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May 1, 2008
 I’ve recently returned from the Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington D.C. Spring in Washington is always a beautiful time, and the Cherry Blossom Festival was in full swing during our visit. The Smithsonian Women’s Committee works hard each year to bring a beautiful craft event to the DC area.
I enjoyed visiting with some of my favorite customers, Seena, Gerri K., Rebecca S., meeting new customers, and also meeting some interesting textile collectors and fans including Candace Edgerley from the Surface Design Assoc. and the UK’s Jenny Balfour-Paul whose “Indigo” book and collection are currently featured in the show “Blue” at the Textile Museum in D.C. The Smithsonian show always attracts collectors and fans of artisan made clothing, jewelry and objects. It’s always exciting to see new work and meet new people. I am especially grateful to my supporters and those who understand the process and labor involved in the artisan made garment.
Those of us who are “hands on” with our work are facing increasing competition from small manufactured lines at many “craft” events. Many “artwear” galleries are focusing less and less on the individual designer/maker. The American Craft Council promotes a craft and industry unity. There is constant marketplace pressure to price work low and there is continued increase in cost from the devaluation of the US dollar. In one year my English wool has doubled in price, and each garment now costs hundreds of dollars to make with materials and labor. Add to that overhead and show costs and it is impossible to make inexpensively true artisan made garments . Some “artisans” are resorting to underpaid immigrant labor and many workers or a factory type environment to create a semi manufactured line. The distinction is lost in the marketplace. Is it relevant? Does it matter to you if a manufactured garment is sold to you as “handmade”? Does the individual designer/ maker matter today with the world at our finger tips? Does it matter if a garment is one of / limited edition or production made? How can the American studio artisan compete in this new environment? Is the spirit of the garment lost? What separates the manufactured from the artisan made? The many from the few?
 Well, it is all fodder for thought in our new “craft” world order. The need to create and be hands on, and the pressure to price low, and survive the marketplace. The challenge to find collectors who understand the uniqueness of the studio designer/ maker.
This journal entry is the first in my web site shift from 25 years of hand weaving to my current explorations in cloth and quilting. I aim for a dialogue with you, my supporters, and also to give you a better understanding of the studio designer/maker in today's world, the process of creation of my garments, my new offerings and where you can find them.
 Now that I’m back in the studio, I’m focused on the upcoming show in Australia sponsored by the Malvern, Victoria Embroiders Guild. Then on to the Chicago area in August for the American Craft Expo. Visit my “Events” page for details. Locally, the Santa Fe Weaving Gallery will have a nice grouping for the coming season. Of course, I’m happy to help with any inquiries for the newly posted work.
Next up for August, new shapes and sizes and some fun bags!!
Enjoy the Spring and the moment.
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