Category: Material Things
Posted by Jocelynn Brown on Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 12:19 PM'Rhythms in Fabric and Time' On Display Sept. 8-Oct. 31
The following information was recently sent in by the city of Farmington Hills.
A unique "collage" display of fiber works and African drums will be on exhibit at the Farmington Hills City Gallery, located in the Costick Center lobby, 28600 W. Eleven Mile Road, from Sept. 8 through Oct. 31. The collection is a collaboration of two performers and artists, Judith Sheldon and Baba Issa Abramaleem, also known as the artists of "First Circle." The exhibit was chosen to coincide with the City's Heritage Festival, which takes place on October 12.
"First Circle" evolved from the mutual interest of Sheldon and Abramaleem in incorporating drumming, dance, art, and process drama in order for participants to discover their indigenous and rhythmic group identity. The artists feel that, "Culture is the most creative thing we make," and believe in the celebration and beauty of diversity. The two present their theory in workshops and to schools, churches, museums and festivals, and have won several educational awards.
Sheldon and Abramaleem are also the choreographer and music director for Nations in Rhythm Detroit, a multicultural performance group. The exhibit will feature a visual presentation of the program, as well as collage works by both artists in several media.
The City Gallery is open during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and during special events. The Heritage Festival, a free family festival featuring artwork, exhibits, ethnic food and ongoing entertainment, will take place at the Costick Center on Sunday, Oct. 12 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. For further information, call the Cultural Arts Division at (248) 473-1848.
Category: Crafting
Posted by Jocelynn Brown on Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 11:55 AM'Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Fort Gratiot Store Unveils New Look'
This just in from Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores
Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the leading fabric and craft specialty retailer in America, will reveal a newly remodeled store in Fort Gratiot, MI on Sept. 11, 2008. In addition to the wide selection of fabrics for apparel, crafting, quilting and home decorating that customers expect from Jo-Ann, this refreshed location will offer an expanded assortment of crafting, floral, and seasonal products, and finished home-decor items. With brighter lighting and a new layout, it will be easy for local creative enthusiasts to find merchandise and inspiration for projects ranging from scrapbooking, sewing and knitting, to beading, cake decorating and more.
The 20,000-square-foot store is located at 4405 24th Avenue in Fort Gratiot. The Remodel Celebration will begin Sept. 11th and run through Sept. 13th, with doors opening at 9 a.m. each day. During the celebration, the first 100 guests each day will receive a free Jo-Ann gift card. And, beginning at noon on September 11-13, guests who spend $25 or more will receive a free Jo-Ann tote bag, while supplies last.
"We are excited to offer the Fort Gratiot community a remodeled Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store that offers the wide array of fabrics, sewing and craft items that we are known for in an easy to shop location," said Darrell Webb, chairman and CEO for Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. "Our hope is that customers will come into the Fort Gratiot store and feel inspired by our selection, impressed by our new look and pleased with our team members' knowledge and helpful service."
(For additional information, visit their website).
Category: Yarn Works
Posted by Jocelynn Brown on Fri, Sep 5, 2008 at 11:31 AMAnniversary Sale at Ewe-nique Knits Today and Saturday
In celebration of its anniversary, Ewe-nique Knits is having a 20% off yarn sale as part of an open house event being held today and tomorrow.
Hours for the open house are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. today, with hor'douvres and a children's art gallery beginning at 5 p.m., and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.
(Ewe-nique Knits is located at 515 South Lafayette in downtown Royal Oak. For more information, call (248) 584-3001, or visit their website).
Category: Beading
Posted by Jocelynn Brown on Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 12:04 PMMBAD/ABA African Bead Museum Host Festival Sept. 20th
Find a huge array of exciting beads for creating unique pieces of jewelry at the fifth annual African Bead Festival presented by MBAD/ABA African Bead Museum, "where Detroit 'African Town' begins."
Highlights for this year's festival includes a celebration of the unveiling of "The N'kisi Iron House, a beautification project," and the third annual outdoor quilt show presented by The Needle Rules! Society, called "Holding Our Heritage High."
Enjoy live entertainment featuring Efe Bes of the Bambuti, drumming, spoken word performances, face painting, vendors, food and much more.
Festival hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. MBAD/ABA African Bead Museum is located at 6559 W. Grand River at West Grand Blvd. in Detroit. For more information, call (313) 898-3007. Interested in being a vendor? If so, call (313) 917-7771.
Category: Yarn Works
Posted by Jocelynn Brown on Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 10:36 AMEwe-nique Knits' Fall Schedule Now Available
This just in from Ewe-nique Knits:
At Ewe-nique Knits, fall is such an exciting time of year for us. We've studied new techniques to share and chosen wonderful yarns, notions and gifts for the 2008 fall season. Please visit the shop to see and feel all the beautiful yarns and fibers new to the store.
(Ewe-nique Knits is located at 515 South Lafayette in downtown Royal Oak. For more information, call (248) 584-3001, or visit their website.
Category: Knitting
Posted by Jocelynn Brown on Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:43 AMAdorable Sock Patterns In A Box
Are you a sock knitter who carries your project with you and would actually prefer more of a "grab and go" pattern in place of one in a heavy, bulky book? If so, Charlene Schurch, "author of the best-selling 'Sensational Knitted Socks' and 'More Sensational Knitted Socks,' and Beth Parrott have put together a collection of 20 cute sock patterns in a box called "The Little Box of Socks" (Martingale & Company/$19.95).
You'll find fun patterns for "yoga/dance socks," "zigzag slip-stitch socks," "Scandinavian pattern socks," "bed socks with novelty yarn," "lace rib socks," "slip-stitch cable socks," and more.
Category: Giveaways
Posted by Jocelynn Brown on Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 10:44 AM"Create Jewelry Stones" Book Giveaway
If you're a modern jewelry maker looking for a new twist on designing your wearable art then check out the newly released book titled "Create Jewelry Stones: Stunning Designs to Make and Wear" (Interweave Press/$22.95).
The book is co-authored by Marlene Blessing, editor-in-chief of "Beadwork" magazine and co-host of PBS' "Beads, Baubles and Jewels," and jewelry designer Jamie Hogsett. The two have put together a collection of eye-catching jewelry designs for someone ready to step outside the box of traditional beaded jewelry making. From "vintage vogue" to "special occasion" pieces, you're sure to find something that pleases your taste in jewelry fashioned with a wide assortment of semi-precious stones.
If you'd like a chance at winning a copy of the book, just email me at jbrown@detnews.com and tell me a little about your jewelry making. Please put the word "stones" in the subject line, and remember to include your name and address.
Good Luck!
Category: Giveaways
Posted by Jocelynn Brown on Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 10:23 AM"New From Old" Book Giveaway
Is your closet filled with out-dated clothes you no longer want to be seen in because maybe they don't fit the way they use to? Well, you can turn that old, undesireable wardrobe into lots of hip and happening garments and accessories.
Freelance textile designer Jayne Emerson shows you how in her recently released book "New From Old -- How to Transform and Customize Your Clothes" (A Firefly Book/$22.95).
Projects include embellishing old shoes with beads, adding a ribbon neckline to a once favorite sweater, using a scarf to make a halter top and, my favorite one of all, is taking that leather skirt that's now about two sizes too small and turning it into an oversized tote. Linen collectors will love her idea of turning a tablecloth into a full skirt with a scalloped edge.
If this book sounds like something you could use, just email me at jbrown@detnews.com for a chance at winning a copy. Please put the words "new from old" in the subject line, and remember to include your name and address.
Good Luck!
Category: Giveaways
Posted by Jocelynn Brown on Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 1:50 PM"Denim Revolution" Book Giveaway
When the jeans in your wardrobe are no longer "trendy," do you have difficulty parting with them because of the quality and durability of the fabric? Do you ever wonder how they might be turned into something practical, like a hat, or maybe redesigned into a more fashion-forward pair of jeans.
If so, "Denim Revolution-Dozens of Ways to Turn Denim, Cast-Offs into Fashion Must-Haves" (Potter Craft/$19.95) shows you how easy it is to repurpose those old jeans.
In the book, author Nancy Mirsky shares exciting ways to use outdated jeans to make scarves, vests, short, shorts, purses, stylish shirts, a cloak, hats, jackets, pants and much more.
If you'd like a chance at winning a copy of the book, just email me at jbrown@detnews.com and tell me why you're interested in recycling old jeans. Please put the word "denim" in the subject line, and remember to include your name and address.
Good Luck!
Category: Yarn Works
Posted by Jocelynn Brown on Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 1:45 PMNeighborhood Knits Fall Class Schedule Now Available
This just in from Neighborhood Knits, "Where Friends Gather to Knit, Share & Create."
Our fall class schedule and newsletter is out and can (be) viewed on our website www.Neighborhood-Knits.com. ...Registration can be made in person at the shop, or over the phone with a credit card.
Please take note that the shop will be CLOSED on Saturday, August 30, for Labor Day weekend.
(Neighborhood Knits is located at 23305 Ford Road in Dearborn). For more information, call (313) 357-7772.
