Perfectly Imperfect Boro Bag

I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be teaching a multi-day workshop in which students will
start, and possibly complete, their own versions of my Perfectly Imperfect Boro Bag.
This class is all about big, boro-like stitching, in an easy-going and beautiful environment.

The class will be held at the John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC.  Dates are
May 10 - 15, 2020.  Signup opens today!!    https://www.folkschool.org/

We'll make a small sample at the start of class.  The sample can then be used throughout
the week for you to try out different threads before deciding to use them on your bag.  

Bring a sense of humor and enjoy this low-pressure class. You might finish the
bag in class, you might not!  Roll with the flow!   Finishing instructions will be provided.
Registrants will be sent a supply list.  Note: I intend to have some threads, ie Gima,
available for purchase during the class.  I'll also bring lots of fabric scraps to share.
Contact me if you have questions:  fiberotto <at> gmail <dot> com



Shown below: a finished tote bag.  The bag is approx. 14" x 14" (+ handles).
Underneath that photo are photos of each side of the bag before it was assembled.
Note the variety of fabric scraps and thread types/colors.  Lining and handles are added
by machine after the hand stitching is done.

Thin quilt batting is cut for the next bag.  Rectangle will be
the base of the body, strips will provide cushioning in the handles.

A bag in progress (see below):

I love to incorporate map prints and other prints featuring
designs with text.

This bag in progress features a lot of blue prints:

All text and images ©️Suzanne Myers Otto

Lace-stenciled Note Cards

I enjoy mixed media projects.  I've been "making" these note cards
for a number of years.  I do this by using lace stencils.  The lace
is from my collection of vintage and contemporary lace.
Spray ink provides the color!  I often use blank Strathmore (brand)
watercolor cards as the base.
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You can try my technique at a drop-in session being held at
ArtStart, in downtown Rhinelander, WI on Sat. September 28th.
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This presentation is part of "Project North" a new arts festival
in northern Wisconsin.

All text and images ©️Suzanne Myers Otto

Beginning Seminole Patchwork Workshop

"Beginning Seminole Patchwork" is a workshop I enjoy teaching!  Students use simple sewing
and rotary cutting-techniques to create complex-looking designs.  Students will make three
different samples.  This class is geared toward beginners.  A bit of experience using a straight stitch sewing machine is  needed.  If you haven't used a rotary cutter, I can show you how.

Contact me if you'd like me to teach this class in your area!


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Student work from a previous class:

Shown below:  Seminole piecing I later used for
a quilt, "Seminole Surprise" (shown at bottom).  Note,
I am using my Singer Featherweight to do the piecing.

I made the vest shown below in 2005.
"Twinkling Vesta Fiesta" features some
simple Seminole checkerboard piecing.

I pieced some strawberry prints, along with a few
other fabrics, to include in a vest.  See more on this
vest in my May 31, 2018 post.

All text and images ©️Suzanne Myers Otto

A Return to the John C. Campbell Folk School

I recently had the pleasure of visiting this wonderful spot
for the second time!  I signed up for "Dyeing Naturally"
to better my limited knowledge of natural dyes.   This class
took place from June 23 -29th.

I encourage everyone to take a class at the Folk School.  It
is a wonderful place run by wonderful people.  If you do
take a class, I encourage you to soak in everything the school
has to offer!

Please view my photos below.

Pastoral campus of the John C. Campbell Folk School:

The pieces shown below are a few of my results from
the natural dyeing workshop. I was happy with the
projects I completed in class.  The teacher, Pat Armstrong,
was excellent.

Indigo-dyed t-shirts: 

Eco printed silk scarf (on left).  "Iron blanket" used
in this process is on the right.

Indigo-dyed vintage (cotton) lace.  I love and collect
vintage lace.  I took some of it with me to North
Carolina.  I will likely affix this lace to a clothing
project down the road.

Thought I'd add a pic of the rental car I was using
during my trip.  This Nissan Versa is close in size to my
Honda Fit.  Photo taken in the Hertz garage at Hartsfield-
Jackson Airport, in Atlanta.

Loop and Purl Loom

I acquired one of these simple ”frame”  looms earlier this year.  My loom is

the “place mat” size.   I’ve enjoyed trying it out. I am using some non-traditional 

ribbons and trims.  Note too, that I used different yarns for the warp (vertical
yarns seen in photos).  Ultimately, this piece may become a small purse or bag.

While the loom has limitations, it is fun and easy to use.  The wood “comb”

seen in one photo helps to align the weft yarns.

This loom is simple to use.  The only limitation of this frame loom is that your
piece can be no larger than the loom!  This IS an inexpensive, quick, and simple
way to do some weaving!

My loom was purchased from Mielke's Fiber Arts, here in Wisconsin.

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