The Textile Studio at La Basse Cour

01/31/2026

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/30/style/minnesota-ice-red-hats-knit.html?campaign_id=9&emc=edit_nn_20260131&instance_id=170399&nl=the-morning®i_id=91718899&segment_id=214570&user_id=714f1a2e5fe843e58497aa9e5d2d1ff7

The red tasseled hats are at the heart of a movement to galvanize opposition to Immigration and Custom Enforcement in Minnesota and beyond.

04/16/2023

04/09/2023

04/09/2023

Hidden in a weedy patch in your backyard, or on the forest edge, lies a humble plant that is most famous for its burning sting. But did you know that stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) can also be used for making textiles? Inside the plant’s stalks are long, strong, fine fibers. Surprisingly, nettle is anything but harsh when woven into fabric: nettle cloth is lustrous and smooth, similar to linen but even stronger.

https://www.motherearthnews.com/diy/turning-nettles-into-textiles-zbcz2101/

04/08/2023

There is more to them than we think…

For many people the word “sheep” is synonymous with a dull, dim-witted being who cannot think for themselves or act independently.

However, if one whole-heartedly and, divorced of any preconceived ideas or vested interests, spends time with these much-maligned animals, they will quickly come to the understanding that such a notion is somewhat ironic. Ironic, because it says far more about the person who blindly holds such a belief than it does about the animals themselves.

Although convenient to those who wish to exploit sheep, or indulge in the products of their suffering, there is another “truth” we all need to bear witness to. A truth that commands we view sheep for who they are, not the “service” we have them provide for us.

It is true that sheep do group together and follow a leader. This well-founded survival skill is based on sound reason – united we conquer, divided we fall, or, in the case of a sheep, get taken by a predator.

It is worth noting too that a close examination of that herd will reveal a structure based on the individual relationships between the animals.

The sophisticated facial recognition of sheep is much like our own. Where the animals recognise the faces of other sheep, store memories, and can even interpret the emotions of others.

And they can do so with human faces and body language, too!

Emotional, just like us, they can view their world through rose-coloured glasses or jaded ones. And doing so is based on their mood and past experiences.

Bold or shy, comical or deadly serious, clumsy or skilled like a trapeze artist, all sheep –repeat, all sheep – have distinct personalities.

Still not convinced?

Why not have the courage and compassion to take time to visit a sanctuary for formerly farmed animals or visit a place where sheep reside as companions and not commodities?

For here you shall meet some of the most stellar advocates for these woolly wonders. Chances are, you will be surprised to see there is more to them than you think – because they will cause you to feel.

And feel a whole lot different, as you realise that sheep think, too!

📸 Luckini

"If we could live happy and healthy lives without harming others, why wouldn't we?"

03/14/2023

In your life, the people become like a patchwork quilt.
Some leave with you a piece that is bigger than you wanted and others smaller than you thought you needed.
Some are that annoying itchy square in the corner, and others that piece of worn flannel.
You leave pieces with some and they leave their pieces with you.
All the while each and every square makes up a part of what is you. Be okay with the squares people leave you.
For life is too short to expect from people what they do not have to give, or were not called to give you ..

~ Anna M. Aquino ~

Artist Credit : Daniella Willet-Rabin

02/15/2023

Joanna's heart rug. This piece is from Weaving Club project #8 Rag Rugs.