Downton Abbey/Mr. Selfridge meet Ethnic Embroidery

 

It started with the piece of green wool I bought at the Hen and Chicks Studio. Anyone who has ever seen my stash knows the last thing in the world I need is another piece of wool.

 

Then I embroidered the jacket. The suit started with  pink drawers and a  gathered rusty blue skirt. Mmmmm....it didn't work.

 

So I decided she needed a spring in her step, a cute cloche hat,

and a walking skirt.  

 

Peacock feathers via the fly fishing shop in Montana.

Teaching at Hen and Chick Studio

 

The Friday evening I arrived at Heidi Kaisand's great quilt shop, Hen and Chick Studio, we had a make it-take it get together.

 

We played with simple stitches on card stock.

Beautiful results! 

 

Early the next morning we started on a wool applique and embroidered piece.

 

Had a little show 'n tell before a yummy lunch.

 

Then back to work!

 

I had a great group of students! Thank you for coming.

Hope you can join us next year, Sept. 2014! 

Driving to Iowa, 2013

 

This past weekend I taught at the  Hen and Chicks Studio in Conrad Iowa. On the way I stopped at the World's Largest Truck Stop!

Yes, that is a full size semi in the background of one of the display floors.

 

In addition to a food court and a sit down restaurant, other travel needs could also be met.

  

But this was my favorite spot. A great big wall of all things shiny and light for truckers to buy for their rigs!

 

On the other side of I80 I stopped at this rest area on my return trip. It was very early and very cold so I didn't walk around reading all the wonderful quotes from the great authors of Iowa. But I love that they are so smartly represented.

My Box of Possibilities

 

As I announced a couple months ago I have signed up for the 

Cabinet of Curiosities Class. It finally begins in May and runs for 18 wonderful months of history and design. Of course the goal of the class, for me at least, is to create my own box, or 17th century style casket.

So instead of stitching, lately I am working on design ideas for my box. I haven't decide on a name yet, "my box of possibilities' is the working title for now. But the theme is set; it is my World of Possibilities as seen in earlier embroideries.   

 

One of the destination in the World of Possibilities is the Golden Rule Mountains. Here are some working drawings for what the doors on the box might look like.

Stay tuned! 

The Bears Go South

 

Instead of hibernating, the bears decided to go south for the winter. They spent the winters months walking up and down the beaches of sunny Florida picking up seaside treasure.

 

To display the pearly finds, the bears made this little curio cabinet.

 

The cabinet was original meant to display yummy confections, but since those disappear so quickly, the shells are a much  better choice.

 

Pearl buttons and a fish game piece were also added.

Ducky Scissor Holder

 As part of the Cabinet of Curiosities class I have signed up for, there is a Ning site for all of the class participants to join. Some time ago people were discussing sewing treasures from their past. Someone mentioned a pelican scissor holder which reminded me of my duck scissor holder.
So, as promised, I am posting more photos and a rough drawing of how the duck was made. Click HERE for a full size version of the drawing.

 

If you make one, or have someone make one for you, send a picture. I'd love to share it here on the blog!