Completed questionnaire of Courtney M. What scarf are you?

1. As a child, what colors where you drawn to?

Blues and pinks, but I don’t remember why. I feel like the colors I loved then are so far from what I love now.

2. What colors do you wear/like/surround yourself with as an adult?

Always white, grey and black.

3. How do you like to wear a scarf? Do you wear scarves? Big and bulky? Wrapped many times? Loose and flowy?

I wear a smaller scarf or a gaiter. The smaller scarf I like is about 6” x maybe 3-4 feet. Wrapped a few times.

4. Please share a story from your life that featured a significant textile (Clothing, blanket, accessory, toy)

When I was in high school I worked on the crew for the drama department. On stage left was an extensive fly system, with a catwalk way above. At the end of the catwalk was a big closet called the costume room. And it was incredibly full, with clothes probably no one would ever wear. Anyway, I found a sweater there which I took and wore for 20 years. It was a soft wool, very pale warm grey, buttoned up, small patch pockets, and fit me closely but not tightly. The elbows wore out after a long time, and I patched them. But they wore out again and the sweater was done. I’m pretty sure I still have it in the back of my closet because it was the very best.

5. What is the climate like where you spend most of your time?

NC mountains. It’s a temperate rain forest, wet! Mold is an issue- when we get out our winter stuff it often needs a wash. Never gets too hot or extremely cold, but we do have a winter.

6. Have you ever made any textiles? (Knit, sewn, wove, etc.)

Yes! I’ve knit many hats, but I knit very tightly, and it hurts my shoulders, so I don’t do it much. I sew regularly (repairs, costumes, curtains recently). And I have never wove anything more than a pot holder, but for some time I have been looking for the right weaving class at Penland- I plan to make the time to try it. I would love to weave a wool rug, I think the pattern design would be loads of fun.

7. Are you allergic or have any sensitivity to any textile materials?

Wool that is rougher or scratchier sometimes irritates me.

8. Please describe your personal style?

I aspire for it to be simple and modern and utilitarian. Black shirt usually, jeans/carhartts/skirt with leggings, hoodie, not a lot of jewelry. Not very girly, but feminine. Every time I buy clothes that are colorful they sit in the closet. Sometimes I like red shoes.

9. What is your favorite article of clothing and why?

Hoodie. I have studio hoodies and dress hoodies.

10. When you are upset and seeking comfort are there any textiles that you turn to?

I have these grey Patagonia sweat pants that feel so soft, but I think I look good in.

11. What is your hair color, eye color?

Blonde moving to grey. Green eyes.

12. What is your astrological sign?

Taurus

13. If you had to describe yourself in a few words what would they be?

potter, mama, gardener, kind, hard working, cook.

14. Please list examples of music or audio content you listen to or most recently listened to? (music, podcast, book)

I do a couple news podcasts (the Daily, Up First), Reply All, 99 PI. Really I do a lot of podcasts. Books- recently finished the third Elena Ferrante book, Beastie Boys Book, and Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind. Listening to a lot of Beyonce, Lizzo, 90s hip hop.

15. Are you currently in love?

Yes, but it’s complicated and hard right now with my man. I believe it can be fixed. Deeply and easily in love with my work and kiddos.

16. What is your strongest value?

I’m pretty reliable - I show up and work hard.