A Digital Christmas

 

Wonderful!

A Merry Christmas to all,

be it digital or in "real" life!

A Digital Christmas

The TAFA Team's Catalog of Shops: Eclectic Mix

Intricate embroideries by InsideOutsideArt

TAFA: The Textile and Fiber Art List was launched in February, 2010.  As it has grown, now to over 200 members, so have the members who have Etsy shops.  About half of us use Etsy as our retail platform.  We decided to organize as an Etsy Team (a program Etsy has for sellers to organize under themes or locations) and set up a blog where we can talk about what is important to us and where we can show off our shops.  The blog has eight pages of shops, divided into themes and serves as our Team Shops Catalog.  Although many of us sell things that do not fit neatly into those categories, most of us do have a focus.  I am introducing each of those categories here, hoping that this will encourage you to go over there and shop, shop, shop, until you drop!  These eight pages have over 100 shops, filled with wonderful eye candy that will surely delight anyone who appreciates all the many techniques and traditions that are found in the needle and textile arts. 

Today's focus:  Eclectic Mix

Blogger recently allowed its users to add pages, with 10 page limit.  Our Team Blog uses this platform and is limited to these pages, although we could use several more.  So, we are using Eclectic Mix for categories that didn't fit neatly into the other larger ones.  Of these, we have two sub-categories, Embroidery and Paper, each with beautiful shops that also include other items, so do explore them.  Manitoba Gifts, for example, focuses on embroidery on wool, but the shop is shared with beautiful hand tooled leather items.  Nejiribana's shop owner, Jane Smith, has a passion for Japanese embroidery.  These pieces take a long time to complete, so she also carries patterns and vintage Japanese fabric.  Jump in and enjoy!

Embroidery

 Embroidery and mixed media by Leisa Rich

Emboidered pincushions by Manitoba Gifts

 Japanese embroidery by Nejiribana

Paper

 Beautiful art journals by Sue Bleiweiss

 Handmade paper by The Greene Fairy

Click here to visit our Eclectic Mix section in our TAFA Team Catalog of Shops.

And, while you are there, click on the other tabs to see our other Team member shops.  We aim to be the best in textiles and fiber art on Etsy!

Happy Holidays

 

from the TAFA Team!

 

 

The TAFA Team's Catalog of Shops: Eclectic Mix

Claudia Elliott

Claudia Elliott

There is a fundamental connection when you sell products that is essential in business: your customer base.  When you sell online, you do get to "meet" some of those customers and every now and then a bond forms and a relationship develops that becomes a real friendship, even if you never meet in the physical realm.  When you have a shop on a busy Chicago street, people come in and out and you get the full impact of their physical presence.  Claudia Elliott was one of those customers who filled all the space around her with a powerful light.  Ironic, as she was confined to a broken body that slowly deteriorated over the years, causing her tremendous pain and physical hardship.  

She and her husband, John, came into my life through my Chicago shop.  We did not see each other often, but every meeting was full of stories, wisdom, laughter and the desire, at least on my part for more, much more.  Claudia had been a Peace Corps Volunteer in Brazil in the 1960's, at about the same time when my parents went down as missionaries.  So, there were many stories about that and both of us had a chance to practice our rusty Portuguese.  My friend, Donna of Razzle Dazzle, did Claudia's hair (and mine for 15 years!) so there was always news flowing through her, too.

I moved to Kentucky.  She and John moved back to New Harmony, Indiana, where she was originally from.  Laura Foster Nicholson was another connection as she joined TAFA and we got to know each other online and through a meeting at the Paducah Quilt Show.  All of those circles that connect us through both business and common ground.  Claudia passed away, or rather, was released, earlier this year and Laura just sent me a beautiful, poignant video that captures the end of this cycle of her life.  Claudia had a distinctive manner in how she spoke and held herself.  I am so glad to have a record of her voice!  Those of you who did not know her will appreciate the strength and dignity this woman had, a role model for any of us who wish to live life fully and honestly!

On The Way #1: Claudia from Mark Othell on Vimeo.

I am honored to carry Claudia's light.  May I also shine as she did!

Claudia's Obituary

Laura's blog post about Claudia

Claudia Elliott

The TAFA Team's Catalog of Shops: Home Interiors

 Mr. and Mrs. Santa by Susan M. Hinckley

Susan is known for her "Small Works in Wool", beautiful vignettes made of appliqued pieces in her own cartoon images.  She also paints on fabric.  Prints of past work are also available in her Etsy shop.

TAFA: The Textile and Fiber Art List was launched in February, 2010.  As it has grown, now to over 200 members, so have the members who have Etsy shops.  About half of us use Etsy as our retail platform.  We decided to organize as an Etsy Team (a program Etsy has for sellers to organize under themes or locations) and set up a blog where we can talk about what is important to us and where we can show off our shops.  The blog has eight pages of shops, divided into themes and serves as our Team Shops Catalog.  Although many of us sell things that do not fit neatly into those categories, most of us do have a focus.  I am introducing each of those categories here, hoping that this will encourage you to go over there and shop, shop, shop, until you drop!  These eight pages have over 100 shops, filled with wonderful eye candy that will surely delight anyone who appreciates all the many techniques and traditions that are found in the needle and textile arts. 

Today's focus:  Home Interiors

Barrel chair given new life by Vintage Renewal

Home Interiors is the category where you will find our Team Shops that focus on decorative and practical items for the home.  As we are about textile and fiber art related work, the natural things that come to mind are linens, quilts, pillows, baskets, and fiber art for the wall.  We have them all!  Vintage Renewal, who salvaged the chair in the photo above, has our largest pieces: furniture that has been salvaged by Jeanne Connolly.  Her Etsy shop is currently low on the big pieces, but has lots of wonderful pillows to choose from.  You can see past furniture pieces on the sold page of her website, showing a distinctive style and vision.  Rescuing such large pieces and giving them new life is something I applaud with all of my heart!

Many of our members make a concerted effort at recycling, reclaiming old fabric, incorporating vintage fabrics into new pieces and using non-toxic dyes in their work.  We can make a difference on our environment by the choices we make in what materials we use.  One of our members, Fabrique Fantastique, makes vintage her ecological contribution:

 Fabrique Fantastique is the mecca of vintage quilts and scarves.

Jan Marriott, owner of this vintage paradise, has pages and pages in her Etsy shop filled with quilts, scarves, fabric and even some cultural textiles. 

Then, we have Team Members who make contemporary quilts and throws:

 Peppermint Pinwheel's Nine Patch Quilt

My Sweet Prairie also has quilt patterns available.

We have another category in our Catalog of Shops for Art Quilts.  The traditional quilts, even if contemporary in design, are functional.  I always think of them as the closest thing you can get to a hug when you need to snuggle on a cold, cold day.

Other Team members make objects that give character to a home: vessels, fabrics and other objects.  You can be sure that you will not find another lamp like this one!

Fairytale Incorporated's fabric lamp:

Style with Distinction!

Then, Papaver Vert, always has a wonderful selection of felted containers, vessels, objects, and accessories.  Patty uses wonderful colors, bringing life to these wonderful home accents:

Felted Vessels by Papaver Vert

One of our newest members, Susan Shinnick, is kind of a Renaissance woman!  She is so talented and does so many different things that it was hard to know where to put her.  But, she does have a focus on the home and with such beautiful results!

 

 Susan Shinnick hand dyes and prints fabric, then makes them into napkins, placemats, runners, clothing, and other accessories.

Our Team members have so much talent and creativity!  You really need to go into their shops and explore as they all have a huge variety of offerings.  To finish this introduction of our Home Interiors category, I thought this trivet by Yellow Violet was so appropriate as we are only 23 days away from Christmas!   Yikes!  Panic attack or what?

 Yellow Violet specializes in fabric coiled baskets.  

She also sews and has lots of great gifts for guys.

Click here to visit our Home Interiors section in our TAFA Team Catalog of Shops.

And, while you are there, click on the other tabs to see our other Team member shops.  We aim to be the best in textiles and fiber art on Etsy!

The TAFA Team's Catalog of Shops: Home Interiors

Five great gifts from Rayela Art!

For your Goth niece.

For your sister.

For the teenager.

For the your brother.

For the one who has everything.

All cool.

All made by me.

Buy it.

 

Five great gifts from Rayela Art!

Rayela Art's Black Friday Discount: 25% Off on Etsy!

Kuba Cloth on sale on Rayela Art!

Black Friday?!!!

Doesn't sound very appealing does it?  That is the name that the day after Thanksgiving has been given here in the United States.  It has been the busiest retail day of the year for decades now.  So, what does that name mean?  Here is Wikipedia's definition:

The day's name originated in Philadelphia, where it originally was used to describe the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic which would occur on the day after Thanksgiving.  Later an alternative explanation began to be offered: that "Black Friday" indicates the period during which retailers are turning a profit, or "in the black." Use of the term began by 1966 and began to see broader use outside Philadelphia around 1975.

Specialty shops like mine, don't usually get bombarded like the big malls where people are elbowing each other, grasping for the best deal they can get.  We usually get hit early in December when the "hard to shop for" eccentric aunt or hippie niece are still on the list.  But, all of us little shops also have our fingers crossed, hoping that we can get some of the action, too.

Like everybody else, we resort to marketing and promotions.  Here it is:

 Crowds rush to Rayela Art's Big Sale!!!

25% Off on the whole shop!

Through Black Friday!

Use Coupon Code 11232010 at check out!

(Does it feel like I am yelling?  Think of a fish vendor pushing a cart on the street....  That's me...)
 

I have the shop stocked with beautiful textiles, some things I have made and other cool stuff.  The discount will help in these tough economic times.  Normally, I give free shipping on purchases over $100 but can't afford to do both that and the discount.

See the link at the top of the blog where it says Etsy shops?  Click on that an you will see more from my shop.  And, I manage two other shops and have them there.  Items from all three can be shipped together for extra savings.

Let the season begin!  And, remember to visit my shop for that special person in your life!

 Ralli Quilt from Pakistan

Rayela Art's Black Friday Discount: 25% Off on Etsy!

The TAFA Team's Catalog of Shops: Cultural Textiles

 

TAFA Team member, Catherine Bayar, sells vintage textiles, knits and is setting up a workshop for women in Istanbul, Turkey.

TAFA: The Textile and Fiber Art List was launched in February, 2010.  As it has grown, now to over 200 members, so have the members who have Etsy shops.  About half of us use Etsy as our retail platform.  We decided to organize as an Etsy Team (a program Etsy has for sellers to organize under themes or locations) and set up a blog where we can talk about what is important to us and where we can show off our shops.  The blog has eight pages of shops, divided into themes and serves as our Team Shops Catalog.  Although many of us sell things that do not fit neatly into those categories, most of us do have a focus.  I am introducing each of those categories here, hoping that this will encourage you to go over there and shop, shop, shop, until you drop!  These eight pages have over 100 shops, filled with wonderful eye candy that will surely delight anyone who appreciates all the many techniques and traditions that are found in the needle and textile arts. 

Today's focus:  Cultural Textiles

 

 Afghan Tribal Arts sells vintage textiles and beads from Afghanistan and the region.  

Many of the beads are hand-carved semi-precious stones which support artisans who have been living in refugee camps for decades.

 

 

Although I love all kinds of textiles and the techniques that go with them, I have to say that my passion lies with cultural textiles, especially embroidery from Central Asia.  I quilt and embroider and sew and make all kinds of stuff, but when I see these embroideries, touch them, and think of all of the work that goes into them, my mind goes into sensory overload.  That is part of the attraction for me: the skill, the use of basic materials to create something beautiful, the textures and images created in and through fabric and thread...  The other magnet is the knowledge that these pieces come from communities where crafts are central to the cultures they represent.  They bring with them centuries of stories, of traditions, of symbolism.  They are pictures of people, most of whom face terrible difficulties in our modern world.  War, famine, global warming, deforestation, pesticide use, land grabbing, aids, and so many other devastating perils threaten communities that we have called "ethnic" or "tribal" in the past.  Along with their displacement and poverty goes their knowledge and ability to produce the textiles and crafts that tell their stories.

 

 

 Valerie Hearder, a quilter, started African Threads to help women in South Africa find new markets for their embroidery and other crafts.  She has introduced contemporary images, like the Michael Jackson icon above, along maintaining traditional ones.

 

 

An understanding dawned on development leaders in the 1970's that crafts had potential as an economic development tool.  There was a handmade revolution back then, too, with the hippie movement and all of the do-it-yourself projects that were starting to roll out to market through kits.  Remember all the macrame projects?  Cutting glass?  There is a parallel that remains true today:  people who have exposure to making things themselves appreciate handmade things from around the world.  Other reasons for interest in cultural crafts have to do with travel, support for causes, empathy, and so on.  So, way back then, the Peace Corps taught the Otavalo Indians how to knit sweaters using Scandinavian designs, other development groups began looking at how crafts could employ the people they were working, churches saw that they could also do this and the concept of fair trade came into being.  Thirty years later we continue to see efforts all over the world, formally and informally, of using craft production as a means to both preserve cultural traditions and village structures through and economic development focus.  Many of these models have brought relief closer to home.  Alabama Chanin, for example, has successfully created a business which employs women in Alabama to make gorgeous handmade clothing using sustainable practices and materials.  All of our TAFA Team members who are working with cultural textiles also have social missions which encourage economic development in the communities they represent.

 

 Indira Govindan of dharmakarmaarts is an artist who is inspired by her Indian ancestry.  ALL of the proceeds of her Etsy sales go to support a handicapped project in India.

When I started TAFA, I made the conscious choice of giving both cultural and contemporary textiles and fiber art the same importance in sharing a common platform.  One of the challenges we face when working with these textiles is that they have been perceived as less valuable than contemporary work.  A weaver in Guatemala is called a producer or artisan while a weaver in Santa Fe is referred to as a fiber artist.  All of this translates into dollars.  As these traditions disappear, we will end up having a handfull of masters or living cultural treasures and then cheap imitations that are churned out by sweat shops or machines.  Already, the places in the world where carpets are still produced have dwindled to a handful of countries.  As they industrialize and destroy traditional nomadic or village life, the need for and ability to maintain production disappears.

 MayaMam is a new effort working with a weaving group in Guatemala.

All of us who sell online have to master many skills in order to present our goods successfully: we have to become great photographers, product designers, learn how to practice good customer service, learn about shipping to places around the world, and so on.  Our Team has many levels of expertise and we have implemented a mentor program where experienced sellers can guide the newbie ones.  Yet, none of us can move forward without support from a willing customer base, you!  Whether these textiles are purchased for their beauty or for the good that they do, there is a necessary bond that connects the maker to the seller to the buyer.  There has been a strong bias on Etsy against cultural crafts because most of us who sell them are not making the product.  Yet, the makers, in these cases, are often illiterate, have no access to computers, are living in terrible conditions and they need us as a bridge to bring their work to market.

 Dr. Christi Bonds Garrett of HeArt of Healing has one of the largest mola collections in the MidWest.  As an art quilter, she also loves vintage japanese kimono which can be cut up and used in new pieces.  As a practitioner of Integrative Medicine, Christi is especially interested in the Kuna medicinal traditions and how they are documented in their molas.  The above mola shows a Kuna woman working on a weaving while she smokes her pipe.

I find it interesting how many of us in our Team who work with cultural textiles also make our own work.  This cultural exchange is not new.  Picasso, Gauguin and many others were influenced by tribal or ethnic work that made their way to Europe.  The Moors changed the art of Southern Spain and Portugal.  With all of the technological exchanges we have in our world today, we see global fusion happening in all areas of life: crafts, food, music and even in the choices we make for marriage partners and social circles.  It's a fascinating time in history.  There is a constant choice we make in what to assimilate and what gets lost in the translation.  This is where the preservation of vintage textiles are so important.  We can keep them as references to the past while we explore new ways to relate to the present and future.

My shop, Rayela, has vintage textiles from around the world and remnants which can be incorporated into new pieces.  A special love I have: ralli quilts from India and Pakistan.

Interest in cultural textiles often leads to increased knowledge about the people who made them which can then foster actual connections.  Several of our members offer cultural tours specializing in textile production.  Valerie Hearder is taking a group to South Africa in 2011.  Fiona Wright (Glitzandpieces on Etsy) sells vintage saris and textiles on Etsy, but spends most of her time on workshops and leading her cultural tours around India.

 Wouldn't a cultural tour with Fiona be something to remember forever?

It's a beautiful world and we bring some of it to you through our Cultural Textiles.  Do not hesitate to contact the shops for more information on what they are doing.  We are a social group, anxious to make connections and friendships along the way!

Click here to visit our Cultural Textiles in our TAFA Team Catalog of Shops.

And, while you are there, click on the other tabs to see our other Team member shops.  We aim to be the best in textiles and fiber art on Etsy!

The TAFA Team's Catalog of Shops: Cultural Textiles

The TAFA Team's Catalog of Shops: Art Quilts

"Sea Urchin" Art Quilt by Bette Busby

TAFA: The Textile and Fiber Art List was launched in February, 2010.  As it has grown, now over 200 members, so have the members who have Etsy shops.  About half of us use Etsy as our retail platform.  We decided to organize as an Etsy Team (a program Etsy has for sellers to organize under themes or locations) and set up a blog where we can talk about what is important to us and where we can show off our shops.  The blog has eight pages of shops, divided into themes and serves as our Team Catalog.  Although many of us sell things that do not fit neatly into those categories, most of us do have a focus.  I am introducing each of those categories here, hoping that this will encourage you to go over there and shop, shop, shop, until you drop!  These eight pages have over 100 shops, filled with wonderful eye candy that will surely delight anyone who appreciates all the many techniques and traditions that are found in the needle and textile arts. 

Today's focus:  Art Quilts

"Rainbow Spiral" Art Quilt by Terry Aske

When I first launched TAFA, Art Quilters were the first ones to jump on board and become members.  A natural connection, perhaps, as they are my peers.  I consider myself an "art quilter" although I haven't produced much work lately. (Could it be that TAFA is taking up ALL of my time??!!!)  Their support surprised me as I didn't know most of them, even in cyberspace, at the time.  Then, as I began to connect with them through TAFA, I found that they are an organized bunch.  They have a huge and vibrant presence on Facebook and of our TAFA members, currently 40 are also members of SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) and 27 are members of the SDA (Surface Design Association).  They seem to be more organized as a group and interact more with each other than the weavers, felters, and other types of TAFA members.  They also seem pretty savvy in terms of using social media as a tool to promote themselves.  I am not sure why this is, but many have also chosen to use Etsy as a platform where they can sell their work.  

 "Waiting"  Art Quilt by Terri Stegmiller

Etsy is often perceived as a marketplace where cheap crafts are sold.  When Etsy was first launched, almost everything on there was gorgeous art eye candy.  As it exploded as a marketplace, it is true that the higher end ticket items became diluted by little barrettes, domino pendants, cutesy things that appeal to a younger, less affluent crowd.  However, Etsy continues to offer a place for artists to showcase their work at an affordable price.  The platform is beautiful and there are also affluent customers looking for the perfect piece for their home or office.  Our hope is that our TAFA Team will be able to attract these buyers who can support larger work like our art quilts.  One of the reasons that I haven't been able to make much work is that these pieces take a lot of time to complete.  My largest piece took nine months, over 1,000 hours to make.  Most of the art quilters are not investing that kind of time in each piece, yet they are substantial works.

 Art Quilt by Constance Rose

Our studio artists explore a whole range of techniques in their art quilts.  Some focus on strict sewing possibilities, while others manipulate fabric and add texture through dyes, beadwork and incorporate both new and old approaches used in the textile world.  We also have functional quilts made by our Team members, but they have been categorized under the Home Interiors tab.  Why separate them?  Partly because they really do appeal to buyers for different reasons.  Art quilts are normally displayed on the wall as an art piece, while "traditional" quilts (which can also be artsy and exquisite!) are sought after for their function as a bed cover or throw.

"Autumn in New York" Art Quilt by Diane Evans

We currently have 12 of our TAFA members who are art quilters selling on Etsy.  Explore their shops.  There are so many treasures there!  Spread the word about them!  

Click here to visit our Art Quilts Page in our TAFA Team Catalog of Shops.

And, while you are there, click on the other tabs to see our other Team member shops.  We aim to be the best in textiles and fiber art on Etsy!

All TAFA Team members are also members of TAFA: The Textile and Fiber Art List.

Interested in membership?  Click here for more information.

The TAFA Team's Catalog of Shops: Art Quilts

The TAFA Team's Catalog of Shops: Art Dolls and Animals

Colin's Creatures, Sheep made with tenderness...

TAFA: The Textile and Fiber Art List was launched in February, 2010.  As it has grown, now over 200 members, so have the members who have Etsy shops.  About half of us use Etsy as our retail platform.  We decided to organize as an Etsy Team (a program Etsy has for sellers to organize under themes or locations) and set up a blog where we can talk about what is important to us and where we can show off our shops.  The blog has eight pages of shops, divided into themes and serves as our Team Catalog.  Although many of us sell things that do not fit neatly into those categories, most of us do have a focus.  I am introducing each of those categories here, hoping that this will encourage you to go over there and shop, shop, shop, until you drop!  These eight pages have over 100 shops, filled with wonderful eye candy that will surely delight anyone who appreciates all the many techniques and traditions that are found in the needle and textile arts. 

Today's focus:  Art Dolls and Animals

Geek Redhead Girl by Yermit

  

For some reason, I have always been drawn to handmade dolls and animals, purchasing one here and there and ending up with a small collection.  Most of mine are cultural dolls, but others called to me because of their unique look, technique or "spirit".  I sew and make things and figured that I could make these 3-d pieces as well.  One year, I decided I was going to make a bunch of funny teddy bears for all the kids I know.  After I finished the first bear, I trashed the intention along with that poor, wretched piece of road kill.  Point of story?  It's not as easy as it seems to make two arms and two legs sit well on that body....  So, I have great respect for people who work with soft sculpture and one day, I hope to master the ability to do so as well!

I recently did a treasury that features several of our TAFA Art Dolls and Animals:

My Eyes Are On This Crazy Beautiful World

I find it intriguing how fabric and other materials can be basically similar tools for different artists, but the way they are handled ends up in such different results.  Of course, this is true of anything: art, music, dance...   But, there is just something special about the right rendition of an art doll or animal, perhaps something that is buried in a treasured childhood memory, begging to live on.

Dragon House of Yuen supports efforts in hare rescue.

Some of our soft sculptures are made for children.  Orit Dotan makes dolls in the Montessori tradition.  Others are intended to be seen as objects to be treasured, not played with.  Whether appealing to the child in the home or the child within, Art Dolls and Animals is a wonderful category to explore.  Visit each shop as they all have a huge variety even within their own shops.

Click here to visit our Art Dolls and Animals Page in our TAFA Team Catalog of Shops.

And, while you are there, click on the other tabs to see our other Team member shops.  We aim to be the best in textiles and fiber art on Etsy!

All TAFA Team members are also members of TAFA: The Textile and Fiber Art List.

Interested in membership?  Click here for more information.

The TAFA Team's Catalog of Shops: Art Dolls and Animals

The TAFA Team's Catalog of Shops: Jewelry and Accessories

Freeform hats and bags by Rensfibreart

TAFA: The Textile and Fiber Art List was launched in February, 2010.  As it has grown, now over 200 members, so have the members who have Etsy shops.  About half of us use Etsy as our retail platform.  We decided to organize as an Etsy Team (a program Etsy has for sellers to organize under themes or locations) and set up a blog where we can talk about what is important to us and where we can show off our shops.  The blog has eight pages of shops, divided into themes and serves as our Team Catalog.  Although many of us sell things that do not fit neatly into those categories, most of us do have a focus.  I am introducing each of those categories here, hoping that this will encourage you to go over there and shop, shop, shop, until you drop!  These eight pages have over 100 shops, filled with wonderful eye candy that will surely delight anyone who appreciates all the many techniques and traditions that are found in the needle and textile arts. 

Today's focus:  Jewelry and Apparel

Vintage Miao textile incorporated into a bag, by dazzlinglanna

Picking images for this post is not an easy task as there are so many beautiful pieces in our Jewelry and Accessories page.  This is one of the places where you can really see how people are exploring techniques and interpreting them into their own designs.  You will find functional items like scarves, bags, purses, hats, cuffs, gloves, necklaces and bracelets.  Our members are felting, dyeing, painting on silk, reclaiming old textiles and fabrics, knitting, beading, weaving and of course, sewing.

Hagar of Gilgulim recycles old ties into beautiful jewelry.

TAFA is an international organization, exemplified by our members on this page.  Hagar is Israeli, Jutamas of Dazzling Lanna lives in Thailand, Rosemary of Plumfish Creations and Renate are both in Australia, Morgen of Inkyspider  is Canadian, Marina hails from Puerto Rico, Inese is in Latvia, Dolapo of Urban Knit is in the United Kingdom, Lilou works with weavers in Cambodia and so on.  Of course, quite a few are based here in the United States.  The diversity of our members, both in the techniques they are exploring and their cultural influences makes for a fascinating collection of colors, textures, and designs.

 Lilou, a fair trade group working with weavers in Cambodia.

The big challenge for all of us is that nobody really "needs" anything we are selling.  And, in this awful economy, buyers have been tightening their belts and holding on to their money.  Yet, is not beauty something that our spirits crave?  An accessory from one of our shops will certainly cost a lot more than a bauble that is sold at Walmart.  But, the right scarf, hat or necklace can not only finish off an outfit and make it complete, but also makes a statement of support for the worldwide handmade community.  It ties us to our historical roots represented by the techniques we promote through our work.  

 

 Wraps by Inese, our TAFA member in Latvia

 

Click here to visit our Jewelry and Accessories Page in our TAFA Team Catalog of Shops.

And, while you are there, click on the other tabs to see our other Team member shops.  We aim to be the best in textiles and fiber art on Etsy!

All TAFA Team members are also members of TAFA: The Textile and Fiber Art List.

Interested in membership?  Click here for more information.

The TAFA Team's Catalog of Shops: Jewelry and Accessories

The TAFA Team's Catalog of Shops: Apparel

Wearable Art by Ariane Mariane

TAFA: The Textile and Fiber Art List was launched in February, 2010.  As it has grown, now over 200 members, so have the members who have Etsy shops.  About half of us use Etsy as our retail platform.  We decided to organize as an Etsy Team (a program Etsy has for sellers to organize under themes or locations) and set up a blog where we can talk about what is important to us and where we can show off our shops.  The blog has eight pages of shops, divided into themes and serves as our Team Catalog.  Although many of us sell things that do not fit neatly into those categories, most of us do have a focus.  I am introducing each of those categories here, hoping that this will encourage you to go over there and shop, shop, shop, until you drop!  These eight pages have over 100 shops, filled with wonderful eye candy that will surely delight anyone who appreciates all the many techniques and traditions that are found in the needle and textile arts. 

Today's focus:  Apparel

Organza Jacket by CherScapes

What we wear can give a message to the world about who we are in a larger sense: our religious and social ties, whether we part of a social subgroup, whether we care or not about our appearance.  Every April thousands of women descend on Paducah for the yearly quilt show.  They can be spotted for blocks away by their colorful quilted jackets and bags.  Political movements have been defined by t-shirts with messages on them, websites are dedicated to fashion or ridicule of what is worn (like the ones making fun of what has been seen at Walmart) and all of our social subgroups identify themselves by common dress: punk, bikers, hippies, goth, hunters, and so on.  Name the group and you can picture the dress.  Religious people also identify themselves through clothing: Jews, Mormons, Amish and many others have strict codes of dress.  

Some have provoked huge debate in our social/political circles leading to legislation, like the current ban on burkas in France.  Clothing and what we wear then becomes a matter of freedom.  I ask, if one group is persecuted does that not threaten the freedoms of others to choose what they want to wear?  Whether or not we are offended by how people dress, it seems to me like a free society needs to protect all of our rights to make this choice.

Dyed T-Shirt by Dye Diana Dye

Rest assured that our Team will not provoke much controversial discussion with their clothing.  You will find beautiful pieces which have been lovingly constructed or manipulated by dye, embroidery, felting or sewing.  Some are practical and can be worn anywhere, while others are pieces of wearable art which must be saved for that special occasion where you will want to stand out in the crowd.

And, we even have a growing representation for the wee artist.  A couple of our members specialize in clothing for babies and little ones.

Knit wear for children by JWrobel

Click here to visit our Apparel Page in our TAFA Team Catalog of Shops.

And, while you are there, click on the other tabs to see our other Team member shops.  We aim to be the best in textiles and fiber art on Etsy!

All TAFA Team members are also members of TAFA: The Textile and Fiber Art List.

Interested in membership?  Click here for more information.

The TAFA Team's Catalog of Shops: Apparel