Full moon eclipse [Newsletter]

My eyes are wide open, looking out for the ever increasing blooms as spring approaches. On some recent sunny days, I got back into my neglected garden to see what is holding on, and what has seeded itself over the winter. With everything happening in the world it feels good to slow down and put my hands in the dirt after a long day at work.

G and I ended last season with an artist residency on the coast. We cozied up in a vintage trailer to focus on creating. We walked on the beach, relaxed in the sauna and listened to the endless torrent of rain on the metal roof. I brought a whole quilt from conception to completion in 5 days, and got some photos of 2 quilts I'd finished the previous week.

I spent some time knitting gifts for some winter birthdays, caught up with some mending that I've been putting off, and have been trying to focus on works in progress instead of starting new projects. This included completing the piecing for the Palestinian flag quilt I'm making to raise money for Besan in Gaza. Each $10 donation to Besan's fundraiser is one entry to win the quilt, just send me a screenshot of your donation to enter. I'm excited to start quilting it soon!

I've been learning Palestinian tatreez, specifically the cross stitch patterns from various regions. There is so much richness to the tradition, and it's been a great way to dive deeper into Palestinian history, as well as learn about a multitude of contemporary Palestinian artists incorporating the textile tradition into their work in various ways.

I also started taking aerial dance class through the community college. It's amazing to uncover how much my body remembers from 15 years ago when I had learned some of these skills on aerial silks. I am excited to learn more and motivated to get stronger in the specific ways this art demands.

And I've also been doing some natural dyeing, preparing some fabric and threads to make some pieces for a group art show I'll be in later in the spring. I'm really good at letting the dyes live a life of their own while I let them stew and ferment in my garage, and sometimes it makes for some really interesting shapes and shaded. I have quite a cache of dyed fabric by now, and this year I want to get better at just using it, instead of holding onto it for some special unknown future project. Everything made with hands is precious, may we treat it so!

What I’m enjoying:

Noticing: The radiance of the witch hazel buds against the gray sky and damp concrete in my neighborhood.

Reading: Handmade: Creative Focus in the Age of Distraction by Gary Rokowski.

Listening: Why iii Love the Moon by Phony Ppl

Tasting: Squash pie shared with musical friends, a great way to tackle the tower of winter squash.

Where to find me / how to support:

• Being a subscriber to this newsletter is enough! Please share it with anyone you think may enjoy it too!
• Reply to this email if you’re interested in commissioning something quilty.
• Buy art for yourself or someone you love!
• Shop my small collection of project bags at Fiber Rhythm shop in SE PDX (in store only).
• Buy me a cup of tea.