Mary Lachman opens an Etsy shop

I am very excited to have just opened my Etsy shop! 

I was inspired by reading Lynn Krawczyk's website and blog and I finally did it! 

So far this is the only fabric collage listed but my book, Moth at the Window, is also available. If you would like a signed copy it makes ordering easy!

Please tell me your comments. 

"Pieces of My Heart" by Mary Lachman, a fabric collage
mounted on acid-free foam core board with loop for easy hanging

Mary Lachman and CTFAC at the Hartford Public Library

The members of my art quilt group, the Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective, are preparing for our Romare Bearden-themed exhibit at the Hartford Public Library that we are hanging on later this month.

My contributions to wall art will include the following three pieces.

"Spiraling Out" by Mary Lachman, 51"x20"

"Harmony in the Woods" by Mary Lachman, 16x20 on canvas

"Into the Eye" by Mary Lachman, 16x20 on canvas

In the display case I will have hats, scarves, and handbags all handmade by yours truly.

Mary Lachman Design Half-Finger Gloves and Flanders Nature Center

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. I was luck enough to be cooking for family and friends. I brined the turkey, something I don't always do, but this year the outside temperature was slightly above freezing so I put the turkey outside in a gallon of water in which I had dissolved 1 cup of kosher salt and 1/4 cup of brown sugar.

Then I decided not to baste the turkey every 20 minutes (what I do if I don't brine) and I was so pleased that the cooked turkey was tender, moist and delicious. Note to self: remember what you did this time!

My creative fiber endeavors were postponed until Friday evening but I was able to finish my commission for the half-finger gloves this morning.  The client wanted purple wool with a little green accent. I started them three times and finally liked the subtle green placement at the wrist. They are not blocked yet, but here is a photo. The pattern is mine.

Half Finger Gloves - Mary Lachman Design

Remember to stop by the Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust,  5 Church Hill Road, Woodbury, CT.   The Artisan Marketplace is open 11-4 every Saturday and Sunday through December 21st.
There is fiber art, Nature Center honey, maple syrup, doll clothes, bat houses, and more. And yes they fingerless gloves! A portion of all sales benefits the Nature Center, open space, and programming.

More Fabric Collage

Meditation - In Progress

Fabric Collage - Spiral in Progress

I am working on a spiral using the fabric collage technique of Susan Carlson's.

Here are a few photos of the work in progress.

Susan Carlson Workshop

Sometimes a day off from work is just the ticket to a fun day. Friday was just that for me and the Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective (CTFAC). We had a hands-on workshop with the much admired Susan Carlson.

Susan Carlson lives in Maine but travels widely throughout the United States giving workshops and trunk shows on her unique techniques for art quilting. She has published two art quilt technique quilts, one of which is "Serendipty Quilts". Her website is worth a look.

We had a full day of design and creative inspiration! Here are some photos from the event.

Susan Carolso explaining her design process

Susan Carlson's son Sam

Susan Carlson's son Sam

Around the World Blog Hop - Round 2

Last week I posted in the Around the World Blog Hop thanks to an introduction by Carol R. Eaton Designs.

Today it is my turn to introduce Diane Cadrain.

Diane is a lawyer and freelance writer who specialized in employment law.  She is a clever and highly creative Connecticut woman. She learned embroidery from her grandmother, but has also made clothing. Diane exhibits throughout Connecticut. Her artwork includes hand-painted fabric, felted wool, embroidery and beading. Please visit her blog: Stitching-It-All-Together 

Diane with her dogs Java and Mocha