Funky Ikat Jacket

I don't know if this is cool or barfy.  It's a nice fit though.  I finally got labels for my handmades.  Jacket based on Stylish Dress Book II, pattern L.

Le Lundi de Pâques

We just had an extended Easter weekend.  The Monday after Easter is a holiday, so we took advantage by climbing to an elevation of 1100 meters in the Vosges Mountains near the town of Salem.  The views were spectacular.

Playing 'Statue of Liberty.'

Silvery moss on the rock pile.

We found several enormous ant hills.  The ants are the same color as all the copper needles they use to construct the mound and are initially detected only by their movement!  I love watching them.

We took some time to make two tall wooden sculptures we called, 'Us.'  Do you see the resemblance?

After the hike, we picked up Madame Sutter who was visiting a friend in Aubure, and got some artisanal ice cream in Ribeauvillé.

'It's great to get out, but it's also great to go home,' said Madame Sutter.

Villa Borghese Gardens Dress

Latest dress based on pattern from 'La Couture Nature' by Kyoko Sakauchi.  Features sash at waist, suspender shoulder straps which are constructed high enough to always rest securely on the shoulders and rows of tucks towards the hem.

I love this cotton print in anticipation of my next trip to Italy: Roman volutes and porticos, trellised gateways, cyprus trees, roses.

Homemade Wallet IV

I made another wallet out of a vintage silk scarf....

I love the birds and nests!  

Big enough for everything!  And this super supple silk feels awesome!

Ikebana Geisha Pajama

    

I found this cotton fabric remnant out thrifting and used Simplicity pattern 1325 from 1955 to make these much needed summer pj’s!  I just love these little kneeling geishas arranging their ikebanas in between powder blue stripes.

I opted out of the buttoned waistband and went for elastic in the pants, not only because it's easier but more comfortable!  One small pocket at bust can hold a handkerchief.  
             

I tried to place one geisha in the center of each covered button.

I also made an optional sash.  I was super nervous about completing the collar, I didn't know if I was capable or not!  I definitely want to make more button-down, collared blouses for practice.  Good night!

Sunday Sunday Sunday

Kaysersberg and Ribeauvillé.

Felt Bunny Pin Cushion

I needed a pin cushion instead of keeping my needles in a cylindrical tin container.

 I also kinda wanted to make a bunny out of felt.

Kitsch Pop Flower Hippie Burn Out Dress

I couldn't resist this psychedelic cotton fabric in hopes of making a colorful summer dress.

The most fun was deciding which flowers would go where!




I let the selvage of the fabric become the natural hemline and the largest, pinkest blooms fall towards the bottom center.




The yoke and the gathers under the yoke are small.  So are the sleeves which have a bit of elastic in them.

The back closes with two buttons.

 I used a Burda pattern from 'Couture Facile' # E971, robe tunique.

Peace out!

Homemade Wallet III

Another handmade wallet using a 70's cushion cover.  I gave myself the idea when writing the pillow  description when I thought I wanted to sell it:

You see, once I got all my plastic, coins, passport, and papers into homemade wallet II, it wouldn't close, so I needed a bigger one. 

No matter how many times I use this pattern, I always end up ripping seams!  There are many steps and I think I can wing it without constantly referring to the instructions. 

Back of wallet once filled.  I made my own bias tape for the edges.

Closes with a large metal snap.

I love the result, and it's XL so I have room for even more ephemera!