I like to have some sort of handwork around, in a basket, next to my sofa. It's nice to have, especially at night, when I'm relaxed, the TV on and a little something to work on. It can be buttons to sew on, or a hem, a kimono to take apart, or the slow process of...
Mottainai means 'waste nothing.' It's another way to say, 'waste not want not' or 'reuse, recycle and repurpose.' For me It means to save and honor even the smallest leftover kimono silk scraps. Throw away my scraps? Nope. I keep most all of them for other projects....
I'm back home from Baltimore, all alterations finished and shipped back to their new owners. I'm ready to start new projects, but before I do, I wanted to show off a few jackets that I sold at the show. These were finished just before, then packed, unpacked, displayed...
This coming Friday, February 20th! It's the first day for the American Craft Council's Baltimore Craft Show. I'm finishing up a few last pieces, then packing them up and flying from Portland, across the country to Baltimore, Maryland. A few examples of the recently...
It's total focus on new work as I get ready for the Baltimore Craft Show. It's only a few weeks away! I've been juggling lots of new projects, pieced, appliquéd and beaded. Below, a new jacket, here in mid-piecing. And this view, closer to becoming an actual jacket....
When I first discovered Japanese kimono silk, it was its intrinsic qualities that I fell in love with. The fabric was sturdy but not stiff, it was soft and draped well but was not limp and had unusual colors that were not weird but were beautiful. I especially loved...
I absolutely love the tradition they have in Japan where they layer kimonos on top of kimonos, mixing colors and patterns. Green over orange over blue, checks over flowers over stripes and polka dots. It doesn't seem that it should work, and yet it does. An example...
For the last several weeks, I've been bouncing around with various projects. Here's a couple that are finished and ready for their debut. This green shawl collar coat uses two amazing shibori silks. [you remember shibori, Japanese tie dye?] Beautiful greens that just...
In less than a week! The annual ACC Baltimore Craft show will be up and running this next Friday through Sunday. February 21-23. I'm adding, adding, adding new work to bring. Like this pieced jacket in pretty aquas and light greens, a nod to spring. It's relaxing,...
