Ann Williamson

Handmade Designer Women's Apparel

kimono silk

Best Laid Plans

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I’ll admit it, I am a planner. I find my way through life with lists and schedules. Spontaneity, although I admit is fun and exciting, can also be disruptive and interfere with, yes, my carefully laid out plans.

I’ve been looking forward to the Baltimore craft show this coming February. Finally! An in person show! But I was also a little nervous, because the latest covid variation is raging and I was worried about the hours on a plane, the logistics of a hotel and restaurants and crowds of people.

But, you know, there it was in my calendar, scheduled in. Planned. I was not going to argue with my plan. I had signed up and I was going to go. I was focused on the positive and looking forward to going.

So when the email came from the American Craft Council folks that because of the covid numbers, they had rescheduled the show from February to May, I was a a bit stunned. As I digested the news, my feelings were thrown back and forth between, ‘Whew!!!’ and,….. ‘sigh….’

I stared at my computer, thinking, ‘but my schedule!!!’

It was a reminder that things change, that no matter where you think you are headed, you might be wrong.

The silver lining, in anticipation of Baltimore, I’ve been nose to the sewing machine. And because I am signed up for the Smithsonian show in April, [fingers crossed that show will happen…] I’ll have plenty of new pieces to bring.

Including this group, sewn from classic kimonos. Full of traditional Japanese imagery. Like the one below, with ocean waves, bamboo and cords.

And this pretty one with a venture of phoenixes [I just learned this, a large group of phoenix is ‘an odyssey’ a small group is ‘a venture’.] The phoenix is a mystical bird that lives 500 years and is reborn from the ashes of its predecessor. It has a very long and flowing tail which you can see winding around and through the leaves and flowers.

And this coat, from such an amazing kimono, with pink gradating to grey with bold cherry blossoms. The vertical stripes of bamboo make for a elongated and flattering design.

So, instead of Baltimore, these pieces will be making their debut this coming April in Washington DC.

That is, unless,…

things change.

Holidays, Scarves, Coats and Jackets.

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Here we go! First up, the holidays. They are on their way. And soon!

If you don’t believe me, how about this? It’s the American Craft magazine’s holiday issue. And right there are my scarves. It’s a great way to send out a reminder that I am still around. And my work. And my scarves!

Here in my studio, my table is over flowing with projects. Some are ready to start, some in process and some ready to be sewn up and finished.

Lots going on because, my big news, I’ll be participating in two in-person shows in 2022. One of my favorites, in February, the ACC Baltimore show.

And the second, a great honor, the spring time Smithsonian Show in April. After this long year and a half, [or was it more? 2 years? 5? a lifetime?] I am beyond happy that I have shows coming up. Can’t wait.

So, two big shows needing new work. A good thing!

Making new work, it’s always the same, the first step, I have to figure out what I want to do. Sometimes it’s quick and easy. Other times, a bit slower. For the kimono silk in the photo below, I wanted to make a jacket that highlighted the gorgeous pattern. I spent some time working out how to make that happen. I laid out beads and cut fabric circles, fabric squares, big beads and little beads. It went like this, the uppity design nerd in my head was shouting, “NO! Not good. Nope. Not quite. Do not do that! I mean really. Come on. Try again. A little better. This might work. OK,… I think …. I’ll say yes..” It’s always good when I can sooth Madam Design Nerd. She is so fussy…..

Below, a photo of my final design, everything laid out, beads and appliqué squares, sitting in place. No bumping! Or everything would shift and roll away. I took this photo to help me remember the final plan.

Below, another beading project, this one a bit further along. The light colored dots are beads.

It’s 1/2 half the jacket’s back. Done! Next, other back half, front, sleeves and collar.

Meanwhile, as we move towards the holidays, I’ll continue to add to my web-shop with new pieces going up this week. A link to my web-shop.

I am sending all my happy Thanksgiving wishes to you! And so many grateful thanks for taking the time to read my blog!

New Pieced Coat

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A brand new coat, finished just yesterday. Pieced from very dark, almost black, navy and white kimono silks.

These are ‘tsumugi’ silks, a gorgeous textured fabric. Unlike a smooth and shiny silk, this kind had a rugged quality that gives it more of a rustic look.

The detail below shows the weave. You can just see the slubs and rough surface. It’s not ‘noil,’ an inexpensive silk woven from the broken ends of the fibers. Instead, Tsumugi is woven from odd shaped and irregular cocoons, so the fibers are thicker and more uneven. It is stronger than the smooth silks used in formal kimonos and is prized for its sturdiness and strength.

The back.

I’ll be adding this coat and other new work, to my upcoming shop in the American Craft Council’s online show: Atlanta/Southeast Craft Week.

Online September 20-26. Can’t wait!