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Ann Williamson

Handmade Designer Women's Apparel

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beading

Black and white beaded jacket

Beaded Jacket Finished!

September 4, 2022 14 Comments

Whew! This jacket was completed in the knick of time. I promised ‘the end of summer,’ which technically won’t be until September 22nd, but because I think that Labor Day is the official end of summer, Labor Day was my goal. I was on a mission to finish. And Hooray! I did it!

I usually keep a hand sewing project next to my comfy TV chair and work on it slowly without a concern or thought for time. It takes as long as it takes and I don’t pay attention to the clock or the day or even the month. I had zero idea how long it had taken me the first time to make this jacket, so it was a surprise to realize how many hours I had spent.

It was a while,….

But I’m on the other side now. Done! Such a good feeling.

Next up, a video. I’m going to be participating in the American Craft Council’s online craft show this October, ‘The American Craft Made Pop-Up Market.’ They sent out a request for a 30 second video about one of the pieces that will be available for sale.

They’re fun to make so we’re on it. Scarves do well online, so that’s my subject. All about a scarf in a 30 second video.

Wish us luck!

Happy Happy Happy Labor Day to you and all my wishes for a lovely Fall, when ever you decide that it begins.

Beading

Beads Beads Beads

August 21, 2022 9 Comments

This is where I’ve been for the last many days. Cushion at my back and depending on what’s more comfortable at different points of the day, various plastic boxes to put my feet on. I actually have one of those foot support things, but it’s all the way in the other room and these containers were right here, so I’ve been using them. (who me?… lazy?) Also, a cup of tea and my computer for streaming podcasts and audio books.

And hand sewing supplies. Threads, thimble, snipper, seam gauge. And beads, on a piece of black velveteen to keep them from sliding around, in the pulled out drawer, which turned out to be the perfect height.

For this project, which I promised to have finished by the ‘end of summer.’ Which surprised me because it is just around the corner! So instead of an hour or two here and there, which is my normal pace for bead work, it’s full blast ahead.

I’m gaining on it, so fingers crossed it will be finished next week.

Wish me luck!

jacket, beaded with woven scribble design in pale pink

Out on Their Own

June 18, 2022 Leave a Comment

A last look at a few of the pieces I brought to the Smithsonian and the American Craft Made shows.

Like this jacket, a shorter version of the coat we used for the ‘Pink’ video. This fabric came from a very long sleeved, formal kimono. Those traditional kimonos are like western ball gowns. They’re perfect for a special occasion, but maybe not so good for daily life. Fantastic when you want to wear a dramatic and beautiful piece of clothing.

My good fortune, when it’s time to retire it as a wearable kimono, the long sleeves make for a lot more fabric. Plenty for a long coat and a jacket.

The front.

The back.

Enough for a coat, a jacket and some leftover scraps for a few scarves. ‘Mottainai,’ waste nothing!

Can you see, in the picture below, the pieces of the same fabric? The grey leaf like shapes? And part of a green flower towards the center top. At the bottom, a sliver of dark mahogany petals.

The last bits of this gorgeous fabric, this scarf, ‘Blush Ume,’ is still available, check it out here.

A shawl collar coat, this one called ‘Streams.’ Sewn from two gorgeous kimono silks, two different versions of a flowing water design.

Appliquéd small squares, laid out as though they were tumbling through the water.

The squares were cut from the same kimono silk I used for the facing and the under the collar. A gorgeous deep, deep teal/green silk scattered with little odd shapes and dots.

Lastly, a beaded, so very cool, woven scribble design in a pretty pale pink color.

front view of beaded pale pink jacket

I used black beads to toughen it up and give it a bit of attitude.

jacket, beaded with woven scribble design in pale pink

Onward! I’ll finish up some special orders, then start the process all over again.

This is what I do; make stuff, show it, send it off. It’s a pretty good life!

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ACC Baltimore Craft Show 2023
American Craft Made Marketplace

Friday March 3, 10am-6pm
Saturday March 4, 10am-6pm
Sunday March 5, 11am-5pm

Baltimore Convention Center
1 West Pratt St

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New coat for Baltimore @craftcouncil March 3-5 A New coat for 
Baltimore @craftcouncil 
March 3-5
Appliquéd Japanese kimono silk.
Booth 215
#annwilliamson
Full skirt pieced from vintage Meisen kimono silk Full skirt pieced from vintage Meisen kimono silk with matching jacket.
#annwilliamson
An Elizabethan Collar for Ms November Greyhound P An Elizabethan Collar for
Ms November 
Greyhound Pet Adoption fundraiser calendar for 2023 
Check out the video of the project at: @gpanorthwest 
Looped bias tubes and beaded collar for sweet Zia.
Photographer @hollyandres 
#annwilliamson
Broken Grid Coat Pieced from a vintage Japanese si Broken Grid Coat
Pieced from a vintage Japanese silk plaid.
#annwilliamson

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“I measure the success of my clothing by how it looks and feels on the woman who wears it.
I want each piece to flatter and enhance the body it adorns.”

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