I got one of the fox girls finished!
She has a knitted lace collar- I bought the lace when I went to the Vintage Textile Show at the beginning of the month. Hurray for buying and then actually using versus hoarding, which is very easy for me to do. She has some flowers in her paw.
And, the stuff in her purse-
I am sorry that the photo doesn’t show the little button which is an antique black glass butterfly button.
There is lots going on around here. This morning, I packed up two orders, walked to the post office, then the bank, then the library and back home. And somehow, since I haven’t done any sewing, I feel like I haven’t gotten anything done! So, now I am writing a blog post. Last week I took a super-fast, overnight trip to Brooklyn to see the year-end show at the NYU Game Center where one son is getting his MFA. Next week, I will probably go back again for Mister Finch‘s show. Busy, busy!
I’ve got a table full of foxes waiting for me.
But, I’ve gotten distracted by ornaments.
When I was asked to design some ornaments for West Elm, I needed to come up with a lot of ideas and then they picked what they wanted. The thing is, I liked all of them! It has been tickling the back of my conscious brain ever since that I should move forward with these others and make patterns. I even got started a few times but ended up getting flooded with ideas and then feeling overwhelmed. This time, I said I would teach a class to make ornaments. That is the way I finish things- commit to someone else. So, moving forward! So far I have a fish, a whale, robot, and a long list, drawings, and first try prototypes of lots of other things. I will keep you informed as they move forward.
What else? I am taking a class to make the Cooper bag. I know, busman’s holiday, but I knew I wouldn’t get to it if I didn’t schedule a time. Hopefully it will be done on Wednesday evening and then I can show you.
I am going to Portland, Oregon in July (8- 13). So excited!
I’m not sure if I mentioned it before, but a reminder since I’m making a list here- I am not planning on doing any shows this year. It doesn’t look like that will slow down my traveling though!
He’s kitty number 5 and the last for now. I onto foxes next.
He is lots of bright colors.
She is #4.
When I sorted through my wool fabrics last winter and came across this orange herringbone, it seemed perfect for a kitty. Then, when she was ready to dress, I discovered the real challenge. The bold herringbone was very difficult to match up with clothing colors and patterns. It all worked out though- I love my sweet butterfly moon kitty!
The third kitty is warmly dressed in muted colors but he has his red and black checked vest under his jacket.
He has a cashmere scarf and a functional backpack that closes with a tie and an antique button.
I guess I like how this folk pattern looks with a black and white kitty because I did it again!
And here is a detail of her basket-
Back in March, I made up a group of kitties with sewed on clothing. Now, I am working on a group with removable clothing plus accessories, just like the foxes. As usual, I thought, No problem! Just like the foxes! – But no. Lots of little tweaks were needed with the patterns. I now have a rather large pile of clothing rejects that will hopefully find another kitty or fox where they will work. Anyway, here is Kitty #1!
She is wearing a dress made from Heather Ross designed fabric, a soft corduroy jacket, and a silk ribbon at her ear.
Here is a close-up of her bag-
And what’s in it-
This fellow was a special request from someone who is amassing quite a collection!
Hopefully you can see the pattern in his hair in this photo.
He will be off to the UK soon. Happy travels!
Back in March I was over on Sew Mama Sew as part of their 6 weeks of softies. The 6 weeks are over and people made some amazing pieces which you can check out here. They are also doing a toy drive and are looking for more donations.
This is what Kristin + Beth sent me-
I have a favor to ask. We are accepting donations to the Soft Toy Drive through the end of the month. So far I have a couple dozen contributions, but I’d love to be able to send at least 200 toys to the National Foster Parent Association conference in June. I heard from so many people involved in foster parenting who all agree that foster children often show up at a new home with hardly any personal belongings. Having a toy that is all their own to love and keep would mean so much. If you could help us spread the word to your readers, I would really appreciate it. All the information is in this post.
I am going to send in some pieces that were made as samples for books or prototypes for toys. I never knew what to do with them and this seems perfect. Maybe you have something to contribute?