New Dimensions

I've had the pleasure of becoming a member of HandEye Magazine, edited by Keith Recker.
 Rachel Biel of TAFA list sent out a blurb on it... so I click on and am blown away by the articles that cover so many different ideas, history, techniques--permuations of thought that stretch your imagination.  Thank you Keith for bringing this to us! 

All textile addicts, please go to HandEye now!  You will not be disappointed.  It's a new way of life, a new beginning for yourself and our planet.   If you enjoy Selvedge, you will love HandEye.

An example of how valuable the articles are--Michele Wipplinger of Earthues shares her secrets of dyeing with indigo.   I studied with Michele for 10 years.... this is a fantastic article, brought to you by HandEye.

Energy and excitement from discovering talented, caring humans... just got to keep myself plowed with energy drinks so that I can keep focusing on actually DOING something versus thinking about new ways to do things.

Couldn't resist sharing some of the NUNO fabrics that I have collected over the years...see the lead story of Handeye.  There is an exhibit of their fabrics at The Textile Museum in Washington, DC.

Design Challenge: What Can You Do with a Flat Piece of Fabric?

This challenge is to take any length of fabric and see what shapes, styles, accessories, garments you can make without stitching.  You can pin, cut, fold,  embellish, but no sewing/gluing or permanent fastening.  You can alter the shape into a circle, trapezoid, rectangle, square, etc.  Narrow goods are also in the competition.
The object is to be able to fashion  anything out of a single piece and have it be reusable later into something else.  Think of it as this:  If you only had 1 piece of fabric to take with you on a deserted island, how would you use it? Or if you were going to be in fashion week, what would you have walking down the runway? 

I'll put together a panel of textile mavens to consider the ideas.. Winners!  Prizes! Someone will receive a very very special gift from my personal stash.

Submit your ideas, photos to jane@alextex.com, or post comments and photos on this blog.
Entries are due March 31, 2010, and Winners will be announced May 1, 2010.

New Fashion Trends on Infomat.com

For those of you who want to be cutting edge in design, next week is Premiere Vision in NYC...
Also the Direction and Indigo Show. --great ideas in prints and fabric design.

You can find more information by going to
http://www.premierevision-newyork.com/

You will find small mills from Europe weaving unique fabrics, laces, and prints.   A synopsis of the think-tank forcasters such as Promostyl, Peclers Paris, Pantone and more.  Great storyboards on the themes of Spring/Summer 2011.  So be ahead of the pack!

Sign up for current trends in fashion, accessories and home decor at www.infomat.com

Just received Earthues new class list.  Check out the site www.earthues.com for their latest classes.  I studied with Michele Wipplinger for 10 years learning the process of natural dyeing.  She is a master at color and an excellent teacher.  If you want to expand your skills and creative ideas, spend a week in the Earthues studio.
Partner Kathy Hatori will keep you smiling.