Dragon Mask

I finished the prototype for a Dragon Mask last night!  I've had tons of fun with this one.  Yes, there are tons of pieces and lots of stitching, but the Dragon itself has so much personality, I've opted not to simplify.  The pattern is not quite ready to go into the shop, but will be soon.  I've set an April 1st deadline for myself...no fooling.  

Like all of my masks Dragon started off in paper.  The paper mask is where I work out most of the kinks before moving to felt.  

This afternoon the family and I headed to the meadow for a fiercely fun photo shoot....  

John usually spends his free time drawing dragons and other ferocious creatures, but this afternoon he had to have a turn with the dragon mask, too...

Papa Dragon

Captured!

Happy Spring!

Though today is cold and overcast, I've seen early Spring's treasures...poking their heads up and stretching after a long winter's rest.  I've heard their promises that more will follow, and I wait patiently for the lively green mist that will soon paint the hillside.  

Hepatica stretching up towards the sun

Wild primrose 

Helleborus along my favorite forest path

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Snow Drops in the sun

Reflection of the sun in the willow branches

Spring Chicken!

Blank Canvas Potential

Staring at a blank canvas,  a white page unmarked, an uncut piece of beautiful fabric....all hold so much potential....all so inviting, but scary at the same time.  What is it about that first step beyond the recognition of potential that can leave the Maker daydreaming rather than doing? ... the fear of failure? ... the fear of success?  ... the fear of judgement?  If only the mind could be as clean as the canvas, open to all of the possibilities the "blankness" has to offer, and free of all of the fear.  Oh, to be able to practice unattachment to the outcome, and be fully present in the process of making.  Does a sprout hesitate before pushing up through the ground? ... While in the cocoon does the butterfly worry about its wings?  Today, I set aside my hesitations, stop worrying about perfection, get out the paints, find the scissors, and begin.  Today I "do" ... Today I "make."

Parent/Child Beginning Sewing Class

Parent/Child Beginning Sewing Class

March 5, 12, and 19 from 4:30 – 6:00

Vicenza Arts & Crafts Center 

This is an excellent opportunity for parents and children to share time learning a fun and exciting new skill!  Together, we will use the “rag quilt” method to create a one of a kind bag.  By sewing small pieces of fabric together we will create a large patch worked piece.  This method allows the beginning sewer to become very comfortable making a straight stitch on the sewing machine without worrying extensively about accuracy….though we will work on that, too!  With the idea of creating a patchwork bag in mind, I recommend using re-purposed materials, like old button-up shirts that no longer fit or are worn in spots, jeans work well, old sheets, or any scrap of fabric that you may have around the house. 

Online registration is available through WebTrac.  Registration is limited to 4 parent/child teams...so sign-up soon! 

A Winter Walk

Winter Colors

The forecast called for snow tonight, but I say rain.  The morning fog dragged on until evening keeping my little paradise well blanketed.  I had to get out of the house today to clear my head, too many projects, and too many ideas swirling around, and no clear starting place for my "to do" list.  Really, it's the perfect conditions for a walk down the hill, and I could no more walk down the hill without my camera than I could walk down the hill without my legs.  

Once upon a time, I really despised winter, cold, and grey, and dreary.  Perhaps I am look more carefully now.  Winter is not overtly beautiful like the spring, but there is a certain thrill to its beauty, like the thrill of finding hidden treasure.  Perhaps it is the austerity of winter that allows the subtle things to be so joyous.  There are subtle splashes of color, the sounds of church bells and chickens, the heavenly smell of  witch hazel, and a stillness that is so calming.    

In the Winter Garden

Witch Hazel...the most incredible scent

Still Reflection

Lichen and Buds

Boats Waiting out the Winter

Radial Symmetry 

A Close up View

The Long View

Horsing Around

At the request of one of my very loyal customers, I have been working on a horse mask for the better part of a month now.  I am so happy to announce that the mask is finally finished and in the shop!

There is quite a process involved in getting a mask out of my head and into the shop.  First I must research the animal and consider what features are essential for making a mask work.  Then I do a paper mock-up...this can take hours, sometimes days, and usually results in a large pile of "nope not quite right" papers piled up around me.  Next comes the first felt mask.  As I translate the pattern from paper to felt I make more changes.  When the mask is to my liking I "draw" the pattern digitally.  Depending on the complexity of the pattern I make a few more and write the instructions.  Once the instructions are written I illustrate the instructions and put all the finishing details on the paper pattern.  Pictures must be taken, models must be bribed, and editing must be done before FINALLY the pattern is ready for the shop!


I made the horse mask first in brown....

Then I got sidetracked and made a Dala horse mask...this pattern isn't finished yet, but hopefully by the later part of next week....

Next I made a unicorn.  The horn stumped me for awhile, but when I finally decided to just give it a try, it turned out not to be so difficult after all.  The unicorn mask pattern will be in the shop, hopefully, by the early part of next week.

The black horse was the last mask I made, and I made it as I was writing the instructions....I really like the black horse.

And that is all the horsing around for now...

Circle Skirt

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I've spent the last week writing directions for a couple of patterns, this sweet little circle skirt and a horse mask (coming soon).  When it comes to the preliminary steps of a new design I am really on the ball, I love the initial patterning, I love the sewing, and I even enjoy the alterations, but when it comes time for the finishing work, the pattern grading, the writing the directions, and labeling the pattern...well sometimes I wish it was someone else's job.  So, I can assure you that I am very excited that this pattern is finished and in the shop!  

My daughter lives in leggings and skirts, she generally refuses to wear pants.  She LOVES new skirts.  This cute little circle skirt turned out to be a breeze to make!  It has a "lettuce leafed" hem and two heart patch pockets.  I am giving her the skirt for Valentines Day, though it won't be a surprise, but she doesn't seem to mind.  You can find the pattern in My Shop!