Nancy Moody-Mahala
Creston,NC
Summary
I am a highly passionate fiber artist that loves to teach. I have a need to create and use a variety of materials and techniques to make original works of art. I enjoy teaching a variety of fiber classes because one leads to another. The creativity and possibilities with fiber is endless. The element of color mixing and fiber content is very exciting to me. To pass on to others my knowledge and passion for this art form is very compelling to me.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Fiber Artist
Self Employed Fiber Arts Teacher
01.1990 - Current
- I Teach students the process of weaving, spinning, dying, and felting fibers.
- I do custom classes for students who know how to weave but want to learn more about a specific element of weaving such as designing and creating a draft with draw-downs.
- I teach a basic weaving class that teaches the student how to calculate the warp and weft for a 2 shaft sampler. This includes plain weave and several finger manipulated weave structures. The student determines whether the finished product will be a wall hanging or a reference sample book. The student learns the process of winding the warp and dressing the loom. Exercises in reading drafts and knowing the difference between profile, draw-down and block weaves are utilized on paper. We then move on to using a computer program to create draw-downs with different drafts and color choices. I emphasize how floor looms and table looms works and the purpose and function of the different parts .
- I teach an intermediate weaving class that takes the students through planning a project for a 4 shaft weaving such as twills and other patterns. Students are encouraged to design and choose colors to enhance their creative abilities with fibers.
- I teach a spinning class where the student is taught how to select a fleece and different breeds of sheep. A brief study is done on the type of fleeces that different sheep breeds produce. The student is taught how to properly wash and prepare the wool to be processed. I show students the different ways to comb, card and flick the fiber. The process of spinning worsted vs woolen is exercised through 9 simple spinning steps. Students are taught how to spin on a spindle and a treadle wheel. The parts, function and maintenance of a wheel are explained. How to skein and set the spin are the last elements of the class.
- I teach a dying class that involves using Easter egg dyes, Acid wool dyes and Natural plant dying. Gathering of the natural plant materials specific to my location is done as a group project. Each student will leave the class with samples of each technique and the knowledge of how to continue to dye wool.
- I offer a felting class in which the student learns the technique of wet felting wool and needle felting. The process begins with wet felting a small project of the students choice. We select colors of wool and a one dimensional project is created and allowed to dry. We then come back to the project and do details in needle felting. We experiment with different types of fibers and yarns to add to the creative aspect.
- My classes are kept to a maximum of 4-5 students so each student can get the best learning experience possible.
- I design and create custom woven pieces and custom hand knit pieces using my hand spun, hand dyed yarn.
- I participate in local gallery showings and sell my fiber works locally as an Expo vendor at the Farmer's Market.
- I was the recipient of a mentor/apprentice grant from the North Carolina Arts Council in 2022. I mentored my apprentice for 2 years in weaving, spinning and dyeing. This grant was a great opportunity to teach the skills that I love and to pass them onto someone that will also teach these skills. I feel that this art form needs to be passed on to the future generations.
- I taught weaving as a continuing education class for Wilkes Community College 1990-1992
- I was the owner of a weaving studio/retail shop in the town of West Jefferson, NC from 1987-1992. In this shop I sold my handwoven items and also had a space for retail yarn.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Fiber Arts
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN05.1984
Skills
- Sales Strategies
- Corporate identity branding
- Prepress and printing
- Photographic editing
Timeline
Fiber Artist
Self Employed Fiber Arts Teacher
01.1990 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Fiber Arts
East Tennessee State University
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