Flowering Snowball blocks on the design wall.
I'm not ready to let go of winter.
The world around me seems anxious for spring to arrive, yet I'm still safely embedded in winter's embrace, filling my days with stitching and dreaming and planning. And drinking fennel tea. I actually feel most productive during winter months, spending long hours in the studio, many of which are well before sunrise. There's something powerful, even magical, about those early morning hours, offering a space that is completely my own, shrouded in darkness and free from visual and audible white noise. I can truly immerse myself in my imagination and stay there, suspended, for hours. Winter affects my palette and subject matter in marvelous ways. For me, all of this is worth holding on to for a little while longer.
Selvedge Magazine (C) 2018
This article recently caught my eye and I thought I'd share it with you. In this day of throw-away textiles, it's somehow personally fortifying to become more acquainted with a garment that was made with care and made to last.
In this post I shared my personal method for setting and planning goals. I've just checked in on my own goal calendar and I'm happy to report that I'm on track! How about you?
This is a snapshot of my year so far:
- I'm currently deeply immersed in creating a body of work for a very special show this summer. Details to come.
- March: I'll have the honor again of participating in a long distance expedition with a phenomenal teacher, Mrs. Rebekka Boysen-Taylor, and her class at the Palouse-Prairie Charter School in Idaho. This will be my second year, and I'm excited to engage with another talented, committed group of students! You can see what last year's class created here.
- June: I'll be teaching at Squam Art Workshops. SAW has a few openings if you're interested in joining the fun!
- Late Summer: An exciting project by a fellow textile artist will be announced, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it, in my own small way. Stay tuned!
- July-December: My first ever Block-Of-the-Month program! It will featuring all of my favorite techniques: EPP, applique and piecing! Details for this 6 month program will be announced in May, with the program running from July to December.
- September: QCNYS Teacher Connections event
Winter shadows always inspire!
Finally, if you're stumped for some (free!) winter sewing projects:
- For a quick, charm-friendly and classic baby quilt, download my FREE Gingham For Giants quilt instructions in the right margin!
- Scrap bust with my FREE Striped Octagon template and instructions!
- Try either of my FREE themed hexi PDFs for an extra special hand stitching experience!
Share what you make! We'd all love to see: #tierneybarden #stitchingenchantment