Art Fair Calendar + The Boot + Laundry Stripping
- Karen Gelbard
- Mar 20
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 20
April 1 is the date when I will find out whether my applications to various shows have been accepted. The waiting is difficult, even after all these years of applying. Once I receive a response—either a yes or a no—I can begin to make my art fair calendar plans.
To distract myself from constantly checking my email account for updates, I focused on other projects. This Spring my fashion-forward choice of footwear is an orthopedic boot. With this new boot, I have a greater appreciation for just how much my right foot does. Driving, sewing, and weaving are just a few activities that use that well-trained foot. I tried using the treadle of my sewing machine with my left foot yesterday with hilarious results. Patience will be required for a successful recovery. Remind me of that, please.
Meanwhile, I rediscovered practical chemistry in the laundry room. This is my chance to share with you some tips and textile history, too. I have dubbed this part, "The Ode to the Robe". I have a terry cloth robe which has been worn for close to 45 years. This robe was the garment of choice worn while preparing school morning breakfasts for the family, comforting sick children during the night, and having a well-deserved cup of coffee in the morning. Like a well-loved teddy bear, the fabric tells a story documented by use.
Here is your textile tidbit for the day. Terry cloth (woven with cotton), like velvet (woven with silk), is woven with two warps. One is the ground warp and the other is the much longer pile warp used to create the looped pile. The first time a new cotton terry cloth robe is washed, all of the threads tighten up and create a dense fabric. It takes 45 years of use to wear out that fabric.
Laundry Stripping was my next adventure. A new robe was on the horizon, but I decided to try to renew the old robe.
I love practical chemistry. Washing soda, borax, some detergent, hot water, and time were used to soak the old robe overnight. The water was gray with residues from fabric softeners, minerals in the water, and old grime. A second, long soak brought the color back to the faded robe. It was looking much better! I dried it in the sun and the fabric smelled clean and fresh. The old robe now hangs in the back of the closet for that occasion when no other robe will do.
Here are the events where I will be exhibiting this year so far.
PUT THESE EVENTS ON YOUR CALENDAR
MORE DATES COMING SOON!
Here's to your ever-gorgeous, and lasting, work! And, to your current discoveries regarding adjustments to yuur precious treadle-foot adjustment. I have "Gathering of the Guilds" at Convention Cntr. on calendar!
Best regards, with respect to April 1st Acceptance!