Homestead Weaving Studio, LLC

 
Changes at the studio; new rug inventory; sale on summer colors of loops while they last!~ August 1, 2015
Coming: Back Roads of Brown County Fall Studio Tour
This summer has been one for the record books! I don't remember a wetter summer in Southern Indiana. We have been sticking close to the homestead and working on merchandise for our fall shows. 

A chill in the air and shortening days announce the coming of the fall season. This is a special time as sunshine strikes from a different angle and autumn-lovers come from across the nation to witness the spectacular fall colors in southern Indiana, especially in nearby Brown County State Park. At Homestead Weaving Studio, it’s our busiest time of year.

The studio will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day in October, and we’ll be looking forward to meeting the people who come on the Back Roads of Brown County Fall Studio Tour. Some days, we’ll have homemade cookies and hot apple cider to celebrate the season. Every day, visitors will be welcomed and offered a chance to try a little weaving for themselves.

As usual, we will be set up at four shows between now and Christmas, starting with Madison Chautauqua of the Arts on September 26 & 27. To see a list of all our fall shows, visit our website.

We will have our usual supply of unique Mobius shawls and scarves, along with shaggy rugs, colorful sock rugs, mug rugs and other goodies.

Our newest handwoven rugs and clothing items can be purchased on our recently updated website. 
So make your plans now to visit us at the studio in southeastern Brown County this fall, or stop by one of the shows. If you have questions or need a special item, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We love talking with our customers.

Potholder loops and looms, expansion, and studio news~
It has been a year since we acquired the potholder loom kit business, purchasing several thousand pounds of sock loops and sock waste produced by Solmate Socks. These distinctive colorful sockloops can be used in weaving or in making potholders and coasters. 

But they are not the traditional potholders you made in Girl Scouts. These looms make large 7" (finished size) potholders which can even be stitched together for a one-of-a-kind rug. A perfect project for people who don't have a loom to weave rugs! The "Little Loopy" loom kits come with a hand-crafted loom, enough loops to make at least 8 potholders, a crochet hook and metal rod (Jumbo loom only) to help pull the loops through the weave. But really, this loop and loom setup is so easy, you’ll probably just want to use your fingers. For the first time, we are also offering the loops in individual colors or artist’s blends, as well as in a mixed bag of colors. So you can now choose to make potholders to match your décor, express your creativity, or honor your favorite team or school.

Want a smaller potholder? We have added to the original "Jumbo" loom and now carry four sizes of sturdy handmade wooden looms featuring smooth rounded metal pins. We are also offering a 6-inch (Baby) and 8-inch (Traditional) wooden loom of the same quality which work with smaller sockloops. Not into squares? Our "Hybrid Loom" measures 8" x 10" and creates a rectangular weaving that can be used for small purses, cell phone holders, and stitched together for rugs and placemats. 

You’ll be amazed at how simple and rewarding it is to create potholders or rugs on these handsome looms. It also makes a great gift for children, seniors or anyone wanting to create a simple, functional work of art.

Of course, we stock a large supply of loop refills, in an array of colors, so you’ll never run out of projects to do. We have set aside some summer colors for a super summer sale ... While they last, clean Jumbo loops in pink, violet, purple and avocado green are Buy One Pound, Get One Pound Free (two pounds for $10 plus shipping). You will need to email Chris with your order. 

Other new additions are a Little Free Library (you are welcome to take a free book), some new garden art, and a new fence!  

Day weaving class information
During the spring, summer, and autumn, we offer day-weaving classes for visitors to the studio. These are designed for people who have never woven. The workshop allows the students to experience the joy of creation and make a rug or other item to take home. Optimum class size is three or four, so plan a friends' getaway or family outing. Students aged 10 to 100 years are welcomed. More information here.

Other instruction is also available and can be tailored to meet the student's needs. Specifically, classes in pattern design, warping (regular and sectional), and other advanced topics can be arranged. Or you can just schedule a day at the studio to ask questions, solve weaving problems you've been having, and learn tips and tricks.

Most of our rugs are woven on the front porch of the studio, which is a delightful place to be during most of the year ... it's easy coming up with some new color combinations just looking at all the beauty outside. Bring your lunch and your friends, and come weave with us!

We hope you find something you like on our website and that you pay us a visit if you are ever in the area. Call before you come, because we wouldn't want to miss you!

Chris Gustin, weaver, and Bob Gustin, everything else
Homestead Weaving Studio, LLC
6285 S Hamilton Creek Road
Columbus, IN 47201
chris@homesteadweaver.com
bgustin@gmail.com
(812)-988-8622
SPECIAL SUMMER LOOPER SALE!

For the month of August, or until the stock runs out, we are featuring our "Petunia" colors of Jumbo sock loops as a Buy One, Get One Free special. The four colors are pink, violet, purple and avocado green. Send an email to Chris with the colors and poundage you want along with your mailing address and we will fill your order on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note, we have set aside over 100 pounds of these clean and ready-to-use loopers for this sale. Act quickly before they are gone.

Again, the August special is: Two pounds for just $10 plus shipping for these four colors only. You can add other colors to your order at the regular price and we will combine shipping.

Upcoming shows and events
The studio is taking part in the Back Roads of Brown County Fall Studio Tour. Dates are October 1-31, 2015. Make plans to visit the studio and other studios in the area during this event.

The studio will be an exhibitor at these shows:

Madison Chautauqua, Sept. 26 & 27, 2015.

Fiber Art Show, Bloomington (IN) Convention Center, Nov. 6 & 7,

Deja Vu Fine Art and Craft Show, The Commons, Columbus, IN, Nov. 14,

Indiana Artisan Marketplace, Expo Hall, Indiana State Fairgrounds, April 9 & 10, 2016, 

Information
Homestead Weaving Studio's Chris Gustin has more than 45 years experience as a weaver. She studied the craft at Central Michigan University and The Mannings weaving School in Pennsylvania, and taught at the Weaving Shop in Boulder, Colorado, before setting up her own businesses in Nebraska and later Indiana. 
A committed recycler, she saves more than a tone of sock factory and weaving mill waste from landfills each year, creating unique works of functional fiber art.

We maintain an extensive website. Here are some pages you might want to visit:

New rugs for sale in the Recycled Rug Gallery
Clothing, scarves and shawls
Stuff on Sale!
Potholder kits and refills
Kits for creating~
Bags to carry to the grocery store!
A great place to look if you want to buy a used loom or other equipment

You can also "Like" us on Facebook Homestead Weaving Studio
Thanks for taking time to read our newsletter!~
Chris and Bob