Marking Time with Fabric and Thread: Calendars, Diaries, and Journals Within Your Fiber Craft

Unlock daily creativity with this guide for recording time by using fiber craft.

Using weaving, stitching, quilting, or other fiber arts every day to better notice the passing of time offers you more than an arresting artwork. In fact, a creative daily practice transforms your making and is likely to become one of your favorite parts of the day. But time is complicated, so how to begin?

Renowned tapestry weaver Tommye McClure Scanlin answers that question for all makers who love working with fabric, fibers, and textiles. Well known for her tapestry diaries, she explores with you how to capture your own time in your artwork. Enjoy photos of their "time capsule" pieces from over 25 makers, plus their experiences of the process and benefits of daily practice. Then, using Tommye’s simply explained methods, begin your own personal calendar, journal, or diary.

A Foreword by Sarah C. Swett reminds us of the mix of adrenaline and power that’s available to fiber crafters who truly realize that everything they make is an attempt to capture time.

“Incredibly inspiriting. The art practices, and sentiments shared by the artists, are heartfelt and will convince anyone who reads them to consider launching a personal daily practice . . . and the value of a regular, contemplative practice can’t be underestimated.”
—Jane Dunnewold, author, artist, and founder of the Creative Strength Training community

“This book emphasizes to readers that threads can function as text. The artists featured here demonstrate how their unique visions and memories unite with their mastery of complex structures and processes.”
—Virginia Gardner Troy, PhD, Professor of Art History, Berry College