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The photographs above are a very small sampling of Designer Baby Accessories by Jean Lee.  Jean's work and that of other artisans can be seen and purchased at the Artisans United Gallery in Annandale. 

(Copyright © 2012 Annandale Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.  (Photographs & images, on this page, and on this website, are not available for use by other publications, blogs, individuals, websites, or social media sites.)

MEET THE ARTISAN: Gail Robin
Fiber Artist working with various yarns
and felted wool methodologies

Fiber Art by Gail RobinGail Robin has had a lifelong engagement with many aspects and types of fiber related crafting. Her earliest memory was sewing on a treadle sewing machine. Gail made her first knitted afghan when she was a preteen and continued to create her own clothing throughout high school.

Gail’s mother was a major influence working with crochet thread which allowed for fine detail. Her mother also taught Gail how to sew, knit and crochet from the time she was quite young.  Gail became an active member of the 4-H qualifying for state garment sewing while still in middle school.  Over the years, Gail has mastered many varied crafts.  Recently, she works with various yarns and felted wool methodologies

Having made a career in the military, Gail spent her work-a-day life in the dress of the day.  It did not allow for a personal nor colorful expression in fashion.   Consequently, her fiber art provided her the freedom to utilize an explosion of hues.    

Gail earned her Doctorate in Business Administration and for fifteen years taught in numerous MBA programs. Additionally, she still volunteers for several college accreditation agencies evaluating college programs and courses. 

Gail has been involved in three large scale community yarn bombing projects.  In Spring 2019 she contributed a sewing project for visiting artist Amada Browder who created a large-scale fabric installation for the façade of Arlington Art Center on exhibit from June 22 to July 21.

Her fiber art works, displayed at the Craft Gallery of Artisans United just off Hummer Road in Annandale, tends to be created with a light hearted-whimsical approach accomplished with both the designs and color. . Most are needle felted which is a process of using barbed needles to interlock the wool fibers to form a condensed shape. Wool fibers have scales which when rubbed against each other form shapes. The barbs of felting needles catch the scales of wool which entangle them into place. This requires stabbing and shaping over a period of time though thousands of needle strokes. 

An artisan to her core, Gail continues to look for new techniques and applications of fabric, yarn and wool. She enjoys hearing the customers ask for different items whether pins or a specific animal such as an owl. In both of those occasions I create my interpretation of the request in fiber.  It is exciting for all the artisans to match our creative processes with what a customer would like to purchase; it is very rewarding.

 

ARTISANS UNITED GALLERY
4022 Hummer RoadArtisans United Gallery and Shop
Annandale, VA  22003
703.941.0202   .  www.augallery.org
Monday through Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Located in the Annandale Community Park—entrance just two blocks past of Little River intersection with Hummer

The Craft Gallery of Artisans United is a cooperative endeavor, staffed and run by the independent members of Artisans United, Inc.  as well as those individuals belonging to the member Guilds.  On a daily basis, visitors will find the Gallery artisans happy to explain crafting techniques and to share their knowledge of where craft materials may be obtained.  And, too, visitors will often discover impromptu demos in progress as the artists complete their creations.   We are always looking for new craftspeople to join our organization. If you are interested in joining us as a member artist, please ask at the front desk for a membership packet which explains the  process.

If you are looking for gifts, please visit the Gallery where you will find an exceptional range of items appropriate for baby, wedding, mother’s day, father’s day, graduation and housewarming gifts, or a special treat for yourself.

Artisans United continues to look for new areas in which to share their love and knowledge of crafts as they are tasked with taking arts out into the community.  If your organization would like a speaker or demonstrator, please contact them.  Support this Gallery as it is the last home to artisan wares in Annandale.  We should all seek to protect their heritage and survival.

Buying Tip:  Become a member of the Craft Gallery for the small donation of $25.  This will entitle you to a 10% discount on all Gallery purchases for an entire year. AU Friends also receive notice of each new show and special event.  You will quickly make your $25 back in purchase savings while preserving the last Art Space in Annandale

Reproduction of this article or photographs requires the written permission of the author and The ENDEAVOR News Magazine.  Photographs are courtesy of the author with all right of use reserved. (Copyright © 2012 Annandale Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.  (Photographs & images, on this page, and on this website, are not available for use by other publications, blogs, individuals, websites, or social media sites.)

 

                                                                 Copyright 2012 Annandale Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.                     Privacy Policy

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