LaLa in LA

My "Puff Chair"

2012-02-09T15:20:00.000-08:00

I like the comfort of my "Puff Chair". It is very comfortable. But, after about two years I get tired of the fabric and the fabric gets tired of me (it shows wear). Now here is the hard part, finding the right fabric to cover the original cushions. I bought this fabric several years ago, I bought about two other fabrics for the same purpose also. I bought fabric for my future "re-fabricing". Then I brought it home and spread it on the chair and leave it there for about a day. Fortunately I get to purchase these choices at FIDM because each choice has to be 3 yards of 60" wide fabric. It gets to be pricey if I purchased anywhere else.

This is the fabric that won the contest. It is a cotton with a diagonal thread running through every 1/4". It doesn't hold a wrinkle and is very comfortable. The other fabrics will go to GoodWill. It is hard to hold onto a large bulk of fabric.

I sewed the new fabric onto the original cushion cover. I also put an additional piece of foam into to two parts of the chair.

I made the foot stool first. I made it first to see if I liked the finished looks. I did enjoy how it looked and then tackled the chair.

Making the cover is a small job compared to stuffing the cushion into the cover. The last time I did this it took me about 1 hour to stuff the foam into the cushion. I was sweating and calling to the sewing gods to help me. I won a favor because when I made a workout cushion for a friend, the man at the shop told me of a trick. I asked him for a tip and he told me to cover the foam in a plastic bag. Well, I used the large garbage bag and the cushions went in so much faster.

P.S. The cats took ownership of the chair before I could even try it out!

The Challenge of an Apron

2012-02-05T10:25:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought that an apron could be so hard to make? I didn't when a friend said that she would like me to make her an apron. I thought, hey, a couple of hours at the most. This woman likes her kitchen decorated with fruit. So, I asked her if she wanted the apron with fruit. Of course, she said yes. I was not going out to look for fruit fabric. What was the likelihood of finding this "fruit" fabric except by chance. I went to my favorite store, ebay! I found lots of fabric and this looked especially wonderful. When I received the fabric I was very pleased, it was just what I wanted. I was going to give it to her for Christmas. But she is a "big bosomed" lady and I did not really know how to compensate for this. The first time I tried it on her I found that it looked horrible. It took me a while to get the idea for tucks in the front but now it looks lovely on her. I was just going to take the bib off of it and give it to her with the waist band. Now she is very happy with her "company" apron.

Positive Re-Inforcement

2012-01-28T16:42:00.000-08:00

This is going to be used to hold treats for dog training. I used a Blue Ribbon and took it completely apart and used the pieces. I made it to go on belt.
Positive reinforcement is a new way of dog training. Training use to require that a strong forceful voice would reprimand the poor dog. Now, when the dog just indicates that he is behaving correctly and he is given a treat. The dog learns much faster and now every one is on better terms with each other.
The doggie bags that are available in the catalogs are very boring and since I like to improve on the "ugly", I did this. But I did think that every one who might want me to make one for them will want Blue Ribbons. And yet there are so many other beautiful colors, but with Dog Training, there is only BLUE.

Revue and Renew Viewpoints

2012-01-20T15:37:00.000-08:00

When I made this purse I had the concept of wearing a fancy purse on one's waist. That way dancing would be worry free. There would be no clutching a purse in your hand or leaving at the table (if anyone would do that) or leaving your purse with a friend. I spent a lot of time on the internet trying to find the right belt. I was never pleased with the belts that I found. By the time that I received the first acceptable belt, it was a cotton belt. I had four other belts sitting on my desk. Well, after the purse was in another hands (I should say waist?), I became very dissatisfied with the purse and started the process of finding a belt that would please me.
Now, I am pleased. The belt is a Lizard Skin belt and the light glancing off the belt picks up the light glancing off the Green Malachite and African Jade.
It is now a cohesive whole in my mind.
I just thought I would share this.

The Afghan Lives On

2012-01-15T13:22:00.000-08:00

I was completely charmed by the felted afghan that I found a thrift store. I was so charmed that I couldn't stop myself from using it again. This is the second purse that I have made of it. The body of the purse is a leather mini skirt that I found at FIDM about three years ago. The mini skirt was made of pieces of leather. I find that the patched pattern of the leather gives a more dynamic feel to the purse.
I made this little change purse for the purse. The ribbon on the leather is GrosGrain. I haven't decide whether to attach the change purse to the inside of the main purse.
When I was a child, I remember my grandmother had a purse with a chain holding a little change purse. I would watch her pull this little purse out and it seemed so perfect.
I lined the purse with the beautiful orange satin that I lined the other purse with and made the orange robe. The orange satin seems like the cup that never empties.

Lady Gaga of LA

2012-01-05T09:50:00.000-08:00

Here is Lady Gaga of LA. Lucy and I went to see my Darling Niece. Annie and Lucy are good friends and they love to play. They were playing Lady Gaga, each one switching off the blonde wig. I was so amazed by Lucy. She just fell into the "mode" of being Lady Gaga.
My Darling Niece took the picture and I finally decided that the world needed to see the new talent.

The Significance of the Word

2011-12-29T09:37:00.000-08:00

I always like to make my Christmas gifts to my Granddaughter Lucy and my Great Niece Annie. So, this year I started out with Annie's, because I needed to mail it and Lucy's came next. I was going to post when the present arrived. But life being what it is and Christmas mail always hazardous, Annie's present didn't arrive until yesterday. I was truly a nervous wreck. But when I think about it, I must make better choices about what I listen to when I sew.
With Annie's robe. I listened to Rebel Buddha by Dzogchen Ponlop. And when I think about it then
it makes a lot of sense that life has it own time stream and it would get there when it was to get there. When I made Lucy's robe, I listened to Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. And of course, it was ready and wrapped for Christmas.
Annie's robe is this wonderful Spandex Satin. A friend gave me about 7 yards of it. It is only 40 inches wide but the color captures the whole world. The robe will hit the bottom of her calf. She won't trip but will still have the long robe style.
Lucy's is a lovely shade of Periwinkle Lavender. I wanted to try applique and since Lucy is such a lovely bud of a girl, that is the theme of the robe.

Actually, it wouldn't be Christmas if I didn't make something for my loved ones and these two girls are very dear!!

The Zig Zag Afghan

2011-12-15T14:27:00.000-08:00

I made this bag to take with me on a trip to see my niece in Alameda. I needed a new fresh look. Plus I needed a bag large enough to carry all the different things that I like to travel with, especially a book.
I found a "felted" Afghan (it is all wool) last year and knew immediately that I would be using this find for my own purse. I loved the electric feeling and the zig zag end of the Afghan and knew that I would integrate it into the purse. I washed it again in hot water and dried it in a hot dryer and the blanket shank once again. I then began the purse. I made a channel at the top of the purse. I put a double layer of elastic in the channel and attached leather to the elastic. I used my favorite strap to carry the purse. The lining is a bright Satin and I put two pockets to hold keys and pens and glasses. The purse was a successful traveler, holding all the needed papers and my book!

New Hat

2011-12-01T08:58:00.001-08:00

I look at all the animal blogs I can find. I look at animals because it brings down my blood pressure and makes me happy. Sometimes I embarrass myself by admitting I am a simple person. But that said....this photo did tickle my fancy!
Maybe I could do a tutorial on "Fancy Hats for Baby Chicks".

Time in a Bottle

2011-11-14T16:22:00.001-08:00

There is a song by Jim Croce that is titled Time in a Bottle. That is what I have experienced while I was sewing this purse. I have no idea when I started this but as of yesterday, it is finished. What a relief to complete it. Each row of ruffles had to be made. Then it had to sewed onto GrosGrain ribbon.
I changed ideas a number of time. Each time I did that, I had to rip out or re-create. This purse was a test of my creativity and fortitude.
I fell in love with the color. I felt that I could dive into the color and reach another universe. I had to incorporate it into a purse. The idea for the purse came whole into my mind. In order to bring it into the "real" world seemed to take forever. The inside has two pockets on one side and one pocket on the other. I finished each pocket with a trim of ruffles.
Now my brain has to unwind before I can start another project. I keep the faith that I will finish in a respectable time.

The Joys of Childhood

2011-10-30T12:22:00.000-07:00

I went to a Halloween Party at my grandchildren's school yesterday. Lovely frightening fun. My son and friends' made a Haunted House. Children ran out screaming (I guess that means it was a success). My sweet Lucy is the "Dead Zombie Schoolgirl". Hollis, who did not want his picture taken is a Ninja. I had the fun of going out with them to find the costumes. It was really fun. I listened to them discuss and then decide. I really had fun!

2011-10-30T12:08:00.001-07:00

Time Is Going By So Swiftly

2011-09-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

Time seems to be full and going very fast for me. Last Saturday, I was at a play that was the final part of Children's Summer Playhouse in Los Angeles. My grandchildren were occupied by wonderful classes. Classes that I would like to attend! But I am no longer a child, oh well! My Lucy (the one with red hair) is here in center stage, helping to tell an Aztec tale.

Here is Lucy again with a sign over her head saying "Que Linda", which is certainly true. Que Linda translates to How Pretty! I laughed to myself when I saw that.
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Here is Hollis. I had my camera to the last close up focus but it is still fuzzy. Third from the right. Don't you love his hair? It is now cut for school. All the lovely waves and messyness that was so charming, all gone.

I have been so completely busy that I have not had time to post. So many situations that took all my time. I hope that now I have time to reflect and enjoy the coming season.

I am making an apron (big deal, huh?) but what I didn't think about is that aprons do come in all sizes and this one is much to small!
I also have a tapestry purse that is have way finished. This one will be mine! I have some lovely beads that were dug up from a Roman town in Syria. I can hardly wait to get to that part of the project.

Edible Art

2011-08-26T07:40:00.000-07:00

This is one of the prettiest tortillas I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy. The flower is a Squash Blossom.
This came as an appetizer with "Avocado Mousse". And the flavor equaled the beauty.

I went to this amazing restaurant this week and every dish was wonderful.

The Revera is a below the border style offerings. They emphasis Pre-Colombian, Colonial and Modern approaches to food.
It was a real adventure in dining, as they say. But this time it truly was!

2011-08-18T07:19:00.001-07:00

I was at a dog show this weekend. It is called an Obedience Trial.
The photo on the left is the group (me on the far right) that I worked with.
The middle photo is of the "High Scoring Dog". Truly a beautiful site to see. The owner loves her dogs and the dogs seem want to please her and they always do their best.
The photo on the right is because I couldn't resist the face.
We had a successful day that finally ended at 6:00 at night. I was very "pooped".

Why I like and Envy Cats

2011-08-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

My friends and family know that I look at three sites every day - Awkward Family Photos, Cute Overload and Catasters. If they are good, they are very good. And usually they find at least one funny bone in me. This photo is off Catasters.
This photo had me laughing and showing it to Penelope (my gorgeous white cat). She is the epitome of the attitude these cats display.
The owners love those cats. Each cat has it's own food and water source. They don't have to look at the other's bad eating manners or listen to slurping. These cats are cared for and yet true to cat form, they don't care! So very funny!
I sympathize and truly, I understand. And I think that this is also why I like cats. You can't buy their love.

The Last of the Dog Trial Purses

2011-08-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

Since I made two purses for the Dog Trial with the rosettes from the award ribbons, I had the printed ribbons left over. I just couldn't throw these away. My feeling of using and not wasting kept gnawing at me. So, I decided to make this one the last. It has ribbons on the front and the back. I used the same web belting that I had used on the other one. The main trouble that I ran into is that the ribbons are very beautiful and lush when they are awarded, the fabric of the ribbons is very cheap. So I had to be very careful and exact when I sewed the ribbon. If I over sewed and then corrected by pulling out thread, it would show. Darn! But after coping with that and also allowing forgiveness on my part, I finished the purse.
The dog trial is next Saturday, so I will find out how well they are received!
This is the front of the fanny pack. The colors of the ribbons may not be familiar to you but they are

"Roaring Twenties" in Today's View

2011-07-30T15:55:00.000-07:00

This is my interpretation of what women in the 1920's would have liked to wear. This is a "Fanny Pack" purse. It goes around the waist, opens freely to retrieve items. There is no fighting with zippers. It is cut Velvet, multi-hued and wonderful to the touch. I have added square cut Malachite beads and African Jade round beads. I so enjoy decorating my purses with jewels. I don't often have a chance but this fabric called out loud and clear for me to decorate it. I had to dye the belt to go with the purse colors. I lined the purse with a matching dark avocado green Silk.
Here is a close up of the many hues of the fabric and a close up of the square cut Malachite.
I have to say how much fun that I had making this purse. It is another one that came to me "whole cloth" in the middle of the night. It took some time to get all the parts I needed but every piece that I imagined arrive in time.

I Find This Funny

2011-07-27T09:11:00.001-07:00

I think that if one can understand another's sense of humor, one could go a long way in understanding their psychology.
Now, I am not really fond of rabbits but I am exceptionally fond of cats. When I look at this kitten's face and the surprise on it, I laugh. Here he finds that these creatures are very much like he is but something is different. His little paw is up and it is like he can't figure if he should bolt and run or just plain ol' slap the bunnies face. But I never have the feeling he just will be friends. It capsulizes the enigma of life!
Oh, what to do, what to do?

My Last Offer for the Dog Club

2011-07-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

Since I had so many dog ribbons left over I decided to make another bag for the Dog Club Raffle. My darling niece gave me this Chenille fabric sample and the whole idea came to me whole.
I used the same fabric for the lining (the map fabric) that I had used in the first purse. I put elastic on the ends, just to give it a little more of a profile.
Altogether it was made fast and fun. I hope that the people, who come to the trial, will enjoy my efforts.

Dog Raffle Donation

2011-07-16T15:34:00.001-07:00

I belong to a dog club. It is an American Kennel Club "recognized club". We have a trial every year. A trial is where people bring their dogs to show off their obedience abilities. It is a challenge to train dogs. And it takes a lot of time to do it right. I did train Frida and when we entered a trial someone set off a fire cracker and that ended our "trial" experience.
However, I like the people and really enjoy the dogs.
One of the ways that we make money at the trial is to have a raffle. We raffle off baskets of dog goodies, tickets to fast food restaurants, dog pillows and for the last two years, Pat Sieler's bag donations.
This is a fanny pack where the trainers can put treats to reward good behavior. The decorations are the rosettes that are from the ribbons that are awarded to the wonderful dogs. When I make the bags for the trial donation, I integrate dog ideas.
This one was fun to make.

Weekend Beach or Shopping Bags

2011-07-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

I think that I have re-discovered my love of quilting. I look at Sew Me Something Good frequently and this lady is a master quilter, plus she seems to have fun doing it. Since I started sewing I would save my large scrapes. This was probably a hang over from making doll clothes. But then my Grandmother gave me a roll of batting (batting is used between the pieced top layer and the bottom layer, then one sews or tacks the 3 layers together), which confirmed that one day I would make a quilt. I made my first quilt when I was about 25. It was a baby quilt for a friend. I used my batting. The roll got smaller and smaller. At some point I realized that one does not have to have a batting filler. I have used flannel sheets, lightweight blankets and heavy knit cotton. Now, I know that there are many choices of batting but I always prefer to use what is at hand. But since the roll cotton batting is long gone. my next quilt will probably have to have "store bought" batting.
I was inspired to make these bags because of the Ghana nightgown that I just made. As I said before, I can't throw away usable scraps. I went through my Trader Joe bags (where I store my scraps -very high tech!) and came up with the rest of the pieces.
I lined the bags with fabric that looks like old maps. It is very light and detailed in color. What is intriguing about the print is that it show islands and land masses that do not exist.
I did enjoy this exercise and the re-awakening desire for quilt making.

Weekend Shopping Bags

2011-07-11T07:37:00.001-07:00

Nightgown for the Many.

2011-07-04T14:27:00.000-07:00

This is the nightgown that these instructions are about. There are quite a few variations and twists that can be done. You can make it knee length or waist length and add pajamas. The sleeves can be lengthened. Lace can be added. Decorations of many variety can be added.
What I mean to say, is that you can make it to your own personality. That is what I find so good about this pattern. Also, it whips up in a few hours. My granddaughter told her father that I had made a nightgown for her "in five minutes".
This is a cap sleeve.
I combined two fabrics. These fabrics are from Ghana and they make their fabrics only 36" wide.
What I am saying that there are endless variations. You never need to get bored with the pattern.

MAKING YOUR OWN NIGHTGOWN FAST

You will need for a ankle length short sleeve nightgown:
4 yards of 45" fabric, woven or knit
3 yards of 3/8" elastic
1 spool of matching thread

Measure the Bust and measure the upper Arm.
Bust measurement needs be half again as large.
(44" bust add 22" to it and that is the total measurement of 66")
Upper arm needs to half again as well ( 13" pus 7" for the total of 20").
The pattern of the nightgown measures 33" this is 1/2 of the total fabric.
The sleeve pattern measures 10".
Use tissue paper for the pattern.

1. Sew the sleeve angles to the body of the nightgown*.
*If you are using knit fabric, use a very small zig zag stitch, that way the tread won't break
when stretched.
Mark the length of the arm measurement with a marking pen.
2. Sew the sleeve and the body of the nightgown.
Sew a channel for the elastic on the sleeve and the neckline.
Use a safety pin to thread the elastic and then sew securely the marked elastic.
The neckline needs to be measured to get the right measure.
Measure across the chest and then measure from front to back.
Mark the elastic and thread through the top, sew the elastic at the mark.
3. Sew the hem.
4. Tack the elastic on the neck line at the sleeve and body of the nightgown. Use a small, tight zig zag stitch. This secures the gathering into one area.

Now you have a nightgown to wear tonight!

This nightgown is a knit and I put a self fabric ruffle on the hem.
I lengthened the sleeve and used the a zig zag stitch which held the corded elastic and then pulled the elastic to the right length and added the lace.
Mostly I use knit fabrics but for this tutorial, I used woven fabric.
Pajamas with mid-length sleeves and calf length pajamas.
Pajamas with short sleeves and elastic around the waist and lace added.

Wishes Do Come True

2011-06-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

I have wanted a power sewing machine since Design School. I had no idea that I would ever get one. But a friend of mine (whose mother sewed for the movie industry) had this machine and even though there was a sentimental need to keep it, the desire for more room in his studio won out. It weighs a lot but my son helped by going with me and loading it onto the truck and then bringing it into my house.
It was taken apart to make it lighter. Now my project for this week is to put it together and then christen it by sewing something and getting used to the speed. It will take the long seams so fast that I will have to keep my out of the way.
Just remember, if you have a desire and you hold it lightly......maybe you'll get it!

Misses Matchie-Match

2011-06-24T11:21:00.001-07:00

Right now, I am getting a kick as well as a great deal of pleasure making pajamas and nightgowns for the "little misses" in my life.
These are knee length pajamas that I made for Lucy and Annie. And the background is Big Sur. Since the cabins are situated in very tall and plentiful Redwood trees, the light is toned down. But looking out the window, I could see these darlings right away. The color jumps out to the eye.
The cousins approved!
The pattern is one that works with big as well as small bodies. I am working on a tutorial for it. Also, it is super easy, as well as light on the wallet.

Lucy's Want List

2011-06-17T14:05:00.001-07:00

1. See Roderick's Rules
2. Get more Barbies
3. Liberty coming to our house
4. Going to Paris
5. eating Mcdonald's pancakes
6. Have a Jumpy Water House on my birthday
7. Kasey coming to our house or going to there house tomorrow
8. Invite Liberty to movie night and maybe a sleepover
9. You getting that beautiful house on the way to school
10. See Annie!

I don't remember being able to define what I would want at eight years. I hope that Lucy gets everything good. She is a darling!

I Hope That This Will be a Teenage Dream

2011-06-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

This is for a young girl just becoming a "Teenager" (she is my Great grand niece). Her birthday is this Friday. The fabric was given to me and it is an Acrylic with silver metallic threads. I used a top gathered piece which layers over the body of the skirt and underneath there is a skirt of silver lame'. My camera will not pick up the beauty of the lame'. I put in a pocket instead of a zipper and I think that that makes it more interesting. To finish the edges, I used black gros grain.
One of the things I experienced was how heat sensitive that the fabric is. Initially, as I was ironing out the wrinkles, I practically melted the fabric. The iron was on the "silk" setting. Fortunately it was at the beginning of the cut!
This is a close up of the fabric. I like the fabric. My main concern is, will she?

New Photographer on the Scene

2011-06-08T14:41:00.001-07:00

This is Penelope. Annie, my great niece took this photo. Penelope looks a little cautious but she is holding her ground. I thought it was a very fine photo, capturing the beauty as well as the caution of Penelope.
Annie is 10 years old and has been handling her Mother's camera since she was three. Oh course there is a lot of experimentation that goes on, which is a fine teaching aid. But she does a lot of good solid work.
I think that this is terrific! I am going to hire her for future work.

And Beauty Surrounds You

2011-06-07T16:48:00.001-07:00

My Darling Niece and her daughter, Sweet Annie, came down over the weekend. We have been busy every moment. Not a minute was spared. We lived and breathed the "rare" air of art and artistry.
Here they are out on the portico at the Getty Villa in Malibu. This magnificent museum was built to show the intense interest that J. Paul Getty had for early art. Art that has survived from the the countries and cities that abounded in the Mediterranean going back to prehistoric up to the fall of Rome. All of the flooring, up to the ceilings were accurate to the times. Every item used in the buildings reflected those times.
There is a wonderful amphitheater that we sat in and basked in the sun. There were people at the bottom of the amphitheater (where the actors would be) and their voices carried all the way up. This is a sculpture of a toddler satyr playing with a "drama" mask. Looking through the eye socket of the mask you could see his face. On his back side is a very short beginnings of a tail. Charming doesn't cover the wonderfulness of the statue. But my brain is still in overload. The magnificence of the Getty Villa has to be seen.
This is one of the "Wishing Ponds". The water is ever circulating. It comes over the edge to cross to the opposite side and slowly slides down the wall.
This is a Roman garden with a reflecting pool that is about 100 feet long. The statue is another satyr but this one is a youth. There is a portico that surrounds the pool. The floor of the portico is a replica of one in ancient Rome. All of stones for the floor mosaic are a duplicate the original floor. Every turn of a path or new room entered, held something new to inspect and enjoy.
A day later went went to the Tim Burton exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. This time all of the children went.
This is how we entered. It was a beautifully constructed exhibit. The visitor got to see how Tim Burton started and carried forth his ideas of whimsy. That word, whimsy, is really too light a word to use with a Tim Burton work. However, since the subject matter is not representational, I cannot find a better word. The children shivered and enjoyed it all.
My Darling Niece put make up on Annie and Lucy similar to the Burton characters. They loved feeling a part of the show.
These ever changing air balloons were at the end of the show.
Somehow my darling Hollis felt out of sync with the girls but I think he enjoyed the show most.

It was a very special visit.

Visiting Museums is very thrilling and inspiring to me and I now get back to reality and use what inspired me.

Annie is Coming!

2011-05-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

Annie is coming at the end of the week. Lucy thinks the world of Annie. I thought it would be fun to make "matching" pajamas. I made Lucy's first and she got hers when she was here this last weekend. he didn't want to take it off!
Now Annie is coming and they will both be "twins".
The fabric was purchased at FIDM. It is the same fabric as "wife beater" undershirts. It is very light and both girls have a very high thermostat and keeping them covered at night is difficult. With this fabric, they will be comfortable.
I did have immense amount of pleasure sewing the pajamas. It is wonderful to have two little girls to sew for!
The pattern for the top was from one my Darling Niece had come up with and the bottoms are from a suggestion that I saw here.
I like to decorate my darling Chester if he decides that he has to sleep on my cutting table.
Now, my next project is for my nephew's daughter. I have something very special planned. And best of all, it should fun for me .

An Evening Purse or Afternoon Tea

2011-05-26T14:56:00.001-07:00

Finally, I have completed this journey. Life has away of imposing itself on one's time. So many other items imposed themselves on me that I am forming a protest.
This is my ribbon purse. The Indian ribbon had originally held mirrors. I removed them because I did not think it appropriate for the image that I had in mind. The Magenta and gold ribbon I backed with red and green bias tape. All this was sewn together by hand. I am finding that I do enjoy hand sewing. It gives the mind time to inspect the parts have been neglected and need an adjustment.

This is a close up of the Indian ribbon that I so enjoy.

I have lined the purse with what I call Pumpkin Spice Silk. When I first saw this fabric, I wanted to dive into the color and lose my self in it.

I will now start another project, not a purse. Although I have already decided what it will be and I await the time I can begin.

Wound Up Like Wire

2011-05-15T14:53:00.000-07:00

I was stopped by Chester, who was soundly asleep. He was in a little ball and I was admiring his flexibility. By the time that I retrieved the camera, he was just waking up.
He didn't appreciate the interruption of his afternoon nap.
This is my next project. I am sewing ribbons together by hand. It takes a lot of time and most of all patience. I am still teaching my self not to hurry. This is going to be a clutch bag. It is loud and brassy but fun!

Hollis and the Main Librarian

2011-05-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

This is Hollis. He is missing his two front teeth. He has an adorable lisp. All that aside, he is very inquisitive. He is the type of child that you might want to put a leash on just to keep your sanity.
Saturday they came to my house and we were going to have "quality" time together. Among the other places we went to, we went to the library to collect videos that they would watch. Just as you walk into the library there is a large table with used books to buy. We all stopped to look and see if we could find treasures. Lucy and I were going through every book and my attention had a glitch and dropped out for a second. I looked up and I could not see Hollis. This is not that big of a library, so I started to panic. I asked Lucy if she knew where Hollis was. No!.
Now I really had to go into action mode.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw the main Librarian walking toward her information desk. She had a Major scowl on her face. I could not see behind her desk because she has two (2) computers there. In not so quiet of a voice she said "Where is your mother?" I rushed over there and lo! and behold! there was Hollis trying to get on the Lego site to play a game. I apologize and pulled Hollis away. Gave him and urgent talking to and then he went to give her a mumbled an apology. Me, poking him in the back, "Louder"!. " I'm sorry". Then the main Librarian became friendly and asked if this was my grandson? "Yes, he really likes computers", I mumbled.
What is it about Libraries and head Librarians that make me feel humble. Is it all the late books that I returned as a child? Or is it the head Librarians telling my mother and grandmother that I had late books still out?
Oh, my guilty conscious!

A Coronation / No Wedding

2011-04-30T13:24:00.001-07:00

She looks and acts like Queen Elizabeth I. She has demanded a throne for a long time. I would not relent. However a friend gave me a footstool that I have wanted for a long time. I brought it home last week and my life has been over since then. She took it over immediately. Doesn't she look Royal?
Queen Penelope I. Long live the Queen.

Working Out New Ideas

2011-04-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a messenger bag....a new adventure for me. I thought about what I would want to use if I were going to take a overseas trip. I would want purse that would be secure but carry a lot of good stuff. Also, carry my book! I never leave home on a trip with out my current book. Now, if only my shoulder will be strong enough.
This is a piece of leather that I had in the drawer and I did like the shape and the color. I am waiting for some brass rings. It will take a while to finish but it will be fun.

I Feel Lucky !

2011-04-23T13:46:00.001-07:00

I feel lucky. There is this very lovely lady living in England. I been following her blog for quite a few years. She draws on fabric wit her sewing machine and what she creates is charming. She gives classes at different shops around where she lives and from what I can tell, many people attend.
A few week ago, Janet Clare had a giveaway and because I like her work so much, I waded in with a "comment". Lo and behold, I won. I received this little charmer yesterday and I have a few ideas where to use it, but all the ideas mean I will have to give him away. That is the sticky part. Do I want to part with Hugo?

Happy Easter..Happy Spring

2011-04-23T07:53:00.001-07:00

This is a large postcard that arrived yesterday. My darling niece made it and sent out a whole lot of them to her friends and family. The precocious rabbit has a little pink Satin bow around his neck. What I especially like about receiving mail from my darling niece is that not only do I enjoy it but the mail person does also!

Happy Spring...Happy Easter

Carved Jade and Macrame'

2011-04-12T16:29:00.000-07:00

This is my "Laid Back" purse. I saw the fabric at FIDM and they had macrame' belts. Immediately, I saw how I wanted to make this bag. It took a while, because I had so many other projects to finish. But that didn't stop me from playing with the fabric and belts when I got home. It was then when I opened a drawer next to my cutting table I saw the Jade carving. My breath left me (sometimes I get over dramatic!). But it really was a perfect moment when everything comes together. The Jade has the exact colors of the fabric.
I lined the bag with a pumpkin pie Silk. I also put in three pockets. I fell in love with pockets as a very young child. There is a pocket for cell phones, keys and pens. All those things that end up on the bottom of the bag.
Well, back to the real world and onto the next robe. This will be for Lucy, my granddaughter.

What I am Doing Now

2011-04-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

I am making another purse. It seemed like I had lost my way in all the family sewing I have been doing.
I made a robe for my grandson, I made a robe for my Darling Niece for her birthday. I did not photograph it because what can you say about a robe. Except for the fabric was from Japan. It was amazingly beautiful cotton quilted fabric. It was only 40" wide, it created a lot of re-thinking on laying it out. I put seam binding on all the seams (which I made). Lots of work. And then I sewed all the seams down to the backing of the quilting. Lots of work. But I put in love on every stitch and that way it felt good.
My Darling Niece looks beautiful in it and may she wear it and enjoy it for many years.
All that to say I spent around 2 -3 weeks working on the robe. Before that it was pajamas for my Darling Niece's darling daughter, before that it was a robe for my darling grandson and also various alterations for friends and family. Doesn't that tell a story of living?
Back to the new purse. I got this wonderful fabric at FIDM when I was with my Darling Niece a couple of weeks ago. I picked it up and it sang to me and now I am pursuing that song. The Chinese carving is too perfect not to be included. I am having a good time. It is supposed to be like this, isn't it?

This is For Annie

2011-04-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

My Great Niece Annie and I have a great fondness for cats. She especially likes my Black and White twins. Her mother and Annie came down a week after I got these two kittens.
This is the black one, Chester. He is a darling but it takes so long to make the bed or put clothes into a basket. He is always there, right in the middle. When I make the bed I try to be very quiet or he runs in to get under the covers so I can flap them over him. Life takes more time with him but is definitely more fun.

Where the Air is Rare!

2011-04-04T07:49:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken by my Darling Niece at a restaurant last week. We weren't going to have our yearly celebration of her birthday this year because both of us were on other planets. But since we saw the light and the need, it happened. Two days before she arrived all arrangements were made.
We were on the go from the time she arrived till the time she left. We had a wonderful time. We went to this lovely home in Bel Air that had been turned into a museum. The Patron of the Arts was Frederick Weisman. Every wall had a painting on it. There were Picasso's, Giacometti's,Pollock's, Rothko's, and the one that took my breath away (if I could have fit it into my car, I would have walked out with) Clyfford Still. The tour took two hours and required a reservation. Well worth going to and seeing again. The art is really ART. The statues outside were fantastic. There were several Henry Moore's, and Calder. Unbelievable that Weisman was able to collect all these objects in one lifetime. Also, there were several portraits of Mr Weisman and his wife by Andy Warhol. I can't remember all there were so many and this home is on the west coast, there is another at the University of Minnesota.
We made trips to art stores, we went to FIDM. We went out to eat, and eat and eat. One of the really fun eating experiences was the first night. My son and family joined us at a new restaurant in Gardena. But the twist was their use of public transit. They wanted to see if they could come to my area on the Metro. We all got a little mixed up but finally we found each other.
The restaurant is Italian and children friendly and the food is very well prepared and delicious.
We are planning out next adventure already. The air is very rare when I am with my Darling Niece.
Happy Birthday Sweetie Pie!!

During My Sabbatical

2011-04-03T08:04:00.000-07:00

This is my Frida. My darling, wonderful Frida. She was named after Frida Kahlo. And now I can see that there are parallels to their lives.
We like to take walks together and view the neighborhood. She is very curious and adventurous. She will take me to areas that I have no desire to go and yet after the walk, I can see that it was worth it. We have long conversations and she does not hold back on her opinions but she is always kind about them.
Come tomorrow, it will be three weeks since the "Event" happened. We were almost home (two doors away) when she stumbled. After the stumble, she slowed down a lot. The next day she did not want to walk very far and the day after that the distance was shorter. The following day she would not get up. I am sure that the following will cause criticism but I really was doing all that could be done. Initially she was in the office (that is where the dogs sleep). But she decided that she had to go under the Bottle Brush bush. That is her favorite spot during warm months. She stopped eating. I could not persuade her come out and then the rains started. My son came over to help me move her and she tried to bite him. Frida would never bite anyone but she must have been in a lot of pain. So we put up a lot of tarps and tried to keep the rain off of her. On the worst day, I bailed buckets and buckets of water away from her. I put up rock dams to keep the water off her. Through all this travail I gave up hope. The light was fading from her eyes. I cried and pleaded and fed her by hand and squirted water into her mouth with a syringe. Finally I decided to sedate her (why I did'nt think of this before I do not know). My son came over and we got her back into the office. We arranged it like a hospital room. Three days later I walked into the office and she stood for me. I cried. She was very shaky but she stood. She made slow progress but it was progress. I celebrated till saturday last week. When I walked into the office I saw that she had two large holes in one leg. I couldn't think. I was so tired. It looked like it was very infected. I wasn't able to see it earlier because she wasn't moving easily. In the center of this huge crater was a white spot the size of a quarter. I called my son again and we finally were able to get her up to the vet. She is a big dog and weighs 86 pounds. It took a lot to just get her into the car.
The really, really good news is that it was a bed sore and he sewed her back together and she is making wonderful progress. We go for walks (slow walks) but she is up and happy again.
I feel like I have been in hell and am now forgiven!
My wonderful Frida!!

p.s. He still does not know what caused the whole thing in the first place.

My Weekend Carrier

2011-03-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

I finally finished this little purse. I am going to use to carry my toothbrush and toiletries. It will look terrific in my suitcase and also give me a thrill for my adventures. It measures 6 1/2" x 8". It is made of silk (inside lining as well as the back piece of the purse) and the petit point is wool. I like the idea of the rooster. Rooster always seem to have so much energy. Maybe I can channel that energy?

Frida, My Darling Dog

2011-03-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

This is my Frida when she was only 4 months old. I was going through my photos and came across this one. I sat there and laughed and cried all at the same time. Can you believe those ears. I do have to say that the ears were important to me. I wanted her ears to stand up. I went to the vet and he gave me Calcium tablets to make her ears stand up. And here is the final outcome. These ears are the same size as her face. Isn't it funny?

What is it About Cats?

2011-03-07T11:47:00.001-08:00

I finally clear the decks so that I can cut this fabric and what do I see? Yes, it is Chester. This has happened my whole life with cats. It seems that whatever I am interested in, they are in the middle of it. Yesterday I was trying to figure out how I can lay the pattern out on this narrower than usual fabric, and there was Penelope right on top of the paper. Over a life time I have had to resort to locking the cat out of the room. Then I am plagued with guilt. My precious darling has to stay away from me! Will he forgive me or hold his love for ransom? Right now, Penelope is rubbing my shoulder because I have not given her lunch. Well, back to their schedule. I know who rules!

As the Days Pass

2011-03-03T09:36:00.001-08:00

I have been very busy with "people" clothes lately. But it seems that just when I finish, I have to deliver them. Lucy, my granddaughter received two skirts. I did post those because I had the time. But my Darling Niece's daughter had a Birthday Party. My grandchildren and I were supposed to go to Bakersfield to the In-Laws house were the party was going to occur. Since I would have to travel over the Angeles Mountains and snow was forecasted, the trip was cancel. I had to hurry to finish the pajamas and then mail them to Bakersfield. I did not have time to photograph. This photo was taken at the party. I heard how Annie immediately ran into her bedroom to change into the pajamas. I was so happy. It seems that I don't always understand what children Really want and when I hit it right, I am delighted.

Since I had made two skirts for Lucy, I did not want Hollis to feel unloved. I puzzled over this and Hollis is a child that has specific desires and to just make something, any old thing, would not do. Then a couple of nights later, last week, I knew exactly what I would make. I would make a robe and it would look just like a Jedi Knight Warrior robe. I made it out of brown fleece. I finished it 5 minutes before I had to leave for my breakfast at Hollis' house. He was really tickled. In fact, when he saw it, he laughed and laughed. Then I knew he liked it. I don't have a photo of Hollis and can't show how happy he was.

My son just sent me a photo of Hollis, yeah!!

Day into Night

2011-02-23T07:34:00.001-08:00

Day int Night

Getting the Hang of "Funk"

2011-02-19T11:24:00.000-08:00

I have thought a lot about that skirt that I made for Lucy and have not been pleased with the memory. So, I gave myself permission to make another. And this is the result. I am much happier with this one. I imposed the same parameters on myself as the last one. I had to have all the parts in my stores. I now think that the first skirt was just practice.

Shabby Chic and Little Terror

2011-02-14T09:50:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I was told that Lucy, my grand daughter, wanted a funky skirt. Since I don't know what "funky" is to an eight year old, I just went my merry way. I think this would be more of "shabby chic" but it was definitely fun to make. The fabric is what I had in my stores. The print is what I found on one of my dog walks. I especially like the fabric and then the other fabric I think I have had for 10 years or more. If you look closely, you can see that there are color changes. That is why I used this fabric. Do the color changes qualify as "Funky"?
I also put on sequins. I had never done that before and it is tedious and time consuming. But for my Grand daughter, of course it was nothing, I did it cheerfully.
This is the back and you can see the fading better. I do hope that she like it and it won't go to the back of the closet.
This is my little Terror, Chester, sitting among my WIP. He is a very beguiling cat. However, he likes his treats. At night, if I don't make sure that the cupboard in securely closed, he gets up on the counter and works on the door till it opens. Then he pulls out his bag of treats and drags it into the living room. There he chews and tears the bag open and eats every morsel. All of the bag is there or on the rug, so he doesn't swallow any of the plastic.
Oh, I do love my little Terror.

Reverse ShopLifting

2011-02-09T10:50:00.000-08:00

Now I must give credit where credit is due, and this idea came from my Darling Niece. I was given a box of fabric and included in this box was a lot of trim. I don not use trim in my sewing and when I do, I prefer to find my own. These pieces are lovely and I do like bright objects but I just don't feel that it goes with what I create. So, I offered the trim to my Niece. She told me she wouldn't use it either. Then we were discussing what could be done with all of it and I said that I could give it to FIDM downtown. Then she said, "Just put it in your bag and while you are there, pull it out and leave it on a shelf. Sort of like Reverse Shoplifting!"
I just might do it.

Sweet Lauren

2011-02-07T14:03:00.000-08:00

A fellow blogger and cat lover recently lost a most beloved cat. She made a beautiful tribute to this lovely, and loved cat. The pictures that were posted show the sweet nature that the cat possessed. And, maybe because Lauren was a "Black and White" , I felt it most deeply. My sweet Roxanna has been gone for two years and I still feel it deeply.
As a tribute to this wonderful cat, Mendofleur made sachets for the Doctor and his staff. And very wonderfully, I received one also. From one cat lover to another, I am very touched. It is very beautiful and the Lavender smells wonderful. I will treasure this sachet and think of Lauren as well as my Beautiful Roxanna.

What Do You Think About Donegal Tweed?

2011-02-04T10:09:00.000-08:00

What do you think of Donegal Tweed? I am greatly drawn to it. It seems to combined rustic weaving and elegance. I can just imagine some woman spinning the wool and see a scrap of colored thread and she grabs it and includes it in the thread. I love the beauty and the economy.

This purse is Navy Blue Donegal Tweed and is lined with Sky Blue Raw Silk. It has a Flex Frame as a closure.

I put two large Chinese coins to insure Good Luck. Rather appropriate for Chinese New Year.

I just might keep this one for myself.

The Raw Silk "Took Forever" Purse

2011-02-01T07:45:00.000-08:00

Here it is. The fabric is raw,raw silk. I have never seen anything like this silk. It barely retains its woven shape and had to be handled very carefully. I received this fabric as a gift and I wanted to give it the respect that it deserves, so it took a long time to figure out how to handle it. At first, I wove narrow silk scarves through the fabric. I was very pleased with the effect. But then the supplier ran out of the scarves and I had to pull every tedious scarf out. Then I decided that satin cording would work. I kept running out of the cording because I knotted it and had no idea of how much cording I would need. The average amount turned out to be 4 yards. Hard to believe, huh? And the average time to do one row of cording was four hours. I used a crochet hook to pull it through the fabric.

It went quick quickly after the knotting was done. It has a flex frame closer and a braided fabric handle. I used navy blue satin for the lining.
I did find that photographing was difficult. The subtle colors of the fabric do not show up. The basic color is a dark gray with blue in it and the there is pink and black.
Now, I get to change gears and make something else. Oh happy day!

Tedious Steps In Pushin Myself Forward

2011-01-23T11:26:00.002-08:00

This is one of the projects that I had to delay from completion because every step had to be re visioned. This one started out with different colors and different decoration. I started out with narrow silk scarves. When I found out that the scarves did not match in finish, I had to start over. This time it worked out with satin cording but each complete circle took me about four hours. That is why I say tedious. Soon the bottom row of cranberry satin will be completed. Then I will be on to the interfacing and then the lining. I can't say whether one is more satisfying than the other. I so enjoy the touch of cloth that it is all fulfilling. The body of the purse is raw silk.
The dogs now want to go for a walk, the sun is shining and sky blue. All feels good with the world.

Tedious

2011-01-23T11:26:00.001-08:00

Trying to Jump Back Into the Pond

2011-01-19T13:59:00.001-08:00

It has taken me longer to pick up the pieces of my life than I had expected. I have taken the time to read and rest and exercising.
I have three different projects on the "launching pad" and this is the one that is closest to completion. It will be a bag for the cosmetics that one would take on a trip. It is also the last piece of the "petit point" piece that I had cut into three purses. I am also working on a raw silk purse, and a wool afghan that I am very excited about. I am waiting for some of the pieces to arrive with the mail.
I think that life has come back to normal. I would post a few photos of my darling cats but they would not sit still!

A Little Late or Way Early

2011-01-07T15:15:00.000-08:00

Before Thanksgiving, my son asked me to make "Christmas Stockings" for his children, Lucy and Hollis. The only thing that he asked for was to make them timeless. My sister had a stocking knitted for him when he was three and he still uses it in their decorations. That was his idea for his children.
Well, I had not problem with Lucy's but Hollis really stumped me. His main interest right now are Lego's. My son vetoed that idea. So, it took me a long time to make this stocking.
It was done for Christmas but because it was finished while I "fevered", I took it back to finish the embellishments. When I think of "masculine", I go back to basics and that means stones, silver, petrified teeth, and ceramics. I have used Amber and Oyster Shell. There are two petrified sharks teeth. The is a Ankh symbol for the peace I want in his life. And colored "Trading Beads". I guess I just put the ideas Men have used over the ages to work and grow.
This is the best Shark's tooth I have ever seen!
I hope that it grows and becomes special as the years pass.

Missy TwoShoes Was Missing

2011-01-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

She's back home. But then she never left but I didn't know that. Yesterday, while the Sun was out, I decided to walk the dogs. I always walk Shaw first because I don't want him to think that I favor Frida. I want him to be happy here. When I came back to walk Frida, I must have not closed the door to the house securely. When Frida and I returned, bark could be heard from the house. My dogs are outside dogs. They are working dogs and their job is to be a presence around the house. They do not come in the house. I have two cats that are in the house and that is enough.
Shaw has gotten in the house about three times. He really enjoys it. He runs around and eats the cat's food, checks out the rest of the house, then he is done and wants to get out. He can't because he can't open a door. He then barks. A lot!
Meanwhile, the cats were terrorized. Chester not so much but Penelope went haywire. Penelope disappeared for about six hours yesterday and I was so upset. I thought that she had gotten out and I was walking around the neighborhood calling here name. I was in the house pleading with the cat gods to help me find her. My stomach acted like it was going to come up, I cried, I pleaded that I would be a better person. Finally, about eight thirty I heard a little voice and I could then locate where she might be. She was in a speaker cabinet. I couldn't figure how she did it but she was in there. I got my power screw driver and took out about 20 screws and pull the back off. But was she there? No, she had got out while I was going for my screwdriver! Isn't that just like a cat?The cause of it all.. He is a very sweet dog that likes to get into mischief!
The back of the speaker and all the screws.
Now I get the fun of putting it back together. But I really don't mind, since I have my darling Missy TwoShoes back home.

P.S. She is asking me to take her to therapy!

Down But Climbing My Way Out

2010-12-27T14:35:00.000-08:00

About two weeks ago, I took a desperate friend to The Emergency Room. I ended up spending about 12 hours there. It was not by my choice! Three days later, I started going down the winding road of infectious illness. I didn't get my self to the doctor until last week. This lovely lady walked into the room and the first thing she did was put a mask on. She is one smart cookie. I should have worn one the whole time I was tied hand and foot in the Emergency Room. After she diagnosed my problem (Pneumonia), I asked when I would feel better. The unfortunate answer was two weeks. The only light heart part of my exchange with the doctor happened after she asked me what I had done to myself. I told her about being in the Emergency Room and she said....."No good deed goes unpunished". I thought it an appropriate comment as well as funny. The only funny thing for about five days.
This card is from my Great Niece and you can see Lovely Penelope and Devoted, Handsome Chester trying to keep me warm. I just love the crosses in my eyes and the thermometer in my mouth.
I am coming out of it.. Thank God!

p.s. I don't have an update on my stubborn friend, who refused treatment.

Two Down,One More to Go

2010-12-19T16:03:00.000-08:00

These are for my little girls. These two are competitive and I must do the same for each one, other wise hard feelings occur. But each is such a dear that I never have a problem making something special for them. The next stocking is for my grandson and his is going to be harder. He is crazy about Legos but his father wants his son's stocking to transcend time and he will still use it when he becomes an adult. My sister had a stocking made for my son when he was two. And every year he uses it. He wants the same for his son. So, I am still working out the design of it. But I still have a few more days.

I'm Getting Started....Finally

2010-12-10T16:10:00.000-08:00

This is the start of my Christmas stocking offering to my granddaughter. It isn't finished but it only needs more decoration. This is the fabric that I found on one of my dog walks. And my Granddaughter also likes a lot of glitz. So, I need to go out and get more bling. There is a lot of silk and cording and both sides of the boot are different. It is fun to just follow one's nose. It measures 16" long and 14" wide. This is big enough to put in anything that takes Santa Claus' fancy!!

The Air is Free Up Here!!!

2010-12-07T14:17:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I went to visit my darling niece, who lives in the Oakland area. We had tickets to the show of Post Impressionist that is currently at the De Young Museum in San Francisco. Most of these artist were new for me, and because of that it was a total joy. This charming cat was painted by Paul Bonnard. The focus of the show was the Nabis Group of painters. It was so moving that quite a few times I felt the air leave me. These painting were new and I had not seen them in any book. The shapes and colors were new and fresh. I saw a Van Gogh that I had seen in books but the replicas were nothing, I say again, nothing like the original. One of the most moving paintings was by Maurice Denis . If you can go see this show, go. I do know that it is traveling and hopefully in your direction.
But this fantastic experience of art began the day before. In a very mundane setting, I found the free air. My niece had found a new person that cuts hair beautifully and I was to have my hair cut. We were sitting there and my darling niece made me laugh (she has a wonderful sense of timing and humor). We both started laughing so hard, the owner of the shop brought us a box of Kleenex. It is very cathartic to laugh till your sides hurt.
The rest of my time was just as joyful. Friends came over for dinner, we walked by the bay on sparkling, rain washed beach, my great niece sang in Gaelic for me as many times as I asked it of her.
It was perfect time.

My New "PassWord" Binder

2010-11-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

This is my very small binder that I use for my password holder. It is about four years old or I should say since I bought it. I think that it is far older than that because the plastic has begun to tear. I put duck tape on the binder but it sure made it look ugly. And I don't like to look at things that I can do something about.

And this is what I did. I covered it with a sample fabric and the decorations are excess in my Sewing Box. I did put a magnetic snap on it because with the duct tape drew it open slightly.

Now, I can look at my little book and be pleased with it.

Small Bags

2010-11-27T13:04:00.000-08:00

Right now, I have been working on small offerings for Christmas. These are for cosmetics or whatever one finds important to carry in a purse. These measures about 6" x 7". I trimmed them with my precious "Gold" woven trim. I hand sewed the trim on the bags. They each have the small magnetic snaps that I ordered on Etsy.
There are days that hand sewing is very soothing and I allow my self to think. I believe that I will be making more.
Each bag is lined with a different fabric.

Petit Point and Corduroy

2010-11-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

I do have a lot of enjoyment from making purses. But since I always make a challenge for myself, they sometimes take longer than I expect. This one did. As I go along the path of constructing a purse, I find that I don't have all the supplies that I think I need. This time, I found that I did not have the small magnetic snaps that I wanted (and needed) to use for the petit point pockets (there is one on each side of the purse). So I had to order them. While I waited, I made the Gypsy purse. And then, I needed to make a Halloween cloak.
Then I couldn't find the chartreuse zipper for the opening and I had to dye that. Of course, since I enjoy all these interruptions, it fits in with the master plan. Well, it is now altogether and I am happy with the outcome. This is the last of the petit point fabric that I stumbled upon.
I have lined inside with chartreuse Satin and there is a small petit point pocket, as well as two Satin pockets. The straps are braided fabric cording.
It measure 14" across and 11" high.

Sparkle Plenty

2010-11-13T10:57:00.000-08:00

When I was a child, the Sunday comics held immense fascination for me. One of my favorites was Lil' Abner and his flock of characters. I was way to young to enjoy the off brand humor that Al Capp had but as the years progressed, I remembered situations from the strip and found it very funny.
I must have been about 8 when Lil' Abner and Daisy Mae finally married. They had a baby that they named Sparkle Plenty. The name and the likeness were soon commercialized into a doll. Oh, how I wanted that doll. She was pretty and had lots of wavy blond hair. I coveted that doll. But, alas, I did not get that doll for Christmas.

All is corrected, I now have my very own Sparkle Plenty. She is sassy and beautiful , just like the real Sparkle Plenty. The difference is that this Sparkle Plenty lives with me.

To Clear One's Palette

2010-11-11T14:17:00.000-08:00

In order to clear my mind, I wanted to make something small but attractive and useful. This is a make-up bag. I liked the selvage and the colors that show, so I included it into the bag. A while back I ordered so zipper pulls from Etsy. This one came from Israel but I don't believe that they were made there. They are brass and smooth. They feel old and well treasured. The fabric is rather unique. It is a Cotton and synthetic combo. The hand of the fabric is quite soft and smooth. But what is so special is the weaving of the fabric. One side has only a manila and black stripe and the other side had a thread of red in it to make a tattersall pattern.
It measures 7 x 7. Not big but not small.
I thought that making this that I would be happy to get back to the one that had been put on hold a while back.

Gypsy Purse

2010-11-09T15:13:00.000-08:00

This is my Gypsy Bag. I have always thought that I either channeled Gypsy blood or I was really part Gypsy. It must be that I only channel because I can "fix" my relatives and their blood lines.
When I wear a necklace, I have to restrain my self to wear only two at a time. I have been known to wear up to five. And the rings at one point were on quite a few fingers.
As I was waiting for parts for the purse that I have already posted about, I thought I needed to fill my imagination with another project.
While I was walking a saw a poster and the colors charged me to make a colorful purse. Two blocks later, I found a small pile of fabric (the purple lavender confection). I think that I live where people have a business making clothes. It seemed like a challenge to my previous idea of Gypsy thoughts. I picked up the pile of fabric and almost ran home. And that is what started my journey into Gypsy purse adventure.
The strap is what I imagine would be if I were really wanted to color up my life. I purchased the cording and I had the gold toned chain. I wove the cords and chain and sewed it all together.
I attached all the gaudy cord and embroidered ribbons I had in my stock. There is also Turquoise beads as well.
This is the back of the purse and you can see a few pieces of Turquoise. I also included the hoops that I bought at the Alameda Flea Market.

I have always totally enjoyed making purses and I don't claim very many as mine. With this purse, I want to announce that I now have a store. I hope that you will take a look at this project of mine. Please look at my store.

Here's Harry Potter !

2010-11-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

I just received the Halloween photos. I am very pleased to see my darlings in their choice of costumes. Lucy is Michael Jackson as seen in the Zombie version of "Thriller". She has skinny pants and penny loafers, just like Michael Jackson's video.

Since I did not want to make the complicated jacket that Michael Jackson wore, Grandma went on line and found the perfect jacket.

But I did make the Harry Potter "cloak". I even sacrificed some amazing Plum Taffeta to the project. I was constantly on line checking to make sure that it was just like Harry Potter. I thought that I would collect payment last weekend but I will get my just rewards of kisses and hugs this weekend.
The make-up was provided by their father, who has as much fun with Halloween as the children.

What a Great Niece

2010-11-03T07:34:00.001-07:00

I received this wonderful drawing from my Great Niece Annie, who is the daughter of my darling niece. Annie is very creative. My house seems decorated by "Art by Annie". I have a clay cup that is totally perfect for my cutting table. I have a wonderful cat drawing, inspired by the many cats that I have had in my life. I have this amazing figure out of clay that was inspired by Project Runway. Annie uses her life to inspire her art.
It is always fun to see what she does but sometimes it brings tears.

Mr Willie Has Left

2010-10-27T15:46:00.001-07:00

Mr Willie has left me. I remain with a broken heart. He was always loving, always forgiving and always willing to comfort me when I was down. He was the sweetest cat that I have ever been connected to. He was an enduring companion and never complained. He was more than a shop cat, he surpassed all levels of cathood. I cannot explain his unique personality, except to say he was the dearest of dear cats.
Willie Dixon Sieler June 17, 1992 - October 25, 2010

My New Purse

2010-10-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

This is my new purse. You are looking at the different parts which will soon be a purse. My Darling Niece asked me, when I told her about my new project, "Where are you at with the purse?" That made me stop and try to analyze how I make a purse.
1. I go into the tapioca pudding of my imagination. I find some thread, I follow it ans see where it takes me.
2. If nothing occurs in my imagination (tapioca=imagination), I will pull fabric out and various handles, decorations and see if I go anywhere with that.
3. If I can't get any answer, I wait.
4. This time I waited and a few days after I finished my grandson's Halloween outfit*, my eye fell on these leftover pieces of tapestry that were lying on my cutting table. I had my fun with the large piece and thought that I was done. But the thrifty part of me said not to throw anything away. So, there on my cutting table the pieces lay, wait to trip me up.
5. When I saw the pieces of tapestry, everything came together and I starting hauling bits and pieces out and it all came out to a "whole".
6. Now, I began and how I began in a back a forth procedure. I accomplished the end before I picked up a scissors. I do the end first and then do the structure. A purse needs a structure, otherwise it is only a loose bag.
I, in my next post, will detail my building of a "purse".

* Mr Hollis, my sweet grandson, changed his mind for Halloween. I was almost done with Anakin Skywalker and I received an emergency phone call. "Hollis now wants to be Harry Potter". So, off I go to Joann's and bought the fabric for H.Potter's cloak. I made it a real as the photos on Utube. And he love it. My son was here the day I finished it and took it before I remembered I hadn't photographed it.

The Wee People May Be Next

2010-10-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

I live in Los Angeles. I have heard, as well as Have read that this is a almost a desert. But things are changing or this is just a damp time for us. I found this in the garden yesterday. I call it "Fungus Giganticus". It is the largest mushroom that I have ever seen. Of course, I have read of larger but this is the biggest that I have seen. this lovely example of fungus measure 6 3/8" across.
I was in my studio and happened to look out the window. I thought that a plastic bag had flown over the fence. I looked again and decided that it needed a closer examination. I went out there and the dogs and I discussed this phenomena. They found it hard to believe as well.
I don't know what the official name is but it does remind me of a lost falsie. I have not dug it up because I am still entranced with it.

Grandma Duties

2010-10-12T12:33:00.001-07:00

Do you see that tantalizing light on the right? That is inspiration calling to me. I was reading Blue Sky Dream and Maryann was writing of how life gets in the way of pursuing her artistic dreams. It seems that I am duplicating her path in life. I put aside my other pursuits again to make my grandchildren's Halloween outfits. Last year I got volunteered so late in the month, so this year I asked early. I always put an effort out when it is possible. This year my Lucy wants to be Michael Jackson in the Zombie Thriller. I chose not to make that outfit. It requires a very complex jacket that I did not want to make just for one night. And Amazon had a very nice offering that was well within budget. Hollis decided that he wanted to be Anakin Skywalker. Now I walked into his derision by saying "Oh, you mean Darth Vader". First of all, I am not a follower of the Sky War sagas, so I was in the dark about the ins and the outs. Hollis is still five and he put his little fists on his hips and tell me "No, Anakin Skywalker". Silly me. Thankfully there is such a thing as the Internet. After looking around the different sites, Hollis and I came to an agreement of what he wants his outfit to look like and now that is what I am working on. The shirt is almost done and the next is the vest. My son assures me that they both will remember far into the future that I made their Halloween outfits.
P.S. I had to recover the small ironing board that I use. Actually, doing that helped me to recover my sanity as well.

The Completion of a Promise

2010-10-02T18:16:00.001-07:00

The American Kennel Club Trial that I participated in has been over for six weeks. I really didn't think that it would take this long to complete the winner of the raffle's purse. But it is surprising how much "Life" can intrude. First I needed the photos for the winner. Then we consulted about her desire to include her new "first" grandchild. Of course, I said "Yes". Then my printer said that I needed more black ink. That seemed reasonable since there is so much black in the photos. I ordered more. Then when the ink arrived, it wouldn't work. I called H-P and they graciously helped me with the problem. (Did you know that the ink jets get dirty?). Then a lot of normal life got in the way. Now it is finished. It is larger and has more pockets. The lining has photos sewn on as well.
This is the sample that she saw. I hope that she likes what I did. It will go out Monday.

Exercise in Accuracy

2010-09-24T10:48:00.000-07:00

I am going to baby shower tomorrow. I have not been to a baby shower since the baby shower for my grandson Hollis, which was about seven years ago. I was fully immersed in my work and couldn't put my time to making something to commemorate his arrival. So, when this shower came along, I have asked myself repeatedly why I am going to this effort. For my ego defense, I must say that I really enjoy making quilts for babies. It seems to be like an insurance policy for the future of civilization, a testament of my confidence that "we" will survive.
I did haul out all the saved scraps of my life. As you can see I am very attracted to red. I enjoyed making this and it went fast enough (about 3 days). I find that I take a long time to make anything, but I limited the complexity allowed me to speed sew.
The baby will be named Chloe, may she live long and happy.

Homage to Klee

2010-09-17T14:31:00.001-07:00

I have always enjoyed Paul Klee. I puzzle about the shapes and I enjoy what I consider whimsy. This purse evolved by itself and perhaps that is what happened to Klee. At least that is what I like to think.
The red fabric is a very, very soft fleece. It was a remnant that I purchased about four years ago. I purchased it because of the color and the softness. The shapes are silk. The blue and chartreuse are Chinese and the red is Indian.
The gems are Biwako Pearls, Lapis Lazuli, and American Turquoise. How I love gems. The colors are so pure and so satisfying to touch.
What is curious about this purse is that the whole thing flowed, even the gold tone chain. I don't know if I like to work hard on a design or have it flow. It is always enjoyable.

Gratuitous Cat Photo

2010-09-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

Ain't he the best?

New Work

2010-09-09T16:10:00.001-07:00

The fabric for this bag was a remnant. I had three large pieces, two of equal size. I like the idea of piecing the two pieces put together, so that is what I did. I sewed two lengths of grosgrain ribbon together and also used the same grosgrain ribbon to bind the edges. By doing using to grosgrain in this manner, I created a design element that was a basis for the purse. I also had this piece of leather left over and I incorporated it into the purse.

All of the parts added up to this whole. I had challenges to get to the completion of this purse and I would have to think on the next step. I would rip and tear and baste but it finally came out like I imagined it.
The trinkets on the side are what I interpret as charms. When I worked for my Uncle, he had a Macumba charm. I found it endlessly fascinating. It was a large ring that was on a chain. On the ring were many different charms; legs, hearts, hands, houses, money, all the items that represent the good life. This charm was not to have been taken out of Brazil. It was considered a national treasure. Even though the charms on the side of this purse are meaningless, I like how the make noise and add interest to the whole. The purse measure 14" w x 11" h and 3" w.
p.s. the teeth are not real!

Two of My Favorite People

2010-09-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

I have carried this in my wallet for a long, long time. Have you ever seen two happier people. The loved to be in each other's company. This is my Mother and my Darling Niece in one of the first times that they went off by them selves to see my grandmother. They all reveled in each other. The happiness is so thick, you could slice it and serve it. That is why I carry it, so I can enjoy and participate in their happiness.
As it is said on television "What's in your wallet?"

Drama Camp

2010-09-05T10:09:00.001-07:00

The Los Angeles City Parks and Recreation offer a Drama Camp. Lucy was only able to attend the last week of this very special summer camp. This camp has the children singing, dancing, body movement classes and expressive drama exercises. It is not a well known offering by the Parks & Rec but by next year I am sure that children will be vying for the open places. Even though Lucy was there for just a week, the director fitted her in so that Lucy felt that she really was part of the whole.
The children are singing "Doe a Dear, a Female Dear". All the children were wonderful and expressive. There were many hams in the group. Lucy is the second one in from the left, her friend Isabela is sitting on the far left.
The lady on the right is the drama director. The lady on the left is an intern. She spent all summer volunteering and she has now left for her college back east. The funny fellow in the middle isn't Charlie Chaplin, he only looks like him. He was the comic relief and we enjoyed him and he enjoyed it as well. Later he played Emilio Zapata to very great comic effect.

The ages of the children was from about 5 to 13. The older children worked on writing the skits that the other children perform. This one is about early Los Angeles.
A supervisor worked hard to re-open this amphitheater that had been closed for 40 years. It is situated in a very lovely park right next to Dodger's Stadium. How it was overlooked and unused is very hard to understand.
The day was lovely and warm. Afterward we relaxed and had a picnic on the lawn that is surrounded by the native Oaks. A perfect Los Angeles day and perfect for the end of Summer.
Happy Labor Day.

The Mop Head

2010-08-30T14:46:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I made a mop head for my Swiffer. The refills for the Swiffer work fine but you need to buy more when you run out. That really doesn't make me happy. Now a mop is a much needed tool for a house, if there are any un-rugged (this is a new, just patented word) floors. About two years ago, the woman that had been cleaning the house for me threw out the washable mop head that I had kept. My mother had bought it from Fuller Brush. It was very old but very handy for wood floors. When it got grimy, I could take it off and throw it into the washer. Very handy, indeed. I did not realize that she had thrown it away until she was long gone. I missed that mop. I bought miscellaneous battery powered sweepers but nothing made me that happy.
I did google Dust Mops and this is what I found.
Then last week I decided to make one. I went to the 99 cent Store to see what I could do cheaply.
I found these two car washing mitts at , yes, 99 cents.
At that time, it was not clear but I took them home and began. I really do like fulfilling my ideas well and doing it inexpensively.
I took the elastic off, saving the end for later.
I turned the rough edges under.
I cut the elastic to about 3 inches long.
I sewed it on in the middle of the spaghetti ends with a zig zag stitch.
I then attached a tying cord on the top side.
Now, it was good to go. And what makes it all the more special, it is the micro fiber that picks up everything. I was really surprised at what it picked up, even after using my battery powered sweeper.
Plus the colors are SO cheerful.

Roll or Schmoll

2010-08-24T11:26:00.001-07:00

I made this a retrospective of four people. My sister, my niece, my great niece and me. I made this for my niece and I wanted this to be very special. The basis for all this was the transfer paper and my favorite photos of people I love.
The basis of the little pocket bag is a very lovely cream Silk that was imported and was embroidered in India. I think that is the most luscious Silk that I have ever seen. The belting is from Tibet and hand woven.
The reason for the photo: my niece has an aviary and she raises Canaries. This perfect photo is of my Great Niece with some baby Canaries. The photo is so special - the framing, the light and most of all the subject.

This transfer is a Siamese Fighting fish that my Great Niece purchased and then made a drawing for me. It is a lovely combination of form and color. I felt that it was important enough to be immortalized on transfer paper. The gold ribbon is metal ribbon that I was lucky enough to procure down at the FIDM store.
These are Garnets that I had included in a necklace that I had made for my sister, my Darling Niece's mother. The Yin-Yang was my Uncle's. And of course my favorite stone, Pearls.
This Silver Quan Yin was also my sister's. I put all these memories together and I hope that it will bring happiness to my Niece.
My Darling Niece will not see this post because she is camping away from phones and the Internet. It will arrive by the time she returns. Oh crafty me!

The Joys of Life

2010-08-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

I made this little pocket bag for my daughter-in-law. I love the transfer paper. It seems to be transferring me into something else. The top photo is of my grandchildren. The photo was taken about three years ago.
Now this photo is of my son about 35 years ago. But as my daughter-in-law said "All of my honeys".
Since I made it, I got to choose the photos.
This is my favorite photos of the children. They were watching a video on the computer. This photo tells so much about each child. Lucy with so much poise and then there is little Hollis not knowing what to think and on the verge of terror.
And here is my son. I did cut the top of his head off but I caught his enthusiasm and his great sense of life's joys. This would be right after Christmas because this is the hobby horse that my father had made for him.
I am enjoying making this little purses. Now, I get to make a very special one for my Darling Niece. It will be a secret, so don't tell!

I'm Crazy?

2010-08-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

No, I am not crazy. Just crazy about this boy!!!!

Fun on the Homestead

2010-08-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

I have been having fun with the fabric transfer paper. I thought I would expand my pleasure and make this little bag for a friend who's daughter had a baby. I met this lovely lady through my Darling Niece. She is my Darling Niece's mother-in-law. She will like the thought and I hope she uses it for a while. But babies change so fast that in three months it won't look a bit like this day old infant.
The fabric is silk inside and out. The flowers are linen and the is a touch of Agate and Amber as a zipper pull.

The Confrontation Over Property Rights

2010-08-13T13:49:00.001-07:00

I have never seen Chester so relaxed (and so long). He was completely out. It was a pleasure to see him sleeping like this.
My son and daughter-in-law remodeled the children's room while the children were off at Computer Camp (supervised by the other grandmother). So, being able to, they cleaned and eliminate lots and lots. The beneficiary of the largess is the Dog Yard Sale. Somehow the sheep skin was put in with everything else.
I threw it down in the front room to see what the cats would do. Chester was the only one that saw me do this. He went over to check it out, found that it was very comfy and decided he needed a nap.
A while later Penelope went looking for Chester and then went ballistic that he took the rug before she had a chance to look at it.
Remember that when you are a Princess, you get to call the shots.
I haven't decided whether to give the rug away or keep it.

We'll see. Good behavior counts !

The Dog Raffle

2010-08-09T07:25:00.000-07:00

A long time ago, I read a post by Menofleur, and she left me with an idea that I knew I had to explore. Phyllis made a tribute wall hanging for a singer who had died to early. It was a lovely tribute but what impressed me and stayed with me is that she used a photo that was put on fabric. "Transfer paper". I knew about it but didn't realize that it was so accessible. So, when I volunteered to donate a purse for the AKC Dog Trial that the club has every year, I knew that in some way I was going to include this wonderful product "Transfer Paper".
In the club, there is this wonderful lady and she and her husband have Keeshonds. They are very beautiful and fluffy dogs. The coloring goes from light gray to almost black. I asked my friend for photos of the dogs and there began my adventure with "Transfer Paper". I wanted the photos to look like dropped postcards. The fabric is a bonded cotton. I chose brown because with dogs, everything gets dirty or smudged with dirt. One of the photos forms a pocket.
Now, I realized that the winner of the raffle may not have a Keeshond, so that means I have committed myself to making two purses for the dog raffle - one for my friend and won for the winner. But it is all for a good cause and an excuse for using "Transfer Paper"

The Long Awaited Event

2010-08-03T07:19:00.000-07:00

On the cold, wintry day of the first of August, I am walking on the old Navy Base that is located in Alameda, California. The reason I am here is to attend the Antique Flea Market that is held every first Sunday of every month. The items are "guaranteed" to be at least 20 years old. That sign amused me because 1/2 my clothes qualify as antique. Who knew? This was the beginning of the long walk to get in. The parking lot was extensive and full of cars. We were in the back of the lot. It was cold and my niece was bundled up and I had a wool sweater.
I had a lot of fun looking at everything. The flea market was HUGE. I didn't count but there was probably about 40 rows and each row was about 2 city blocks long. We saw every booth and commented on many items.
For me, this was the most interesting booth and still I did not purchase much at the market.
I did enjoy the antique buttons. There was a card with seven very lovely glass buttons. The seller wanted $ 18.00 and since I like to wash clothes in the machine, it wouldn't work for me. They were very lovely but very delicate. I have used glass buttons before and just sewing it on the blouse, I broke one by pulling the thread to tight.Here we are at the end of a hard, hard day checking out all the stalls. The sun did finally come out and I had to wear this hat to ward off the rays.We had a wonderful time and I figured that we walked about 4-5 miles and my feet vibrated in the middle of the night complaining with fatigue.
What fun we had!

A Blouse for Lucy

2010-07-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

I am going to send Hollis' jacket to him. But remembering when I was a child, I couldn't send something to Hollis without sending something to Lucy.
This little blouse is made from scraps. I was given a lot of fabric that I still have not re-cycled to someone else. This Blouse is a composite of three fabrics. The pieces were all to small for any purpose. I measured it all out and found that twisting this way and that, I could come up with a whole blouse. The Geraniums were cut from a small piece but the colors were so harmonious that I had to include them. I wasn't sure that Lucy could pull this over her head, so I put in a short zipper.
I sure hope that she will like it.

The Trial

2010-07-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

I belong to a dog club. We will be having an obedience trial in August and you all welcome to come. We are a small club, so we all do what we can to make the trial successful. It is American Kennel Club sanctioned trial so we have to perform in a certain manner. But one of the ways that the event become our own is that we have a raffle. This year I decided to donate a purse.
I have been worrying about this for months. I went this way and then had to change course.
I have come to the end of the mental road and now must proceed in this physical world. I am going to make a tote. In photo you will see the fabric and also you will see photos. I am going to transfer the images to fabric and then adorn the sides of the tote. These photos are Keeshonds that belong to an extremely lovely club member and the tote will go to her after the trial. I am going to say at the raffle table (with a placard) that this tote is an example of what a person will get if they are the winning ticket. And yes, their dog would be on the tote. Essentially, I will make two totes. During the nights, when I am beating myself up, I tell myself that this is for a good cause. I now have all the needed pieces and I can proceed.
May I have a little drum roll.............

Hollis is Ready for Fall

2010-07-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

I could tell that Hollis felt a twinge when I made a nightgown for Lucy. I asked him if he wanted me to make him another jacket. Rather begrudgingly said yes. I got the point. When I went to FIDM, I found this very soft corduroy. I wanted to use my resources, rather than buy quilting for the lining. So I quilted the lining with a Snuggley that I had never used. It was a fun challenge.

It worked out fine.
The lining of the "hoodie" was from my stash. It was a fuzzy fabric that I had made an outfit for my Mother. That makes that fabric about 20 years old. I did purchase the "hoodie" string.

Now it is ready to be presented to Hollis.

2010-07-18T12:53:00.001-07:00

I have been working on this for a while. I wanted to integrate these three elements. When I get a problem (or situation as I have been to to think of it!), I mull it over. Sometimes the thinking part can take days and in this case, it was days and night (as in dreams). I try not to go forward until I have a clear idea of the path. With these three elements, decorated and painted leather, the handwoven wool from Colombia and the Boucle', it took a long time to gel. But what I hadn't figured out was how to get the structure on the inside of the purse. That is just as important as the decorative items. If you don't get the structure, then it will not wear well. This purse was taken apart a number of times. I needed to make sure the handles wouldn't pull out. I had to extend the handles on the inside to go all the way around so it would not pull away. Then I needed to put stiffening on the bottom of the bag. Let me just say that the inside is even more vitally important than the outside. The outside can always be glamoured up but the inside needs to "hold up". Especially if this is to be a tote.
The origin of the parts: The leather Cats (which is on both sides) came from a purse made in India. I salvaged the good parts. The Colombian handwoven Wool came from Colombia via my Uncle 30 years ago. And the Boucle' I purchased at FIDM about 5 years ago.
This all proves that I am not a "hoarder". I ended up using the lovely fabrics. Eventually!

Close of the sweet cats:

I have been working on this for a while. I wanted to intergrate these three elements. When I get a problem (or situation as I have been to to think of it!), I mull it over. Sometimes the thinking part can take days and in this case, it was days and night (as in dreams). I try not to go forward until I have a clear idea of the path. With these three elements, decorated and painted leather, the handwoven wool from Colombia and the Boucle', it took a long time to gel. But what I hadn't figured out was how to get the structure on the inside of the purse. That is just as important as the decorative items. If you don't get the structure, then it will not wear well. This purse was taken apart a number of times. I needed to make sure the handles wouldn't pull out. I had to extend the handles on the inside to go all the way around so it would not pull away. Then I needed to put stiffening on the bottom of the bag. Let me just say that the inside is even more vitally important than the outside. The outside can always be glamoured up but the inside needs to "hold up". Especially if this is to be a tote.

Sheba of Gardena

2010-07-16T13:23:00.001-07:00

She always takes all the credit!

The Hoodie

2010-07-15T13:09:00.001-07:00

The last time that my grandchildren were here, I made a nightgown for Lucy. I had a lot of fun doing it and the reception of it was terrific. Lucy loved it. It was at this time, I realized that I hadn't made anything for Hollis in a long time. And I certainly didn't want him to think I played favorites.
The clue for me was he was wearing a jacket of Lucy's. I asked him if he wanted me to make him his own jacket. And of course, he said yes.
When I went to FIDM last weekend I found this really wonderful corduroy. It was very soft and supple. but it wouldn't be warm enough for winter. I needed to insulate it for him.
When I make anything I like to challenge myself, so I will have fun making it. This time I said to myself "See if you can make this jacket without buying anything". The lining for the "hoodie" is a beige fabric from years ago, which is like velvet but an acrylic. I am making the insulated lining with a Snuggley that was given to me and the pumpkin lining fabric was in my "stores". I am quilting the two together. The separating zipper is from "stores".
I had the pattern from when I made Lucy a jacket.
If I didn't do the quilting for the lining, the project would be a lot shorter in time.

But I wouldn't have enjoyed myself as much as I am now!

How About "SonwBlind" ?

2010-07-12T12:03:00.001-07:00

This is Sweetie Pie "Penelope". She was crashing a photo session. She Always gets her way.

The Magical Kingdom -

2010-07-10T16:08:00.001-07:00

This is a brass sculpture, one of a grouping of foxes at play in the park that is in the enclosure at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. There are many sculptures and works of art that inspire the students and the families that come to the park.
I couldn't get a better grouping of the "Fox Family at Play" (my title). The ground has little hills in order to segregate the areas.
The College works with the fashion industry. This includes donations of last years fabrics and of course interns. The college also has a scholarship store for the students who subsidized their tuition. Students work in the store and also get a better price for whatever they buy. That is how it should be. I have seen students come into the store to get fabrics for their projects and stop and pick up some piece of clothing as well.
The funny part for me (when I am talking with these students that work in the store) is remembering how I was once a design student in San Francisco.
This is the clothing side of the store. Many years ago the store was just one long room with the fabric in the back of the store. Sometimes, I think that it was more exciting that way. The workers would haul out boxes of fabric and before it could reach the tables or racks, people would be grabbing the good stuff. But now the students of the merchandising part of the school get a hand in how the store is run.
Now, this is what I go to the store for, rolls and rolls of fabric. 60" wide, $ 1.00 a yard. Yes, I did say $ 1.00 a yard. Yeah! ! If you want to try a idea out and it doesn't work out as you would have wanted, no big deal. Throw it away. You only lost maybe $ 3.00. And you had the wonderful experience of working out an idea. Profit both ways.
I don't always find anything that starts my heart to sing but that is also part of the treasure hunt feeling that carries me down there. There are times that I want to drown myself in the beauty that I bring home. But there are other times when it is just so so.
These are the notions. In order not to miss anything that will be useful now or at a later date, every card has to be appraised.
Now this is one of the tricks. Always wear a watch. Time has a habit of escaping notice. The parking meters go for $3.00 and hour. And they only take quarters or smaller. If your wallet carries 12 quarters it weighs a ton. I have never had that much foresight to have that many quarters and there isn't a place around to make change. Be prepared to dash in with all your clear thinking and be able to run when the meter goes off. They ticket on Saturdays. I can testify to that.
But, what fun!

2010-07-09T11:21:00.000-07:00

These will soon be on my table. I can't believe that I will have tomatoes. What with dogs and birds, I gave up trying to have home grown tomatoes. This year, I had a friend make a raise bed. I filled it with dirt and mulch, just to see if I could have some tomatoes. I plead with the Garden God, Please! And this year it looks good. Now, I have plans for doing it better next year. I think a soaker hose will be in order. And I will investigate a better drop cloth to cut down on the weeds. I have been feeding the plants but I should actually put the plan on a calendar and not go by my gut.
I am so excited!

The New Clutch

2010-07-03T16:09:00.000-07:00

This little clutch is silk in a out. The pocket is a blend of the inside fabric and the outside. I found that I could do the hand sewing by pulling threads from the remnant pieces. That way it would match the exact color of the fabric. With each clutch I try to expand my experimentation. I enjoyed using the thread from the fabric.
This little gem measure 12" W x 6 1/2" H.