Tracking my crafting and sewing adventures...
Not the greatest photo, but it was the January light that I blame it on! I forgot to post this dress. The fabric is a cotton double gauze which is really soft and the dress turned out really nicely. It's the same pattern as this one without the belt detail and suits me well I think!
I've recently subscribed to a British craft magazine called Mollie Makes. Issue 13 featured an article on designer Lotta Jansdottir. I bought her Simple Sewing book a long time ago and really like her style. I was inspired by the Mollie Makes article and by one of the dresses Lotta is wearing in the photos AND by the yellow and taupe/grey fabric to make myself a shift dress. I used my book Built by Wendy Dresses: The Sew U Guide to Making a Girl's Best Frock (finally!) to draft a pattern. The vertical lines of the print are terrific and I really like mustard yellow lately - especially with grey. When I modeled it for F he said "looks like the fifties" and he's right, it has a great retro feel. The sleeveless style reminds me of my Grandma MacStephen, and a 1970's photo I have of her in a yellow polyester pant suit (will try to scan and post this soon...). I'm really pleased with the sleeveless shift, and really not pleased with the weather forecast of FLURRIES for tonight. Wondering if and when I will get a chance to wear my new dress. Oh, and it took me 2.5 hours total, from drafting the pattern on tissue, cutting and sewing up! All in all a success story on the making front!
Trunk Show 2012, a set on Flickr.
Thanks so much for stopping by the Spring Trunk Show last Sunday. We had a great day, despite the wind and cloud outside. I had a great time selling skirts to the women of Whitehorse! I learned a thing or two about skirt wearing in our town. Most shoppers were buying skirts to wear when they travel to Vancouver, Montreal and even Paris! Funny how we don't think to wear skirts around here - probably due to the cool temperatures we've been enduring this Spring. I just hope they send me a photo of a georgianna skirt a Paris! Ooh La La!
If you are in need of a fun Flat Tote, there are more than 10 fresh ones at the Good Karma Eco Shop on Centennial in Porter Creek. There are a few Quilty Bags and Market Bags there as well so go take a look. Mother's Day is coming!
I've been stressing out about the amount of scrap fabric I've accumulated over the past 10 years and the fact that my projects (and products) do not tend to use them up as quickly as I make them. I give a fair few of them away to a crafty friend who accepts them with great zeal but that isn't really helping... I guess I should give her MORE! These Layer Cake skirts came about with the idea of using up said scraps but, in the end, they require large strips of fabric and aren't helping me at all! They are fun though and they're a nice mix of things I've made - from kids Quilty Pants and Twirly Girl Skirts to aprons, bags and belts that are out there. Perhaps you'll recognize a layer or two? These lovelies will be for sale at the Spring Trunk Show on Sunday, May 6th at the Chocolate Claim on Strickland Street. Come by and say hello. There will be lots of incredible things to see, all made by local talented people I know. These skirts are long and wide with the intention that I can shorten and take them in for folks of all sizes.
Here's another bicycle print skirt. I really like this one as it combines my love of street scenes with bikes! This is an a-line with a lining to help the light weight cotton drape nicely. It also means you can wear it with tights if you live in a climate like ours!
Have you seen the Busytown fabric? It is one of our favourite book series around this house - and I love these kissy pigs! I had a crowd of kindergarteners around my skirt when I went to pick up our son at school. There is lots to see - just like the books! See the broom shaking out the window? Love it!
I had a request for a Market Elephant, I made 2 so B would have a choice of colours. He ended up taking both! I was a bit surprised and sad as I was really looking forward to hanging out with one of them for a while... they turned out so cute and Spring-like! They are now off to entertain 2 new babies, in 2 different towns, each baby named Ella! How perfect. So I will survive and I wish them well in their new situations, I'm sure they will do well!
I made an A-line skirt from this funky IKEA dandelion puff (?) graphic canvas and have donated it to the silent auction and fundraiser party extravaganza happening Saturday, February 11th at Mt. Mac for the Beaulieu family. I have also donated 2 t-shirts with Heather Ross banana seat bicycles appliqued on the fronts - very cool! So place your bids folks!
Here are the details straight from the facebook page:
Join us for a rockin' night of music and dancing with Meat the Vegans, Rick Sward and his Dirty Little Secrets, Electric Cheese, and Second Cousins, and in the process help us raise some cash so that the Beaulieu family can finally start to transport their family safely!
- Sat. Feb. 11th, 8pm-1am
-Cover $20
-Silent Auction
-Cash Bar
-Must be 19 or older to attend this event
Most of you who live in Whitehorse probably know the Beaulieu family and you have probably seen (or been run over by) Ross and Finn motoring around town at insane speeds in their power wheelchairs. Ross and Finn both have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a degenerative muscular disorder which is progressive in nature, causing all muscles to become weaker over time. Since Ross and Finn both use power wheelchairs on a full-time basis, the Beaulieu family needs a specialized wheelchair accessible van with a ramp and proper restraint system in order to safely transport their family. The family is currently using an old, non-converted mini-van with an improper ramp and tie-down system to transport the boys. The old van is now overdue to be replaced and the Beaulieu’s are in critical need of an appropriate vehicle to safely meet their family’s transportation needs.
All proceeds from this event will go directly towards the purchase of a wheelchair accessible vehicle for the Beaulieu family.
If you are unable to come to this event but would still like to help out, we are looking for merchandise donations for the silent auction. Alternatively, cash/cheque donations can be made to the YUKON COUNCIL ON DISABILITY EMERGENCY FUND. All donations can be mailed to or dropped off at the YCOD office at 4194- B, 4th Ave. Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1J8. YCOD is a non-profit organization, so your donation is tax deductible.
The twin to this skirt just might be on its way to Guelph for my good friend K who sent me the fabric - thanks K! Next up, one for me!
