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Byrdcall Studio, LLC
Rya Rug Revival
and Creative Arts
by Melinda Byrd
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Greetings from Byrdcall Studio | | 7 New Rya designers in CGOTH Rya Class | | |
I have always loved teaching my rya designing class at Common Ground on the Hill. There are the challenges of packing and unloading my vehicle with every color and type of yarn the students could possibly want, plus small-to-medium size backings of all sizes, and teaching aids and supplies, but once the students arrive Monday morning, it is a steady progression towards their personal designs. It takes focus and maybe a morning cup of coffee.
They blend colors on their palette (the threading card). They either graph their design or draw it on the backing then calculate exactly (or loosely) how much yarn they need--and gather it. That all takes most of Monday through Thursday. By Thursday or Friday, the calculations are done and the knotting begins. The completion of projects comes days/weeks/months after the first knot, but everyone masters the knot before they leave the classroom. Students have already been sharing pictures of their progress since the last class. Follow the Rya Rugs Friends Group on the Byrdcall Studio Facebook page for occasional updates.
This is my last rya rug making class at Common Ground due to the fact that I am working on passing the rya torch to a new rya leader along with all the supplies, designs, and skills. I expect this will occur before next summer. I'm just not as young and energetic as I used to be and it is time for fresh new blood with new ideas. It will be good for us all.
Here are some more photos of the class in action.
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Open Studio ~ Drop In Day
Sat., August 9 from 10 am - 3:00 pm
Impulse-Buy Rya Supplies
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To all of you who have participated in the Rya Sewing Circle over the past 10 years, I invite you to drop in. Hand-pick supplies or dig through the vintage discount bins.
This is an invitation for anyone who is in the area and wants connection with rya folks, supplies, guidance, or to do some shopping. RSVP if you plan to work on a rya project so I can save you a seat.
info@byrdcallstudio.com
Studio is located at
1103 Hoods Mill Rd. Woodbine, MD
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Come see your old knotting buddies and stock up on supplies for your stash--especially the discount vintage ones.
- Bring a rya in progress and knot a few rows with buddies
- Select a backing and some yarn for your next rya
- Pick up a ready-made kit (Let me know in advance so I have time to get it ready for you.)
- See the little-known artsy items I have all over the studio that no one ever sees but I would love to watch you discover!
- Pick up a rya backing strip, some yarn, a needle, and make a decorative rya dog collar. $25 and I'll personally help you get started.
Registration is not required, but let me know in advance if you want me to prepare a kit for you.
Or just email to say you are coming so I have some idea how many people to expect. Thank you.
If several of you want to come but are not free that day, we could pick a weekday evening to open the studio doors for visits and purchases.
| | | New Supplies Just Arrived from Finland | | |
My backing supplies were getting low. In fact, it has been quite a while since backings from Norway have arrived, but the company, Taito Pirkanmaa, in Finland has been very responsive in shipping out plenty of sizes that will be good for most of your needs.
This is the surface knotting backing where the knots don't show on the back of the backing. Knots are made a little closer together than the Norwegian or Swedish backing. It is very popular once people try it, and they often order more of this backing once they have worked with it.
I will cut it to any length you request and will zigzag stitch the cut edge.
Not long ago, I made this short video showing how to knot on this backing as well as some tips about ordering it and hemming it. Take a look at this video if you are curious.
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The Taito Pirkanmaa White Backing
I'm not sure why some backing is gray and some is white, but the white backing rows are closer together--about 26 rows per linear foot giving a more dense rya.
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Blast from the Past
(Yes, I still have Art T-shirts.)
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No, I'm not doing art T-shirts anymore, but I still have a fair number in stock I would like to go to their forever homes. I'm looking primarily for people who want SMALL shirts. Although there are other sizes slipped in this SALE. I'm mostly sold out of all the other sizes.
So I have drastically reduced the silkscreened SMALL shirts to $10 which is pretty much give away price. The reduced price goes through August 2025, then what's left will go back to $20. Even if YOU don't wear T-shirts or you aren't exactly "small" you probably know someone who would love to have one. Buy now so you'll have it for their birthday or holiday gift--or not. I'm just letting you know they need a home and I need the space for other things. Click on the links below.
| | Show & Tell ~ Sharing with Others | |
Anni Langsam
Kirkland, Washington
Anni has always had a passion for bright and dramatic designs. Here is another. "Firestorm was inspired by a Swedish Rya that I saw online. I used a graph for the first half, got bored and then went “free-hand for the rest. . . . My next Rya is designed but I haven’t decided on background colors or whether I am going subtle, bold or both LOL!"
We'll see. Stay tuned.
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Have You Heard about the Book? Of course you have.
I still have lots of books to send out. I self-published so no one else is pushing them for me. Unless you do. And I thank you.
Do you know anyone who would enjoy this book? I would so appreciate your support of sharing my book with anyone who might enjoy it. If you know a shop that might like to carry a few books, I sell wholesale. Share with anyone who might appreciate the book. Thank you. Click here.
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And a Few Closing Words
and a Garden Stroll
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Later, Rya Friends,
It's been a long two months since I last wrote to you. Time seems to fly these days. It doesn't help much when it is 95 degrees and humid as a swamp.
I loved the week I took off to visit my sisters and their husbands on Nantucket. I loved the week+ that I taught classes and took classes at Common Ground. I love that my garden is being generous to me with beets, chard, purslane, potatoes, cucumbers (too generous), and hopefully the tomatoes won't disappoint.
I still love helping you all with your rya needs. As many of you are aware, I am looking forward to passing the rya baton on to someone who will have the pleasure of being there for you and sharing all they have to offer. I'm not looking for relief for lack of love for our relationships, but more of a need to slow down and focus on simpler things in life. Focusing on my health will be a priority. So know that when the time for passing the baton comes, it will be with joy. We aren't rushing into things so it will be done right when the time is right.
You each are unique and make the world so much more interesting. Keep it up. A sincere shout out to our friends in Canada. We love you.
And though life has been hectic and challenging at times over the past months, I always refresh my mind by taking a walk through the yard or at the parks.
Get out in the garden or woods or wetlands to refresh yourselves. We are all in this together. Join me for a stroll around my yard today.
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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
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PO Box 162
Woodbine, MD 21797
410-615-2473
info@byrdcallstudio.com
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