Comments on: REPORT FROM PENLAND: THURSDAY 7/12/12 (PORTRAITS)

By: Jean S

Jean S — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 19:06:52 +0000

This is wonderful. Thank you so much for posting it.

By: Diane Dornberger

Diane Dornberger — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 06:37:27 +0000

Natalie, I thought I was the ONLY one who saw blue and red the way you did and do. Blue always meant warm sky, or blanket and red was cold…those vinyl seats in the kitchen were cold. I love daydreaming with your site…and sometimes late in the night dreaming. I’m still practicing the techniques I learned when I took the workshop in Birmingham at In the Making knit shop. Loving the thread carries into other hand sewing/quilting and bonding with it is something that begins the soul-sharing that goes into each project – dreams, wishes, and prayers going into each stitch. Have you explored the Ute heritage any further? Blessings to you and your family/work/circle.

By: Clover

Clover — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 16:14:42 +0000

This is such a beautiful story and brought tears of self recognition and victory. I finally discovered the artist inside me a few years ago when I taught myself to sew. I am so inspired by your work. Thank you for sharing your talents.

By: Catherine Green

Catherine Green — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 17:14:24 +0000

I did not grow up with much in the way of art at home either and I still can’t draw to save my life. I thought that I hadn’t an artistic bone in my body. Then, for whatever reason, I decided in my late 20′s to make a quilt for my older daughter. One look at it will tell you that I was on the steep part of the learning curve! It wasn’t until much later that I actually learned how to do a proper quilting stitch. But I learned that I had an eye for color and texture and that I had an artist inside of me. I’ve made a few more quilts since then, done a lot of knitting, and recently become fascinated by sewing, especially hand sewing, and the slow fashion movement. I love how your books take sophisticated design concepts and bring them home to the rest of us. I’m working on my first reverse applique bandana and loving every minute of it. Your work including your writing are an important reminder that we humans are hardwired for beauty.

By: schehera

schehera — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 17:07:35 +0000

I really loved reading about your intro into the design world. I can relate completely, and here you are a stunning inspiration!

By: Marianna

Marianna — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 15:22:55 +0000

Oh Gosh Natalie! I’m a bit envious! This would have been a great way to start our workshop at Shakerag!….
The reach it affords seems like stretching before excercise. Great work! So fun and a beautiful story! Still working on my ‘frock’ with great memories of our experience and with beautiful results…ox

By: Abigail Doan

Abigail Doan — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:33:13 +0000

Just one of the many reasons that I love, Natalie Chanin. She makes dropping out sound “hot” and hives totally real. I am so with you on this one as a Princeton “drop out” and a survivor in life and craft. xx.

By: amisha

amisha — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 12:22:36 +0000

I kept coming back to this post over the past day, and I am grateful to you for sharing it. Truly inspiring.

By: sacha

sacha — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 04:00:34 +0000

I love this essay- what courage and destiny can do.

By: Brenda Marks

Brenda Marks — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 03:40:07 +0000

Wow. Your story telling gift is amazing. I went on that ride right along with you and celebrate where you are right now!