Upcoming Classes

I will be teaching a couple of classes in a couple of weeks in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the wonderful "Blue Twig Studio", owned and operated by Deb Prewitt.
These may be the only classes that I teach this year so grab them while you can!

The first one is a short evening class.
We will be making what my father in law refers to as "hobo gloves", more commonly known as fingerless gloves (I like the other name better).
I made them after I found a book by Natalie Chanin in the library.
Imagine my surprise when her third book had a pattern for a similar pair in it!
Great minds and all that, right?
I did use portions of the stencils in her books (or website) on some of my gloves. Some of the designs are my thermofax screens.

This is actually a skirt made using the same technique.

It will be a fun-filled, learning extravaganza...I assure you.
Check it out here.


The second class is one of my favorite classes.
A handmade book.

Collage making, textiles, papers, fibers, threads and vintage ephemera.
Hand stitched pages.
Beautiful story telling in a book.
I have spoken of this class before - here and here.
Please join us as we craft a one of a kind handmade book that will be the envy of all of your friends (and enemies).

Publishing News!

I've been about to burst (or "bust" if you live down South) with this news!

I have an article in the newest Quilting Arts "In Stitches" eMag!


The eMag is available for download today, so run (don't walk) over to this shop and get yours.
Though I am proud as a peacock about my article, you should see the other ones!
(so sorry about all of the exclamation points...can't help it!)


What a lineup of authors this time -
Janet Lasher, Kathyanne White, Susie Monday, Norma Schlager, Jane Davila, interviews (and lots of eye candy from) Eileen Lauterborn & Carol Anne Grotrian.
There is also a couple of gallery articles, reviews of cutting & slicing tools (and how to care for them) as well a "how to" on making computer (or tablet) wallpaper out of your own artwork.
Jane Davila (the editor) does a fantastic job with content and the photography is just awesome.
And the price is right (4.99!).



I wrote an article about one of my favorite stitching pastimes - reverse applique with a Natalie Chanin twist. If you've read my blog for long you know that I adore Natalie and the work that she is doing for (and with) cottage industries and sustainable living.
Then there are her books...
Oh.
My.
The first one was the beginning of my girl crush on Natalie and she just continues to rock the world with practicing what she preaches.

Anyway - the article is about making really cute covers for sketchbooks (or regular books). I took Natalie's instructions and tweaked them to suit my purpose.


Here are some handy links for shopping-

Store Links:

For iPad

For MAC

For PC

A Different Kind of Class

I love Charleston.
Especially before it gets all hot and horribly muggy (even though it's still beautiful to me then).
This past weekend, my husband and I went there (part business and part pleasure).

I taught a class at my friend Cathy Buck's shop "Fashion Fabrics" in Mt. Pleasant.

What a great class!

It was a class in embellishing an  infant onesie or a kids tee shirt.
It's an idea that I got after reading Natalie Chanin's first book.
Here's a sample of one of the class projects -

Or this one.
The model (my nieces son Caden) is so cute!

This is another cute model, Kennedy (another nieces baby). I love the way that her mom coordinated her accessories!

Here's a shot of  some of the class hard at work.

The class was three hours long and everyone did a great job.
We did some screen printing, painting on fabric and reverse applique.
We also recycled some tee shirts and talked about sustainable clothing.
It's a great way to learn a little hand stitching too.

I love the way that this class allows women to gather and spend time doing what women do...talking, sharing information & ideas, creating beautiful things for our loved ones and honoring our creativity.
We are doers, makers.

If you're in the Charleston area, stop by Cathy's shop.
It's called "Fashion Fabrics".
She carries Bernina's, quilt fabric, apparel fabric, notions, ribbons and all sorts of goodies.
She also offers a wide array of classes, a few clubs and sewing machine work as well.
I think it's about the only place in the Charleston area that you can find quality fabrics. Oh, you can find the cheaper fabric but not the good stuff.
The address is 320 W. Coleman Blvd, Mt. Pleasant SC 29464.
Shop number is (843)884-5266.

Tell her that I sent you.

Now get out there and Do Something.
Create.
Make.

New Book Shipping!

Those of you that read my blog regularly know that I adore Natalie Chanin's clothing design (Alabama Chanin).
Well, not only her clothing design but her philosophy of life.
Her ideas on sustainability, her love of vintage items (esp. in decorating) and her willingness to share the knowledge of these things.
She has two beautiful, beautiful books and another one on its way to my home right now!

Check it out here!

I've made one of the skirts (I used my own cotton & supplies and made it MUCH cheaper) (here is a similar one that sells for over $4000.00!). The skirt I made doesn't have beads...but still...

If you love this style of clothing or home dec items, you will LOVE her books!
The work is time consuming, can be rather tedious but well worth the effort. I always get so many compliments when I wear the skirt.
And it is SO comfortable!
If you're like me, when you're watching the telly at night, riding in a car or waiting at an appointment, you have to have something to do (with your hands) to keep busy.
This type of project is perfect for that.
I can't wait to get the book...I MUST finish up with two deadlines today so that I can stop and drool over it as soon as it gets here.