I've been building bridges (out of fiber)

My brother in law and I are both "bridge nerds" but while for him it is all about cards and trumps (and who knows what else) for me it's the other (dare I say real) kind of bridge - the kind that takes you from one place to another, and takes you over water. I have favorite bridges (do you? does everyone?) and recently I decided to memorialize them in fiber. There are currently 3 pieces in this series and a fourth an potentially last in the works (my most favoritest). Here are some photos I took of them at West Medford Open Studios this past weekend along with a brief bit about how they each made the list. Hope you enjoy them.

Zakim Bridge or the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge (for long)

A beautiful relatively new (2003) bridge crossing the Charles River in Boston.  With 10 lanes it is the world’s widest cable stayed bridge.  It is one of my favorites both for the design and because it was named to commemorate Boston civic leader and civil rights activist who championed “building bridges between peoples”.

Bridge of Flowers, Shelburne, MA

A former trolley bridge, it is covered in with an exuberant flower garden from end to end.

Tapan zee Bridge

When traveling between New England and New York, there several ways to cross the Hudson River.   If I am travelling in daylight I always choose the Tappan Zee because it crosses at one of the widest points.  It is a cantilever style bridge spanning 16,013 feet and carrying 7 lanes. It is scheduled to be replaced by 2017 and judging from some of the photos viewed while researching this series, that seems like a good idea :).

My new Mascot -- Our Lady of Stray Notions

Isn't this little thread juggler sweet? She was custom made for me by Crystal and I just love her. She's aptly standing among some vintage finds that I picked up at at fabric sale (true to my business name, I actually bought very little fabric). She helps me to remember that while juggling everything it takes to keep a business and life running ... it is fun too!

Sounds like a plan

The other day I was with my 12 year old nephew while he was doing his homework (some sort of massive biography, family tree/history sort of thing). He covered the screen and told me it was private but then later called me over and showed me this paragraph. Then he had to call someone to mop up the puddle I had melted into. (of course when I was his age I was going to be an architect :) )

My Future Plan

My future plan is to be an artist. My parents say I have a touch for art, but I say it just comes to you. I am planning to accomplish this goal by taking art classes, visiting some artists, do some doodling and art when ever I can, and read some books about art. I think this will help because I can get information from artist to help me be a better artist, learn at art camps I will attend too, and by reading books about art. When I read the books I can learn some great art to make and/or learn about. With all this information I will store it and when I take out a piece of paper and a pencil I will produce some fabulous artwork for all to enjoy and love.

Samplers old and New

Several months ago Jessica Burko hosted a get-together at her South End studio to send a Boston Handmade member off in crafty style. While rummaging through her stash of paper ephemera I happened upon a page of notebook paper with a small stitched sampler attached and was so completely charmed that Jessica gave it to me (thanks Jessica). I can't be sure when this was stitched but it seems young Wilhemina received a grade of 92 for her efforts

Recently I reinterpreted the sampler for a workshop I taught at the BCAE using some awesome "by the yard" toweling that I picked up at Gather Here in Cambridge. I had a great time teaching the class and hope to do so again. In the meantime I will be posting a tutorial on how to create a tea towel stitch sampler of your own so stay tuned.

Happy Mothers Day

No waxing poetic here ... it's just not my style or reality. I will be giving mom this dragonfly pin when I see her next weekend, but only because she offered to buy it when she saw a similar one that sold over the holidays. While I was at it I made a few more for the shop :).

West Medford Open Studios

Please join me and other members of Boston Handmade this weekend for West Medford Open Studios. Over sixty visual artists and artisans will participate along with musicians, writers and community organizations. We'll be at "site #8" 56 Bower Street hope you'll stop by to see what's been keeping us busy.

Hint number two

I met this artist when we both worked here


only it wasn't a furniture store ...

Can you guess what it was? Just kidding - It was the Allston home of the Boston Food Coop (Now Harvest Cooperative Market)

mural The potluck by David Fichter

I don't get to Allston much these days (or to Central Square for that matter) so I took a little walk to see what had changed and what hadn't. I'll share some pictures and perhaps a story or two soon.