Fourteen species of the blue dye indigo producing genus Indigofera have been described as new to science in 2009. Few natural by-products have played as prominent a role in history and in international trade as indigo. It has been a valued dye from the earliest human civilizations because of its compatibility with all types of natural fibers and its ability to be combined with other natural dyes to create a range of colors not possible to produce with synthetic substitutes. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has had a long-standing interest in the research of this genus and these discoveries arose during ongoing research in southern tropical Africa. Of the 14 new species described, 11 are highly localized and are threatened with extinction.

Indigofera has more than 750 species and occurs throughout the tropical regions of the world. It is member of Leguminosae (pea family).

Kew: 250 Years And 250 Plants Species Discovered — redOrbit

Posted by Red Wolf at 8:06 AM | Permalink

Don Wagner has a weaving book available for free download that may be of interest to Guild members: Pattern and Loom: A Practical Study of the Development of Weaving Techniques in China, Western Asia, and Europe by John Becker.

First published in 1986.

Pattern and Loom: A Practical Study of the Development of Weaving Techniques in China, Western Asia, and Europe by John Becker — Publications by Don Wagner

Posted by Red Wolf at 9:13 AM | Permalink

Enchanted Pathways is a small format open entry exhibition sponsored by the American Tapestry Alliance in conjunction with Handweavers Guild of America's Convergence in New Mexico in 2010.

Eligibility:

• The exhibit is open to all artists working with small format handwoven tapestryTapestry is defined as handwoven, weft-faced fabric with discontinuous weftsThe size of the tapestry may not exceed 10" x 10" x 1" deep (25cm x 25cm x 2.5cm)Artists may submit one piece. Group challenges and mentoring projects are encouragedWork must be original, executed by the entrant, of recent completion and not shown in a prior ATA or HGA showThe tapestry must be available for the duration of the exhibit

  For more information and entry form, go to the ATA website.

  Entry Form due January 15, 2010

  Posted by Prue Hill at 8:22 AM | Permalink