Byrdcall Studio, LLC

Rya Rug Revival

and Creative Arts

by Melinda Byrd

Update on Byrdcall Studio

Do you remember the movie, Groundhog Day with Bill Murray?

Not much has changed since the last newsletter, so I won't bore you with old news. (Check out the archives for past issues.)

While my yarn distributors are busy setting the new prices that will include the new tariffs, I wonder how do they even know what the new tariffs will be? The daily news leaves so much up in the air and at risk. Meanwhile I've been filling orders each day--a little less frantic than the holiday rush.

I have run out of some colors and when that happens I take them off my Etsy and website listings. The kits that require those colors also have to be removed from the online shops. I have every intention of relisting them just as soon as the supply chain begins to flow again. If you don't see what you are looking for, feel free to ask me. I may have a similar color discounted from a vintage yarn line from Sweden.

My prices are the same as they were 12 years ago, but I don't know how long I can leave them as they are. Take advantage of the lower prices while they last.

I have about 90-95% of the colors in stock for the Rauma Ryegarn and Prydvevgarn.

In the December newsletter, I featured the new needle organizer blocks that my husband, John, recently made. Many sold after that feature, and I'll just say for the record, if you have any problems with organizing your needles, get a block. You WILL NOT regret it. If you don't have one, Click to read more and order.

I try to keep my Etsy Shop and Website up-to-date on all the kits and yarns I carry. If you see that I am offering a kit, that means I have everything needed for you to make it. The minute I sell out of a critical backing, all those kits will immediately be marked as out-of-stock, so you don't have to wonder.

Fortunately I have a good amount of the Finnish Taito Pirkanmaa backings in various widths. See them on Etsy. These are the surface-knotted backings. I also have the popular Wetterhoff backings.

. . . . ."I've Got You Babe."

Sonny & Cher

If you don't live nearby, you can email me and say, "Melinda, would you gather me about 10 skeins worth (1,000g) of as many browns, grays and rusts you have?" I might ask a few questions, then I gather using my best judgement and send you a photo of the pile for you to critique. I'll invoice you online via Quickbooks and mail it all to you at quite a nice savings.

Open Studio Workday ~ Saturday, February 21

10 AM - 3 PM ~ Drop in or stay a while

You never know what an open studio workday will bring. Free of charge, this is your opportunity to sign up for a seat to work on your rya, create a design with my assistance, gather supplies, search through the discount bins, and just hang with other interesting people. If you have no project, I have been known to put you to work doing fun rya jobs to meet the studio needs.

If you have ever been to a Rya Sewing Circle, consider yourself invited. If you've never been but have been thinking about it, you are invited. If you've put your rya aside for the holidays, this is a good day to bring it back to life.

I ask you to let me know if you are coming so I can stop the registration if it goes over 6 or cancel the event if only one or two sign up. It's most fun with several knotters. I'll be there to help you, and will be helping others at the same time.

Email me telling me about when you'd like to come between 10 AM and 3 PM. I will send you directions to the studio if you haven't been before.



As I was writing my rya book, I asked for and received many photos which were published as "The Many Faces of Rya" (pages 256-261). Now, about 8 years later, I think it is time to shine that light on YOU again. I would like to prepare a slide show of the nearly 1,000 rya rug makers I've connected with since the book came out in 2020. I'd like to post the slide show to my website, maybe Instagram, and maybe to run at shows and exhibitions. to show everyone WHO YOU ARE... who makes rya rugs? It is for everyone!

Here is my request: First, consider this a personal invitation directed to YOU. If you've made a rya or many ryas, ask someone to take a picture of you standing by it, holding it up (but make sure your face shows), sitting on it, whatever. Name the photo with your name. Send it to me at byrdcallstudio@gmail.com as a jpeg file so I can open it. We will assume that since you are sending it, you give me permission to use it in a slideshow (or maybe a newsletter) In a slide show, it will be seen for just a couple of seconds, so don't stress over this. ;-)

Have YOU made a rya rug? This request is really for you--please don't make me beg. Think of how much fun it will be to see dozens and hopefully hundreds of faces. Thank you so much for helping me make this happen. What FUN.

Remember, this will be "The Many Faces of Rya," so your face has to show.

If you've sent me photos in the past and maybe they've even been in the newsletter, have someone take your picture with it this time. Be part of the rya revival. Don't miss out, or you'll wish you were part of the picture.

Rya Creativity Down Under

Australia is about as far as a human can be from Maryland USA. On the rare occasions that I get orders from down under, I marvel at how small the world is in that I can ship rya supplies from Norway to a woman in Australia. The connection makes my day.

Highlighting: Beth Turner from Melbourne, Australia

Her words are inspiring and I wanted to share them:

"I just wanted to get in touch and say thank you for the lovely note and needle/ practice knots you included in my small Rya backing. It arrived in Australia in perfect time - I’m going to make a wall hanging for a friend as a Secret Santa gift."

"Earlier in the year, with the help of your excellent book, I made a wall hanging. It was my first Rya and I enjoyed making it so much. I’ve attached a photo.

"I’ve always loved the look of vintage Rya rugs but the thought of making one didn’t occur to me until I came across Byrdcall Studio. I set myself the challenge of making this one for "Hot Copper," our tattoo studio's group art show.

"From drawing the design to collecting the wool it was such a joy to work on. I might have bitten off a bit more than I could chew with the size, as I was still making knots at midnight the night before the show, but I’m so proud of completing it. The process of using a traditional method to create a modern design, with the intention of it being an heirloom piece and lasting a long time, was very special."

Beth, your design is spectacular.

From beginner to Master very quickly. Kudos.

Raising A Mountain on a Rya

I was recently contacted by a former rya design student from about 10 years ago. His wife had also attended the class, where she had drawn mountain outlines on the backing and a circular moon over the mountains, but then life got busy and ten years later she knew she would never finish it. So as a Christmas gift from her husband, he contacted me to commission me to complete it as I wished so he could have it in time for a Christmas gift.

I took it to the beach in October to get started on it. She had actually completed 1 1/2 rows so I had the lake base started for me. I decided to make moon reflection highlights on the water. As the mountains grew I played with the moon light as it might have played off the mountain ridges. And the sky became a swirl of wind and energy. I used lots of my vintage yarns which gave me endless color blendings. I rather like how it turned out. I was sad to package it up and mail it to Atlanta, GA where they live.

The day after Christmas, I got a very appreciative email from her telling me just how thrilled she was to have it as a finished work of art. Phew! Mission accomplished.

Oriole Painting Heading to the Chocolate Ball

for Carroll County Youth Services Bureau

Best Way to Communicate with Byrdcall

[This is a repeat from the last issue.]

Most of you have been in touch with me one way or the other for a decade or more, but I wanted to share with new folks the best way for me to communicate with you most efficiently.

Best Email: byrdcallstudio@gmail.com. Info@byrdcallstudio.com also works and comes right to my gmail address.

Contacting me via my Website: This works fine and goes straight to my gmail address.

Contacting me via Etsy messaging: This is fine for questions about Etsy purchases, but not so much for asking general questions that don't relate to Etsy orders. They monitor my message with algorithms and I must respond within 24 hours or they give me demerits that affect my 5-star rating. It's like having a "boss" looking over my shoulder. But definitely use their message system regarding an order.

Messaging me on Facebook. Please don't. I won't notice and will feel terrible when I notice weeks later.

Contacting me by Phone: All of my promotional info which I send out when you make a purchase has my phone number on it. During business hours, I welcome a call. But I must say that 90% of the calls I get are spam or junk calls. If I don't recognize the number, I'm not apt to answer, so LEAVE A MESSAGE. I will call back asap. If no message is left, I might assume it is spam and "block the caller." Sorry. I know you all experience the same thing and it is frustrating. Texting is OK (not great), but my friends and family all text, so I'm afraid of mixing up business texting with personal life texting and I try to live as disconnected as I can from "devices."

So, I'm here for you, but email is best so a speedy response and my ability to locate your past messages for reference. Thanks.

The Cardboard Yarn Barrels

have all found a good home

Until Next Time, Friends,

I wish you peace and love this winter season.

Giving a sincere shout out and love to our friends around the world especially in Canada. We love you.

In January, the vast majority of the orders I mailed were to rya friends in Minnesota. Sending prayers for peace to you all.

And though life has been challenging and overwhelming at times over the past many months, I always refresh my mind by taking a walk through the yard or at the parks. I hope you enjoy my garden pictures since I love taking them and sharing them.

We are all in this together. Join me for a stroll around my yard today. We actually had a snow fall this morning.

With love to you,

Melinda

Thanks for reading all the way to the end

Stay connected. I'm here for ya.

Let me know if I can help you with anything rya.

Sincerely,

Melinda

PO Box 162

Woodbine, MD 21797

410-615-2473

info@byrdcallstudio.com