Style?

SO I have been reading things lately be it books , magazines or blogs talking about Style. What is your personal style and what could you not survive with fashion wise?

Well my three things I could absolutely not survive with are:

Striped tights

Skirts(all lengths but comfortable)

and the last but definitely not least MY BOOTS

I LUV these boots I have owned them for at least 15 years. They have been resoled, restitched and abused. They are comfortable and they really lace up, they are not a pair of those cheater ones with zippers. Oh and they actually have a tread which is quite useful when you live Eastern Ontario. I have been looking for something new to replace them with but no luck so far. My hunt will continue and until then I shall keep wearing these. Though I will have to give them a little TLC before the snow flies.

skirt production

SO I have been busy trying to get stock ready for the upcoming show season. This week it has been skirts. If I get everything done I have cut thus far I will have approx. 40. The goal is to have at least 50 ready before Nov. 12th.
I also need lots of other things restocked but I decided one main item each week until then is probably the way to go. It seems less overwhelming that way. Also need more headband colours, dresses, jackets. UUUGGGHH I'm making my own head hurt. ;0)

Hope everyone has a wonderful Halloween weekend.

Fibre Adventures

This past weekend we attended the Fall Fibre Affair at the Fairfield Gutzeit House in Bath Ontario. Wasn't the nicest day weather wise but it was reasonably nearby. The Fairfield Gutzeit House is an old home that has been opened to the public as a museum which holds events throughout the year. This was the second year for the Fall Fibre Affair to be held there. A beautiful old home and we saw some beautiful fibre.

Munchkin is always fascinated by the process of spinning. Someday perhaps I may figure out where to keep a spinning wheel and then we will both be happy. Though I would also need to find TIME to spin also. I shall keep dreaming of the possibilities.
Some of the absolutely gorgeous hand dyed yarns that were available.
Munchkin posing on the totally awesome kitchen floor. The trim and the old butler sink were also the same blue. It's worth going to the house the check out the amazing kitchen

Fibre Adventures

Long time No Post

Munchkin posing with the stick garden she created for me. She insisted I take a picture of her handiwork and of course that included her acting goofy.

As to what else is going on in my life. Have been trying to get prepared for the upcoming Studio Tour which is fastly approaching. Attempting to finish some commissioned outfits and of course I agreed to two shows next weekend. These shows are at the opposites ends of the spectrum. Saturday is Taste! in Prince Edward County which is a quite large event - I will be part of a new feature they have added this year for Local Artisans and Farmers. Sunday is the Yarker Fall Festival which is organized by a community group from the small village my daughter is attending school and in the area where I grew up. Extremely different venues.

Oh and this coming Monday I have an appointment to look at some possible studio space. So Has anyone out there discovered the machine that creates longer days? I strongly suspect I need to become better at time management.

Update

Been working on a variety of headbands these are a picture of one kind. Whenever I need to touch up my roots I seem to rediscover headbands. One of the dilemmas of hair dying. Thankfully they seem to suit me.

Also have committed to another show in November, this one is called Mistletoe Magic. I did their spring show and it was worth it so I am hoping that one in November will be even better. Hopefully Busy Hands and Fat Goose are scheduling winter shows and that they are are on different dates this time. Both of these are good because they are only about 30-40 minutes away my favourite kind of shows.

No major early rising.

Unlike next weekend where I have to be set up by 10am and it is approx 31/2 hours to Confederation Park from Napanee. So need to aim to get there between 8:30 and 9:00 at the latest. But we decided it wasn't worth another night at a hotel. Already have the expense of two nights. Oh the life of trying to sell your wares ;0)

Palmer Dress

I am horrible about naming things. So I finally decided what to call this basic style of dress. As they are mainly made using repurposed golf shirts - why not Palmer. I know not very original. But I have to stop overthinking things like naming a design.
Made some that would fit the larger figure and have been experimenting with sleeves. So these with the sweater skirts are now part of my more consistent designs. Am presently working on a couple of more options. Though as always there will never be two exactly like and they are all personally made by Moi.
Have definitively decided that I never plan on farming out the sewing of my designs. I like the fact that I can say each item available is personally created by me.

The Last While

A new sweater dress. Finally came across a sweater that went well with another one I had in my stash. Sometimes it takes a while to find the perfect sweater to complete the look. Then I have to find the original sweater which is EGADS. This often involves lots of digging and sometimes days as I am sure those house trolls hide things on me just for amusement. Also got a variety of golf shirt dresses done and some new jackets.
Went on a day trip with the family after spending the morning at a Habu Textiles sourcing talk in Picton. Have been wanting to go to a local goat cheese dairy, so after they picked me up we went for a bit of a drive. This is a wonderful structure that they have built outside the main building. It is made from reclaimed materials, being as green as possible is one of the company mandates. And their cheese is good too. We picked up some chevre and cheddar.
Here's munchkin posing in the parking lot.

Skirt Comission

Not quite like the sample pictures she sent. She said surprise her and to put my own spin on it. So I made something that I feel is very versatile. Perfect for any occasion. Made the waist band dip in the front as I was pretty sure she had bellybutton adornment and guess what - I was right.
She asked for some colour with the options being Red, Bright Pink, Purple and Bright Green. I had this wonderful green trim and I dug and found some awesome plaid purple/black trim so the decision was made. I also came across this totally awesome orange fringe that I have and now need to design something to put it on. It actually looked wonderful draped across the skirt but was afraid that it may put to much of a Halloween vibe to it.
She's smiling and she wouldn't take it off before leaving so I guess that means she liked it.

Art Among The Ruins

A quick picture of my tent at The Art Among The Ruins in Newburgh. It was a beautiful sunny day. My new camp table which rolls up worked great and I think I devised a method for a change room. Though people kept asking where I got my curtains or if they were perhaps for sale. I guess I should of bought all the bright sheets GT had that day and resold them(HAHA).
A shot looking down over the hill past some of the flowerbeds.
A slightly different view. I think in the end there were 50 artists participating.
A mushroom that munchkin discovered around the corner of the house at the show. Of course I was dragged over to take a picture. She knows her Mommy's fondness for mushrooms. Aren't they pretty? They were a wonderful combination of browns though towards the end of their lifespan.

Spoiled?

Something I completed this weekend for munchkin while I sat and watched Scooby-Doo movies. She luvs the movies but needs me near by for the extra scary creatures.

The pillow is 18 by 18 and perfect for her to sit on or cuddle with. And its PURPLE. So she adores it.

Fighting Back?

Does your fruit fight back. These are some strawberries determined to make it through the season. They are ready and are recruiting from the young ones still on the plants.

I know I am being silly once again.

P 'N' P

P 'N' P aka Pretty in Pink and pale Blue. A petal skirt made with two Tommy Hilfiger golf shirts.

Not normally a pastel person but when I saw these golf shirts I instantly thought flowers thus one petal skirt created. Even left part of the button placket on the front panels which I think are a nice addition to the completed project. But then a top half needed to be made thus the bright pink jacket with some scrap of golf shirts used for embellishing. It fits me perfectly so now I need to find a blonde aprox the same build because I think it would look stupendous with a little cami under the jacket on someone who is tanned and blonde. Isn't it weird how sometimes you can envision a complete look? I probably should make a cami to go with it too. (Pink,blue, off-white - hhhmmm?)

Art In The City - Ottawa

Here is my new sandwich board which is all ready for my upcoming shows. My friend Maureen painted it. It reminds me very much of her which is awesome, if you know her work you would instantly recognize this as done by her. I asked her to make it colourful and for it to have movement. The other side is a different outfit and woman.

So Yeeaaahhh I just got an email confirmation that I was accepted into the Art In The City in Ottawa the end of August. Another 3 day show. It looks like it will be a busy summer for me. Create, create, create and hopefully sell, sell, sell.

Really hope I wasn't crazy in deciding to try longer shows, further away with more expenses(like accommodations). The next show is Art Among The Ruins in Newburgh which is only approx a 15 minute drive on Farther's Day weekend. It is a very atmospheric show and a great way to stay visible locally. I am sure I will see lots of familiar faces and I am setting up right next to a good friend.

Cobourg Waterfront Festival

Received my vendor package for the Cobourg Waterfront Festival. I think they have most everything possible covered. It is the 21st year so I guess they have learned from experience. It is interesting as they actually provide plywood walls that you are allowed to attach stuff to. There is even a vendor rest area and such things. It's been a while since I have done a 3 day show and especially one that seems to have all possible scenarios covered.

I really hope the weather is nice that weekend as we haven't had many days lately that don't include rain. So Rain, Rain go away whenever I have a show booked.

Doll Whoosh

So here is the finished doll. Not something I would normally make but it is what she requested. Hopefully her granddaughter likes her. She also has a little denim rucksack big enough for her owners and her snacks. So a wipe of the brow and and utterrance of whoosh I finally completed that task. I need to learn to say NO to special requests for dolls as I always procrastinate on them and I am never happy with the finished project.

Here is the painting I got for myself for a birthday present. It is called The Runicible Spoon painted by Natalie Nolan. Went and bought the fabric to make the skirt she requested as a barter. Have her measurements and have an image in mind, now to sit down at the sewing table and start creating.

The scary thing is I have actually had people walk in the living room and not notice the new addition to the room. Strongly suspect that many people are overwhelmed by the house and its decor. Oh well a creative bunch dwells there.

How I spent Friday Evening

Another reminder of how much my life has changed. Munchkin declared it Beauty Salon evening last night. First I had to do her hair while she chatted to me and flipped through a magazine - because that is what you do at the Salon. Though she has never actually been to one as I don't frequent hairdressers. Her Daddy goes but not me. Have never been able to deal with having to pay so much to have my hair trimmed which technically should take 5 minutes max. So once every 5 years or so I give in and go get it shaped a bit otherwise I grab a pair of scissors and cut away.

So I did her hair with lots of clips and braids, it really suits her though I am sure I could never convince her to leave in something like this all day. Mostly because it may interfere with her hat wearing.

Then she did mine which made her ecstatic as normally I don't let her play with my hair. But I knew it needed a washing in the morning so she had free rein. Oh by the way imagine hers purple and mine rainbow colour cause coloured hairspray was the finishing touch. Thankfully she is still happy pretending with this.

I normally don't do much with my hair as it has a tendency to get large if bothered.

So that was my Friday evening, not how I used to spend it. I guess it all comes with being a Mom and getting older.

Kiwi's Blogger Follower Swap #5

Sorry to my fellow swappers in my lateness in starting a entry entitled Kiwi's. The last few days escaped me. Had the inlaws visiting along with it being Easter. So now I have remedied that and will be sure to check out my partners blogs in the next few days. Looking forward to seeing what everyone is up to.

More clothes

Dress made from 1 red tshirt and 4 black ones. Red stitching on the seams for contrast.

Been trying to get ready for the shows coming up. So here are a couple of more things I completed lately. The goal is to get at least one thing completed every day or lets say minimum 7 things a week. This week I got 2 dresses, I cardi, 3 little girls jackets(1 of these were for munchkin - she's outgrown her other one). So I am getting close to the weekly goal. My weeks start Monday so I shall have to see what I manage to complete today and Sunday.

I have also been busy making headbands for girls, I was getting a lot of requests for them so I thought I better get busy. Its been worth it cause they are selling.

Houndstooth Cardi made using 3 sweaters.

Need to get busy and finish some of my commissions and barter items. Have to finish a doll and her accessories - something I have been putting off. Always seem to have a commission like that looming in the background (we all need one right?)

Then I need to redesign/remake a purse towards a barter I did for a new sandwich board sign I had painted by a local mural artist. Will try to remember to take a picture. Also am making something for her daughter.

Then I need to create some item of clothing for a local artist who I got a painting from. This was my birthday present to myself. I shall have to post pictures of the painting and the finished clothing. Maybe I can get a picture of her wearing what I create.

What I have been doing lately

A dress made out of some sweaters. Looks very nice with a turtleneck or cami underneath. Ended up making it a bit larger for a customer because she fell in love with this particular dress, the new version had strips down each side in a coordinating colour. It looked great on her and hopefully she wears it lots.
A quite neutral version of the sweater dress/jumper. Currently I am working on dresses made with golf shirts and tanks for the hot summer days. The skirts on them are asymmetrical and patchwork my test one turned out wonderful but whoever wears it needs to be at least 5'7" cause I made it long. The problem with trying to create a full length item. I will probably have to do two different lengths. Hope to have a picture soon.
A naughty bunny(a bit creepy), I have been on a Bunny spree. Many of them have been quite cutesy so my creativity has been fighting back and thus a few Evil Bunnies are being created also. It's all a balance thing.

Yesterday bunnies made from facecloth were on the agenda. This was supposed to be a project to do with munchkin so she could give them to family and friends for Easter. It became a project that my friend Paula and I completed with munchkin being artistic director. But we got 8 facecloth bunnies completed. Then I sat and made the bunny above. Now I need a name and a way to make her some silk stockings. May have to experiment with some of my old ones.

Busy, Busy

Well I have been a busy little bee in the last month. Sending off more applications for shows and actually doing a show in partnership with Taste The County - Called Maple In The County. For anyone not in the know 'The County" in this area means Prince Edward County. This is a very marketable area they now have numerous wineries and is a favourite spot for artists to reside.

The show was upstairs of a very nice independent bookstore call Books & Co. A preferred venue to me as it is reasonably close, has great coffee at the attached cafe and in general the right kind of clientele. Though walking up and down the stairs for setup and take down is a real workout. I just refer to it as part of my workout program. Usually have a few follow up sales from any shows I do there which is always great.

Presently I am trying to wrap my head around which shows would be the most beneficial to do considering travel, accommodations and cost of space. Then there is always the consideration of spacing as if the sale is amazing I need to restock for the next show. Has anyone out there discovered that magic 72 hour day?

Toothy

So every once in a while I get these great wool cardigans which I then wash to see what transpires. Anyways I decided because of the pockets some of them would make great tooth pillows. Don't ask about the train of thought. But aren't they cute.

Munchkin approved and once again I had to pay the "Munchkin Tax" as it is called in our household. which means she takes something that I have created and claims it as her own. This time I also got 3 kisses and 4 hugs also.(Does that count as payment?) So I guess she is ready when she starts loosing teeth in about 2 years.

Pay It forward with creativity

Pay It Forward 2011.I promise to send an original creation to the first 5 people who leave a comment here.They in turn must post this and send something they make to the first 5 people who comment on their status.Rules: it must be hand made by you and sent sometime in 2011.

http://patriciasfabricart.blogspot.com/2011/03/pay-it-forward-2011.html

This is the post where I discovered this round of pay it forward. I am always game for ways to encourage creativity around the globe.

SO I am going to make something specific for just this. Once I get a sample done I will post a picture but I am thinking along the lines of functional art. Thus it will be something that would be useful in your own pursuit of creativity in your life.

So leave a comment that you would like to participate and I will contact you later for a snail mail addy.

Ingrid

Ps Poke around Patricia's blog she makes some great things.

Green for March

First of all excuse the wigs bedhead it kinda reminds me of my own hair some mornings. But I had to post some pictures(even if they aren't the best) of the finished item. Yes I really did finish the green shawl. Yeeahh for me. OK I am done patting myself on the shoulder. ;0)

I shall get some better pictures done at the same time as I get some other clothing photographed.

So I had every intention of getting some sewing done yesterday as it was a munchkin free day. But alas instead I went with my friend Holly thrift store shopping. Realized I need to stock up on sweaters before everyplace packs them away, all the spring and summer stuff is coming out. SO we went to a kinda local Sharing Centre and they were having a bag sale Yeeaahh. So that means whatever you can stuff in your reusable shopping bag was $5. So three bags there. Not many sweaters though.

The we went to BFM(Bibles For Missions) I have been remembering the acronym as otherwise I have a tendency to call it Missions for Bibles. Here we lucked out as all red or green tags were half price. I scored a great black three piece ensemble which is probably 50's era for $3.50. The lady who was helping to pack the bags wasn't very happy. She pointed out that it had to be priced wrong. Now I have to figure out what I am going to do with it.

It is kinda dangerous to go in my workspace at the moment. Attack of the sliding mountains of clothing.

Getting Ready for Shows Etc.

Skirt and jacket ensemble.(presently hanging in the store window) I have been on a real grey kick in the last while. Have made myself a dress, jacket, and skirt all in varying grey tones. Now I am making things to sell. Next I am going to try to be inspired by some browns. Neutrals are always a good choice the more vibrant colours are much more person specific. I have been working on a green shawl off and on for about a month now. Really thought I was over my dislike for green but there still seems to be some latent feelings. Going to force myself to finish it this weekend. When I can distance myself from it I will probably like it (I hope).
This jacket looks best with jeans tried it with a skirt just doesn't look quite right. Maybe more of a cargo skirt. hhmmm. And look it has some green. Also has quite a few pockets, must of been thinking where to stash tissue and electronics that day. The tissue are imperative to me, my allergies are already hitting me must be all the wind we have been having. It is definitely blowing something about my sinuses don't like. I love pockets even though most things I wear for some reason don't seem to have them.

Kiwi's Blogger Follower Swap #4

Ooopps!! Forgot to post something under this title. Better late then never. ;0).

Looking forward to seeing what my swap partners blogs are like. This is a wonderful way to be exposed to some blogs that I wouldn't necessary come across in my normal days online.

SO as to what I have been up to. Well I got some more clothing pieces done and sent an application to a large show in downtown Toronto. So keep your fingers crossed that I pass the jurying process. Hope to get pictures done of the new clothing done soon. When that happens I will be sure to post them.

I have committed to being a guest artist at a studio tour in the Autumn. I'm one of the guests at a mural artists home/studio. Also getting some other dates confirmed for shows this year so will have to update the sidebar soon.

That's all for today.

It's Sunny Outside

So these are some of the things I have completed lately and photographed. Needed pictures to apply for some upcoming shows this year. Now I just need to get some applications in the mail with cheques(uughhh). The cheque writing is the part I hate cause then you have to add up the total and of course come up with the money. ;0)

Oh well as I said in the title of this posting IT is SUNNY outside.

Saturday Morning

So I came into the store this morning and we had forgotten to empty the coffee pot and put the filter in the compost pail. Well the filter was just begging to be made into something it had dried so beautifully. So I made a boutineer. AM starting to suspect that I have a thing for garbage created from coffee.

-Meet Betty The Yeti. She is the start of a monthly challenge to create a limited series of monsters every month. Probably going to do editions of 6 and try to keep the cost between $15-$20. This one was inspired by a sweater I picked up at a thrift store and went 'Cool it's a Yeti Sweater' - remember the sweater in the movie "About A Boy'. Also I had just received an email from Urban Threads lately with some new monster embroidery patterns. So thus Betty the Yeti was created, shes works at a spaghetti orchard. So now what to do for March, I have some ideas floating about in my mind