Helping to Save the Planet, One Ball of Yarn at a Time

What a wonderful time at Mitchell Library!  We sampled many new yarns and talked about some others that are out there, including yarn made with paper.  THANKS to all who came out, despite the drizzling rain and the difficult parking situation.  If anyone would like a copy of my notes (with a full listing of all the yarns displayed and manufacturing information), please email me at marsha@marshamakes.com and I will get those right out to you.

Trying yarn made with denim, with t-shirts, and with plastic water bottles. 

Checking out this oddly-shaped skein of yarn, made from t-shirt remnants

This yarn, made from eucalyptus trees, was the crowd favorite!

All of pictured yarns, with the exception of the t-shirt yarns, were made by Wool and the Gang, a yarn company committed to sustainability in fashion.  The t-shirt yarn in the photo is from Lion Brand and has been discontinued.  BUT you can make your own t-shirt yarn.  Its fast, fun and easy!  Previous workshops of mine have focused on this very skill.  E-mail me at marsha@marshamakes if you would like more information about how to make t-shirt yarn.  

And by the way, there is SO much going on the the awesome Westville neighborhood of New Haven. Check out This Week in Westville HERE.

Keep on knitting and crocheting!  One ball at a time, we can make a difference!

Exhibition - Harmonious Discord

It's been AMAZING to be a part of Ely Center of Contemporary Art's "off-site" gallery show, Harmonious Discord, at Perspectives @Whitney Center, Hamden, CT.  My work was chosen from an open call of 300+ artists for this exhibition. The exhibition space is wonderful - a large, open space that's perfect for large works.  It's the perfect venue to showcase my large upcycled plastic wall sculptures.

I was honored to do an artist's talk for the show's opening - Powerpoint, podium, microphone, audience - the whole nine yards, and quite a thrill!

Joining me in the show are four other amazing artists - Heidi Lewis Coleman, Phyllis Crowley, Stephen Klema and Alan Neider. 

Here are some highlights.

Artist Talk, Perspectives Gallery at Whitney Center, Hamden, CT

Foyer, Perspectives Gallery at Whitney Center, Hamden, CT

 The show runs through May 7, 2020.  Local folks, stop by!  

Business Cards

One of my most recent workshop participants complimented my artist/business cards.  She said they are so tactile and so unique that they are the kind that one would want to hang on to.  That is such positive feedback - I appreciate it so much!  Each card has a special, handmade pin attached to it, made with felted, upcycled sweater material.  The star embellishment is attached with a single straight stitch, and there is a (funky) safety pin handsewn to the back of each one.    

Here they are, all in a big bunch:

Fun, functional, funky....I am feeling the love for my artist/business cards today!

Next Up: Eco-Yarn Tasting!

I'm super-excited to gather again with knitters and crocheters at Mitchell Library in New Haven!  We'll be checking out several new yarns that are on the market.  All of the yarns are friendly to our planet and are made from either upcycled materials OR feature earth-friendly natural fibers.

Photos soon!

Vintage Button Brooch Workshop!

I loved every minute of teaching my Vintage Button Brooch Workshop at Guilford Art Center this past Sunday!  I hosted a lively group of crafters, all of whom were passionate about buttons and about their potential as jewelry.  The process of selecting buttons and designing handmade brooches was so rewarding to watch.  Kudos to all of the participants for making some truly amazing, one-of-a-kind works of wearable art!

Have a look:

Vintage Button Brooch Workshop, February 2, 2020

Designing with carefully selected buttons.

So many buttons!

And here are just a few of the gorgeous results:

A stunning, sparkly, handmade vintage button brooch

A colorful, playful handmade button brooch

Thank you for reading my blog today!