Here are some of my current works-in-progress.  I’m applying the skills that I learned in module 1 of The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design, to re-work the original swoosh motif that makes up my Weird Woolly Designs logo:

I’m also experimenting with some new design software programs such as Photoshop (PS) and Illustrator (AI).  I’ve finally been convinced that the freeware programs (that are fairly comparable to PS & AI) just aren’t going to cut it in the professional world of pattern design.  So I figured that there’s no time like the present to get to work becoming proficient in these essential programs.

I Just received this newsletter from Katherine Shaughnessy (of WoolandHoop.com) about the death of an apparently important crewel embroidery teacher- Erica Wilson- who I didn't even know existed until today.  In my view Katherine Shaughnessy was "the mother of modern crewel embroidery"- since I learned many of my skills and first became aware of the contemporary version of crewel embroidery through her book; The New Crewel.  So you better believe that I'm going to be heading right over to this article to learn more about this other modern maven on Crewel embroidery Erica Wilson.

Another HUGE piece of crewel news:  apparently Katherine Shaughnessy has written a second book entitled New Crewel: The Motif Collection- which I'm also going to be heading right over to pre-order my copy on Amazon.com!   

Erica Wilson Inspired My Crewel World,  from Katherine Shaughnessy's newsletter

Erica Wilson passed away yesterday at the age of 83. She was an extraordinary teacher, author and designer of crewel embroidery and a force behind its presence in the United States. I never met Ms. Wilson, but consulted with her by phone for my first book, The New Crewel. She was generous in her comments, making corrections and offering a few tips. For example, I have always followed her instructions for Satin Stitch, which requires outlining your design first with Split Stitch. (For those of us who do crewel embroidery, this makes all the difference!) She gave me her stamp of approval before we went to print for which I was grateful. My second book, New Crewel: The Motif Collection, goes to print this week and this morning I spoke with the publisher and was able to dedicate it to her. I learned so much from her books, especially from Crewel Embroidery, 1962, which I continue reference often. H er impact on the art of crewel embroidery is immeasurable. She will be missed! Click here to read more about Erica Wilson. 

Sincerely, 
Katherine Shaughnessy 

 
Crewelwork by Erica Wilson, Cover art from her book, Crewel Embroidery, 1962 

I've been brainstorming design ideas for my new Weird Woolly Designs website. 

I still have a lot of work to before I'm ready to settle on 1 over all look for the site-but I'd love to hear any thoughts, ideas or suggestions that you might have about these initial designs!

Here is the result of an experiment in layering a few simple motifs, one on top of the other, to create a unique looking surface pattern design. 

 It was an assignment for this Surface Pattern Design e-course that I'm taking.  I would highly recommend the class for any aspiring pattern/textile designers.  It's been a lot of fun and very informative!

The Awesome Foundation

"Forwarding the interest of Awesome in the universe, $1,000 at a time".

I just heard about this organization on NPR that is all about giving micro-loans to really awesome & unique projects.

Here are some striped patterns that I'm working on for the e-course The Art & Business of Surface Pattern Design

Oval Ornament

Both sides of this ornament are adorned with this original Weird Woolly Design.  A fun little saying goes along with this sweet cat design; "A little Cat-i-tude goes a long way".  (Any cat lover knows all about that!).  A strand of gold thread makes it easy to display this fantastic keepsake. 

Height: 3.32 inches
Width: 2.37 inches
Weight: 1.5 ounces 

• Full-color, Red & green with black text
•  Ceramic
• Printing on both sides

A friend suggested that my painted and embroidered art work might translate well to pendant jewelry- which seems to be all the rage these days on Etsy.  I thought I'd give it a try eventhough I had some misgivings about getting into jewelry-making (There's soooo much of it out there).  

These 2 necklaces are what I came up with.  I thougth they came out pretty good.  What do you think??

Crewel embroidered spots on teal corduroy, mounted in a round pendant

Paint on canvas with hand embroidered details, in an oval pendant

Here are some super colorful, patterny (is that a word?) fabrics that really caught my eye and I just had to share:

Sanderson-Bloomsbury

Maya Duncan, Anthology Fabrics

Khristian A. Howell, anthology fabrics

Is it time to freshen up your business logo or Etsy banner?  Simply adding a new font to your text can do wonders!  

Any time I'm looking to add to my font library or redesign my Etsy banner I go right to DaFont.com where I can find LOADS of designer fonts to download.

Here are some of my favorite fonts;   

Kimbery Geswein Fonts

KC fonts

If you download any designs from DaFont.com and use them for business purposes just remember to click the "dontate now" button-  to pay for the great product that you're receiving and to support the artist who put a lot of time and effort into creating their design :)