A Fiber Artist's Journey through the Seasons

One pattern three ways.

If you’ve been following along so far, you know that I decided to start 2024 by choosing a word of the year to guide me through the upcoming months. After much contemplation, I chose "season" as my word of the year. Little did I know that this decision would lead me on a creative adventure, exploring not only different artistic mediums but also embracing the changing seasons of my own life.

This year, I decided to shake things up by diving headfirst into a challenge: creating a hex sign pattern inspired by the ever-evolving concept of "season."

And I decided to bring you along with me! And challenge you to also design your word of the year. (Start at the beginning, here).

I wanted to capture the essence of life's cyclical nature and my own commitment to growth and adaptability. To bring this vision to life, I created the same pattern in three distinct ways – each reflecting a different medium and a unique aspect of my journey.

Linocut Print: Exploring New Frontiers

First up on my creative odyssey was the new to me world of linocut printmaking. Now, let me tell you, this was uncharted territory for me. Carving into linoleum blocks demanded a steady hand and a bucketload of patience, pushing me out of my comfort zone. But as I wrestled with the challenges, I discovered the thrill of embracing the unknown. My linocut print emerged as a tangible symbol of my willingness to leap into new adventures, both in my art and in my life.

Punch Needle Rug Hooking: Where Comfort Meets Creativity

Next, I found myself nestled in the comforting embrace of my craft of choice – punch needle rug hooking. With each punch of the needle, I stitched the essence of "season" into the fabric, creating a piece that felt like wrapping myself in a cozy blanket of familiarity.

This project felt a bit like revisiting my old self - as reverse punching (showing the back stitches) and letting the linen foundation fabric shine through was the first iteration of my punch needle style that I explored.

Amidst the rhythmic motions of the punch needle, I found solace in the constancy of my chosen craft. It was a gentle reminder that, amidst life's whirlwind, there are always constants that anchor us and offer a sense of continuity.

Wool Applique: Embracing the Beauty of Change

And finally, I embarked on a journey of wool applique, where hand-dyed wool cloth became my canvas for exploration. As I layered and blended different elements, I marveled at the richness and depth they brought to the design. This piece, above all others, spoke to me on a visceral level. The wool cloth is rich, with subtle variations and each layer added a new dimension to the piece.

Reflecting on the Joys of Creative Challenges

Stepping into this creative challenge at the start of the year has taught me the value of flexibility, curiosity, and the possibilities that arise when we explore uncharted waters. Each piece, with its unique characteristics and challenges, represents a facet of my journey – a visual diary of my commitment to living a life filled with creativity and personal growth.

If you joined me in creating your own hex sign, I hope you also found a little inspiration in the unexpected, and enjoyed bringing your word of the year to life.

Here's to this new Season, embracing change, chasing dreams, and embarking on new adventures.

I can't wait to see where the creative currents take us next.

Happy creating, my friends!