i have always liked figuring things out. a production run is like a puzzle of sorts.
one must figure out and streamline the entire process. thinking about such things as efficiency, energy, materials. the order of things. and most importantly, the FLOW. 
the flow can refer to many things- the physical space in which i work-allowing me to move through my workspace without hinderance. the flow of energy as i choose and mix the colors, prepare the silk, thinking several steps ahead of myself so as to maintain that flow.
the flow of work in and out of here as orders come and go, the flow of communication with all of those who email,comment,ask,etc..the flow of paperwork, money, and of course time.
but most of all i enjoy the process of transition. of taking something rather plain and mundane (although i can say that the miracle of the silkworm is anything but mundane!) and turning it into something else by hand.
so, lots of shibori ribbon being made here at the moment. if i have overlooked an email, been tardy in sending you something promised-please send me a little reminder nudge and accept a proforma mea culpa from me. i appreciate your patience.
in all this busyness, i have quite forgotten to post here about the upcoming workshop with Richard!
speaking of flow. one also needs to refill the vessel and when Richard and I get together for a workshop that is part of the intention- to give you lots to wonder about- to get your flow going-or back into the flow.
good grief…in my mind i had done it! but alas no- just on Facebook and constant contact. there are still a couple of spaces. and several requests to Skype/broadcast the workshop which we will be accommodating as well (figuring this out now). this workshop will combine itajime AND mandalas. you will learn both in the first two days. on the third day you can work on whichever one (or both) is moving you-and get into your own flow. 
of course we will be working on the process, the technique, of folding and dyeing and resisting-but also larger concepts of time and space in regards to patterns. patterns are everywhere-in nature and in life. sometimes you need to look at the bigger picture to see them.
-some of Richard’s recent work-it just keeps on getting better and better (of course). he recently completed his first continuous 10 meter cloth which is slated to be make into a summer yukata. now THAT’s impressive!
and just a reminder- have a 2 day indigo workshop coming up at the Japanese American National Museum Feb 1 & 2. We will be working on shibori and indigo and creating a boro-esque indigo scarf from our bounty. Call the Museum to register- 213.625.0414
じゃまた！
Shibori Girl 
the flow through you one to another, flow is something
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we’d be stuck without it!
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I am so in love with your colors – especially now as our region is hunkered down under a bitterly cold winter. Thank you for sharing them! I would love to hear more about how you make things flow – especially in your studio space. My space – physical, temporal and mental – is so cluttered right now that nothing moves gracefully.
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making things flow is a practice, a study, and persistence is required. letting some things go or fall to the side. not pushing too hard- no forcing. most of all no forcing. it seems that just moving a bit each day is what is needed- not always a forward motion-and to accept that is a key element.
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V Burnett – I recognise how you are feeling and have been through those phases myself. I think it’s inevitable during the ebb and flow of life. I always find that if I can get the physical space cleared and in some kind of order (even though I might not feel like it!) then the mental space begins to feel cleared too, and some ideas might begin to flow again. I also find that it helps to try not to feel bad or guilty when you are not creating anything. Accept that you are having a short break and enjoy whatever else you are doing instead. A bit of mindfulness helps with that. I try not to let negative feelings take too much hold – hose them out quickly!
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creating flow in all things is essential!
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i love how edition printers create flow, carol blinn is wizard at that, as are you, glennis
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exactly velma!
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