tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63024120677404758002023-12-04T06:55:16.328-06:00Two Red ThreadsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.comBlogger311125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-20804750840467555222013-04-01T22:07:00.000-05:002013-04-01T22:07:01.239-05:00Just Visiting The Old NeighborhoodIn case you missed it earlier, I've moved my blog to <a href="http://donnakallnerfiberart.com/">http://donnakallnerfiberart.com</a>. Hope you'll stop by there to catch up on the latest news and say hello!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-44943151957335380992013-03-11T14:52:00.002-05:002013-03-11T14:52:45.538-05:00Packed Up, Moved To donnakallnerfiberart.comI've done it: I've moved to <a href="http://donnakallnerfiberart.com/">donnakallnerfiberart.com</a>. That's where I'll be posting from now on.<br />
<br />
Was I successful in redirecting Two Red Threads subscribers to the new feed? I did try, would you please <a href="http://donnakallnerfiberart.com/feed/" target="_blank">click this link</a> and subscribe for yourself? That way, I can head back to the studio and get back to posting about looping, natural dyeing, making gifts, and making the kind of fun messages you <i>really </i>want to read about.<br />
<br />
P.S. I've posted a bunch of free videos for you at <a href="http://donnakallnerfiberart.com/">donnakallnerfiberart.com</a>. And bibliographies. And much, much more. Please stop by and say hi!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-41628349467873090192013-03-05T17:26:00.000-06:002013-03-05T17:26:46.230-06:005 Things To Remember In A Move<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mdjjfZDEGBY/UTZiuWTgZKI/AAAAAAAAC9c/eRNM-MQriTI/s1600/DSC07022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mdjjfZDEGBY/UTZiuWTgZKI/AAAAAAAAC9c/eRNM-MQriTI/s320/DSC07022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Things have been pretty quiet around Two Red Threads lately because I'm getting ready to move. I've been "digital sharecropping" on Blogger since 2009, and jerryrigging a web site built with software published when <i>social</i> and <i>media</i> were two separate things. Last month it<i> </i>was finally time to make a change. I researched new web hosting options and started to designing and build brand, spanking new sites for myself and the small manufacturing business my husband and I own. I've made good progress and boy, have I learned a lot.<br />
<br />
My new site isn't quite done, but I'm opening the doors to <a href="http://donnakallnerfiberart.com/">donnakallnerfiberart.com</a>. I hope you'll pardon the dust, because there's still a lot of it. But before I start turning off the lights in some of the rooms here, I'm leaving a little artifact for whoever comes this way:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QXg109O1AO4/UTZ-PU0sGAI/AAAAAAAAC9s/M20PSizKUFE/s1600/5+things+to+remember+in+a+move.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QXg109O1AO4/UTZ-PU0sGAI/AAAAAAAAC9s/M20PSizKUFE/s640/5+things+to+remember+in+a+move.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-52896185018842334802013-02-14T15:18:00.000-06:002013-02-14T18:55:06.298-06:00Are You A Bronze Bobby Pinner, Too?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tworedthreads/8473427329/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9YXVcqCTcI/UR07dm7t-9I/AAAAAAAAC8c/pj-75-iFlUw/s1600/Bronze+bobby+pinner.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Last week, one of my students in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117050101/online-workshop-cross-knit-looping" target="_blank">Cross-Knit Looping eCourse</a> posted this comment:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I made a couple of hearts yesterday, using the flat panel technique. We
spent the day in Minneapolis. I took my looping supplies. When I sat
down to get started, while Gordon did some maintenance at our daughter's
apartment, I realized I had not included tapestry needles in my looping
bag. I stitched two hearts using a bobby pin instead of a tapestry
needle. It worked, but I don't recommend it! Do I get an A for effort,
teach? </i></blockquote>
A for effort, a gold star, high fives, and the 1st Annual Bronze Bobby Pin Award!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52plxvZYiT0/UR08j-iQzUI/AAAAAAAAC8k/zB_lK4VLSgc/s1600/Val+Sanderson+heart+pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52plxvZYiT0/UR08j-iQzUI/AAAAAAAAC8k/zB_lK4VLSgc/s1600/Val+Sanderson+heart+pin.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Val Tindall's Bronze Bobby Pin Heart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Later, Val shared a picture of her homework project and this:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>This is the heart that I completed. The red looping was done using a bobby pin in place of my forgotten tapestry needle. I was bound and determined to get my homework done. The edging was done with the needle. I did give it a bit of stuffing between the silk backing and cross-knit lopped front. I did stitch a pin to the back. My other bobby pin sample heart is tied to our daughter's collar.</i></blockquote>
That's how the Bronze Bobby Pin Award began. Congratulations, Val, and thank you for inspiring us all! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OtxegdcwBwM/UR1Ty4TdDyI/AAAAAAAAC9A/OYrmmOC6_uk/s1600/Val+in+Felted+Netting+hat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OtxegdcwBwM/UR1Ty4TdDyI/AAAAAAAAC9A/OYrmmOC6_uk/s320/Val+in+Felted+Netting+hat.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Do you have a resourceful, can-do attitude, too? Are you the type of person who could rip up a floorboard to find a needle, or stitch with a bronze bobby pin, if necessary? If you are, grab a Bronze Bobby Pin badge from the sidebar and share your story in the comments below. We <3 inspiration!<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-54366000622121118002013-02-08T12:53:00.001-06:002013-02-08T12:53:23.033-06:00Teaching Left-Handed When You're NotTeaching left-handed when you're not is a great reminder of how students
often feel -- awkward, uncertain, maybe anxious, or a little embarrassed. Between the e-course I'm teaching and the e-course I'm taking, this week I've felt all that.<br />
<br />
With years of practice, I've learned to give reasonably fluid demonstrations of left-handed looping techniques, even though that hand is not naturally adept at the fine motor skills of manipulating a needle. And from years of teaching workshops in person, I know most of my left-handed students <i>are </i>adept at translating righty into lefty. So once the basics are established, most offers to show variations left-handed are met with, "No, thanks, I think I've got it."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xSEJAlHU6qY/URUjK3F16kI/AAAAAAAAC7o/CsIy7MbOVrU/s1600/DSC01972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xSEJAlHU6qY/URUjK3F16kI/AAAAAAAAC7o/CsIy7MbOVrU/s320/DSC01972.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Not this time. In my new cross-knit looping eCourse, I could tell from students' comments and questions that I needed to add a left-handed cross-knit edging video. Sighs of relief echoed across the interwebs when I said I would add one <i>next week</i>. They waited patiently. I shot it. I reshot it. And reshot it again. And finally, after two weeks, it went up on the course site.<br />
<br />
Ginger Rogers made dancing with Fred Astaire look effortless, and she
did it backwards and in high heels. In my own little fantasy world, I
work to create a Ginger-esque sense of seamless fluidity in the content I
produce for my eCourses. Sometimes, when I stumble (and I do) I save that footage for a gag reel at the end of a course.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xFXWxmuVjiY/URUp4QH4z_I/AAAAAAAAC8A/wiMzZe0iXa4/s1600/Bad+LH+edging+demo+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xFXWxmuVjiY/URUp4QH4z_I/AAAAAAAAC8A/wiMzZe0iXa4/s320/Bad+LH+edging+demo+3.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out of frame outtake 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not this time. I've
emptied a digital trash bin full of left-handed looping video. Such poor modeling could only confuse students further.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ExTDcOHSX-k/URUpjF-VGVI/AAAAAAAAC7w/Ri0X0-9_Vg8/s1600/Bad+LH+edging+demo+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ExTDcOHSX-k/URUpjF-VGVI/AAAAAAAAC7w/Ri0X0-9_Vg8/s320/Bad+LH+edging+demo+1.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of my hand video -- not instructive.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Because I was so awkward, I kept moving the piece out of the camera's frame and closer to my bifocals. I hit the lens with my needle at least once.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aZFucDQB0pA/URUpsX4dJcI/AAAAAAAAC74/koVcwEPdTjM/s1600/Bad+LH+edging+demo+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aZFucDQB0pA/URUpsX4dJcI/AAAAAAAAC74/koVcwEPdTjM/s320/Bad+LH+edging+demo+2.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out of frame outtake2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the end, here's what I had to do:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Practice.</b> Unbelievably, I started shooting the first version without first warming up on a left-handed edging practice piece. Believably, it was painful to watch the playback of that footage. I deleted that stuff right away, then practiced before shooting Version 2.</li>
<li><b>Choose Easier Materials.</b> I generally use different colors for right- and left-handed demonstrations to help me keep things straight in my head. Because I felt some time pressure on this video, initially I went with materials that were close at hand and "close enough." That was a waste of time. In left-handed demos, my most awkward moments (and this is saying something) are threading a needle and piercing anything with a needle (in this case, felt). Eventually, I got different felt. And I allowed myself to bury the tail (that piercing thing), with my right hand.</li>
<li><b>Alter The Progression. </b>The most confusing part of this edging technique is the base row. It took me seven tries to record an acceptable left-handed base row. But I didn't begin with it in the edited video. Instead, I began in the middle, where my hand movements are smoother. With an audio dub, I explained:<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">My left-handed
demonstration skills are not as fluid as would like, so I'm going to
start by showing how the stitching looks once you get going on an
edging. Then we'll go back to how to begin and end.</span></span></i>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
In some ways, I think I'd like to alter the progression of the <a href="https://www.coursera.org/course/edc" target="_blank">Massive Open Online Course </a>I'm taking, too. And as an academic exercise, I can understand why the course is structured the way it is. But for much of the first two weeks I've felt like a lab rat in someone's Massive Open Online Research Project. It's not that I lack the wit or the will to operate in a self-directed learning environment. Frankly, I've done just that for years while cobbling together bits and pieces of references on a relatively obscure specialty. For me, that kind of learning generally produces excitement, anticipation, the thrill of discovery -- not the awkward, uncertain, anxiety I've felt in the #EDCMOOC.<br />
<br />
In other words, I've felt like a right-handed stitcher demonstrating left-handed.<br />
<br />
If I could alter the progression of the course, I would take some of the energy put into the first week's live chat session (<a href="http://youtu.be/U623X9Kp9dc" target="_blank">recorded here</a>), and put it into producing video introductions to aspects of the material by individual members of the instructional team. Yes, some students might hate the "sage on a stage" model. And they could ignore those course elements. As for me, I would appreciate some talking heads. Their absence feels too much like the reluctance of lab assistants to interact or influence their subjects.<br />
<br />
In a class of 40,000 students, I don't really expect my comments or questions to result in an addition to the curriculum while the course is under way. But I do suspect the instructional team is feeling their share of anxiety about how this is going.<br />
<br />
Unless they're too busy writing up lab notes about my behavior :-)<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-63727706670025475292013-02-05T11:03:00.001-06:002013-02-05T11:03:22.827-06:00Kitchen Table Wisdom, And Show And Tell<div class="tr_bq">
Do you find that the greatest revelations occur when you're seated at your kitchen table talking with friends?</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVjTwPLTGxs/UREpqm2WFRI/AAAAAAAAC6w/avlaHUOqKsg/s1600/Jean+&+Connie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVjTwPLTGxs/UREpqm2WFRI/AAAAAAAAC6w/avlaHUOqKsg/s320/Jean+&+Connie.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jean and Connie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Two friends from my state's Surface Design Association came up Saturday for a play date in my studio.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dn_kl01J3wc/UREuJwAls8I/AAAAAAAAC7Q/5S-brj8Qje4/s1600/SDA+Wisconsin+Retreat+Play.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dn_kl01J3wc/UREuJwAls8I/AAAAAAAAC7Q/5S-brj8Qje4/s320/SDA+Wisconsin+Retreat+Play.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st">We played with surface design media on
inkjet fabric while we talked. Then we migrated from the studio table to
the kitchen table, and talked some more. These two talented and
generous practicing studio artists are also retired art teachers. I told
them about my experience and frustrations with the Massive Open Online
Course (MOOC) I'm taking now (E-learning and Digital Cultures). They
asked questions, made observations, asked more questions. I nearly
fell off my chair when, with their gentle guidance, I realized:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="st"></span>Duh. I've given students in the eCourses I teach instruction on <i>how </i>to post comments, questions and photos on the course site. But I've given them very little guidance on how to use reflective writing as a tool for learning and why they would want to do so. </blockquote>
<span class="st">As soon as I finish posting this bit of reflective writing, I'll email that observation and a couple more to the Gang of Four that hangs out at a virtual kitchen table built of four email accounts. They're fiber arts instructors who agreed to join me in this MOOC. <i>(Becka calls them "conscripts." It's not inaccurate).</i> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="st">We four are a tiny subset of the 42,000 people in the online class. Collectively, I'm sure that hive-mind could solve the problems of the universe, except that the answer would be lost in the babble. The Gang of Four, on the other hand, gets to the point. And I trust them (more than myself, to tell the truth) to sniff out B.S. dressed up in academic jargon and call it what it is. </span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">We're in the second week of the class we're taking, and even one more head-thumping revelation at either kitchen table will make the effort surpass "worthwhile." </span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">I have one more bit of kitchen table wisdom to share with you. </span>Imagine I'm using my best Mom voice here:<i> Always take <b>something </b>for show-and-tell. </i>It's so interesting to see what others are learning and doing and what excites them. You never know how one thing you show can inspire someone else, or what will inspire you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KIMdR28DTCg/UREqujj0YTI/AAAAAAAAC64/c4FN0RM4kNY/s1600/Connie+Greany%27s+Shino+pottery.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KIMdR28DTCg/UREqujj0YTI/AAAAAAAAC64/c4FN0RM4kNY/s320/Connie+Greany%27s+Shino+pottery.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Connie-Greany-Legacy-Murals/185546381570350" target="_blank">Connie,</a> who was here this weekend, just returned from a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shino_%28glaze%29" target="_blank">Shino glaze pottery</a> workshop, and it was fascinating to hear her talk about the variables that effect color when pieces are fired. I know absolutely nothing about pottery, but I could see all kinds of connections between her samples and things I do with natural dyes on fabrics, and constructed vessels of the textile sort.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2q_sgXuqxk/URErybuziJI/AAAAAAAAC7A/BTp5-NlSWic/s1600/Jean+McCulloch+Harper%27s+felting+sample.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2q_sgXuqxk/URErybuziJI/AAAAAAAAC7A/BTp5-NlSWic/s320/Jean+McCulloch+Harper%27s+felting+sample.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JmcchDezigns" target="_blank">Jean, </a>a felter, showed samples from a workshop she took with <span class="st">Lisa Klakulak of <a href="http://www.strongfelt.com/" target="_blank">Strongfelt</a> and two of the genius tools she bought from Lisa. I've used "no running water in my studio" as an excuse long enough. Now I want to explore some of my constructed vessel techniques using felt instead of fabric laminates. I'm putting that on the calender to make time for it this fall.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RezSSrG0Ji4/UREtJwqDnII/AAAAAAAAC7I/fggE1rSJSok/s1600/Jean+McCulloch+Harper%27s+looping.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RezSSrG0Ji4/UREtJwqDnII/AAAAAAAAC7I/fggE1rSJSok/s320/Jean+McCulloch+Harper%27s+looping.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">Jean also brought some of her looping explorations worked in a beautiful spun flax using a variation I've heard called Danish Stitch. It's been a few years since I did much with this variation, and I've never really sampled it with a variety of materials. Add that to the calendar, too.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">What's happening at your kitchen table? And what will you take for show and tell?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-1570085142724109842013-01-31T16:21:00.000-06:002013-01-31T16:21:36.596-06:00Does Doodling Enhance Learning For You?What do you do for 10 hours in an airport when one flight after another
is canceled? Normally, I would pull out some stitching. But this week,
weather-related travel delays gave me a block of time to study for an
online course I'm taking. It helped that I found a relatively quiet spot, one private enough that I wasn't too embarrassed to move my lips as I tried to make sense of what I was reading.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9OJf9H73rw/UQriMIA2ARI/AAAAAAAAC6A/jGFAPaVyTvM/s1600/urban+garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9OJf9H73rw/UQriMIA2ARI/AAAAAAAAC6A/jGFAPaVyTvM/s320/urban+garden.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Urban Garden at O'Hare International Airport</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For those who are following posts about the Coursera E-Learning & Digital Cultures class (tagged <a href="http://donnakallner.blogspot.com/search/label/%23EDCMOOC" target="_blank">#EDCMOOC</a>), the first lesson included Marc Prensky's 2001 article <i>Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants</i>. I mostly got through it without moving my lips (not the case with the core reading). But what really helped was the visual reminder I got from studying in a seat beside the airport's urban garden:<br />
<ul>
<li>There are different ways to achieve a goal (i.e. with and without soil).</li>
<li>Ideas, like plants, need time, resources, and care if they are to grow and flourish.</li>
<li>When resources are limited, you have to choose what you will nurture. </li>
</ul>
The most helpful (to me) element of the course so far came from a post in a class forum by a student, which led me to <a href="http://tallblog.conted.ox.ac.uk/index.php/2009/10/14/visitors-residents-the-video/" target="_blank">this video</a> on "visitors and residents" and online engagement.<br />
<br />
So what does all this have to do with doodling?<br />
<br />
I got to thinking about how being tethered to my laptop precludes movement, which I find beneficial for learning (at all ages). I'm probably not coordinated enough to watch videos and interact with the class community while walking with a cell phone in hand. But <i>some </i>type of movement might be possible. <br />
<br />
So will you help me with an unscientific experiment that will take
about 10 minutes? I know that's a lot to ask, but you'll get to see a video
unit from my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117050101/online-workshop-cross-knit-looping" target="_blank">Cross-Knit Looping eCourse</a> and further the cause of fiber arts education. Here's what I'm asking:<br />
<br />
<b>1. Prepare to doodle using one of the following methods:</b><br />
<br />
<li>paper and pencil</li>
<li>air doodling with your finger</li>
<li>Or open a separate window in your browser to <a data-cke-saved-href="http://pencilmadness.com/pencil_madness" href="http://pencilmadness.com/pencil_madness" target="_blank">Pencil Madness</a>,
a free online sketching tool. (You can "deny" Adobe Flash permission to
store information on your computer and still use the tool for this
experiment.) If you're using Pencil Madness, click one of the three
tools at the far right of the menu bar below the canvas. </li>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r_jZPswss6I/UQrtswZ-9yI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/Er-f98WxMjc/s1600/pencilmadness+tools.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r_jZPswss6I/UQrtswZ-9yI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/Er-f98WxMjc/s320/pencilmadness+tools.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pencilmadness.com/pencil_madness" target="_blank">Pencil Madness</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<b> 2. Launch a video:</b><a data-cke-saved-href="http://vimeo.com/56880526" href="http://vimeo.com/56880526" target="_blank"> Click this link</a> to launch an 8-minute video on splicing wool yarn and winding
center-pull balls, or view it in the embedded player at the bottom of this post. </div>
<br />
3. <b>Doodle while watching the video.</b><br />
<br />
4. <b>Answer a few questions.</b> <a data-cke-saved-href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Kpa8Ybr6KK3MhrO-Jp1rtWwbYtFkZqBn4U42r4u11j4/viewform" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Kpa8Ybr6KK3MhrO-Jp1rtWwbYtFkZqBn4U42r4u11j4/viewform" target="_blank">Click this link</a> to open a short survey. The survey is anonymous.<br />
<br />
Even if you don't watch the video or take part in the survey, I'd love to hear what you think: Does doodling enhance learning for you?<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/56880526" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/56880526">Cross-Knit Looping: How To Splice Wool Yarn & Wind Center-Pull Balls</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/donnakallner">Donna Kallner</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-87300745789639608662013-01-18T09:33:00.000-06:002013-01-18T09:33:04.049-06:00Recycling: The Camel Hair Coat ChroniclesThere are only a few pieces left from the man's camel hair coat I bought at Goodwill last fall. Students in a natural dye class last fall used most of the coat. I kept the parts that were gunky with fused interfacing.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_94Fgh5KaSY/UPlly7zH94I/AAAAAAAAC5Y/hPBAKySfaew/s1600/DSC09758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_94Fgh5KaSY/UPlly7zH94I/AAAAAAAAC5Y/hPBAKySfaew/s320/DSC09758.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Some of that got used in a project for the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117050101/online-workshop-cross-knit-looping" target="_blank">Cross-Knit Looping eCourse</a> that started this week. <i>Registration for XKL closes tomorrow, but you can still get into <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/95079899/online-workshop-new-age-looping-basics" target="_blank">New Age Looping Basics</a>, which begins February 5. </i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6sYaiIHNNQ/UPlmRQu2CMI/AAAAAAAAC5g/fHhUqVouMX8/s1600/materials.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6sYaiIHNNQ/UPlmRQu2CMI/AAAAAAAAC5g/fHhUqVouMX8/s320/materials.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Students will see it in Lesson 2, which posts next Tuesday.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rjd47wsD_T4/UPlmdQhJ_HI/AAAAAAAAC5o/3NDaOw6zgmE/s1600/Lesson+2+--+water+bottle+cozy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rjd47wsD_T4/UPlmdQhJ_HI/AAAAAAAAC5o/3NDaOw6zgmE/s320/Lesson+2+--+water+bottle+cozy.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I love working with this camel hair fabric and wish I had more. But I'm not even tempted to contribute my own camel hair coat to the cause. It was my mom's playground duty coat. When she retired from teaching, she gave it to me. It has to be 25 or 30 years old but it's still my go-to coat for dressy occasions and any occasion when temps are sub-zero.<br />
<br />
You may see a picture of it next week.<br />
<br />
I guess it's time to scour the thrift shops for another camel hair coat.<br />
<br />
What kind of recycled materials are you on the hunt for? And what's your best thrift store find?<br />
<br />
<i>Sign up for my email newsletter <a href="http://eepurl.com/i35eT" target="_blank">here</a>.</i> <br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-66410248623245613762013-01-15T17:42:00.002-06:002013-01-15T17:42:33.829-06:00Creativity, Community, ConnectionI'm inspired by my neighbor Marie. As far as I can see, she rises to any challenge with grace and good humor, but this one in particular strikes me as creative genius: You have a large but unknown number of cold, tired, hungry people and access only to what's in your own larder. Could you work a loaves and fishes miracle? Marie does, with biscuits and gravy that are culinary works of art.<br />
<br />
This post is about creativity and community that's probably familiar to many of you. And I hope you'll share your own experiences in the comments section below. But to get my thoughts in order, here's what led to the telling of <i>this </i>story about community.<br />
<br />
As you may know, I live in a rural area with a small population scattered over a large geographic area. It's the type of place where firefighters and EMTs are all volunteers. My husband has served 25 years on a small department. Structure fires require assistance from neighboring departments.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzdGFuOd2Po/UPXdTKtrR8I/AAAAAAAAC4k/K7rw4BvQrFU/s1600/DSC01695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzdGFuOd2Po/UPXdTKtrR8I/AAAAAAAAC4k/K7rw4BvQrFU/s320/DSC01695.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Last night, as the temperature slipped toward zero, Bill was paged out to a structure fire in a neighboring jurisdiction. On his way out the door he promised to assign himself a job that wouldn't aggravate the back pain he's had since Saturday.<br />
<br />
As he left, I was texting members of the our department auxiliary. Our newest member, Cindy, met me at the scene to pass out bottles of water, Gatorade and granola bars to firefighters. It was so cold, the Gatorade froze.<br />
<br />
At midnight, Marie and Jonita were serving biscuits and gravy, sandwiches, cookies and coffee to firefighters from a table in the house next door to the fire scene. None of us knew the owner who graciously opened her home.<br />
<br />
Many people from the community came together to take care of each other. One home was destroyed, but the people who lived there all got out. At this point, their story branches off, but my story about community continues -- online.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After leaving the fire scene last night, I went home and worked for a couple of hours. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
First, I posted Lesson 1 for students registered in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117050101/online-workshop-cross-knit-looping" target="_blank">Cross-Knit Looping eCourse</a>. The roster includes both first-timers and returning students from across the U.S. and in Europe who share a fiber interest. But you know how it is: You learn who the dog lovers are, what other interests students share, whose life is complicated by medical concerns, who's planning an adventure. And you celebrate successes and discoveries together. In other words, it's a community.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Next, I posted a few pictures I took on the fire department's Facebook page. Many people in the community have a limited understanding of what volunteers firefighters do. Much of what they do isn't exciting and it's virtually invisible: Two hours of repacking hoses, emptying creek water from the tanker and refilling it with clean water, going to town to get replacement parts for couplings that broke in the cold. Firefighters don't do all that to get their pictures tagged on Facebook. But their spouses, cousins, neighbors and friends who are on Facebook are proud to share that those pictures with <i>their </i>friends (or Friends, in Facebook parlance). </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I see some of my neighbors more on Facebook than in real life. But you know what? I love that I can talk to someone I'm sitting next to about a picture of them I saw on Facebook. I love staying in touch with students who took fiber art workshops with me years ago. I love reconnecting with old friends from our canoe and kayak school days. I love keeping up with our godsons and a passel of kids who are interesting young adults now. And I love following the adventures of a group of women who became friends in a willow basketry class at Sievers lo, these many years ago. Those are the kind of friends who may not see each other for months or even years, then pick right up where we left off. That was true before Facebook. It's true with Facebook. And I'm sure it will be true After Facebook. I suspect it will be true after we're all just so much cosmic dust.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w76FaJRM7ok/UPXoK3rJ06I/AAAAAAAAC48/W2TddED44Xs/s1600/Willow+Wench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w76FaJRM7ok/UPXoK3rJ06I/AAAAAAAAC48/W2TddED44Xs/s320/Willow+Wench.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Because what connects us isn't digital. It's the community we built. Together.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://donnakallner.blogspot.com/2012/12/so-much-to-learn-and-i-need-your-help.html" target="_blank">As you may know</a>,
I'm taking an online course on e-learning and digital cultures. It
doesn't start for a couple of weeks. So for now, I'm only guessing at
how the course may impact my perception of "being human in the digital
age," or how it might alter my approach to teaching online. Here's what I
do know: </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What connects us is the community, not the carrier. It's what we build <i>together</i> that makes a difference in our lives.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
P.S. I <i>would </i>love to hear your stories of creativity, community and connection. Hit the Comments link below and say your piece. Thanks!<br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-41612805613841779162013-01-11T10:08:00.000-06:002013-01-11T10:08:41.520-06:00Acme Animations For Fiber Arts Instruction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KoXTzjkAcoI/UPA3ebJssnI/AAAAAAAAC4M/Psn5Lur6NP4/s1600/XKL+animation+test.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KoXTzjkAcoI/UPA3ebJssnI/AAAAAAAAC4M/Psn5Lur6NP4/s320/XKL+animation+test.gif" width="241" /></a></div>
Today I played a little with animation in Gimp. I think it will take a LOT more practice before I can produce effective animated technique illustrations. But I'm seeing possibilities... and just a little queasy.<br />
<br />
This week, have you taken a first step toward learning something that's kind of a stretch? I'd love to hear about in the comments section below this post!<br />
<br />
<i>Sign up for my email newsletter <a href="http://eepurl.com/i35eT" target="_blank">here</a>.</i><br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-87652022320769576772013-01-09T11:45:00.003-06:002013-01-09T11:45:44.475-06:0010 Tips For Planning A Year Of GrowthJust sent out my <a href="http://eepurl.com/sTDLD" target="_blank">January email newsletter</a>. Have you done a #5? I'd love to hear about it! And one of these days I need to tell you the story of my #5. In the meantime, here's a picture I dug up. It's from a year or two later. Some of the dearest people in my world are friends I made taking classes at <a href="http://sieversschool.com/" target="_blank">Sievers</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wmn8c_2ysI/UO2pt5iI5cI/AAAAAAAAC30/nnPoktL0Wj0/s1600/A+Sievers+willow+class+--+1990s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wmn8c_2ysI/UO2pt5iI5cI/AAAAAAAAC30/nnPoktL0Wj0/s320/A+Sievers+willow+class+--+1990s.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You can read this edition of my newsletter by clicking <a href="http://eepurl.com/sTDLD" target="_blank">this link</a> if you're not already on my mailing list. It's different from getting Two Red Threads via email (confusing, I know). You can sign up for my email news <a href="http://eepurl.com/sTDLD" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3J_8QqT1KUw/UO2nwl0TIxI/AAAAAAAAC3c/l1y2jkVEeqs/s1600/QR+code+for+Jan+2013+enews.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3J_8QqT1KUw/UO2nwl0TIxI/AAAAAAAAC3c/l1y2jkVEeqs/s320/QR+code+for+Jan+2013+enews.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As for what happens if you point your smart phone at the QR code above, I'm not really sure. I'm still using a Tracfone. It still laughs at these things. Does your technology sometimes mock you, too? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-87191942329497979182013-01-07T08:06:00.001-06:002013-01-07T08:06:29.018-06:00January ThawThe holidays are over, the winter solstice is past, and we're taking baby steps toward more hours of daylight than darkness.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLwn8_Gy124/UOrRSTQ_cfI/AAAAAAAAC2c/MGDhvuIVzG4/s1600/River.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLwn8_Gy124/UOrRSTQ_cfI/AAAAAAAAC2c/MGDhvuIVzG4/s320/River.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For me, those few extra minutes of daylight at the beginning and end of the day make a huge difference in how I feel. Or maybe it's just getting back to the routine of deadlines to meet. In any case, it's great to have a boost of energy and feel productive again. Could it be partly because I'm keeping up with my creativity warm-ups? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLJYf4VU6mg/UOrS9wv_uQI/AAAAAAAAC20/yhxgp7eeljk/s1600/DSC01409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLJYf4VU6mg/UOrS9wv_uQI/AAAAAAAAC20/yhxgp7eeljk/s320/DSC01409.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's the reward that's waiting for me when I mark a few more things off my to-do list: I'll thaw out some of my frozen natural dye materials and start the transformation of this "winter white" yarn into other colors.<br />
<br />
Are you feeling the January thaw?<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><a href="http://eepurl.com/i35eT" target="_blank">Subscribe to my email newsletter here.</a> And thank you for reading Two Red Threads!</i><div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-51429576027642248462013-01-04T08:57:00.000-06:002013-01-04T13:05:23.434-06:00More Creativity Warm-UpsHow are you doing on your intentions for the new year so far? I know it's only January 4 and we just finished the last of the cranberry sauce last night, but so far so good. I'm glad to making short creativity warm-ups a mindful part of my day again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZQ0UVs7Uk4/UObrzLORTmI/AAAAAAAAC2E/a72fXcgvk1s/s1600/Scribble+doodle+warm-up+with+labels++and+watermark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZQ0UVs7Uk4/UObrzLORTmI/AAAAAAAAC2E/a72fXcgvk1s/s320/Scribble+doodle+warm-up+with+labels++and+watermark.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's what I did yesterday. I've seen this exercise before, but was reminded of it in Carla Sonheim's book <i>Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artists.</i> Bascially, you make some quick scribbles on page then add features to those scribbles.<br />
<br />
Come on, you know you can do it! You've been finding faces in clouds since you were a kid. Give it a try, and leave a comment to tell me what you got. I'm calling mine "Dragon defies holiday pounds" and "Not A Snob."<br />
<br />
<i>Added after lunch: Remind me how many repetitions it takes before a new habit takes hold? I forgot to add the email subscription info again again this morning.</i><br />
<br />
And for periodic news about upcoming classes and eCourses, shows, creativity exercises, and a few fun freebies, please use the form below to subscribe to my email list. I promise not to share your address or litter your inbox with too-frequent mailings.<br />
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Thank you for reading Two Red Threads!<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-55084777668759013352013-01-02T09:45:00.003-06:002013-01-02T09:59:23.614-06:00Sketchy Ideas for 2013It's a new year, and many of us are starting it resolved to make our creativity practice both meaningful and mindful. I don't know about you, but I don't have this mapped out in project management software. I just plan to chip away at it day by day. Here's how I started today:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pkj7fc0SVeg/UORPbs2M2NI/AAAAAAAAC1U/4FMqGHOyhK4/s1600/DSC01408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pkj7fc0SVeg/UORPbs2M2NI/AAAAAAAAC1U/4FMqGHOyhK4/s320/DSC01408.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I made a quick sketch from a photo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2uPnfS0PulM/UORQWLb_JDI/AAAAAAAAC1g/hHy1HyLEtfo/s1600/Bill+&+Donna+Kallner+2013+New+Year%27s+Day+at+the+Wolf+River.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2uPnfS0PulM/UORQWLb_JDI/AAAAAAAAC1g/hHy1HyLEtfo/s320/Bill+&+Donna+Kallner+2013+New+Year%27s+Day+at+the+Wolf+River.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's a shot Bill took yesterday on our New Year's walk along the Wolf River near our home. It was just a little slippery under the snow, so I handed the camera to him and concentrated on my footing.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WxPI4BtVjLs/UORL7z7Q0gI/AAAAAAAAC00/0kOClLD1Vjs/s1600/Winter+trees+along+the+river.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WxPI4BtVjLs/UORL7z7Q0gI/AAAAAAAAC00/0kOClLD1Vjs/s320/Winter+trees+along+the+river.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I snapped a digital photo of my sketch so I could upload it to this post. That photo was dark, though, so I opened Gimp to lighten it. While it was open, I figured I might as well label the odd scribble in the lower left. That fallen leaf is one of my favorite parts of the image, but I might not remember that from just looking at the sketch. Labeling isn't cheating -- it's expanding on the sketch to flesh out an idea.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aI6yblCl0hA/UORPKTx7gjI/AAAAAAAAC1M/-2u7Ce3u0K4/s1600/Winter+trees+along+the+river.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aI6yblCl0hA/UORPKTx7gjI/AAAAAAAAC1M/-2u7Ce3u0K4/s320/Winter+trees+along+the+river.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then I remembered my intention to consistently watermark images I post online this year. So I set up a Gimp brush I can use for that. I stamped it in the lower right corner. Gimp imaging is part of what I teach in my Digital Fabric workshops. FYI, registration is now open for that class at the <a href="http://www.midwestweavers.org/conference/classdescription.asp?ClassType=Preconference" target="_blank">Midwest Weavers Conference </a>in Emporia, Kansas in June.<br />
<br />
I'll come back to this sketch another day. For now, it's time for me to move on with other tasks. I have orders to get in the mail, and I need to send out orientation materials for students registered for the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117050101/online-workshop-cross-knit-looping" target="_blank">Cross-Knit Looping eCourse</a> that begins January 15. There's still some room in the class, if you're looking for a jump-start for your 2013. <br />
<br />
Got a favorite creativity exercise? Hit the Comments link below this post and tell us about it!<br />
<br />
<i>added 10 minutes later: My other resolution was to add a link to the bottom of posts reminding readers about my <a href="http://eepurl.com/i35eT" target="_blank">email mailing list sign up option</a>. </i> Will try to get it right the first time ... next time.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-63556641699357408852012-12-31T10:48:00.000-06:002012-12-31T10:48:16.219-06:00New Year's ResolutionResolution #1: I've let my regular practice of creativity exercises lapse. The result feels like mental
bloating similar to the physical effects of my culinary indulgences
over the holidays. The treats are mostly gone and won't be
replaced. I'm putting creativity exercises at the top of the to-do
list for much of January. I'll post some of mine here, and hope you'll share your ideas as well.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G3P862LCbxo/UOHA50ldeOI/AAAAAAAAC0c/gigpzX_t8Lo/s1600/Color+outside+the+lines.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G3P862LCbxo/UOHA50ldeOI/AAAAAAAAC0c/gigpzX_t8Lo/s320/Color+outside+the+lines.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Resolution Number 2:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oTs433evomQ?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
Your comments on <a href="http://donnakallner.blogspot.com/2012/12/so-much-to-learn-and-i-need-your-help.html" target="_blank">my last post</a>
helped me decide: We <i>all </i>have a stake in saying how we want to connect
and learn online. So yes, I'll post some of my work in the upcoming
class on e-learning and digital cultures here in 2013. And I look
forward to your comments on those posts, too.<br />
<br />
What are your resolutions?<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-10928167896039318482012-12-26T15:29:00.001-06:002012-12-26T15:29:46.318-06:00So Much To Learn -- And I Need Your Help!For many people, the last week of the year is a time for tying up loose ends. We clear out old files, discard mostly-empty jars of dried-up fabric paint, and donate leftover yarns and fabrics to thrift shops and guild exchanges. I'm doing some of that this week myself.<br />
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<br />
But I need your help to get ready for one thing I need to do in 2013. First, here's the situation.<br />
<br />
I signed up to take an online class from the University of Edinburgh called <a href="https://www.coursera.org/course/edc" target="_blank">E-learning & Digital Cultures.</a> I already teach online classes (<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117050101/online-workshop-cross-knit-looping" target="_blank">Cross-Knit Looping</a> begins January 15 and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/95079899/online-workshop-new-age-looping-basics" target="_blank">New Age Looping Basics</a> begins February 5). But in this fast-changing world, I know there's much to learn.<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117050101/online-workshop-cross-knit-looping" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nFuMBb5lB14/UNtrC2VFuaI/AAAAAAAACzs/Pv88z0jMw_c/s200/Cross-Knit+Looping+title+image.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm particularly interested learning ways to foster connections among students in online workshops. A handful of my fiber arts instructor friends are taking the class together so we can bounce ideas off each other.<br />
<br />
It's more than a month before the start of the class we're taking, and already students from around the world are connecting on Facebook, Twitter and other sites. They're already setting up study groups that will comment on each others' blog postings related to course material. But that got me thinking about whose opinions really matter to me. And the answer to that was easy: Yours.<br />
<br />
So when the class starts I plan to write about how things I learn can be applied to e-learning and digital culture <i>in the fiber community. </i>I'd like to post that writing here where I hope you'll comment on it, and maybe ask your friends to put in their two cents' worth as well. But I don't want to drive away readers who prefer I stick to topics like looping and natural dyeing and gift-making.<br />
<br />
So what do you think: Post here or not? Please hit the Comments link below and let me know. Thanks!<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-60477133642184070522012-12-24T09:46:00.002-06:002012-12-24T09:48:21.841-06:00Wishing You...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sJ_7GAUsER4/UNh388YC56I/AAAAAAAACys/42tM0DBdAoA/s1600/Happy+Holidays+from+Bill+&+Donna+Kallner2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sJ_7GAUsER4/UNh388YC56I/AAAAAAAACys/42tM0DBdAoA/s320/Happy+Holidays+from+Bill+&+Donna+Kallner2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
May your to-do list be full of cross-outs, your kitchen be filled with good smells and laughter, and your heart be full of joy!<br />
<br />
<i>-- Donna</i><div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-35254310737151578602012-12-21T11:30:00.003-06:002012-12-21T11:30:39.562-06:00The Gift Of GivingA few years back, I heard a woman in a yarn shop say, "I'm not
spending $50 on yarn to knit my grandchild something that will just go in a drawer." That still makes me sad. Because I have dearly beloved handmade gifts in a drawer, where they make me smile every time I see them, and others in the cedar chest as befits family heirlooms. And I bet you do, too.<br />
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This is the last pair of crocheted slippers I got from my grandma. I can't tell you how many pairs I wore out. But these I stopped wearing before they wore out so I could save them. I don't remember why I knew they would probably be the last pair, but I did. Picture me smiling every time I see them.<br />
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<br />
This may be the first pair of crocheted slippers I got from my grandma. I don't remember ever wearing them (obviously). But my mother saved them, and a few years ago they moved from her cedar closet to my cedar chest (which, no surprise, was hers before it was mine).<br />
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<br />
This came with them. And yes, it's stained. The ribbon is broken and frayed. And it still makes me smile.<br />
<br />
Whether you're giving or receiving, a hand-made present gives to both the
recipient and the giver. Otherwise, no one would ever make a quilt for
anyone but a quilter, or knit a sweater for anyone but a knitter -- someone who can appreciate how much time and effort goes into making a gift.<br />
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<br />
Right now I'm tucked in under a Christmas quilt that was a gift made by my sister-in-law. She's getting this year's big gift in a small package. It's far from perfect. And it's not quite as large as it might have been, but I think it will stretch out large enough to keep the heron out of her koi pond without distracting from her beautiful flowers.<br />
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It was too snowy and windy yesterday to try spreading it out outside. I tried to stretch it out in the basement, but couldn't get it spread out fully without walking on it. I guess we'll find out in the spring if it's large enough, because I think her koi pond got covered with 20 inches of snow yesterday.<br />
<br />
Bill and I are self-employed, so we spend time making things when other people might spend that time at a job earning money so they can spend time shopping for gifts. But what we get from making gifts is priceless.<br />
<br />
With this one, I get to be an unseen presence in my sister-in-law's garden while she's weeding with her granddaughter -- something I live too far away to do in person. I got to have a conversation with my husband about nets, snares, and fishing (which is practically a religion in his family). I got to improve my skills at problem-solving when netting with a challenging material (bonded nylon instead of my usual linen or hemp). And I had time to reflect on all the treasures my sister-in-law has given me over the years, the greatest of which is her friendship and love.<br />
<br />
I hope this season of giving has given you great joy in the making, and that what you've made puts smiles on the faces of those you love for many years to come. Happy Holidays!<br />
<br />
P.S. If you're not on my email list and would like to be, you can <a href="http://eepurl.com/i35eT" target="_blank">sign up here</a>. I included a free printable "made by" tags file in the last one I sent out, which you can find <a href="http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=db6fd36e1fa5e2eb4c0875143&id=777e04fbf1&e=040b177edf" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-41252203068415663182012-12-18T09:38:00.000-06:002012-12-18T09:38:36.468-06:00The Season Of Excess ExpectationI'm not talking about kids and toys or teens and electronics. I'm talking about how much I think I can get done in the time available. Specifically, how fast I think I can work to get the last gift finished and in the mail before Christmas. You probably have your own version of this holiday classic.<br />
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<br />
For the record, I <i>love </i>making gifts. But yes, I suffer from Excess Expectation. My expectations didn't seem so excessive when I made the plan. After all, Bill and I sort of takes turns on making the majority of our holiday gifts, and this year is his year. I did help him cut copper pipe one day while he assembled and soldered.<br />
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<br />
He also made gifts for all the young fishermen, and I just made little bags from recycled T-shirts to hold them. Easy peasy -- something I could do while watching a movie.<br />
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<br />
For my mom, I made a bag of stationery from fabric scraps in my <a href="http://donnakallner.blogspot.com/search/label/Black%20Hole" target="_blank">Black Hole</a>.<br />
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They're still on dial-up, so no worries about letting the cat out of the bag. The bag for the stationery I made with <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1102070" target="_blank">fabric I designed</a> and had printed on Spoonflower from a photo I took of my mom's old Singer sewing machine. That's the machine I started sewing on. One of the first things she had me do, lo these many years ago, was stitch on heavy paper. I had major flashbacks while stitching 24 pieces of stationery.<br />
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<br />
Dad is also getting a gift made with <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1380286" target="_blank">Spoonflower fabric</a>. This one is made from a photo I took of a wooden serving tray he made years ago (there's a photo of the tray at the link). I made a drawstring dresser caddy that folds flat when not in use.<br />
<br />
There were a few more small gifts on my to-do list that I can't show just yet. The chances of those beloved young people reading my blog are slim, but it <i>is </i>possible.<br />
<br />
And really, with Bill doing so many of our gifts, I figured there would be <i>plenty </i>of time for me to make this gift for his sister (who <i>does </i>read this blog, but also knows what the gift is because we talked about it and she gave me the measurements).<br />
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<br />
When it's done, this gift will measure 8 feet by 12 feet. It's a piece of netting to spread over their koi pond to keep the neighborhood heron from eating the fish. <br />
<br />
When it's done, it will have taken less time than knitting a sweater or crocheting an afghan. But it's taking longer than I estimated, mainly because of the materials I'm using. I usually net with linen or hemp and for this project I'm using bonded nylon. <strike>If </strike>When I'm not careful, the knots slip. <br />
<br />
This net won't be perfect, but it will do the job. It's designed to do it unobtrusively so as not to distract from the flower garden around the pond.<br />
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With a bit of luck, it will be in the mail in time to arrive Christmas Eve. But before it goes, we're getting a picture of it spread out. Will probably have to do that outside. <br />
<br />
Good luck with your own holiday preparations!<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-78540584033306235962012-12-10T11:35:00.000-06:002012-12-10T11:35:21.470-06:005-Panel Project Bag -- Knitting + Crochet + LoopingSuppose you took Mastadon Stew to a potluck and someone asked for the recipe. OK, that wouldn't happen because, well, mastadons are extinct. But when you're asked for a recipe or pattern for something made with an ancient technique that's not extinct but is comparatively obscure? Something like cross-knit looping? Thank goodness for the internet, where you can link to references and inspirations.<br />
<br />
Cross-knit looping is worked with a single needle and is incredibly
portable and forgiving of interruptions. It's great for covering up selvedges and seamlines on knitting, crochet, weaving and felt, adding a lovely design element that also helps add structure and/or stabilize edges.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G5Y97w3Ihso/UMX2GjV_MDI/AAAAAAAACuw/6FDxZqclVn8/s1600/DSC00849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G5Y97w3Ihso/UMX2GjV_MDI/AAAAAAAACuw/6FDxZqclVn8/s320/DSC00849.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donna Kallner's 5-Panel Project Bag made with naturally-dyed yarns includes knitting, crochet and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117050101/online-workshop-cross-knit-looping" target="_blank">cross-knit looping </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last fall, a student asked if I would share the pattern for this project bag. On things I make for myself, my "patterns" are much like most of my cooking recipes: I generally don't record specific quantities, but I can tell you how I make something ("cook brown rice and some black beans with cumin and garlic, cool, dress with orange juice viniagrette, add some fresh sweet corn, onion, red pepper, maybe grilled zucchini...."). I assume you'll adjust proportions to your own tastes and materials/ingredients anyway. <br />
<br />
So here's the "recipe" for my drawstring project bag. <br />
<br />
<b>5-Panel Drawstring Project Bag</b><b> </b><br />
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</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uP37o-kprMs/UMYBrJCa_2I/AAAAAAAACvQ/TWqM9UBHSUk/s1600/5+Panel+Project+Bag+diagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uP37o-kprMs/UMYBrJCa_2I/AAAAAAAACvQ/TWqM9UBHSUk/s320/5+Panel+Project+Bag+diagram.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li>Knit 2 panels for the front and back of the bag. Mine are 6" wide x 5" tall. I knit one in garter stitch. For the other side, add variety to a panel of stockinette stitch by making intermittent rows of knit to make garter stripes. </li>
<li>Knit 2 panels for the sides of the bag. Mine are 3-1/2" wide x 5" tall. One is knit in loose 2/2 ribbing (casting on for the 5" dimension). The other is seed stitch (odd rows are knit1, purl 1; even rows are purl 1, knit 1).</li>
<li>Crochet a bottom panel. Mine is 6" wide x 3-1/2" deep. I used single crochet to make a firm bottom.</li>
<li>Sew or slip stitch crochet one edge of each upper panel (front, back and sides) to the base. </li>
<li>Attach edges of upper panels to form the bag.</li>
<li>Crochet a few rows (or more) around the top of the bag to make a rim. </li>
<li>Crochet a drawstring channel by skipping stitches and making long posts. </li>
<li>Add another row or two of crochet above the drawstring channel to complete the rim.</li>
<li>Braid or chain two drawstrings long enough to travel the circumference of the bag.</li>
<li>Thread one drawstring through the channel all the way around the rim of the bag. Tie off and add a small tassel, if you like.</li>
<li>To thread the second drawstring, begin on the opposite side of the bag from where you started with the first one. </li>
<li>Work cross-knit looping over the seam that connects side panels to the base. I learned this application for cross-knit looping from <a href="http://backstrapweaving.wordpress.com/tutorials/tutorial-cross-knit-looping/" target="_blank">Laverne Waddington</a>. This and many other uses of cross-knit looping are included in<a href="http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=db6fd36e1fa5e2eb4c0875143&id=45594f1b69&e=040b177edf" target="_blank"> my new eCourse</a>, which begins January 15. (There's a short video trailer <a href="http://youtu.be/gp9RschB1Iw" target="_blank">here</a>, and registration is open <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117050101/online-workshop-cross-knit-looping" target="_blank">here</a>).</li>
<li>Work cross-knit looping over the seam where the side panels meet the rim. </li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWt6MoYZ-50/UMX_52FUJuI/AAAAAAAACvI/pmHPM-3KeTk/s1600/DSC00853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWt6MoYZ-50/UMX_52FUJuI/AAAAAAAACvI/pmHPM-3KeTk/s320/DSC00853.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117050101/online-workshop-cross-knit-looping" target="_blank">Cross-knit looping</a> masks the seams where panels meet and adds contrast in color, line and texture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Apply whatever variations strike your fancy. You could make the panels and rim all knitting, all crochet, or even all looping. I chose to combine knitting and crochet because I wanted to show something familiar to knitters and crocheters who might be enticed to try looping. You could make a little gift bag from old swatches used to determine gauge for knitting projects. Or use panels of felt or fabric for the base and sides.<br />
<br />
Make the bag any size you like. I chose this size because it would hold just
one project and fit beside me on the seat while traveling (I have a
tendency to overpack given a larger bag). On a larger bag, though, I might cover all the vertical seams that join panels with cross-knit looping. That would add some structure to help the bag stand up.<br />
<br />
Sadly, it appears that the Licorice Twist yarn I used is no longer available from Dharma or anywhere else I can find. The main body of the bag was immersion dyed with willow bark and walnut. The yarn for the cross-knit edging is from a ball I've been hoarding for years since I took a natural dye class at <a href="https://www.folkschool.org/" target="_blank">John C. Campbell Folk School</a>. I think it was from Knit Picks, and I think it was dyed with lichen then overdyed with indigo.<br />
<br />
In other words, the exact materials I used are not available for you to make an exact replica of this bag, and that's a good thing. You'll come up with something of your own that uses the materials you have beautifully.<br />
<br />
I'd love to see what <i>you </i>make! Please, please post pictures of your variations<span id="goog_7326752"></span><span id="goog_7326753"></span> on this recipe on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart" target="_blank">my Facebook page</a>. <br />
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<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-23170288332190942352012-12-07T13:08:00.000-06:002012-12-07T13:08:41.340-06:00Registration Open for Cross-Knit Looping eCourseIt's official: Registration is open for the my newest eCourse, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117050101/online-workshop-cross-knit-looping" target="_blank"><i>Cross-Knit Looping.</i></a><b> </b>The technique is sometimes called Coptic knitting, Tarim stitch or Viking knit (that's right -- the fine silver jewelry is the same structure). Cross-knit is part of a large family of looping techniques. It can look so much like stockinette stitch that early artifacts were often misidentified as knitting. But it's pure looping: The entire length of the thread is pulled through on each stitch, and it can't unravel like knitting.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117050101/online-workshop-cross-knit-looping" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxQ9dfJKKJo/UMIy9xWJUUI/AAAAAAAACtw/kq8FFZ_eet8/s320/Cross-Knit+Looping+title+image.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117050101/online-workshop-cross-knit-looping" target="_blank">Click to go to eCourse registration</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://donnakallner.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=db6fd36e1fa5e2eb4c0875143&id=5287d4b598&e=040b177edf" style="color: #336699; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"></a></div>
<i>Cross-Knit Looping </i>runs January 15-February 28, 2013. Here's a short video trailer I made for the eCourse.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gp9RschB1Iw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
There's more info and you can <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117050101/online-workshop-cross-knit-looping" target="_blank">register for the class here.</a><br />
<br />
Like other forms of looping, cross-knit can stand entirely on its own. But it marries so beautifully with knitting, crochet, weaving and felt that I've included some fusion projects in the course. And I think handspinners and dyers will absolutely love this technique. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCfUwTtcLgE/UMI2snZ6A0I/AAAAAAAACuA/Ax6dH52G0Lk/s1600/Xknit+sun+tea+jar+&+water+bottle+cozy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PCfUwTtcLgE/UMI2snZ6A0I/AAAAAAAACuA/Ax6dH52G0Lk/s320/Xknit+sun+tea+jar+&+water+bottle+cozy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross-knit looping sun tea jar cozy and water bottle caddy (with felt)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c41c6QYuga0/UMI1Rg7QkgI/AAAAAAAACt4/VU8euUcuVAk/s1600/Neck+Wrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c41c6QYuga0/UMI1Rg7QkgI/AAAAAAAACt4/VU8euUcuVAk/s320/Neck+Wrap.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knit neck warmer with cross-knit looping placket and buttons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I really need a model to photograph instead of trying to shoot myself in the mirror. Incidentally, these pictures show projects done with my naturally dyed yarns. There are yarns straight from my LYS used in the course, as well.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QW7BLsxu7lM/UMI9po6mI8I/AAAAAAAACuc/OK2maCOdJVY/s1600/DSC00849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QW7BLsxu7lM/UMI9po6mI8I/AAAAAAAACuc/OK2maCOdJVY/s320/DSC00849.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donna's project bag -- knitting, crochet, and cross-knit looping</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of my Sievers students this fall (Roseann?) asked for a recipe (in lieu of a pattern) for the drawstring project bag pictured above. I'll post that next time. <div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-52619631225556818782012-11-24T10:08:00.002-06:002012-11-24T10:08:52.556-06:00The Video Studio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCI_d12KpVo/ULDm2Tcc65I/AAAAAAAACsw/hCwXQfL59pE/s1600/DSC00531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCI_d12KpVo/ULDm2Tcc65I/AAAAAAAACsw/hCwXQfL59pE/s320/DSC00531.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
After a short break to celebrate Thanksgiving with family, I'm back to work on a new eCourse on cross-knit looping, which I'll tell you more about soon. In the meantime, here's a peek at my new video "studio." <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-wR3BUdD1I/ULDoD7F4rOI/AAAAAAAACs4/nJKyJdBsww4/s1600/DSC00523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-wR3BUdD1I/ULDoD7F4rOI/AAAAAAAACs4/nJKyJdBsww4/s320/DSC00523.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The homemade diffuser on the left is fabric stretched on an old picture frame. On the right is an old slide projector screen I found at the thrift shop. The white top on the card table (a family heirloom from the 70's) is easier for shooting than the fabric-covered table I used before. You can't really see the fabric backdrop or the two bounce lights. But here's the key element:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IkF61_t1xno/ULDptMiXvbI/AAAAAAAACtA/BL3rJRIad40/s1600/DSC00520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IkF61_t1xno/ULDptMiXvbI/AAAAAAAACtA/BL3rJRIad40/s320/DSC00520.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
That black tent-like thing at the top covers a modeling lamp that gives diffused light from overhead. A friend who's a professional photographer helped me set up a photo studio back in the late 1990's, when I was still shooting my work on 35mm slides. I think we traded her a canoe for equipment, help setting it up, and lessons on how to shoot with it. Once I went digital, the flash didn't sync with my camera. It didn't occur to me until recently (duh) that I could use the modeling lamp without the flash.<br />
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The new set-up is tucked into a small space in our basement between the utility room and the cold room where we store squash and homemade wine. There isn't quite enough space to shoot the short "talking head" segments of the course, but it's working great for the close-up shots of my hands demonstrating techniques.<br />
<br />
Speaking of hands, I stained my right hand with black walnut dye when my glove sprung a leak while I was doing "just a quick project." So no more dyeing until the last of the video is shot and edited!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-17123803489582624742012-11-12T09:52:00.000-06:002012-11-12T09:52:31.484-06:00Willow Harvest -- Autumn EditionYou know how it is when you've "always" done things a certain way. For 10 years or so, I've cut my willow in the spring. It was timing that worked for various storage reasons. But I'm going to be leading a <a href="http://celtic-journeys.com/localcolour.htm" target="_blank">trip to Ireland</a> next April. So I needed to get my harvest done this fall.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r-NifAuQ2G4/UKERXc5yC6I/AAAAAAAACr8/D5vVuysaKAs/s1600/DSC00283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r-NifAuQ2G4/UKERXc5yC6I/AAAAAAAACr8/D5vVuysaKAs/s320/DSC00283.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Last summer, I was talking with a friend about all this, and we hatched a plan. Her youngest is out of school and last spring she retired from coaching high school athletics. With just one full-time job now, she'll have more time to make baskets again. But her willow patch is small, and it takes a few years for new beds to become really productive.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWn_HwZ6vi0/UKESv7E02ZI/AAAAAAAACsE/jPndBX4rR_4/s1600/DSC00277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWn_HwZ6vi0/UKESv7E02ZI/AAAAAAAACsE/jPndBX4rR_4/s320/DSC00277.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This weekend, she and her husband came from Michigan to cut willow. With four of us cutting, a job that usually takes me about a week was done in less than a day.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jmYg6cYHV8/UKEVrszcN8I/AAAAAAAACsc/DMPF-9ei6sY/s1600/Scout+&+Sophie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jmYg6cYHV8/UKEVrszcN8I/AAAAAAAACsc/DMPF-9ei6sY/s320/Scout+&+Sophie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
With two extra pairs of hands and an extra dog to keep Scout entertained, a job I usually enjoy was more like a party. Just imagine a party where instead of dancing, people do hamstring stretches. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hb2for9VnNI/UKETRJdSbfI/AAAAAAAACsM/2oLnWb78wOw/s1600/DSC00289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hb2for9VnNI/UKETRJdSbfI/AAAAAAAACsM/2oLnWb78wOw/s320/DSC00289.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I kept as much willow as I'll need, and sent the rest home with Carol. My guess is she'll have 8 to 12 hours of sorting and bundling to do, but enough willow on hand now that she can feel free to explore a lot of the ideas she's been working on in her head. And my willow beds are ready for the next growing season to begin while I'm
visiting The Burren, the Aran Islands, Clare Island, Donegal and
Belfast. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dc1j53EOubI/UKEUT3MIz8I/AAAAAAAACsU/t6ribwwi4_o/s1600/DSC00294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dc1j53EOubI/UKEUT3MIz8I/AAAAAAAACsU/t6ribwwi4_o/s320/DSC00294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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At the end of the day, the dogs were tired and so were we. But it was a good tired. <br />
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And now, let it snow!<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-10001813284940187302012-11-08T05:00:00.000-06:002012-11-08T05:00:10.002-06:005 Reasons To Press Leaves The piles that accumulated on horizontal surfaces during my teaching-travel season yielded some good stuff. Case in point: an index card with notes for a blog post I meant to write probably in August or September. Better late than never, right?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hF-EVL0NfQ/UJra3I0kekI/AAAAAAAACro/zNhezxiwtqM/s1600/Bundles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hF-EVL0NfQ/UJra3I0kekI/AAAAAAAACro/zNhezxiwtqM/s320/Bundles.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>5 Reasons To Press Leaves Now (or then, or later, or someday)</b><br />
<ol>
<li>scan or photograph to print on inkjet fabric, make inkjet heat transfers or use in digital fabric design (i.e. <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/donna_kallner" target="_blank">Spoonflower</a>). (FYI, at the bottom of the post is a video tutorial I did a while back that shows how I used Gimp to create a fabric design.)</li>
<li>use as resists for disperse dye transfer prints (great for polyester sheer layers in fabric assemblages)</li>
<li>print with or use as a resist for screening Inkodye on natural fiber fabrics.</li>
<li>use as a resist for heliographic printing with Setacolor or Dye-na-Flow transparent fabric paints.</li>
<li>use in natural dye ecoprint bundles</li>
</ol>
I also found a note that says, "Short vid tut on tech." Can't recall what technique I intended to document for posterity. Any requests? <br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/29701201?badge=0" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/29701201">Fall Fabric Video Tutorial</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/donnakallner">Donna Kallner</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6302412067740475800.post-6346204294541243982012-11-07T09:43:00.000-06:002012-11-07T09:43:07.378-06:00Black (Walnuts) And Blue (Hubbard)What I really need to do today is clear off horizontal surfaces because we have company coming for the weekend. What I'd really <i>like </i>to do today is start simmering a black walnut dyebath. We stopped at a friend's to pick up windfalls on our way home from vacation. But for the time being, those hulls can just steep in buckets.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q6TS7Ti1UA0/UJp_KDYyKJI/AAAAAAAACrU/tAcNrYkjTok/s1600/DSC00273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q6TS7Ti1UA0/UJp_KDYyKJI/AAAAAAAACrU/tAcNrYkjTok/s320/DSC00273.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm off to find the hatchet for splitting the first of the Hubbard squash grown by our friends in southern Iowa. This one task will clear a sizable amount of horizontal surface area in my house.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M4c1FZfTj3I/UJp-9HT1SqI/AAAAAAAACrM/JlMNAPvcNuI/s1600/DSC00272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M4c1FZfTj3I/UJp-9HT1SqI/AAAAAAAACrM/JlMNAPvcNuI/s320/DSC00272.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The other one will go into cool storage in the basement for a few weeks, along
with the butternut and acorn squashes our friends sent along with the Hubbard, and the winter squashes that grew in our own garden.<br />
<br />
I'm planning to sample using the stringy guts and seeds from that Hubbard for natural dyeing. Should work, right? I mean, what stain is harder to get out of fabric than spit-up squash baby food? I think it will require some experimentation with pH modifiers. Will keep you posted.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Add your voice to the conversation at facebook.com/donnakallnerfiberart</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com0