Trial by Fiber, Part Two

Note:  Previously, I posted the beginning of the court room drama that plays in my head whenever I start to think about my responsibilities to our environment.  I see myself as the harried Defendant, Textile… Continue reading

Trial by Fiber, Part One

 Note: Lately I have been doing a lot of reading on our use of resources – in the books The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard, Confessions of an Eco-Sinner by Fred Pearce,… Continue reading

Textile Family Tree

It’s Mother’s Day!  I would like to thank and honor the wonderful women who raised and influenced me. My dad’s mother had seven children and something like 37 grandchildren and 73 great-grandchildren.  She… Continue reading

Rudbeckia Dye Results

A few days ago I clipped a lot of rudbeckia blooms in hopes of creating a beautiful natural dye. Here’s what I knew about natural dyes: the most common results from dye plants… Continue reading

Back on Track

After a fun month of traveling and having visits from relatives, I am settling back into my usual routine.  I’m caught up on the basic chores – the house is all clean, the… Continue reading

Bittersweet

In 1879 the American federal government began forcing many Native American children to attend boarding school.  Upon arrival, their hair was cut, their familiar clothing was taken away, and they were forbidden to… Continue reading

Textile Destination – Phoenix

I just got back from a wonderful road trip through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada.  It was one of those rare trips when everything goes right – the hotels were quiet and… Continue reading

Happy Textiles 3

This is a very ugly toy bird that my husband brought me back from some of his travels.  It was a great choice because I’m a birder, and I love to recycle textiles… Continue reading

Airing of the Quilts 3

I would guess that the orangy-tan stars were originally bright red, too.  I think they have faded with time.  I do not know the name of the block pattern. I think this is… Continue reading

Fanfare for Sheila Frampton-Cooper

Imagine a stirring wave of music – let’s say, trumpets and kettle drums, at the very least.  It heralds a wonderful discovery – but before I share it with you, let me tell how I discovered it.… Continue reading