Vest Beginnings

It is hard to make time to sew something for myself at this time of year. But as I shared previously, I'd love to have some new holiday specific clothes. I've begun work on the vest. This is the fabric for the back. It is actually a Debbie Mumm, which surprised me when I looked at the selvedge, as I usually don't like her designs all that much.

Here is what the left vest front looks like. I used free form cutting and piecing. As long as the curves aren't too steep I can successfully sew the two pieces together.

Here are the two fronts together. I think I like how only one has the straight pieces cutting through.

That's as far as I've gotten, but better progress than last year's lame effort!

Seeing

This is how my camera saw it.
Here is how I saw it. (through the lomo-izer on dumpr)

My eldest son is noticing that his photos with his digital camera aren't the same as what he sees with his eyes. He started using a film camera recently too, and is very excited about how much closer the film images are to what he sees. We've been having an intense discussion about this lately, which is pretty cool. How important it is to be able to get across to another person what exactly we see, how it makes us feel, and how much we want someone else to see something similarly. It turns out that this issue isn't just about the science of rods and cones in one's eyes, or how the lens on your camera gets the image to the film or the memory card.

I am loving checking out Jane Dunnewold's Daily Visuals blog. She has such a great and thoughtful way of analyzing imagery and pointing out design inspirations from any source image. I really appreciate her ability to share what she sees.

Have you tried This Is Sand?? If you ever enjoyed making those layered sand pictures, this is the no-mess internet version. It even has the sound of falling sand. Very fun. Oh and addictive. Don't say I didn't warn you!

I found the link through COLOURlovers. A really comprehensive look at colour and design and pattern, very wide-ranging and thoughtful and, of course, colorful!http://www.colourlovers.com/

Sometimes I Wish I Was Small

Don't you wish you were really, really small sometimes? I was taking a macro shot of recent threads trimmed off of dyed fabrics and marveling at how soft and inviting it looks so close up.

I found myself wishing I could shrink down to the teeny tiny size that would be able to nestle and snuggle into this tangled, soft, colorful nest. I know reading "The Borrowers" series of books always got my imagination going.

Simply Sneetches

Do you remember the Sneetches from Dr. Seuss' "The Sneetches and Other Stories" ? The big-bellied yellow creatures with "stars on thars". Big stars on their bellies which they pay to have removed and then put back on again depending on the current fashion, a tale essentially about discrimination.This was one of the other costumes I got to work on for Seussical. I dyed nine x-large men's white t-shirts in mottled yellows. Another drama mom cut out the stars. I was worried that they were lame', you know the kind that shreds insanely, is terribly slippery and never looks good on the edges. But no, the stars were cut out of plastic-y, stretchy, thick, gold bathing suit material. So no worries about shredding or slipping. I did pin the heck out them though, since they did stretch quite a bit as I sewed, at a different rate than the very stretchy t-shirt. But my sewing machine didn't glide over the stars, it would get caught up about every inch or so. I got a workout with my knee-lift that day, let me tell you! Friend Jaye pointed out that there is a sewing machine foot for this exact problem, mainly for sewing leather, it is a roller foot. Not a standard foot that is included with most machines. But since I'm not anticipating sewing this type of material in the future I think I'll hold off on getting one.

So, here is what the shirt looks like after the star has been sewn on. Kinda cute, but not quite into costume territory. So that means, now onto the elasticisizing..The costume designer had the idea of using the existing hem at the sleeve and bottom as an elastic casing. It worked pretty well, just undid a little of the sewing and then ran the elastic through, sewed it up closed. The elasticsizing made these costumes really look like costumes on stage, instead of just decorated t-shirts. They bloused them up at the bottom so they poufed out like bellies, worn over black pants.
Here they are, all nine of them, stacked up and ready to go!

If you've never seen The Sneetches, which was a tv special, here is part one:

and part two:

Mini Cornucopia

The last few times I've been dyeing other things, I've thrown in a washcloth or two, just to see what comes out. I have quite a stack now so I wanted to see how they all look together, kinda cool,huh?
I'm not sure what the purpose is for these, but I like how differently the very rough nubby open weave of the cheap cotton washcloth takes up the dye compared to the refined surface of the usual fabrics I'm dyeing.
Of course the ones that I actually used to clean up after myself are the most interesting and multi-colored. I'll have to do the rest in that manner.
I don't think I'll do anything with them all in one project.
A Giant Pieced Washcloth? (aka: a towel) OR ???

The annual opening up of the box of Christmas/Solstice/Hannukkah fabrics has occurred. And once again, I am reminded of these cool Laurel Burch fabrics that I bought a couple years ago, intending to make something for, um, I think it was my mom since she usually enjoys the LB designs. There are several panel pieces and some other mixers with motifs, they're all so happy and bright. Not sure if I have enough time to whip something up for this year. We'll see won't we? I just went looking for a LB fabric link to post, and oh no, I found even more LB holiday fabric...must resist....

While out looking for batting for my niece's quilt, I found this remnant for $2, the colors totally make my heart sing! There's almost a yard, in a nice heavy Guatemalan style woven. Maybe a new purse/bag for spring?? I don't know, but for $2, it is bringing me a whole lot of genuine, happy pleasure whenver my eye catches it in the studio. Oh, I know, a chair cover, for my studio chair, hmmmm, wonder if there is enough, gotta measure.

I did finally manage to find some of the new battings that are on the market at Hart's Fabrics, they had two battings that I'd heard of, a light green colored one that is made out of recycled plastic bottles, called Dream Green (by Quilter's Dream) and they also had this bamboo batting by Fairfield. The bamboo one is 50/50 with organic cotton. I bought the "Art Quilt/Generous Crib" size. I'll admit it, I bought that size because I was so tickled to see a size called: Art Quilt. Easily amused, why yes, yes I am.
I haven't used the new batting yet, but I will on my next Art Quilt (tm!!) and let you know how it stitches up.

New Holiday Duds, I Hope

Last year, about a week before Christmas I got the crazy idea I was going to sew myself something new to wear to our family doings. I don't know what it is about the combination of misplaced enthusiasm, fabric store pheremones and 50% Off SALE signs, but apparently I am mortally susceptible. Usually I wear a Christmas fabric vest that I made years ago out of various holiday fabrics. It no longer pleases me, so much, even though I only wear it once a year, it isn't that I don't like it anymore, I think I'm bored with it. Also, it never really fit quite right as it was made from a unisex pattern, meaning it wouldn't fit anyone right, doesn't it?!
So I chose these fabrics from the holiday offerings at my local quilt shop. I think they will combine to make a very nice, new vest. I'm starting on it today using this pattern, ZEA Vest Collection #799 by LJ Designs. I'm not sure which view I'll be making, maybe one of the shorter ones.

And to go with it, a new holiday skirt. This horrible picture shows you, well not very much. I forget why, but red is particularly hard to photograph and I obviously haven't figured it out have I ?! This is a nice heavyweight cotton, in a deep Christmas red, that is pre-pleated and stitched. I'm looking for the picture simple long skirt to make with it. With the pleats running vertically. Not sure about how the pleats would'd look maybe slightly on the bias, hard for me to picture. So, will there be a picture of me wearing a new holiday outfit sometime soon?

Perhaps.Perhaps.Perhaps.

Passion Flower Fascination

Hey, the passion flower I planted a year ago actually bloomed! Just this past week in fact. Luckily it happened to be sunny, so I got some great pictures. The structure of this flower is so fascinating, it is all so out there, nothing hidden, all parts on display. How do you like that hook on the end of the petal on the right? Kinda scary looking really.I have to admit that this plant was frustrating me, it just grew and grew, more and more vines and leaves and no flowers, so finally, the reward that was worth waiting for. I can see why people collect these plants there are sooooo many unusual shapes and colors combinations available. I wonder if this one will bear fruit and if it will be tasty?

The depth of this flower is more than two inches, there are so many structures layered one upon the other. Apparently the name refers to symbolism in the Christian Passion story.

The veins and vines are beautifully shaped, and curved. I find the subtle transition of colors to be a wonder.Accidental self portrait! I was holding the camera behind the flower to get the details, and oops, there I am. I actually quite like this picture though.

When I was looking up information for this post I came across this really cool thing called PassionWorks, go check it out if you aren't in an area where you can grow this plant or like yard art made out of recycled metal.

Las Pulgas Water Temple

Now, how about a field trip report?

The day after Thanksgiving we took a long drive up to Half Moon Bay to meet up with my brother and his wife for lunch at Sam's Chowder House. I've always wanted to try a lobster roll, and I got my wish, apparently theirs is one of the five best sandwiches in the whole country (at least according to The Today Show). I'd agree, it was completely, over-the-top heavenly and perfect. Oh man, I just looked up this article and now my mouth is watering because they had a picture of this sandwich. Just think all that delectable lobster without the work of digging it out of what is basically a spider sitting there in front of you on your plate.

On our way back over the hill we stopped to visit one of our favorite "local's only" spots, the Las Pulgas Water Temple. It is a really beautiful spot, that hardly anyone knows about or goes to, and as you'll see I took a lot of photos. Here is the Water Temple. It was built in 1938 and is part of the San Francisco watershed, it is where the Hetch Hetchy water comes into the system.

Circling around the top of the monument is a quote from Isiah 42:20 "I Will Give Water In The Wilderness And Rivers In The Deserts to Give Drink To My People"

I went around the whole thing taking pictures, but since it was late afternoon, half of them aren't very legible.

This is inside looking up. I guess there is no roof so that they can catch the rain that falls in the water system that is directly below.
I loved this big old oak tree, there was a large limb that had been taken off, and right in the middle of it was a new green sprout. You can see that on the right.
The cypress lined reflecting pool was really lovely. Usually there are birds, ducks, etc. not that day for some reason.

I liked the long spiky shadows of the cypresses across the lawn.

Some marker set in the concrete, with no identifying numbers, kind of a useless marker really.

There were three types of mushrooms that I found, and Zach photographed. A very moist place of course so lots of mushrooms.
Zach is getting really good with the camera, lots of practice.

An impromptu altar that I made in an old light fixture. Gave thanks for this abundance of clean, fresh water in such a state of dryness half the year.

Nice Niece Nabs New Quilt

What's this? Someone using a sewing machine around here?

Is that a walking foot I hear clickity clacking along at 90mph?

Why yes indeedy it certainly was.

I put my getitdone sweater on and finished up my niece's quilt.

Why yes, the one I started on back in July.

The deadline was 2pm Thursday. Yes, Thanksgiving Thursday. At about 1:50pm, I was done. Really and truly done. Talk about last minute, sheesh! After all that work would she even like it?

The giftee was suitably incredulous at first.

"Bwanket for me?" asked with big surprised eyes, clutching tightly to the empty cornucopia.

"Yes, and you can put it on your own big girl bed and be cozy and warm." answers her wise mother (my fabulous sister-in-law).

Repeat several times.

Dawning comprehension that this agressively, crazily PINK monstrosity is headed for her unsuspecting bedroom.

Then she started to look at the squares in amongst all the PINK, and find all the animals and faces and crazy stuff I stuck in there.

"For me?" she asked in an unsure, yet hopeful voice.

"Yes, sweetie, I made this quilt just for you, it is all yours, for your own bed." I answered.

We put it away in a bag to keep it safe from cranberry sauce spills and big cousins galumphing about with greasy turkey legs. But she kept going and dragging it out to look at it again and again, beginning a quiet chanted mantra of "my kwilt, my kwilt.".

Hee hee, I guess she likes it and she learned a new word!

Her dad (wisely hiding behind the quilt) and my dad on the right (grinning for the photo), held it up so I could snap a picture. Yes it is upside down, but you probably couldn't tell that from this view. And no I forgot to take a picture of the back, so you could actually see the cool quilting patterns I did. They showed up really well on the solid colors of flannel that were pieced together for the backing. In the center of each square I did either a star, a heart, a flower, a spiral or a circle. The rest of the quilting was just boring, yet beautiful and functional too straight up and down in the framing from top to bottom and side to side. Well, next time I visit, I'll try to snag a picture of the back, and the cool treatment I did on the binding. That is, if the new owner will let me!

Here's a picture of the aforementioned cranberries cooking in wine, spices and sugar. Recipe is too easy and I could eat a quart of this a day.

This was all the cooking I had to do for the holiday, husband, mom and two sisters-in-law did all the rest. I think I'm on tap for the next shindig...guess I better confirm that, eh?

Monday Meme

I got this loooonnnngggg meme from my friend kristen at Ardent Peace.

Bolded items are things I've done in this life, so far to date, as of today, exactly 44 years!

If you do this meme, please let me know in comments!

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse - I remember the one in 1979, but it wasn't completely total where I was. so nope! You can check here .

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo's David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business With a partner

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen -

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching-I've seen a whale, but not on an official whale watching voyage.

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp -the two chances I had, the person I was travelling with, wouldn't agree to go.

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

100. Read an entire book in one day

Bonus picture if you made it to the end!

Creating Costumes

Here's a bit more about the costumes I've been working on for Seussical. These are the tails that the bird girls will wear, they're the color inspiration for the dyeing that I was asked to do for the costumes. I was given cotton tank tops and long bloomers to dye. The bird girls are kind of a Greek Chorus for much of the play.
This is the Amazing Mayzie's tail, she is much more colorful than the other bird girls. She is basically the Carmen Miranda of the show, she thinks a whole lot of herself. If you've read Horton Hatches the Egg, you'll remember her, she's the bird who convinces Horton the elephant to egg-sit for her, and then flys off for an extended vacation ,abandoning her egg. Her costume will be two colors, purple on the bottom, ombre'd up to blue on the top.This is also part of Mayzie's tail, she really is the peacock of the show.

Here's how the dyeing looks while it is sitting and processing. I've been using the plastic containers we get our salad greens in from Costco. They're a great size for bigger pieces like these costumes. The colorful thing on top is a paper towel I used to wipe up drips of dye, I'll probably use it in collage somehow.

Here's how they turned out. Pretty bright, huh? And the flash kinda washed them out... They look really great on stage with the bright sets and props.

Library Reading Challenge for 2009

A reading challenge has been issued by book blogger, J. Kaye, with a twist.

The twist is to commit to reading a certain number of books from your library.

You can sign up here if you want to join in.

I really use my library a lot, reserving books online, renewing stuff online, downloading audio books, checking out movies, and cd's. The one in my town is really comfy and low-key and the building is beautiful. For the most part the librarians and staff that work there are super nice and fun to chat books with. I hope that your library is as accessible and well-stocked as mine is, it is impossible for me to imagine our country without free public libraries.

This will be a post that I edit and add the books in a list as I read them over 2009.

My goal is to read 50 books from the library in 2009.

Library Books I've Read in 2009:

1. Astro City Vol.3:Family Album - Kurt Busiek

2. Atro City Vol. 4:Tarnished Angel - Kurt Buseiek

3. Civilwarland In Bad Decline - George Saunders

4. Dead Until Dark - Charlaine Harris
5. The Garden in Winter - Suzy Bales
6. A People's History of American Empire - Howard Zinn
7. The Harvest Gardener - Susan McClure
8. The Tofu Cookbook - Becky Johnson
9. The Iron Hunt - Marjorie Liu
10. The God of Small Things - Arundhati Roy
11. The Dark Side - Jane Mayer
12. Just After Sunset - Stephen King
13. Twilight - Stephanie Meyer
14. On Guerilla Gardening - Richard Reynolds
15. The Full Cupboard of Life - Alexander McCall Smith
16. Pruning Fruiting Plants - Richard Bird
17. Beader's Color Palette - Margie Deeb
18. Bloodsucking Fiends - Christopher Moore
19. Living Dead in Dallas - Charlaine Harris
20. 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women - Gail McMeekin
21. Quest - Denise Linn
22. Four Acts of Personal Power - Denise Linn
23. New Moon - Stephanie Meyer
24. Living Dead in Dallas - Charlaine Harris
25. Club Dead- Charlaine Harris
26. Eclipse - Stephanie Meyer
27. The Neddiad - Daniel Pinkwater
28. Dead to the World - Charlaine Harris
29. Dead as a Doornail - Charlaine Harris
30. Definitely Dead- Charlaine Harris
31. All Together Dead- Charlaine Harris
32. Bite - Laurell K. Hamilton
33. From Dead to Worse - Charlaine Harris
34. Blue Shoes and Happiness - Alexander McCall Smith
35. The Beekeeper's Apprentice - Laurie R. King
36. Bee Season - Myla Goldberg
37. Fast Fit - Sandra Betzina
38. The Good Earth Beauty Book - Casey Kellar
39. Breaking Dawn - Stephanie Meyer
40. Dead and Gone - Charlaine Harris
41. Wildly Successful Plants Northern California - Pam Peirce
42. Water Garden Idea Book - Lee Anne White
43. Creative Serging - Nancy Bednar
44. Lisey's Story - Stephen King
45. Infinite Jest - David Foster Wallace
46. The Forgetting Room - Nick Bantock