In addition to a presidential inauguration ceremony this week with many amazing "firsts", another dubious first occurred on 21 January 2020.  The first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the United States, and since mid-March, all of our lives have been touched and changed by it.  As human beings of different temperaments and personalities, we have equally different tolerances for circumstances around us.  All have altered daily habits and patterns in some way.  As for Fred and I, we consider ourselves lucky that our jobs mostly are done within the confines of our casita.  So, in the loom room, the balls of wool are rolled and keep on rolling on the Rio Grande walking loom.  Thanks to the great people at New Mexico Fiber Arts in Española for keeping the ball rolling with their virtual Fall Fiber Fiesta.  You can check out some of the many items they have in the shop at: 

https://www.nmfiberartscenter.org or by visiting in person on Fridays and Saturdays.  

Fred's website is https://bigsageartisanscom.ipage.com/index.html
 

Before we returned to Santa Fe, Connie Taylor, the doyen of Navajo-Churro sheep and wool in New Mexico and the country, was kind enough to dye one more order of wool for Fred.  He has been putting the varied colors to the test ever since.  

The first three shots below are of Rug 347 - in the style of a Chief's Blanket - in progress.  The colors are Ganado (Navajo red) and teal.

Rug # 346 came off the loom last week.  Colors featured in this piece are ochre, cereza negra (black cherry) and malachite.

Rug 345 was a late December/early January creation.  The ombre-style stripes are sunset into cobre.  Dyed black and Tierra Wools turquoise comprise the remainder of the colors.

In a fury of writing this week, I needed to make sure and thank Barbara, Victoria, Steve, Donna C., Diane D., TTT, Wayne, and Dianne here for commenting on the blog.  Many thanks to all!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the [email protected]