jackets

ACC Baltimore 2022

May 15, 2022 6 Comments

Next up, the American Craft Council’s annual show in Baltimore. It was postponed from the original February dates and rescheduled for May 20-22. It’s coming up in just a few days! I’ve been running up the down escalator to be ready in time.

It’s pretty much the same show it’s always been but with a brand new name, American Craft Made/ Baltimore. They’ve added in an online component so if you can’t make it to the show, you’ll still be able to see the work of many of the artists exhibiting. The online show runs for two weeks. It will start Monday, May 16 and will be up through the 29th.

My inventory was down a bit after the Smithsonian show and I needed new work to bring to Baltimore, like these ‘hitoes,’ finished and ready to go.

A new jacket, almost finished, sewn from a very cool old kimono. There are only buttons and the last bits of lining to sew in place.

And lastly, a new jacket, still in the process of being cut out. It’s from an amazing, vintage kimono. Just a few days to sew it up, but if I focus, it will be finished, packed and on it’s way with me to Baltimore.

Two shows in less than a month, not my normal, not even before covid. But I am game and ready to go!

I am so looking forward to the Baltimore show! This was my last show before lockdown. It’s been 2 plus years and I am ready to be back.

Can’t wait!

Smithsonian Show! Coming Up!

April 10, 2022 4 Comments

Here we go! I can hardly believe it. April 20 – 24 is almost here. I’ll be packing my suitcases and heading to Washington DC in one week! After over two long years, exhibiting at an in-person show is a very big deal.

I have a lot of new work that I’ll be bringing. For example, this pieced jacket I started in January. It’s sewn from left over scraps from other projects. Here it is finished and ready for its close up.

Piecing on the sleeves too, a side-view.

I love the deep blues and bits of bright, the colors of an early evening, night sky.

The back.

Below, two kimono silks that compliment each other, pieced together in various widths. Although the strips are laid out horizontally, their ‘mis-match’ at the center emphasizes the vertical.

I sewed beads along the seams to add a little pizazz.

Years ago, my friend Junko gave me a kimono sewn from this fabric, a gorgeous silk brocade. Sometimes I like to let a fabric sit and age awhile, like a fine wine. This one waited patiently until now. Such a beautiful design! Wow! It’s woven with gold peony flowers and peacocks. Can you see the peacock tail feathers on the sleeves and center front?

The back, a peacock in plain view.

Thank You Junko for this amazing silk!

I have more coats and jacket finished and ready to go.

If you are anywhere near Washington DC, I hope you’ll come by to see them all!

Real People

March 20, 2022 2 Comments

I love photos of real person in their real lives wearing my clothes. After all the time I take to design and sew a piece of clothing, it is fantastic to see it out in the world. What could be better?

For example beautiful Nina with her husband Clif, last September at the Metropolitan Opera’s 9/11 production of Verdi’s Requiem. She’s wearing the perfect top, a ‘Hitoe.’ Lightweight and soft, a comfortable addition over a knit top.

Nina is super about sending photos wearing my designs. Thank You Nina!

Recently, my friend Mary chose one of my scarves as a gift for her sister. Not too long after, she showed me this fantastic photo of Ann. ‘Not bad for 85!’ said Mary, I completely agree. Wow. She looks gorgeous.

And please take note of her shoes. Perfect.

The great thing about scarves, they make fantastic gifts. There are zero concerns about size or fit.

Below, the well known and celebrated sewing guru Sandra Betzina modeling her new scarf, a gift from a friend. She knew that red is most definitely one of Sandra’s colors. Gorgeous!

What an honor! Sandra is well known in the sewing community. Check out her website, Power Sewing, a fabulous place for sewing information, patterns, videos and more, here.