The American Batik Design Competition was conceived as “soft diplomacy” to “allow people of other cultures to incorporate it into their culture and come up with something new.” Over 100 designs by artists & designers from 18 states were submitted. SDA member Kelly Cobb’s design was among them – and it won her the grand prize! …

SDA website gets over 60,000 visitors a month and the Image Library is a top destination for all those eyeballs. Make sure your work and contact information are visible – even if you already have a website. Find out how here and create an SDA networking and uploading party to make it happen….

Artist/arts writer Karen Searle gives an overview of Jiyoung Chung’s first book about her signature technique of joomchi, the Korean paper-making process. Preview a few of the book’s spectacular gallery of images here!…

After some initial resistance to hearing that a beloved tree blocked the “ch’i”, Patricia Malarcher rearranged her studio according to the creativity- and prosperity-supporting principles of “feng shui”. Take advantage of her research into these fascinating ideas about how energy flows to enhance your workplace – and life….

Evocative hand embroideries made with found objects from vintage photographs and garments to medical X-rays and cast-off cardboard signs….

Whether you saw some of the FiberPhiladelphia 2012 shows last Spring and have your own rave faves – or didn’t get to go and wish you had, check out this *highlights* tour. Marci McDade punches your ticket to a recap of this massive textile event. …

East Carolina University students like to get off – campus, that is – and money is no obstacle. Read how a posse of 8 made it to “Identity” conference in Philadelphia (April 2012) by raising funds through their high-energy textile guild. Expect to see more of them!…

Let Studio Art Quilt Associates Executive Director (and SDA member!) Martha Sielman be your guide on this tour of contemporary art quilts that explore the beauty of the natural world – as well as the creative process of the maker. First in a series by Lark Books….

Get to know 3 more dedicated volunteers who have stepped up to share their vision and energy to build a bigger, better SDA. Meet Deborah Kruger, Ann Graham and Vivian Mahlab here….

If you’d like to turn your passion for textiles into your livelihood, take some cues from recent Cornell grad (+ SDA member) Jessie Fair. With a day job at a prestigious fashion company, 2 online stores AND freelance clients like H&M, she strives to keep her fiber focus in flow & in balance….