00 +0000

This would be my friend who lives across the street. She was having a devil of a time with an upcoming milestone birthday, but she is sooooo fabulous that I didn't think the new decade would matter on her. Over time, I hope she will discover this. My friend is a dark-haired beauty with lush eyelashes, a taut figure from dedication to the gym and an enviable disposition. On top of all that she's a Southern woman brimming with the classic charm that comes from being raised in Atlanta. I love her to pieces! The secret writing goes like this: "Age is a matter of the mind; if you don't mind, it doesn't matter." My friend is ageless.

8" x 10", acrylic and collage

Packaging

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 01:14:00 +0000

Reduce, reuse, recycle, right? Sometimes shipped packages contain scrunched up brown paper as stuffing. Smoothed out and laid flat, the paper seems to have come off of rolls and are perforated. I've used some as gift wrap as in "brown paper packages tied up with string." This time I tore them along the perforations, smoothed and folded each piece carefully, then sewed them with my sewing machine. A dedicated needle just for sewing paper using ages-old thread still on wooden spools further reduced waste, and voilà, new packaging for 2016. If you buy a bookstring from me at my next show, it will go home with you in one of these.

All the Latest

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Fri, 08 May 2015 00:33:00 +0000

Woah, it's been five months since I was here. Since then, we've had Christmas, a new year, a new Chinese year, my birthday and, yes, another Talmadge Art Show, which means Mother's Day is very soon. I don't have any further shows scheduled yet, but plan to.

My gratitude and thanks to everyone who came out for Talmadge and found us in the new location at Liberty Station's Convention Center. The lighting in the building is not as bright as in the Event Center, but we made do with what we had. Here's an image of the room, with my booth in gold/yellow, among 70+ other artists. Gosh, there's a lot of interesting work out there!

I've been working on small, pleated, shibori-dyed pieces. These became brooches and necklaces, and were well received at the show. I was inspired by Eva of Tinctory who allowed me kind permission to base my new work on hers. Mine are similar to her work, but different. If you have not discovered Tinctory, I recommend a visit to this immaculately groomed blog.

Other goodies I'm working on are tassels for fine bookstrings. You'll find examples in my shop. Stay tuned -- kimono and shibori silk rag baskets could be making a comeback too.

Talmadge Art Show

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 22:43:00 +0000

This Sunday, find me with my lavender goods and bookstrings at Talmadge Art Show at Liberty Station in San Diego. My usual spot is against the East windows. Follow your nose to the lavender scent. Here is a link to the location. See you there for a hug and a hello!

Thank you for shopping local and supporting an independent artisan.

Eye Masks

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 21:53:00 +0000

Eye masks are filled with lavender and flaxseed for a relaxing nap. These are some of the hand-dyed silks I'm sewing for Monday's event. Check the sidebar for the address and get 'em before they're gone. You know you want one (or two).

Artisan Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 17:56:00 +0000

November 2, Sunday * 9am to 3pm

Artisan Festival

Temple Emanu-El

6299 Capri Drive

San Diego, California

Please join me to begin your holiday shopping. You'll see two items in my booth: Beaded bookstrings long enough to wear as lariats and relaxing lavender-filled eye masks in Doshi-silks.

This event is produced by the WRJ Sisterhood at Temple Emanu-El, 6299 Capri Drive in San Diego, a group of women dedicated to do mitzvoth, or good deeds, and enhancing friendships. Funds earned from their raffle is donated back to the community. Raffle prizes are items donated by each attending artisan. If nothing else, come to see this temple. It's an architectural masterpiece designed by architect David Singer and sacred space designer Laurie Gross Schaefer.

Abandoned No More

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Sat, 20 Sep 2014 17:50:00 +0000

A bowl of mixed beads captured my attention because of the colors, textures and different sizes, but inspiration eluded me for years, like since 2010. What to do with them? A few pearls were added, then strung and hand knotted. What a simple little necklace. I think I'll wear it today.

Years ago I worked in a bead store. These orangey-red jasper beads were on my Want List for weeks until I finally purchased them. Employee discounts are a good thing! The beads became a necklace separated by bright vermeil spacers. It never laid well on my neck, it was heavy and the shiny gold was passe. It was never worn. This week I took it apart and reworked it. The green glass gives it some punch, and the wavy antiqued brass "sequins" create an interesting V-shape along the angled sides of the jasper drops. This beauty is now in my online shop. Make it yours.

First Thursdays Art

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 23:59:00 +0000

Come see me for a hug and a hello at this wonderful venue, The Headquarters, in San Diego's waterfront area. I'll have lavender pillows in beautiful Asian fabrics and bookstrings. Something else is in the works too, so stay tuned.

Fine Bookstrings

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Fri, 02 May 2014 18:16:00 +0000

Save the place in your reading material with the finest bookmark ever (IMHO). I made tassels of seed pearls and finished the other end with Peking glass -- look closely on the metal sleeves of the teardrops for the brilliant blue Kingfisher feather snips. Other materials I used are pink tourmaline, vintage ivory, carved bone, tanzanite, wood, Swarovski crystals, brass, red cinnabar and glass. Two of my favorites are the green agates carved with golden dragons and the pearlized Om beads from an old mala.

Your hardcovers and paperbacks deserve the enhancement and will feel good as something to fondle while you read. These bookstrings will be available at the Talmadge Art Show this Sunday. See the sidebar for more information. Those that remain will be sold in my online shop next week. If you see something you like, write to me and I'll put it aside. They are $65 each.

Like Us on Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 17:03:00 +0000

So, here's the thing: I'm always on Facebook. Maybe you are too? I'm embarrassed to say it, but some news of current events comes to me from this social media. Maybe yours does too? Join me there by clicking on the blue LIKE US ON FACEBOOK button on this blog's sidebar.

The ABC Rags Facebook page is updated with in-process work. This blog will show completed work. Either way, you'll get the news.

If you decide to click "Like," also consider selecting "Get Notifications" so posts will show in your News Feed.

If you find there are too many posts, turn off notifications by removing the check mark next to "Following" (image below) and my updates will only appear in your Pages Feed. Pages Feed is on the left sidebar of your Facebook account and you have to click it to see the pages you follow.

I hope to see you there!

Talmadge Art Show

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 02:13:00 +0000

What's Mother's Day and Spring without the Talmadge Art Show?! Please join me in a couple of weeks for this event. It's one of my favorites and I'll be in my usual spot along the east window.

New Series

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 01:33:00 +0000

Reworked Barbie #1 is complete. I love this! (And I hope you do too.) The orange silk-blend is vintage kimono. The green and red sheer is a shibori hand-dyed silk by Doshi. The feathers came from an artist-friend's bird. A length of fishing line is attached to her so she can be hung on your wall.

You'll have to see her in person. She will be for sale this Sunday at the art show listed on the sidebar. I hope to see you there!