Miriam Forinash, Untitle
I liked it, I didn’t like it, I put it in the closet. Then I pulled it out, eventually I finished it, inspired by the other Lafta Ladies. I’ve decided it looks like figures sitting on a fence which is just how I felt about the project, On the Fence!
LINDA WITTE HENKE
LONE STAR is a small coiled basket created from paracord and crochet thread. The base is a metal star magnet that I purchased while on vacation in Dodge City, Kansas, home of “Boot Hill.”
SUSAN GRANT
These 9 images are two projects that have been on my back burner and in the back of my mind for some time. “Tree of Hope” is a combination on samples from many workshops: Jane Dunneward, Luci Mistratov, Joanne Weis and who knows who else. My problem was a background and just starting. Lots of time during the shutdown prompted me to just do it. The photos are out of order but the quote is “‘Tis a wise man who plants a tree under whose shade he will never sit.”
This first one is from the deconstructed workshop with Kerr Grabowski
Susan Grant
Susan Grant
Susan Grant
Susan Grant
Susan Grant
Susan Grant
Susan Grant
Susan Grant
MARY JANE ALLEN
Objects that I have saved for that “Special Project”. Vintage jewelry, buttons, fabric and more. A good time to clean out my studio and use for used vases, bottles, boxes, etc. I have three more started and lots more ideas.
Mary Jane Allen
ALYCE MCDONALD
When Roy and I were in Japan years ago, I bought this "Happy Coat" apron. Loved it and used it to cook in. Then I wore it to paint in--big mistake!
So when our lock down started I decided to patch over all the paint spots, of which there were many.
I used shibori printed short pieces I bought online from Debby Maddy and fabric samples I got from a company like Wayfare, not really sure.
Also used an Asian Print of women to cover the pocket.
Used my own interpretation of Japanese stitching on my sewing machine.
Took a lot of time but am very happy with the results.
No more painting in it!!!!
SUSAN ZEPEDA
Shapes and Colors
I had let life get in the way of art.
The recent death of my brother, likely from COVID 19, has refocused my attention.
SUSAN ZEPEDA
Wrecking Ball Came - Front
SUSAN ZEPEDA
Wrecking Ball Came - back
SUSAN ZEPEDA
Shattered -front
SUSAN ZEPEDA
Shattered - back
SUSAN ZEPEDA
Finding a Way - front
SUSAN ZEPEDA
Finding a Way - back
AMY SLOBODA
Here is my finished project- the ultimate procrastination. It is a cuff bracelet made from my mother’s clip on earrings and some buttons from her sewing box. I did most of the beading in relatively short order and then completely froze because I was afraid to trim away the edges. This sat for at least 5 years- maybe longer….despite Sandy Gudorf encouraging me and even sending me directions on how to finish it. Fear of failure was the root of it. I guess the final push was realizing just how ridiculous it was leaving it there undone- what good was it in the drawer? So, I took the plunge and actually really enjoyed the final step. Have not had a chance to wear it since we aren’t leaving the house :).
BETSY WHITTEMORE
These are all projects I finished since mid-February. I had started these in 3 different classes with Joe Cunningham. Coming back from a February class, I had decided to take down all the projects on my design wall, and work on one at a time until finished. I also separated all the other projects including many in the closet and made a list that I am checking off one by one.
I think with the Covid, working in my studio is a happy place, and the creative buzz feels very nourishing. Not that it replaces swimming, (which has been my drug of choice for decades) it is at once a meditative and exciting experience.
Have to quilt the last one, then on to another on the list. I have 12 ! I’ve only been making fiber art for 3 years, so I haven’t accumulated that many yet!!
Oh, thought I’d say I’ve made about 100 masks so far. So boring!!!! But using up lots of fat quarters I’d never use. And the other panel is made from silk sari strips I’d ironed on to wonderunder a long time ago, and have 2 longer panels to deal with still.
Betsy Whittemore
Betsy Whittemore
Betsy Whittemore
KAREN BUCKINGHAM
Tiny Pricks Project
JUDI MAGDER
Started stitching this small wicker basket with random yarn months ago..and put it aside..I couldn't readily figure out how to line it..it is only 4 inches across... when I got the unfinished challenge from LAFTA..I looked at it again..I stretched out a black sock and I cut off at the toe so I had a rounded knit shape that I sewed into the basket to make a lining. .worked great !! It turned out to be a perfect place for some yarn cats a made several years ago, so now it is a "Cat Nest".
FRAN ENGLANDER
I started this as part of my first free-form weaving class in February or March. Had to gather additional yarns etc. to finish at home, and then teach myself how to remove it from the loom.
KIM MAHLBACHER
Thoughts about Procrastination:
My pieces find their way into boxes either from getting stuck or when time is needed to complete other things. More often the getting stuck 🙂
Not being able to get the correct form I want, or getting to a point and finding I'm not sure where it's supposed to progress.
When the agony of defeat is greater than the thrill of possible victory, I put it in a box so I don't have to look at it.
The squirrel, which I started in the Spring of last year, had a nose that insisted on looking like a chipmunk.
After multiple attempts at pulling the felted nose off with pliers "ouch" and re-sculpting, I had zero success.
She remained "chipmunk nose". So in frustration I decided she needed to hibernate.
With all my shows canceled and the Galleries closed and... time time time… I brought her out of hibernation, brought out my squirrel photos, pulled off "ouch" that chipmunk nose and this time..out popped a squirrel nose.
The garden was blooming so I decided she needed a hat and apron and the acorns I'd collected ended up in a tea cup I'd found at a vintage shop years ago.
COVID19? I'll often wake up at night and wonder, Is this real, or a really complex bad dream? So surreal and yet so horribly real. It's been a mix of fear for my adult children (two who work on the frontlines in healthcare), tears at missing being with loved ones and friends, and yet peace in the quiet pace of an empty calendar. Walks with my husband and the dogs, working the barn and garden, and working in my art room, often not being sure what day it is, brings me back to simplicity...and the time to finish the unfinished. If I didn't have the deep concerns for my family and the world at large, life feels a lot like summer days as a child. It's a rollercoaster of emotions I think all of us are on and no one knows when the ride will be over. Take care all, and God bless. Holding us all in prayer.
Looking forward to seeing and hearing from other LAFTA members. This was a great idea <3
DEBBY LEVINE
Several years ago my daughter suggested that I should get rid of the sweater because it was too short and as I became shorter and wider I finally decided I agreed with her. In looking through my stash, I realized I had more of this yarn and so I added to both the front and the back and now it’s not too short anymore. However you can see the color difference between the old and new yarns in the front. If there had been a way to switch the front and back so that the blue is the front I would have but the sweater has lots of complications and that was impossible so I’m just living with it. And liking it a lot again. I figure eventually the colors will match.
DEBBY LEVINE
Two knitted felled tote bags finished. The red one has been done for years but I had to sew in a pocket and reinforce the bottom. The other I just did this year. It was going to be a sweater but was too small so it became a tote bag.
DEBBY LEVINE
Tan sweater I've had for twenty years. Sleeves were too long and neck too tight. Did a terrible job shortening sleeves last year and this year got back to it and the neck. Had to use really tiny really sharp double pointed needles to get gauge. It was very difficult knitting and now I still don't think I like it. The darker blue was made for my husband who never wore it so I did. But the sleeves were too long and now they aren't. The light blue one was a tunic with very long droopy sleeves. Now it is a simple pullover and I will wear it lots more.
