Woven Delights From Blue Loom Designs

This is another post to showcase the creativity and talent of members of Potomac Craftsment Fiber Gallery.

Today, I would like to introduce Ruth Blau and Blue Loom Designs. I have known Ruth for the past five years since I joined the gallery, and have always found myself gravitating towards anything made by her when I gallery sit. As soon as I have finished all the details of opening the gallery on my day, I head towards the beautiful handwoven scarf display. Inevitably, the first scarf I reach for is one of Ruth's. Her sense of color in the handpainted warps and impeccable weaving skill is something I can only dream of being able to do. Then as I look around the gallery at the wearable pieces, jewelry and handbags, I continue to find more of Ruth's handiwork. Many days, I stand there astonished at the number of different techniques she does so well including kumihimo and inkle weaving. She often shares her knowledge and once gave a talk about fiber identification to our beginning weaving study group. I learned a great deal that day and appreciate her interest in educating us. I hope you will take a look at her website to see her beautiful creations and if you are ever in the Washington, DC area, will take the time to visit our gallery.

A Lovely Mola from Costa Rica

My in-laws went on a trip to Costa Rica after Christmas and they brought back a traditional mola for me. My mother-in-law says this one was not made for the tourist trade, as it has more geometric elements than birds and flowers which are more typical of souvenirs. However, knowing that I'm a bird lover, she purchased one with two lovely swan-like or stork-like figures in the upper half. This scan does not show the full design which is symmetrical, I just couldn't get it all on the scanner. My husband received one appliqued to a t-shirt which features two large bird figures surrounded by small flowers.

The big story of their trip was the earthquake which hit the region they were visiting. My father-in-law, mother-in-law and her 92 year old father were sitting in a restaurant when it started shaking and cracking. Some tourists who were climbing along a ridge visiting the waterfall were tragically killed. The tourists staying at their lodge were all safe and but had to be helicoptered out of the area (still saying "thanks, God" about that !). I'm still waiting to see their photos and video.