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I Now Offer Rya Kits from Norway!

Rauma Ryer Folder11Reinlav-cover copyIf you have been patiently waiting for me to finish my book so I can create more rya kits for you to choose from, you don’t need to wait any longer.  I have been selling all the rya supplies offered by Rauma of Norway for over a year now.  I stock 76 of their 82 colors, and by November 2015, I will carry all 82 colors of their rya yarn (ryegarn) from the indigenous Spaelsau sheep of Norway.  I also carry their heavy wool and linen backings in 26 sizes.  What I did not have until this week, was access to their 125+ prepared kits.  Now I do.  This is huge.

Back in the old days when I worked with my grandparents, there was no internet with which to post photos of rya kits.  So you had to request a catalog which we had to snail mail to you to choose from.  It was a time-consuming and expensive process and hit-or-miss as to whether there were designs you wanted to make within that catalog.

Today, I am simply posting a few of the many designs you will see in the coming weeks. If you see one that you love, call or email me and order it.  I will place the order for your kit which generally will arrive in about one month.   I can send an online invoice to you, so when your kit arrives, I can ship it right off to you.  I will be adding instructions in English for those of you whose Norwegian is a little rusty.  If you are new to the rya process, I will start making the first row of knots for you to copy my process.   If you live within driving distance of my studio, you can pick it up (save shipping) and I will watch you make the knots until you are comfortable with the process–but that is something most people can easily figure out on their own.  The kit will have everything you need in it.  The ease of this kind of transaction will free me up to first finish writing the book, and eventually allow more time for me to teach classes and make up my own kits.  So without further ado . . . . The beginning of my Rauma offerings…Folder #11:

Rauma--Anemone -adjusted price

This rya has two types of yarn: ryegarn and prydvevgarn. The price for this kit is $386.

 

Rauma Ryer Folder11Harmoni copy

 

Rauma Ryer Folder11Kongle copy

Rauma Ryer folder11Leikarring copy

This heart-shaped design rya is knotted with two types of yarn: ryegarn and prydvevgarn. The price of this kit is $540.

 

 

 

 

Rauma Ryer Folder11Spire copy

This kit, Soldans, is made with both ryegarn and prydvev yarn. The kit price is: $386.

This kit, Soldans, is made with both ryegarn and prydvev yarn. The kit price is: $386.

Sommerfugl is available in 80 x 120 cm (31" x 47") for $488.

Sommerfugl is available in 80 x 120 cm (31″ x 47″) for $540.  This kit is composed of both ryegarn and prydvevgarn.

Rauma Ryer Folder11Tre

Available in 40 x 120 cm (16″ x 47″) for $286 or 60 x 110 cm (24″ x 43″) for $350.

Rauma Ryer Folder11Tulipan

Tulipan is available in the Reds as shown or also in Blues. The price for either is $350.

I think that is enough for now…. very soon, I will add more.  Stay tuned and thanks.  By the way, as far as the price of the kits goes … I did some calculations of what the basic materials would cost if bought separately, and in truth, the kit cost is very comparable.  I was surprised at how little mark up was added for the “kit construction.”  I figured some of you were wondering.

One of my most experienced rya customers, Murray, just ordered the first Rauma kit from me.  (He has made many Rauma kits though.)  When I received it and opened it to make sure all was in order, I noticed that the gorgeous yarn colors were a little different from the ones in the catalog.  Some of these catalog photos are old back in the day when the color vibrancy scale was amped up. (Think of the old National Geographics, where the vivid colors were a tab more vivid than reality.)  So you might expect your rya to be a bit more subdued than the photo.  Frankly, the colors in Murray’s kit were stunning, but you should know there is a possibility of a color variance.

And as a final note, those of you who are already designing your own, keep it up!  The kit is a great way to start, but designing your own is a rush!

Share Your Rya Story

Lynne, from Massachusetts has designed and knotted three ryas in the past year. Lynne was a beginner!

Lynne, from Massachusetts has designed and knotted three ryas in the past year. Lynne was a beginner!

I would love to have you share your rya stories with each other and me!   I’m looking for stories to add to the book I am writing about off-loom rya rug designing and making.  You can call me lazy if you like, but I feel rather than me telling you everything I know about rya, you might get more out of reading the book if you meet other people who have discovered rya. So if I think others can relate to what you have to say, or if you have a technique you would like to share or an opinion you would like to express, please share it in the comments below or email it to me at byrdcallstudio@gmail.com.

Nancy from Florida just completed a rya rug started by her mother decades ago.

Nancy from Florida just completed a rya rug started by her mother decades ago.

Anyone can post here (assuming it gets through my spam filter: me)  I will be selecting from these comments ones that would bring home a point to my potential readers of the book.  I will contact those folks and possibly ask for you to elaborate a little more and perhaps submit a photo of some of your rya work or a photo of you or both!  I will not be able to pay you for these comments, but if yours are selected to go in the book, I’ll send you a complimentary copy as soon as it is published.  If you work in a rya business, I’ll promote your rya business in the book.

My goals is to make the books as helpful and motivating as possible.  Sometimes beginners who have just fallen in love with an art can be the most motivational.

Heli MG's Award- winning Eco Fur Convertible Coat. Heli has turned rya into a modern fashion statement.

Heli MG’s Award- winning Eco Fur Convertible Coat. Heli, from Finland, has turned rya into a modern fashion art form.

So whether I know you or not, whether you made rugs for the first time this year or 50 years ago, whether you weave them on looms or on pre-woven backings, if you are completing a rya rug started 50 years ago by a parent, I want to hear your story–how you found supplies, how you discovered rya, challenges, rewards, designing experiences, ideas for the future, helpful hints, anything you would like to share.  Feel free to forward this to anyone with a story to share.

If you are wondering if your story is worth telling, just the fact that you are considering telling it means it is probably worth reading.  This blog is an easy place to start telling your story.  Go ahead; don’t be shy.  You will help give others confidence.  I may or may not be able to use it in the book, but I’d love to see what turns up here and how I can work more fun into the book with your perspectives.

Mia, in Sweden, lucked into finding a whole rya kit at an auction. She basically taught herself how to make it, and it is progressing nicely. Is it done yet, Mia?

Mia, in Sweden, lucked into finding a whole rya kit at an auction. She basically taught herself how to make it, and it is progressing nicely. Is it done yet, Mia?

I hope to have the “stories” in place in my book rough draft by the middle of September, so if you are tempted, please send your stories soon.  Many thanks in advance.     Melinda

Shall I Keep Printing T-shirts?

Mistletoe Mart and tree glasses 015I may have figured out a rough plan for keeping hand-printed shirts part of my active art life.  In my June Newsletter, I said that I was going to try to figure out a way to phase out the shirts.  I said I might not be doing shows that featured the shirts after 2015.  But I’ve heard from a lot of you that I should not stop, because you would have to go without shirts on your backs, and that could land you in the slammer, I understand.

But, here is my predicament:  I am writing a book on Designing and Making an Off-Loom Rya Rug… I am currently the sole supplier of quality rya supplies in this country–that I know of.  (Tell me if you know of others, please!)  Many people want these supplies and want to know how to use them NOW.  And I have a burning desire to keep creating art in the little art world I have built around my life in the form of floorcloth creations, oil and acrylics paintings and, of course, woodcut and linocut carving.  I don’t know how to do all that without letting go of something.  Carving James Ranch lino 023

So since the shirts have a following, I have decided to keep making them and selling them, but to do it in a smarter way which will make my life easier and maybe easier for you too.

Here is what I have come up with. (Feel free to add your ideas and comments below.)

Shirts stacked1.  Instead of filling a shirt basket with a rainbow of various colors where each size is a different color (just because it was pretty) I will start filling the basket with one or two colors of that particular design and try to have one of every size in that color.  This would prevent major decision-making for you at shows where you have 30 designs to choose from and 20 different colors.  It makes your eyes glaze over.  I will continue to take orders for the designs in your choice of any color made by Comfort Colors.  The result of this action will be that I can answer, “Yes I have that design in your size.”  Rather than “No-but-I-could-print-one-for- you.”

2.   I’ll print shirts on a schedule about every other month and definitely right after my shows.  I will take orders whenever people place an order, but rather than planning an impromptu printing day just to get one shirt done, I will schedule the printing for the next print day even if it is a month away.  That’s just logical really.  Most of you are so kind when you place an order, saying, “No rush, Take your time.”  And I appreciate that.

fireflies blue3.  I will probably gradually phase out most of my silkscreened shirts. (Raven in Flight, Fireflies, Great Blue Heron, Brookie, dare I say Hops?) The storage bins are big and I need the room for yarn.  And besides, admit it, you all want the hand-done shirts anyway.

I love Art in the Park, and I can’t see selling rya rugs there…so I fully intend to be there again next year with shirts.  Hot August Blues at Oregon Ridge Park–Yes I’ll be there with full shirt baskets on August 15th (Counting Crows will be there!), and I will be at the Mistletoe Mart for three full days of shirts on November 12-14.Hot August Music Fest 2014

And if you still need shirts, come to Byrdcall Studio during the Carroll County Artists Studio Tour first weekend in December with your holiday lists in hand.  During the Studio Tour you’ll have a chance to see my rya supplies as well…but THAT is another story.

Thanks for talking me off the cliff.  I’ll still be your shirt person, but maybe a little smarter.

Comments welcome:

I’m Teaching Rya at Common Ground on the Hill this Summer!

Student making color blending choices

As you may know, I have been a regular “student” of the Traditions Weeks at Common Ground on the Hill  since 2000.  If you are not familiar with their programs, take a look at their web site.  It used to be a one-week long residential (and commuter) Arts Camp focusing on the arts in all genres from all cultures. For the past several+ years it has grown into a 2-week camp. During Week II, I am teaching Scandinavian Rya Design where you will design and make your own rya with my guidance. (If you don’t know about rya, watch this 10-minute video I made with the Carroll County Times in 2012.)

I highly recommend taking the whole week off of work or routine if that is possible, and immerse yourself completely in the program. There are 5 periods each day plus meal time and concerts and lectures in the evenings and nights. You will meet people not only from all across the USA, but also the world.  You can also just sign up for one class, but believe me, you will want to stay for more each day.

Byrdcall Studio is filled with colors today.

Students from a previous class create their color combinations that they will knot onto their woven backings.

My class (in Week 2) runs from Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 10 from 9  – 11:45 AM.  We currently have 5 students signed up, but this kind of class is even more fun with a few more because you all will get to see what each other are working on which expands your knowledge of the craft. You don’t need any particular skills or knowledge in fiber arts. I can provide all the supplies you might need since they truly are very hard to find otherwise.)  Click here to see my Workshop Write-up.

ShelvesofyarnFor those of you who live out-of-the -area, what a perfect chance for learning new skills, meeting new people, enjoying (and learning) arts and music from all around the world in a safe and easy environment–McDaniel College campus in Westminster, Maryland.  If this interests you, do not delay.  Classes are filling quickly.  Hope to see you there.  Feel free to share this with anyone who love the arts and sharing and learning with others.

Melinda

1series

This is the beginning of Angie Michal’s very first rya which she designed and knotted.

disc2

When It Rains . . .

So just when life is rosy, and I’m feeling spunky, I made a big booboo. You see I am showing my shirts at Art in the Park this Saturday, (June 6, 2015) and recently booked a booth space at the Deer Creek Fiddlers Convention for the following weekend (June 13) to make the most of the time it takes to prepare for a show and load the van…. I just figured I’d leave the shirts in the van between shows…

van doorSo, the booboo: I was taking non-show stuff out of the van a couple of nights ago, and got distracted.  I left the side van door wide open all night.  Why was this a problem?  Well, it rained about 4″ that night and my carpeted van was quite saturated. Luckily no art work was in there, but still a wet van is nasty.  So I shop-vacced it, ran a little space heater, even used an iron on the carpet with a blotter fabric…and finally remembered the dehumidifier (which is working great.)

Why haven’t we had the hot Maryland days that we had last week to help me dry out? We went weeks without rain and now its is raining every day which doesn’t help me much. Now I’ll have to unload all the shirts as soon as I get home from Art in the Park so they don’t absorb funky smells from drying carpet.  Ahh, the best laid plans. Shirts stacked

So my bins of hand-printed shirts and much more await loading until the very last minute.  By the way I have a ton of shirts and I hope you will take one (at least) home from Art in the Park or the Deer Creek Fiddlers Convention.

Then to top off this streak of bad luck, I slammed my finger in the van’s sliding door a couple of hours ago. It’s not broken, but it is a fat and damaged finger which I can not bend–well maybe because it is splinted. How do you like my professional bandage and splint job?  finger splintThanks for letting me take a few moments of your time to whine and share my booboo wirh you. I do feel better now.  See you this weekend or next.  And know that I have gone to great measures to keep your shirts smelling fresh for you!  Cheers!

 

 

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