I just returned from working outside Philadelphia. While I was there doing workshops and lectures for three guilds, the guilds housed me in a very special place, a B&B called the Alpenhof. I have provided a link for you to see for yourself how wonderful this B&B is. I hope you will click on the link and look at the pictures on their site to get a feel of this place. The house itself is a refurbished 300 year old stone barn that was saved from destruction in the 1960’s. It was turned into a family residence and lived in these past 50 years by the same family. The youngest son of the family is now running it as a B&B. I have had a relaxed and rejuvenating time here. Not only is my room great, but breakfast has been wonderful and the gardens around the house are lovely. The owner was a fanatical gardener and there are many special places to sit and enjoy the views.
One of the many fantastic things about this B&B is that there are several pieces of furniture by the famed artist George Nakashima. When I was in DC several years ago I viewed an exhibition of his work at the Renwick Galleries. It was exciting for me to actually sit in some of his chairs and eat breakfast at a table made by him. Living with art can be so rewarding. Please go to his website and view his extraordinary furniture. You will be treated visually as well as spiritually.
Conoid dining table
I feel very lucky that I have a job that I love and that also feeds me as an artist. Not only do I get to meet new and interesting people all the time but I am inspired and rewarded by what I do.
Kathy York invited fiber artist that she knew to participate in creating an artist village.
The idea behind it, I think, was that each of us would make a house that reflects our style of quilting as well as making a house we would like to actually live in.
If you are going to Houston this year you will be able to view the whole village.
Here is a picture of what you will see. As a reference. My little house is the one sitting in the back under the tree. It measures 12” tall.
Stephanie writes; I am currently working on the Reconstructive SergerE line of one-of-a-kind jackets for fall runway/boutique sales. My Blank Slate Jacket pattern is the basis of the designs, and is available for sale. I add yummy ribbon, buttons, beads and embroidery to make each one special. I like using Laura Wasilowski's hand dyed perle cotton to coordinate with the various repurposed fabrics used in the jackets. This one has snow dyed silk/rayon velvet sleeves.
I recently saw India Flint lecture at the Surface Design Associates convention in Minneapolis on her Eco Color dyeing and was bitten by the bug. My eyes are always searching for plants along the roadway and in the yard to use. I just made my first bundles and steamed them, but according to her book I should wait to see the outcome...the longer the better. We'll see how long I can stand it! I've used false indigo, weeping willow, geranium, purple leaf sand cherry and rose leaves to start.
Stephanie Nordlin
Stephanie Nordlin Design
http://twitter.com/SNordlinDesign
A 2002 graduate of Fashion Design from Harper College in Palatine, Illinois, she studied various embellishment techniques which she uses in her award winning garments.
Her newest garment, “Black Ice“ has been accepted by IQA for the Houston show.
