Travels
You may have glimpsed photos from our Facebook or Instagram pages over the last couple of weeks, documenting our travels around southwestern China. Our days were filled meeting batik artists, embroidery artists, weavers, indigo dyers–many whose families have worked these textile traditions for several generations. They were happy to share their stories, their skills, the meaning behind their work–and sometimes a simple meal and sip of rice wine. And yes, one day there will be a book. More to come on that in the months ahead.
Awards
We returned from our China travels to learn the great news that two of our books have been selected as finalists for the Benjamin Franklin award given by the Independent Book Publishers Association. Rug Money: How a Group of Maya Women Changed Their Lives through Art and Innovation and Women Artisans of Morocco: Their Stories, Their Lives are both finalists in the Multicultural category. Happy congratulations to authors Mary Anne Wise, Cheryl Conway-Daly, and Susan Schaefer Davis.
On Air
Our friends at interweave have started a new podcast called Fiber Nation and for the kick-off episode, host Allison Korleski wisely invited Linda Ligon to talk about the work of Thrums Books. The interview includes a few behind-the-scenes stories, which are always fun, but it goes much deeper than that, highlighting the value of traditional textiles and Linda’s deep commitment to telling the stories of the people who make them. Fiber Nation: Check it out!
In Person
Next week at Interweave’s annual Yarn Fest in northern Colorado, the dynamic Thrums Books duo, Linda Ligon and Joe Coca, will present the keynote speech. Linda and Joe will regale the audience with stories from their textile travels around the globe. Of course, Joe is bringing along some of his favorite photos to share as well.
And all of this while we’re preparing to send two new books to the printer; the wild rumpus is just beginning, friends!
–Karen
Take your own textile journey with these Thrums Books.
I’d just love to hitch along with Linda and Joe in China, do they ever take a little group on their journeys?
Not yet, Suki. But what a great idea. We’ll have to think about that.
Terrific all. Wish I could here and see Linda and Joe at Fiber Fest. What a great and fun opportunity for everyone there.