Tina Bliss of Staten Island, New York, describes herself as a professional graphic designer who has decided to follow a fiber path. I connected with Tina through the Staten Island Handspinners and Weavers Guild and wanted to learn more about her textile journey and her experiences in the Woven Design course at FIT-the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
Tina teaching her niece Megan how to knit on the ferry. Photos courtesy of Tina Bliss.
Tina carried an interest in textiles from a young age. She was very enthusiastic about weaving looped potholders as a child, which is where so many of us might say that our love of weaving began. She is a longtime knitter and crocheter and in her graphic design life has worked with the Craft Yarn Council on many of their publications. Several years ago, a friend invited her to join the Staten Island Handspinners and Weavers Guild, which inspired her to purchase a Louet S10 and learn to spin. She also had an unassembled 34" Harris Folding Loom come into her life. She set up the loom, joined the New York Guild of Handweavers, and started sharing her experiences on her own blog. At a guild meeting, she listened to a presentation by David Van Buskirk on his weaving background. He has taught at FIT in the past and suggested that Tina look into taking a weaving course. Tina says, "Two days later I was signed up for TD 131 with Ellen Hess as the instructor, and I am having a blast. There is an energy and air of creativity at FIT that is intoxicating!" You can follow her experiences, both academic and personal, on her blog.
This sample was woven for a class assignment at FIT using found materials for weft on a cotton warp. She experimented with cassette magnetic tape, 1.5" wide strips of beige tulle, and a ribbon yarn called DAZZLE that she got at an estate sale. Tina says, "I LOVE it and can't wait to start experimenting on my own loom."
I can't wait to see how her work grows and changes as she moves forward. Best of luck to you, Tina, and thanks for sharing your story with us.