OPALESSENCE

FINE HANDWOVENS

WEARABLE ART

The term Opalessence is inspired by the gem, opal. From a distance opals appear white. When you look closely an iridescent rainbow of color appears. In my weaving I strive to follow the lesson of the opal. A close inspection of my fabrics reveal they are made from yarns of many colors.

 

 

                                                                    

Margery Erickson                                                                    Inside the studio.

In my craft I seek the same things I do in my own life, a balance between design (mind), color (spirit), and texture (body). Inspiration begins with dreams, meditation, and evening walks. This spiritual philosophy is woven into beautiful shawls, coats, jackets, tops, dresses, ruanas, tunics, and home accessories.

The majority of my designs are original and one-of-a-kind. Natural fibers are combined creating cotton, silk, tencel, and wool blends. Fabrics are woven for easy care and a soft touch.

Color and weave are combined to produce variation in the shading of the fabric. My favorite patterns to weave include eight harness huck lace, eight harness twills, and twill variations. Colors such as Earth and sky tones are the basis for most of my work. In addition I explore how variegated and hand dyed yarns produce exciting color patterns.

WARPING THE LOOM

 With the help of the weaving assistants the hand dyed tencel yarn is warped onto the loom.

 

Fabric and Clothing - Click for photos on models

 

Awards

1994 - Judges Choice Award - Gallery 33, WITF-TV

1995 - Best in Weaving - Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen

1996 - Judges Citation - Gallery 33, WITF-TV

1997 - Sheep to Shawl Competition - Pennsylvania State Farm Show - Weaver for the winning team and best Weaver Award

1998 - Sheep to Shawl Competition - Pennsylvania State Farm Show - Weaver for the second place team

1999 - Sheep to Shawl Competition - Pennsylvania State Farm Show - Weaver for first place team and best Weaver Award : The shawl was auctioned and sold for $1325.

1999 - The Art Center School and Galleries - Weaving Award

2000 - Sheep to Shawl Competition - Pennsylvania State Farm Show - Weaver for first place team and best Weaver Award: The shawl was austioned and sold for $1050

2003- Judges Choice Award - Gallery 33, WITF-TV

 

Craft Show Schedule - Click for a current list

 

FIBER EQUIPMENT & YARN

If you are interested in looms, spinning wheels, yarn, or accessories we can offer you our favorite choices. Please contact us for details.

 

USED EQUIPMENT - looms, wheels, accessories, books, yarn, and fiber (we buy and resell)

 

SPINNING WHEEL AND LOOM REPAIRS

 

Do you have an antique wheel or a newer wheel that needs repaired? Perhaps your favorite loom isn't working or you bought one that is missing some parts. Contact Chris at ericksonsvc@pa.net

opal@pa.net

 

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