A blur of fabric and clay

If I wasn’t so full right now from my take-out supper, I’d be curled up in my pj’s sipping a cup of vanilla coffee as I write this.  Actually, I’m too full for the coffee, but not for the pj’s.  Hm.  Hang on a moment while I go change…  There.  That’s much better.

So, ready to see what I’ve been working on these last few days?

First up, pillowcase dresses.  They all started with, of all things, a pillowcase.  I added some natural linen, bound the sleeves with tape made from an unused portion of the pillowcase, and sewed on a nice big focal button.

I am so pleased with the way these turned out, and I like that a single size can fit a wide variety of ages.  I’ve tried them on a six-year-old and a nine-year-old successfully, and I’m sure they could be worn by girls who are a bit smaller or somewhat larger.  They work as sundresses, or as tunics, with or without a shirt or tights underneath.  Honestly, I wish I could wear something like this – they’re just so versatile!

These are going in the shop this week, as soon as I have a moment (and enough natural lighting) for a decent photo shoot. Look under “Button-Embellished.”

After the dresses were done, I shifted gears, got out my clay, and made a handful of buttons.  Once that was done, it was back to the sewing machine to make these patchwork scarves.  (As you can see, four of the buttons went to the scarves.  Four more like these, and two sets of smaller buttons will be appearing in the shop, pending photos and decent lighting and all that.)

The scarves all started with a variety of prints from a particular fabric collection (Aviary by 3 Sisters, and Zippity Doo Dah by Sandy Gervais).  I added squares of linen and a focal button, attached a backing of soft flannel, and voila!  Pretty on the outside, soft and cozy on the inside.

I love love love the patchwork scarf I made myself two years ago – it really dresses up whatever jacket I wear it with, and it’s soft & warm without being bulky.  Gets me lots of complements, too.

These will also be in the shop once I get that picture-taking time and lighting thing all worked out.  Right now, though?  I’m a bit worn-out from the craft show I lugged all of this stuff to today.  It was a quiet show, but I still did alright.  Didn’t sell any of these dresses or scarves, though, so if you have your eye on anything…  well, you can wait until I get them online, or you can drop me a line and have me set something aside for you. I’d be happy to do it!

Before I sign off, let me show you what I bartered for at the craft show today.  My neighbor was a local potter who had so many beautiful bowls and platters, as well as a selection of fabulous pendants.  She liked some of my pens and necklaces, and I fell in love with this little bowl and pendant, so we did some trading.  This photo doesn’t really do these items justice – it’s dark & gloomy today.  Bad for photos, as we’ve already covered.  You should go visit her website and see some better pictures.

Hmm, I think I may have room for that coffee now.  I’m off.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

This day in blog history:

• Oops, I did it again - 2007
• My latest obsession - 2005

This topic in blog history:

• All dressed up and noplace to go - July 2009
• Sneak Peek - September 2009
• I just like playing with them - February 2009