Nålbinding a Neckwarmer
I want my next nålbinding project to be a pullover sweater, so I thought this was a good project to practice. This yarn is a very soft and loosely spun merino, acrylic, and cashmere blend that I thrifted. I was fortunate to find multiple balls of this yarn, however, this used just one 50g ball.…
Complementary Nålbinding and Weaving
I’ve purchased a couple of textiles lately that I’ve wanted to complement with work of my own. The first piece was an Icelandic sweater, purchased in Húsavík, Iceland from Kaðlín Handverkshús (House of Arts and Handcrafts). Rose made my lovely sweater of undyed Icelandic wool, and I wanted a scarf and hat to match. I…
Mary Logue: My Life in Rugs
Textile artist Mary Logue recently had an exhibition at the Textile Center. I knew her first as a writer of mysteries, and she has also written poetry, and several nonfiction and children’s books. “My Life in Rugs” shows Logue’s life in hooked rugs – landscapes, houses, and family and friends. I particularly like her landscape…
UNnatural: Erik Jon Olson
Minnesota artist Erik Jon Olson recently had a show at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. His medium is quilted plastic waste, creating art that comments on consumerism, consumption, and capitalism. From his artist statement, “By layering environmental issues with social justice messaging, my art emphasizes our alienation from the environment and each other, our…
Nålbinding – First Project
I took an excellent class on nålbinding recently at the Marine Mills Folk School with instructors Janet and Jenni, and I just completed my first project. I should back up – I did take short introductory class perhaps 10 years ago, and I didn’t really get it at the time. Nålbinding needs more than a…