Ann Williamson

Handmade Designer Women's Apparel

Scarves

Real People

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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.

Looking quite stunning, Linda Hutchins, discussing her work with gallery visitors at her exhibit of drawings and etchings at Portland’s Nine Gallery.

She’s wearing my shawl collar coat in black and white, with a bright red under-collar. Fantastic!

Meanwhile, I’m sewing away on new pieces for the Smithsonian Craft Show. Coming up soon! April 20-24.

I can’t wait!

Gifting Season!

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Here’s an idea for anyone who is on the lookout for gifts. For their fundraiser this year, Health Care for All Oregon, an organization working on universal healthcare for all, is having an online auction. When my friend asked if I would donate a scarf, I said ‘Yes!’ I am definitely for more healthcare. How could I not be?

We came up with a great idea, the winning bidder would be able to choose the scarf of their choice. I did need a picture for the online catalog, so I chose this one. It’s sewn from my scraps, many with traditional Japanese designs, cherry blossoms, pine trees and bamboo, plus some shibori and subtle solids. A pretty darn good one if I do say so myself. But if it’s not quite right, the winner can choose from my other available options.

Remember, every penny goes to the Health Care for All Oregon, so you would not only be getting one of my scarves, you’d also be helping a wonderful organization.

Please check out all the items they have available, you just might find something else that would be perfect for someone in your life, or maybe, perfect for you!

The auction will be up through this Wednesday, December 8th. Please check it out here.

Meanwhile, back in my studio, I’ve been working away, thinking about and making new coats and jackets for my up coming in-person 2022 shows. Fabric is flying, my scissors snipping, ideas whirling. Working on new pieces, it is my most favorite time.

Stay tuned.

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!