From the right perspective in the city of Santa Fe, one can look east to the Sangre de Cristo mountains and see the leaves on aspen trees beginning to turn gold.   The process will continue for several weeks as the angle of the sun changes and a chill accompanies the morning air.  I am quite certain that with the last two weeks of nourishing rain, there will be an abundance of mushrooms in the high country.  Everything here at 7,000 feet seems to have received an injection of energy as well.  The native grasses have suddenly turned green, and trees seem more alive than they did the entire summer.

A recent trip to Tierra Wools in Chama rendered enough wool to keep Fred at the loom throughout most of the winter months.  All is right with the world in the "weaving department".  Given the change in season, Fred wove his "end of the season" rug, with many of the hand-dyed and unique colors he used this year.  Since his rugs must be symmetrical and balanced, you can see in the photograph below that the balls of yarn are in order according to how they would be used in Rug 441.  All of the wool - warp and weft - is from Navajo-Churro sheep.  Fred also recently revised his website if you want to view more of his work.   bigsageartisans.com.     

Rug 441 under construction

Rug 441, bright and bold.  It is made of 12 different natural colors and 64 different dye lots.

Rug 441

The next three images are of Rug 442, under construction.  It showcases Viento (the blue/teal color), Chile Colorado (ruddy), and Tierra Amarilla (orange/gold), definitely autumn in spirit.

Rug 442 in progress 2 Rug 442 in progress 3   

Rug 442 in progress 4

In the finished rug, there will be three panels of the design shown below.  

Rug 442 in progress 1

Thanks to Terry T., Marilyn G., Orlando, Tim, Jean & Sam, Ingrid, TTT, and Steve for commenting last week.  

The four seasons we are lucky enough to have here in New Mexico always catch me by surprise when they appear.  The autumnal light was simply stunning this week, perfect for photography.  Hope that wherever you are, you are able to get out to enjoy and photograph your season!

until next Monday

DB

a passion for the image©