Laverne Zabielski

Black Fire

2011-10-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

In preparation for my art opening the theme is Fire. I'm trying to see how many different ways I can dye fabric, and make art within the concept of Fire. And in some cases I'm trying to see how large a piece of fabric I can make and shibori dye. This piece of 1/4 pound merino and black devore silk is Nuno Felted on the FeltLOOM, pole wrapped, then shibori dyed in orange, red and purple. The black side is the silk, the colorful side is the wool. Either side could be considered the "right side" It started out being 45" by 72". After felting and fulling the final size is 35" x 64" not including the natural edges which vary in size from 2 to 3 inches. This soft and beautiful piece of fabric can be used as a wrap, a throw, or hung on the wall. Find it on Etsy

Alpaca and Locks felted with Silk Chiffon

2011-10-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

If you're wanting to dye Alpaca, nuno felted with silk, this is a wonderful fabric. Soft, and very light weight. Quarter pound alpaca batting and locks were felted with 8mm chiffon using the FeltLOOM. This piece is not yet fulled making it great for dyeing that needs to be rinsed.

Find it at Etsy

Fire, Alpaca and Silk Felted Yardage

2011-10-07T05:46:00.000-07:00

For designers, collage artists, fiber artists. Yardage! Or is it yARTage? Alpaca and silk, red, orange, purple, 40" x 32" excluding natural edges on three sides. Perfect for sewing project or embellished for wall art. Display it as is, or cut it up for your own art. Natural edges, vary from 1"to 4" and do not have any silk which makes it nice for felting. $90 Find it on Etsy!

And Then Purple

2011-10-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

What to do with leftovers? I felted merino wool and silk using the FeltLOOM, then shibori dyed it in three shades of purple. These were remnants of a larger piece which became a vest. Wanting no waste, I overlapped the long strips and felted them again on the FeltLOOM. Could be worn as is as a scarf or tie, or cut into pieces for your own project. Natural, irregular edges are great for felting. The widest is 5.5”, the narrowest is 2”
Find it on Etsy

Green Shibori Felted Merino and Silk Tie

2011-10-03T15:25:00.000-07:00

What to do with the leftovers? It's the same questions with meals. After I've made something beautiful with the wool I felted on the FeltLOOM I have all these beautiful pieces of fabric. Truly there is no not art. The fabric in pieces is as beautiful as the full piece. I can't throw it away. My most recent discovery is to felt these long pieces together using the FeltLOOM. So fast, yet wonderfully funky, in its own way. Four inches at the widest part, 2" at the most narrow. Or cut it up. It's okay with me, and make your own art! Order it on Etsy

Wear It or Use It

2011-10-02T18:13:00.000-07:00

Art is Everywhere
Make Art Now

Using your imagination, this could be a funky scarf, made on the FeltLOOM from scraps of leftover shibori dyed felted alpaca and merino wool and silk , or it could be art supplies for making your own art. The widest part is 6.5” the narrowest is 1”. The natural edges are alpaca and merino, the body is silk. The art is up to you!
Find it on Etsy

Wildat Blue Alpaca Wrap

2011-10-02T10:18:00.000-07:00

Wildcat Blue, Alpaca wrap, handfelted on the FeltLOOM, then sibori dyed. Great for yardage, easy to make into a poncho. $250

Find it on Etsy. To learn more about the Shibori process you can view it at:

SHIBORI

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83006063/deep-blue-soft-and-cozy-alpaca-wrap

My First How to Video

2011-10-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

My latest and greatest iMovie is now available on YouTube. You can view it at:
SHIBORI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzG48yK-D9s

Shibori Fire

2011-10-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

How do I pole wrap 22" x 80" merino and silk with locks?
My first "How To Video" with music by Larry Vogt

You can view it at:
SHIBORI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzG48yK-D9s

Fire Sunset Waiting

2011-09-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

Four pieces of alpaca, felted on the FeltLOOM, wrapped around a pvc pipe and shibori painted in shades of red, orange and purple, dry in the sun.

When the Weather Changes Everything Changes

2011-09-09T15:17:00.001-07:00

Joe Pye, the weed, is falling down, he's so heavy, and the leaves are starting to turn, and it took over a week for the remnants of Irene's rain to finally stop. Hence, the merino wool I dyed several days ago still hasn't dried. It's always a debate; does the sun or low humidity dry fabric faster? Since there was no sun, I put the poles inside hoping the dehumidifiers would soak up all the moisture. They are still damp. Hopefully the sun will come out soon to speed up the process. Yesterday I used the FeltLOOM to felt 1/4 pound merino and silk gauze. Today, in preparation for Julie's wearable art coat, I began my shibori process. I wrapped the felted merino and silk around four more poles, tied them with string, scrunched them tight, soaked each one in 1 part vinegar, 1 part water and a dash of synthrapol so they would better absorb the dye. Another debate; how damp can they still be to not dilute the dye. I always know when they were too damp by how much dripping there is. Another fine line. Sometimes the dripping blends the colors just right. Julie wants the fire sunset color that I used before, only no fuchsia. Fire Sunset is a combination of red, orange and purple. Eliminating pink is tricky since purple contains fuchsia. I added a little violet to the formula. We shall see.

Copper Collection

2011-09-03T10:57:00.000-07:00

It’s a beautiful morning, even if it will reach the upper 90s today. I painted two 44” x 104” pieces of devore, which have been pole wrapped. Theresa is going to use these curtains in a protected area on her patio/deck. There is a hint of purple in the garden so I chose a shade formul of purple, yellow green and yellow orange. The silk for the serenity scarf is dry, waiting to wrapped in newsprint and steamed. I also painted two ties in the copper, rust, olive formula. DJ wants to give one to his friend Kevin.

Back to Work

2011-09-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

After two months of disarray due to finishing off the basement I am beginning to get my dyeing station set up again; this time on the back porch; then, eventually in the little cabin. The walk-in basement is too nice to risk spilling and splashing dye. Which, no matter how careful I am, always seems to happen. I know that the porch and cabin will be weather affected. Like today when it is 100 degrees. However, I kind of like that. I have been spending way too much time indoors.

During this break I have realized how important it is and easier it is to work to finish one step at a time. When I think about the projects I need to finish, I am overwhelmed and stay too long in the hammock. When I just think of what silk I have to wrap, or steam, it is manageable and I get to work.

1. Thinking, visualizing, making notes

2. Assess supplies and place order if necessary

3. Iron silks in preparation of wrapping

4. Make sure poles are clean

5. Wrap fabric

6. Mix dyes; make notes

7. Paint dye onto fabric, and hang tags and let dry

9. Wrap dried fabric in newsprint

10. Steam set dyes

11. Rinse in laundry tub

12. Wash on delicate cycle

13. Dry on delicate cycle

14. Iron and sew

15. Take photograph

Today I painted pole-wrapped charmeuse, crepe, devore, and charmeuse with horse images in preparation for a five piece serenity shawl for the Lexington Art League Reverse Raffle. I used my rust, copper, olive formulas.

While waiting for those to dry, I’m going to wrap two 44” x 104” pieces of devore that will be curtains for Theresa.

After that I will need to put some thought into what I’m going to do with the wool that I have already felted.

Fire

2011-08-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

What I love about this coat is the flare! Not only in the statement that it makes, but also the movement.

You Are Prolific!

2011-08-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

Got scraps? Have remnants? Share them. Sell them or give them away. "You are prolific," my painting teacher, Marilyn Hamann, once said. Sometimes we can hang on and save too much. Too much stuff can hold us back. Too much time spent moving it around. Looking at it, thinking, someday I'm going to use this.....Today, I pack up and send this collection of handfelted painted shibori alpaca and merino wool to my daughter, Danielle. Can't wait to see what she comes up with!

Rearranging

2011-08-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

I didn't plan to rearrange everything. It's just that when we decided to finish the basement everything got rearranged. That's why I'm temporarily not creating. I don't know where anything is because it has all been tucked away, safely, to avoid paint and drywall dust. The good thing is that during this process I have realized that I don't want my studio back in the basement. I want it out in the little cabin that we built to be used as a shed. I've decided that having my dyeing studio in the basement keeps me in the house too much. If I'm in the little cabin, then I have to go outside and see the stars, or feel the sun, even if it is hot, and even if the little cabin is hot, it will be worth it.

The art is in the rinsing. . .

2011-07-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

Well, actually, it's in every step you take on the journey of producing art. Everything makes a difference! I love dyeing hand felted wool these bright colors.

The Red Orange Gown heads to Style Icon,

2011-05-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

At the Galt House, Louisville for a Derby Event!

Shibori Painted Fabric Comes Alive

2011-04-14T07:22:00.000-07:00

Shibori Hand Painted Crepe by Laverne

Design by Soreyda

Model, Kelly Green Crume

Future of Fashion Promo 2011 - May 28, 2011

Andrew Kung Photography
www.andrewkung.com

Art on The Wall, or on the Body

2011-04-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

You could take this hand felted, shibori painted, Kentucky alpaca and Texas merino wool down off the wall and wrap it around you. Especially on a suddenly cool spring evening.

Investing In Art to Wear

2011-03-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

Art is an investment. It usually costs more that something you buy at the mall or even a local boutique. If you have purchased a piece of my art in the past and would like to "trade up" bring it to the Kentucky Craft Market in Louisville this week end. And check out this link for inspiration: http://www.permacouture.org/index.html

Art to Wear and Art for the Wall

2011-03-04T04:58:00.000-08:00

Coming soon Art for the Floor. Shibori dyed hand-felted wool rugs.

Sewing and thinking about Mom

2011-03-03T06:10:00.000-08:00

Everytime I work on the sewing table I got from my mom I remember all the dresses she made for me and my sisters. And while she always thought she wasn't an artist, she definitely had her style!

Fuchsia, hand-felted, shibori dyed, Kentucky alpaca, Texas merino and silk.

Fire Rage and Art

2011-03-02T04:13:00.000-08:00

Use Rage. Create raging art. Be outrageous

New Inspiration

2011-02-17T06:21:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like working with a bunch of artists to get inspired to create more and more wearble art. The best thing one teacher ever said to a class was that we were prolific. We are I thought? I then decided to get busy. The second best thing I ever heard was from a man who worked in a factory. "The way to produce results is to work to fill trams," he said, "not to finish a piece." That meant there would always be silk prepared to be wrapped, wrapped silk to be painted, and painted silk to be sewn.

Art comes in many forms

2011-02-15T10:16:00.000-08:00

To be worn, gazed upon or heard. Shibori silk head wrap, raw silk duster, music by Larry Vogt, performed at Cross Gate Gallery, Lexington, KY

Sunset Alpaca and Merino Vest, Sold

2011-02-14T06:34:00.000-08:00

Handfelted and shibori dyed. Now it's time to make another. Also time to pretend it's spring and start walking the dogs three times a day. I need that exercise!

Merino and Alpaca and Locks

2011-02-12T09:31:00.000-08:00

I admit it. I can't stop touching this piece or looking at it. Now to take it to another level is the challenge.

Hiking for Color

2011-02-04T07:51:00.000-08:00

For me, it’s all about color. After using the Shibori technique of manipulating fabric by wrapping it around a pole or rope, I always place at least three colors, or shades of one color of dye on the cloth. The fabric resists the dye and creates a pattern. Many of my wearable art designs consist of several strips of hand dyed fabric which have been torn and serged before sewing them together. Through this process I frequently recover memories contained in the 5/8” seam allowance I learned when my mother taught me to sew. In her own way she also taught me that the art is in the ironing.

Some of my newest designs are created by felting alpaca and merino wool to silk before Shibori dyeing the fabric. It is my intention that My Truly Wearable art has a performative quality. When you wear it, not only are you only one hand away from the artist, you become the art.

Currently I live in a cabin in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, hike the mountain and try to figure out how to formulate the colors I see around me.

Shibori Prayer Book

2011-01-31T05:35:00.000-08:00

First there was writing.

"Tell your own story,"
Adrienne Rich said.

So I wrote.
Then there was publish.
"To publish is to make public," the dicitonary said.
I began to read my work fearlessly.
"You should take a silk dyeing class," a friend suggested.
"Then you can cover your poems with silk and your art will be come performative."
I signed up.
Two weeks after enrolling,
my son had a paralyzing accident.
"You should quit school," I said to myself.
Myself answered, "No. We will both learn to adapt."
I became obsessed. Everything became an opporturnity to make art.
As I waited in the intensive care waiting room,
I covered muy journal with sequins.
I learned Shibori silk dyeing.
Shibori is manipulating fabric, placig dye upon it and surrendering.
I surrendered.
When I visited the capel at the hospital,
I wrote in my journal.
It became a prayer book,
covered with silk.

Shibori Poetry Skirt with Taffeta Sash

2011-01-30T07:45:00.000-08:00

Remember taffeta? I titled this a poetry skirt because it has rhythm, texture and movement. Just like a poem, one size fits all. When worn, it becomes performative and you become the artist.

That Red Dress

2011-01-29T08:12:00.000-08:00

Equally fit for the First Lady.
Design by Soreyda Begley
Shibori Silk by Laverne

Shibori and Pieced Bolero with Black Dress

2011-01-28T11:05:00.000-08:00

I didn't mean for the dress to be so risque.

Think Green, Think Local

2011-01-26T05:59:00.000-08:00

Thinking green is about more than just the type of paint an artist uses. It's as much about the work she creates locally and sustainably, and the artists with whom she collaborates.

POETRY SKIRT DETAIL WITH MOVEMENT

2011-01-25T07:20:00.000-08:00

First I wrote about art to move through raising teenagers when I was up late, into the wee hours of the morning. Next I wrote about making art to move through menopause. Now I make art to move.

Think Green, Think Spring

2011-01-24T07:01:00.000-08:00

Wrap around mini poetry skirt with shawl

Wear art. Make art. Become art. Perfomative art.

Buy art supplies. That way you'll have them when you need them.

Handfelted Coffee Alpapca and Merino Wrap, 40" x 47"

2011-01-23T05:09:00.000-08:00

This morning I wrap myself in Coffee, drink mate
and ponder
do I make art to make a living
or
is making art my living simply?

Red is for Warmth

2011-01-22T05:05:00.000-08:00

When it's 12 degrees outside and you're cold, think red!

Handfelted Shibori Merino Bags

Keep Warm on a Snowy Day

2011-01-21T05:18:00.001-08:00

Wrap yourself in a Shibori dyed, Hand Felted with locks, Silk, Kentucky Alpaca and Texas Merino Pelt

Soreyda Laverne Shibori Gown

2011-01-20T18:58:00.000-08:00

Art happens when collaboration occurs.
Design by Soreyda Begley
Shibori Painted Silk by Laverne Zabielski

Scarves and Shawls and Headwraps

2011-01-20T13:57:00.000-08:00

There a many ways to wear your painted shibori wearable art; tied or wrapped or slung over your shoulder.

Painted Shibori, hand felted wool, steamed and dried. This piece will be part of a body of work, "Pelts" to be exhibited at Mary Rezny's Gallery in Lexington, KY on Novermeber 19 during Gallery Hop. Guest artists will be Laura Cox, Sarah Estes, and Soreydo Begley.

2010-10-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

Long Red Silk

2010-10-23T14:48:00.001-07:00

Loving Collaborating

2010-09-06T05:32:00.000-07:00

CJ Pressma designed the collage and printed it on silk, I then shibori dyed the fabric.

Copper Painted Shibori Nuno Felted Merino

2010-09-01T01:53:00.000-07:00

The challenge was wrapping the 10 feet of felted merino and silk on a five foot pole and then shiboi painting it so that I could get enough penetration without too much dye dripping. Soaking it in a solution of equal parts vinegar and water with a little synthrapol seems to help the merino soak up the dye. The question is does it dilute the color? This piece is meant to be hung on the wall in a place where the sunset shines through the window. It's amazing the fabric that be created on the FeltLOOM!

Danielle's Purses and Flap Sacks

2010-09-01T01:40:00.000-07:00

I love the new flap sacks Danielle is making. Sewing is the future I must say. Amazing how many people do not know how to sew. It seems like my mom always had her sewing machine out working on something.

So Many Things To Love: Today Is The First Day Of The Rest Of My Life - And I'm Hungry.

2010-04-17T05:39:00.000-07:00

So Many Things To Love: Today Is The First Day Of The Rest Of My Life - And I'm Hungry.

Tahoe Blue, Chartreuse, Summer Copper Silks

2010-04-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

From FeltLOOM to Shibori

2010-03-02T18:56:00.001-08:00

My life has changed now that I have found the FeltLOOM. And my painted shibori art has never been more exciting.

Now for the first time, FeltLoom redefines Fiber Art by enabling a person to make their own fabric with chosen colors, textures, and designs quickly. Feltloom provides choices that we have never had before. It allows instant creative gratifaction for people of all ages.

You do this by placing your colored fibers and design on the FeltLOOM table placing them next to the rollers. The rollers will move the fibers and the felting needles will go up and down to create the fabric. It is instant gratificaion when your design is done quickly. It does not require traditional spinning and weaving to make fabric. The fabric is felted so it will not ravel. It can be made into things such as a jackets, scarf, rug, blanket and other innovative products. The material can be cut and sewn for fashion or other uses.

The traditonal fiber artist will take weeks to make items from scratch. This loom does not need yarn, it uses batting or loose fibers. Unlike prior fabric making, a jacket may be made from scratch in an afternoon, including making the fabric and sewing it together. It takes a half hour or less to make a scarf. We had a group use the machine and they said it is revolutionary to have this much control over the end product without any prior training. This enables an individual to see the results of their ideas instantly.

Textiles for the individual have not changed for centuries. This new FeltLOOM is a true break through. It takes the technology that industry has been using since 1890 and puts it in the hands of the people so they can create wonerful one of a kind items. This will change what people want to do and make one of a kind unique items much more plentiful.

Over 300 people have used our commercial model with great enthusiam. They always say "WOW!", I didn't know I could do this. One lady said she could truly make what was in her mind. They loved using it and some have been sold. The conumser model will be smaller but with much of the same functionality. The FeltLOOM provides a quantum leap in productivity.

First of its Kind Collection

2010-03-02T18:38:00.000-08:00

Off to Louisville for the Kentucky Market at the Conventon Center with my truly one of a kind, first of its kind, nuno felt collection which was created from the newly patented FeltLOOM and then shibori dyed. What makes these shawls so special is the soft merino on one side and the silk, with a dash of shine, on the other side. So perfect to wrap around you on a cool night.

Fashion Function at Living Arts and Science Gallery

2010-02-24T15:52:00.000-08:00

It was great to reconnect with the Lexington art community during Gallery Hop at the Living Arts and Science Center. My only regret is that I didn't get to make it to all the other galleries. On exhibit was my copper Shibori dyed nuno felted devore and merino wool jacket, with a handbag and head wrap. I wore an natural brown alpaca and black devore nuno felted coat with nuno felted scarf and bag, and a Shibori dyed chartreuse mini poetry skirt. (Sounds complicated) I was toasty warm.

Copper Nuno Felted Jacket

2010-02-12T05:46:00.000-08:00

I'm off to felt more silk and wool, even though it is sooooo cold, since there are only 20 days left until the Kentucky Craft Market and I want lots of these beautiful pieces to show and sell.

Nuno Felting on the FeltLOOM

2010-02-11T14:28:00.001-08:00

I love the little felt sheep in the background reminding me where the wool comes from that I felt onto the devore silk. So wonderful to be able to use the FeltLOOM and create such large pieces of fabric that I can Shibori dye.

Tarnished Bronze

2009-12-04T12:01:00.000-08:00

Dyeing 1/2 sarong scarves in a new color. Tarnished Bronze.

Artsy Fashion Show December 15, 2009 8pm

2009-12-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for the fashion show on December 15 at Reinbargers Brewhaus on Bardstown Rd. in Louisville, KY sponsored by http://www.louisvillefashionnetwork.ning.com

So far, these are the looks I'm focusing on plus I will bring a few more.

Raw Silk and Dusters

2009-10-22T09:56:00.001-07:00

Raw silk

Shibori

rope wrapped

in fall greens,

yellows and gold.

Poetry Vests

2009-07-25T05:55:00.000-07:00

Citrus

crepe and devore

tied in front

or Blue Turquoise Sea

jacquard and devore

untied

revealing curvilinear lines

in the back

Copper Duste

2009-07-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

Full length coat,
a duster perhaps,
in copper, rust and olive.
Crepe, charmeuse and devore
torn into strips, serged and sewn
together.
I don't know if it's dyeing the fabric
or sewing it back together that
gives me the most pleasure.

White Poetry Skirt with Long Vest

2009-07-15T18:46:00.000-07:00

36 strips of
crepe, charmeuse and devore
serged, then sewn together
to 10 yards crepe
for a waist band
to wrap around
and tie

Turquoise Sea Blue, Citrus, Red Gold Poetry Vest

2009-07-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

A poetry vest
because
it has
rhythm
and movement

2009-06-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

What I like about creating my own designs

I can keep changing them as I go.

What I don't like

I often don't remember what I did.

I must take time to write it all down.

Do I do that as I design it

or later when I'm more likely to forget?

Citrus Poetry Skirt and Riding Coat

2009-06-24T03:49:00.000-07:00

For a focused life

try art

For a life full of art

focus on the details

Living Art

2009-06-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

If you're making art to sell
be careful.
If you're listening
and creating art you're willing to sell
be happy!
You are prolific!

Citrus Bolero

2009-06-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

Every Citrus is different

the more color

the more exciting

the more energy

Blue, Purple and Gold Goddess Cape

2009-06-20T11:20:00.000-07:00

Is it
Making art
to make a living
or
Making art
your living?

Taffeta and Organza

2009-06-20T10:50:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it was memories
of sassy taffeta
party dresses
with organza ruffles
that made me want to
discharge some
and use it for
a serenity shawl.

I Am in Awe

2009-06-20T05:44:00.000-07:00

In the old barn I was in awe of the individually wrapped and twisted silks, saturated with dye that hung from nails spread across old planks. I loved the way the dye dripped on the paper beneath making another artwork from the colors that bleed and drip into curvilinear lines making soft amorphous shapes. It didn't matter that the barn was old and dusty. Now I live in a new cabin. I dye silk in the corner of the basement, dry it on the back porch, carry it upstairs to steam in the kitchen and in the loft I sew it into flowing works of art. Yesterday I looked at photos of my work over the past several years and now I understand the reason for documenting my work. I can see a pattern. I see what I still like. I see colors I want to continue and designs I want to let go of and ideas for new looks. I am in awe.

2009-06-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

When I first began, my studio was in an old pole barn. During the evening I processed the silk I had dyed earlier. Wrapped in newsprint, heat set the dye as the silk steamed on the old canner on the wood stove. I loved hanging the freshly rinsed silks in the barn, the contrast between the rawness of the wood, its roughness and the softness of the silk, sensuously moving as the wind blew through the cracks in the barn.

2009-06-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

In 2004 I received my MFA in writing from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. However, I studied Japanese Shibori Silk dyeing with Arturo Alonzo Sandoval at the University of Kentucky. In 1998 a friend had suggested that I learn to dye silk so I could make covers for the hand made books I read from when I was doing performance readings. Four weeks after classes started my 26 year old son had a paralyzing accident. I remember that at that moment I had to make a decision. At first, I was going to quit school and take care of him. Then I realized, his condition was not going away. It was forever and we both had to learn to live an independent life. I stayed in school and placed my experiences in the intensive care waiting room in the silk was dyeing. I had to simplify what I was to learn, there were so many colors, so many techniques. I made another decision to focus on one technique. One palette. I chose arashi shibori a palette of shades and created, not only silk covers for my books, but also wearable art for my performances.

It is no surprise that I was drawn to Shibori as I lived in Japan for three years as a child. The Shibori technique is based on manipulating the fabric by wrapping it around a pole or rope then placing the dye on the cloth. The fabric resists the dye and this creates the patterns. The colors are set by steaming on the stove in my kitchen.

Currently I live in a cabin in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. My inspiration comes from hiking in the woods and trying to figure out how to capture the colors I see. My truly wearable art includes serenity shawls, goddess capes, bolero jackets, poetry vests and skirts, riding coats, caftans and dresses. What I love to do most is create a collection. To layer on various colors and textures of fabrics and designs. Each design has several pieces which have been torn and serged before sewing them together; a process through which I continue to recover memories in the 5/8 seam allowance I learned from my mother.