Material Motives
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I am ruminating over the idea of teaching a dye workshop this Spring.
There. I've said it.
I vowed I would never dye again, since it was for so many years such a work related enterprise, which got progressively less fun the more I had to do it. However, now that I have had a couple of dye free years, my little mind has shifted and I can almost imagine that it would be fun to pull on the ol' rubber gloves again.
But here's the thing, I have ulterior motives.
What I am thinking and hoping is that a dye workshop can coax (is that too strong a word?) or draw out or attract nascent art quilters from the proverbial woods. Perhaps they don't even know they ARE art quilters.
Once they have dyed fabric in their hands, they will want to know what to do with it and that is PART B.
Part B is getting a group together that wants to make quilt art and share it with each other.
It's a tough job but somebody has to do it.
O and maybe we'd dye some yarn too...
"if you give a mouse a cookie"
ReplyDeleteGreat idea/plan, I wish I were nearer, I'd support you wholeheartedly. Though I still support you wholeheartedly from afar.
ReplyDeleteMelody, count me in! I'll come out of the Soddy Daisy woods! I hope you do it on a Saturday... We really need you here in good 'ole southern Tennessee!
ReplyDeletePeggy
Hmm... let me see... how far is TN from VA? I see the teacher in you just isn't through!! Count me in, WAY in! *YAY!*
ReplyDeleteMelody, WAHOO!!! Please count me in, too. Would love to get the motivation to get out of my RUT!!!
ReplyDeleteMelody, I would like to participate butGermany is a little too far from TN. Did you ever think about doing that workshop by the internet?
ReplyDeleteIngrid (Switzerland 2007)
I don't suppose you would consider giving it online? Here in Spokane we'd have to wait until "real" spring which wouldn't be until May.
ReplyDeleteGot a spare room at the Chalet? Wish CA was a closer:)
ReplyDeleteLibby
A workshop on the internet would have to get installed with safe ways of payment. And it is never the same as a live experience. (Boohoo, the distance...)
ReplyDeleteAh, by the way: Is some of this wonderful yarn for sale?
ReplyDeleteAnd the ball is rolling and getting bigger, and bigger and bigger. Let me know... if you have it when I can get there I will help you cater it! I can be your klutzy assistant!!! (Can we end it with a trip to IKEA?)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI still have a yummy piece of your hand-dyed fabric from your visit to Birmingham in 2004.
ReplyDeleteMelody, I like your idea. Sometimes we need to take a step back to refocus. I would love a workshop but I'm in Ohio. Keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteVacations - whatever the kind or reason - do us good.....and bring us back to the things we love!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd what others love about us!!!
Oh, Melody, that would be amazing--i wish i weren't so far away down here in Ft. Myers. That stack of hand dyes are scrumptious! I have bought a lot of hand dyes, but imagine if I could do my own!
ReplyDeletecathi
Whoo-hoo! I love how creative juices, especially when related to our true loves, always come back around, often in more satisfying forms. Here's yet another vote for exploring creating online learning opportunities -- I'd love to learn how to dye, and I'd love to do it without traveling.
ReplyDeleteMelody, rather than an online workshop for those unable to attend in person, have you considered making a DVD on fabric dyeing? If there's a space large enough to teach would it be large enough to record the process?
ReplyDeleteMel,
ReplyDeleteI would absolutely love to take a dyeing class with you. I have been learning to dye through QuiltUniversity.com (have taken a number of dyeing classes) with a wonderful teacher, but sometimes seeing things in person can be very helpful. I would love to be able to dye the nice variegated pieces like you and Frieda do. Also, I have never done any dye painting with thickened dyes, although I do have my sodium alginate ready to go.
Really, I would be honored to meet you and take a class with you. I think you are approximately 3 hours away from me. (I'm in Greenville, SC). So, keep us informed!
The only problem I would have is that I have started going back to school. So the weekend before tests might not be a good time for me. Friday afternoons would be the perfect time. I do have a spring break in April, during which any day would do - 4/6 - 4/10. I have never dyed yarn either. This is exciting!!
Do you dye silk ribbon and/or do shibori? Please keep us posted.
Kristin in SC
P.S. If you do decide to teach the workshop, and I don't know what class size you would consider, but I could spread the word to a number of quilt guilds in the area. I'm sure there are several who would be interested.
ReplyDeleteKristin in SC
P.P.S. Maybe we could even get you to come and teach!! That would be great.
Great idea! Florida to Tennesse is not such a long drive!! Sign me up!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I just love what you have done fabrics and yarns! I love having things hand dyed for me but not sure that I would do it for myself. But I soooooo love it!
ReplyDeleteSign me up!
ReplyDeleteCan you do it online?
Keep us posted!
PLEASE, can you make DVD on fabric dyeing? I know you have written lessons, with pictures on your site, but a DVD would be great!!
ReplyDeleteI'm in Knoxville, and work full time, but would love to drive down for a Saturday class!
ReplyDeleteRegina
I would love to see you give an online class, say through Quilt University. I still have some of your fabric from a class years ago and don't want to use it because it is so gorgeous and I can't get more!
ReplyDeleteYou are going to be starting those people down the slippery slope to the path of no return!
ReplyDeleteAnd what a fun path - who'd want to return!
K
I just came back to your blog and looked at your hand dyed slideshow. I'm in love--they are so beautiful. I've told my friends I have to learn to dye my own fabrics. I am so into using solids and hand dyes--they are so wonderful!
ReplyDeletecathi
So, did you think you'd have a hard time finding takers??? If so, I'm sure these comments have put you at ease! Add me to the list of "if only you were closer..." folk, and if you'd like to do some online art quilt group, count me in!
ReplyDeleteCandy in Southern CA
Well gosh darn it, you had to say it, didncha? No more lurking for me. Pretty colors you say? Art quilting you say? Sign me up!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I used to live in Cary, too! Found you ages ago via Judy Perez's blog, I think, and have been happily visiting ever since....
An online class, a DVD... sounds like we've dreamed up the perfect job for you! :)
ReplyDeleteI wanna come!!! :) I'll fly anywhere! Just name the place and date! <3 Tonya
ReplyDeletesilly question but do you wear bright colours as well? Wish I could join you for a workshop :-)
ReplyDeleteFlights? Online? C'mon guys....
ReplyDeleteI think at least PART of the point of the workshop is for Mel to find (not to say 'lure'...and I mean that the very, very good way) Art Quilt "peeps" to her, in TN.
In Tennessee. Nearby.
'Group' as in "...bye, Dave, I'm going to the Art Quilt Group!"
"Again??"
"Yep, we just LOVE getting together!"
See?
Mel, I hope you find lots of like-minded art quilters to feed your soul...right next door!
I feel yah about bring artquilts to the woods. I went to a new quilt shop opening on Sunday. I had half a notion about offering Art Quilting 101 but after seeing SBSue stencilled on the front door and perusing the choices of merchandise I decided it would be like teaching a group of nuns pole dancing. I just don't have it in me.
ReplyDeleteHow very selfish of you.
ReplyDeleteI need this yarn. n.e.e.d.
ReplyDeletewhen is the class, I will fly from california, it would be a wonderful work/vacation
ReplyDeleteJoan
Count me in...
ReplyDeleteCathy B from Birmingham
Melody,
ReplyDeleteIf you'd do it through this blog, I'd be here in a heartbeat! I'm sure there'd be a way to install Paypal or some way of payment. I've started down the art quilt road but haven't really tried dyeing, other than one other class that I didn't really connect with.
Please, please think about doing this online.