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Aldo Leopold Sale

Yesterday was so fun!  I love the Aldo Leopold Sale.  The vendors are really talented, the location is gorgeous, the people are nice and I get to support the nature center.  What could be better?

Matt took a quick shot of me with my tunics and other awesome blue things for sale.  Now I can relax for a little while, which is awesome.

The tunics will soon be available at Blue Bar Quilts in Middleton so be sure to stop by.

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Dyeing Like Crazy

I’ve been dyeing like crazy to get ready for my December 3rd Sale at the Aldo Leopold Center in Madison.  To be honest, I fear that I made too much.  I’m going to bring a bunch of stuff, display one or two of each type of dyed thing and keep some under the tables.  But you’re in the know, so ask me to bring out more patterns when you stop by my table.

I had a lot of fun dyeing at One One Thousand but only shared pictures through Instagram so here are some collaged screen shots

I’ve been lucky enough to dye in all of the publicly available dye studios in town: Blue Bar Quilts, The Electric Needle and – though it not officially a dye studio – One One Thousand.  They are all my favorite places to dye.  All of them.

So if you are a local dyer, I recommend that you call one up and reserve some time.  They are all equally awesome.  I was treated to a beautiful sunset when leaving One One Thousand so I’m sharing my blurry picture of it with you. I hope I see you tomorrow!!!

 

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Sponsor: Blue Bar Quilts

Get to know the Deep Into Indigo Retreat Sponsors!

We have a few and really want to thank them and ask for you to check them out.  They are all super awesome and have so much to offer!

Blue Bar Quilts is a brand spanking new and totally awesome quilt shop in Middleton WI.  They have a huuuuuge variety of fabrics, a giant classroom and (get ready for it) A DYE STUDIO!!!!!!!

They also carry my indigo dyed batiked and shibori-ed fat quarters and half yards in the front of the store.  They have my tunics, dresses and shirts in their consignment gallery.  They let me teach classes there too.  They just do everything right.  🙂

They have a super busy class schedule with a huge variety of classes and just…everything a quilter or sewing person could need.  They also happen to be super friendly, open, supportive people.

They’ve been kind enough to sponsor the Deep Into Indigo Retreat with my favorite quilting cotton to dye with: Moda Bella PFD.

And, yes, they do have an online store so you can order from them where ever you happen to be.

 

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Sponsor: The Regal Find

Get to know the Deep Into Indigo Retreat Sponsors!

We have a few and really want to thank them and ask for you to check them out.  They are all super awesome and have so much to offer!

The Regal Find in downtown Middleton, WI is a cute, charming, welcoming, warm, delightful, sweet, gift shop (There are truly not enough descriptors in the sentence…it’s a really awesome spot).

They happen to carry some of my indigo dyed pieces there.  Specifically, they have my cute little dainty things like baby stuff (hats, sockies, onseies), ‘kerchiefs and dishtowels, scarves and doggies shirts.

They also carry lots of fabulous gifty things with WI themes, sassy sayings and great taste and humor.  They offer creative workshops for kids and adults.  We really have many of the same priorities: creativity, fun and good food; they are attached to Bloom Bake Shop!

The sweet owner, Jessica Regele, is sending us gifts for our gift baskets: every retreat attendee gets one!

You really need to check this place out.

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Sponsor: Mill House Quilts

Get to know the Deep Into Indigo Retreat Sponsors!

We have a few and really want to thank them and ask for you to check them out.  They are all super awesome and have so much to offer!

Mill House Quilts in Waunakee WI is a gorgeous and very well stocked quilt shop in a giant restored feel mill.

I’ve both taken and taught classes there.  They have great classrooms, tons of quilting fabrics, tons of notions and sewing machines, which they even repair.

They do sell online but if you go in, you get to meet their friendly, well behaved shop dog Chester.

Thanks to Kim and Kerry, the super friendly owners for sponsoring the Deep Into Indigo Retreat with the generous gift of a Bernette Sew N Go Retreat Ready Sewing Machine.

One of our lucky participants will win it as a door prize!

Crossing Mountains and Other Adventures: Story Quilts by Rumi O’Brien

1300 Linden Dr

Madison WI

53706
United States

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December Rocks!

December is going to be super busy and awesome this year! w00t!!  Check out my Events Page, it’s chock full o’ awesome!!

First off, I have been invited to sell some of my indigo items in a trunk show this coming weekend, December 5th and 6th at the Hillcrest Handmade Bazaar Sale.

Hillcest postcard December Sale

It should be way fun, there will be quite a few artists there and I plan on doing lots of Christmas shopping there myself.

On December 6th (that’s a Sunday and the second day of the sale) I’m going to give a FREE talk at Paradigm Gardens about (wait for it….) Indigo!

I’ll also demo dyeing for anyone who want to see what a super and amazing process it is and (painlessly) learn a titch of history and chemistry.

I’ll have a fresh new vat there, which is excellent because the very next Sunday – which is the 13th of December – I’m teaching a Dip Into Indigo class there from 1 – 4. It’s the perfect chance for you to MAKE Christmas gifts for people.

November Sale - some stuff left for December

Here’s my booth from the Art in the Wright Place sale I did last weekend.

It’s going to be a freaking awesome month! There’s even more happening that isn’t indigo related.  There’s a Fearless Crafter’s Program at the Monona Library on December 16th. Guest Artist Linda Orr will be leading us through making a fabric collage calendar.

Also at the library on Sunday, December 20th, I’m leading a community mending day. It’s happening every third Sunday. We will mending clothes and drinking coffee from 2 – 4.

Back to indigo, I want to thank everybody for keeping me so busy doing fun stuff so I’m hosting a give away in December! Woohoo!!!  Watch this space for details.

 

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Olbrich Gardens Class

The classes at Paradigm Gardens are going really well, they are super awesome to work with!

I have a Shibori Class coming up on the 16th of August at Paradigm that still has some room.

I won’t be offering an Indigo 101 Class there in August, though.  It’s only because I’m teaching one at Olbrich Gardens.  It’s a teeny bit cheaper, it’s a teeny bit shorter with a little less fabric available, and it’s a big bit more outside.  It’ll be awesome and I hope you’ll sign up for it.

Shibori and Indigo Class Samples

Here’s their class description:

“Shibori and Indigo Dyeing Workshop

Join Jennifer Falkowski for a hands-on exploration of making patterns on fabric using Shibori methods of dyeing with a natural indigo vat. Shibori is a Japanese process of tying, folding, and clamping fabric to create beautiful patterns when dyed. You will learn four different patterns and make four large coordinating indigo-dyed cloth napkins to take home. No dyeing experience necessary. Plan to get messy – wear old clothes and shoes and bring one pair of rubber gloves and a plastic bag for carrying your work home. All other materials provided. Class meets outdoors (rain date August 25). Adults and youth (ages 12 and up w/ an adult); each attendee pays the registration fee. Limited space; register early.

Tuesday, August 18 (rain date August 25), 6-8:30 pm

Registration Deadline:  August 11

Cost: $78 per person | Course Number: 21-15″

and their registration form

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Indigo Classes – Stitched Samples

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This isn’t a sample, this is just a yard of blue.  I thought it would make a pretty sky for a landscape quilt.  My backyard vat is getting tired, it could use more indigo. Until I add more, I’m experimenting with the different shades of blue I can come up with.  It’s been so dark, navy has been my only option.

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This is so pretty, isn’t it?  Am I allowed to say that about my own stuff?  hmm…Yes, I am.  I love it.

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And this guy, wooooo!  Fun.  I like the stitched pieces A LOT.  But they do take time.

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Oh yeah, had to do this.  It’s the PG version of my thought process when things are going well,  It’s lighter than the others because a stitch popped and I didn’t want to lose any letters so I stopped dipping it into the indigo early. The more times you dip fabric into an indigo vat, the darker the fabric gets.

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These guys took two Lord Of the Rings movies to stitch.  Totally worth it.  I’ll bring them to Indigo 101 at Paradigm Gardens on Sunday.  There’s still room for you to join the fellowship of the blue.

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Bag on Instagram

 

I put up a bag for sale on Instagram. I’ve never done anything like that before. Really a kick. No one bought it but I’m still all tickled.  It’s good to be easily amused.

Bag