Dear lord, the role and faces this rug has taken on. For a few years I've been searching for just the right rug. But that was actually before children. And now that I've got two, I understand why I need to walk away from the most gorgeous wool yellow and peach oriental area rug I've… Continue reading Braided Rag Rug
One more time at the market. One last day to finish this rug. One more ride through the village. My mom used to say I was burning my candle at both ends. Well, I do thrive to feel that fire coming from all directions. My rug just after it being cut off the loom. I… Continue reading Market Day and Finishing My Rug : Day 11
We've been at this dyeing and weaving thing for a while now. I live and breathe at the loom. I've never worked at a standing loom before, and my lower back took a toll everyday. I have to admit, as much as a serene, and total gift this whole experience was, there was still some… Continue reading Lichen and Indigo : day 10
This was such a special morning for me. One of the colors I was drawn to for my rug design was this warm bold orange. Demetrio uses a Usnea lichen for this that grows in ABUNDANCE up in the mountains not too far from where we were. It's a routine trek he takes up there… Continue reading Lichen Hike : day 9
I've used Brazilwood a few times recently but in powered form that I purchased from Fancy Tiger Crafts. The whole process went well and it felt extremely precious. Brazilwood is a hard wood and can only be found in southern countries. It's also a bit hard to come by. The pieces of wood Demetrio obtains… Continue reading Brazil Wood, Marigolds and the Village Market : day 8
I fell in love with both of these dye stuffs. I had used ground powered pomegranate only once before for a commission piece for a museum replica on Chinese woven silk, many moons ago. It was a fun experience and I remember working so carefully with lightening the shades each time. Using it here in… Continue reading Dyeing with Annatto Seeds and Pomegranate Rinds : day 7
Having the honor to meet and visit with this group of women was an experience that is just set apart from the rest of the trip. Demetrio drives a ways (I forgot how long it took) to visit with and purchase hand (spindle) spun churro wool from women in this small village. I watched as… Continue reading The Spinning Ladies; Day 6
I'm sitting in my cozy home now. I just helped R with his trains. He wanted to tape them together. He's really into tape. I end up tracking pieces of it everywhere around the house. My slippers make a "speck, speck, speck" noise as I shuffle around the house dodging legos and baby dolls. I… Continue reading Pecan and Zapote Leaf Dyeing : day 5
How I LOOOOVE exploring new places by shopping. I don't care what kind of shop I'm in or discover, I want to check it out. After our hearty breakfast, we caught the bus right outside the B&B to Tlacolula Sunday market. Here they have EVERYTHING. And I came back with EVERYTHING. The smells of roasting… Continue reading Market and Wild Chamomile dyeing : day 4
I'm not a great student. Listening has always been an issue for me. Just let me see with my hands & hear with my eyes & I'll create what I think is best. That practice has not always worked for me. However, when it comes to experimenting with the cochineal bug dye, the possibilities are… Continue reading Cochineal : day 3
