It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I am sorry about that. Today I am feeling the beautiful wind and a tinge of freedom. Ahhh. . . . . The reality of having two careers is that they collide now and then, and this term has been one of careful planning and excruciating organization! The Firsties’ final term is always one of festivals and productions, and this week we wrapped up our theatre production of Feeling the Wind after three months of learning lines, tunes and lyrics, creating sound effects, sets, costumes, and reinventing scripts. We performed two plays in two afternoon performances and one evening, in our White Rock Elementary Theatre, to rave reviews! What a rich and meaningful journey we have travelled together! Bravo and thank you Fine Arts Firsties!
Sharing that same timeline was a job with Big Valley a.k.a. (Roald Dahl’s) BFG, Steven Spielberg’s latest film, being shot in Vancouver. Just as I was locking up my classroom for Spring Break, my phone rang in my bag, and I was offered a job working with Joanna Johnston, knitting for the film. The job morphed into crochet and hand stitching, and was wonderfully freeing and whimsical. The costume team was delightful, and the atmosphere respectful and focused. I loved this experience! The film work wrapped up a week ago. It should be in theatres in 2016.
At the same time the studio Double Knitting Program had students meeting here each month, and completing small projects which introduced new techniques, and our Trapper Cowl project which turned out beautifully. Double Knitting is a technique that produces reversible stocking stitch fabric with no floats or stranding, typically knit in two high contrast colours playing with positive and negative space – pretty darned incredible! The studio classes are focused on technique, but we also have wonderful conversations, healthy eats, and the enjoyment of common crafty interests.
Summer Programs are in the works and a schedule will be posted once school is finished. If you are interested in an introduction to Fair Isle Techniques on a small project – not steeked – my three week course being offered at Valley Yarn is filling. Please contact Julie if you would like to join in on the fun. Also the 2nd annual Penelope Fibres Retreat happens on the August long weekend. Kim McKenna and I are collaborating once again to teach the weekend of spinning yarn for, and knitting cables. Please contact Brenda if you are interested in being part of this fun!
Well that’s a little catch-me-up post. I will be posting regularly again soon! Thank you for being there, and for your commitment to my studio and creative work. I really appreciate it!
in joy, Venessa