New and not

I have said before that I see myself as a kind of archeologist of craft sorts. Whether, I’m  uncovering forgotten scraps from throw-away objects or celebrating vintage imagery and inspiration in modern context, I get a good feeling from this kind of recycling.   These treasures deserve more air time and serve to make the past, last.

 

 

I have also repeated this a few times lately:  that planning your project is a good idea (within reason, of course.)  It seems  to throw the idea of improvisation out the window, but each has a place.  I like to alternate.  This adorable embroidery has been lovingly planned to dress the front of a fancy laundry bag.  

This beautiful improvisation in black and red is the work (and planning) of Quilt Initiative led by Lizzy Rockwell. She always thrills me with the projects she elicits from a group of men and women at the center – some from scraps.  But always delightfully designed, often with Quilter’s Alley fabrics.

We’re planning for the Empire Quilter’s Show at the Fashion Institute of Technology –  28th and 7th Ave. NYC, this weekend the 21, 22 of March.
Hope to see you there!

 

Start sewing group

I was thrilled to hear about a group of women from our local museum who were meeting at one of their homes to have a sewing party.  I doubt if there were balloons, but I’m sure there was food and lots of shared knowledge about hemming and such.   The finished skirt, made from gorgeous Lecien fabric with two coordinating trims turned out great.  (Picture in the works,)

Whenever we hold a sewing class, it’s a celebration of sorts.  We make learning the day’s skill a success for everyone. We might have cake and usually there are decorations – mostly projects hanging. This week six teachers dropped in to learn how to make a pillow decorated with raw edge applique circles.  Only one or two of them had ever run a sewing machine.  They picked it up quickly and we have the pictures to show for it. Don’t they look like they had fun?  I sure did. Thanks to the organizer: Jinx.

We hope to start a series of classes that build on beginning skills while producing an adorable project at the end of the day.  

Finally, another happy beginner who made this quilt block for her friend.  We borrowed the paper doll applique from our good friend, Cathy Corcella of Ohio Star Patterns.  Her patterns are sold at our shop.

 

Blog Heaven

We’ve been watching the Martha Stewart Blog all week, waiting to see when the photos from the VIKING Convention would appear.  Well, if you scroll way down, you’ll see us, but I’ve taken the liberty to borrow a couple that we are very proud of. Meanwhile, Martha did a great job capturing what we experienced at the convention.

 

We’re back from Convention

This has been the most amazing week!  Going to the Husqvarna VIKING Convention is lots of work, but loaded with fun and excitement.  The sky in San Antonio, TX is big and blue.  Our hotel was luxurious.  Most of all, the Designer Diamond and other new products that were introduced made it an inspiring trip, with lots learned and much to share now that we’re back.

Here are a couple of highlights:

This is a view from our hotel room window.  18th Floor.

A conversation with Martha.  It was like being on her TV show.  We were among the group who met her earlier, one on one, as well, and then got front row seats for this part. She has created a new line of embroidery designs which we will be carrying.

Husqvarna Viking and Scott Fox giving Martha the 1st Designer Diamond as a gift.

 

 

 

Sew, but don’t stop blogging.

We are all in the same craft boat with our doubts, insecurities, lack of time, multiple interests.  I, for one, am so sad, in my isolated creative space,  that so many blogs are going away. Blogs I’ve grown attached to. It’s like the blog is just another craft project. that is finally finished.  Are any of you out there noticing this trend?  But people need to hear what you-all-too-busy-to-blog people have to say and what you are making to keep us all feeling okay about what we do. 

Now a yahoo list I just joined about a week ago… this is spooky!

I know there are still many of us out there, online, flickr, blogging, but I’m afraid I’m losing heart myself, with all the “endings.”  Something cheerful to close…

 

 

 

Retreat to Ridgefield

While I was looking for an image to use for the invitation to our retreat in July, I realized it would make a great macro image, even though I didn’t take the shot today. 

 

Back in Ridgefield for now

We arrived home from Lancaster on Monday morning: 12:30am.  We spent most of Monday, back at the shop unpacking and repacking for the Piecemakers show in Seymour, CT this Saturday & Sunday.  Business as usual today.  Here’s a look at this past weekend. Yes, they’re show dogs!    

 

Road Trip…

The day has arrived as quickly as time flies.  We’re picking up the van and loading  this afternoon, to be ready to leave bright and early Wednesday. At this point, we’re excited and hopeful that the thousands of visitors to Lancaster for this event will make it worthwhile.   The physical labor is somewhat daunting for two 50+ folks, although I’m thankful that I can still do such things.  I’ve been imagining the layout of our booth for months already, but it looked different in last night’s dream.  I have my hand sewing project to work on during the car ride and I always bring my camera. The scenery is so beautiful and maybe I’ll start the Quilt quilt I thought about doing last year, with pictures of the millions of quilt signs you see all along the way to Lancaster. Maybe you’ll visit us there if you’re in the neighborhood.

 

Love digital

What did I do before it? The same thing I do when the battery is charging.  I am looking forward to loading a couple of project photos.  Oliver + S Bubble Dress and other recently finished handwork.  For today, a peek at my latest pattern, now a kit and soon to be available as a pattern only on Etsy and at the store. 

 

Preparing for a show.

This is my version of preparing.  Days before we leave, I have started to pack – it feels like – a million bins and boxes with fabric to sell and sample projects.  The piles get higher and I sit in their shadows, continuing to sew sample projects.  We are tweaking some pattern instructions for the blossoming line.  (One will be showing up on Etsy soon.)   More ideas are being noted in the cache of my sketchbook, then more sewing of sample projects.  I do love this cycle, as stressful as it can be at times.  Sitting at the sewing machine is my tonic. Jessica’s Quilt from the Mod Birds class.    Beautiful job! Nina’s Quilt.  Nina finished, yea! And I made a curtain from vintage chenille in my spare time. (term used loosely)