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Saturday, July 7, 2012
ArtBarn Visit
We rarely have shopping visitors at the ArtBarn....we're out in the boonies, are not a bona fide retail store, and Beth, Shelley and Roxy work only on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. But last week, Diane Lea and Linda Eikelberry two of the most elegant and talented local artists called and came out to shop and visit.
They each had made their handbags....see the photos below. | | | | Diane has a magic touch with materials and a fabulous sense of personal style. I first met her in the produce department of our local Cave Junction grocery store....she did not look like the other shoppers! She is a paper and fabric artist and it is so inspiring to see what she chooses and what she does with it. She made the framed kimono art pieces on the shelf just to the left on the top of the photos. |
| | | Diane's Bag | |
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|  | | | | | Linda is one of my inspiring style gurus with an unerring eye and minimalist finesse. Multi talented, she is a weaver, makes stunning jewelry, now is making the most elegant buttons and sews most of her own clothes including what she is wearing. She uses lots of black, white, gray, taupe....we had a fun conversation around all the varieties of taupe. But she found some purple knit out in the Sugar Shack photo studio waiting to be photographed and posted. |
| | | Linda's Bag | |
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| | Wednesday, July 4, 2012
On this sparkling 4th of July, I'm celebrating independence with an at home studio day, sewing, taking some photos and hanging out with the ranch dogs who come to stay with me because the big local 4th party with major fireworks takes place next door at Out and About, the treehouse resort.
Beth came to work on her bike on Monday wearing a new T she had whipped up using Katherine's new pattern, Vogue 8817. She loves it and so do I. Once I finish the samples for an upcoming Vogue pattern, I'm going to make this pattern for myself.
Beth used a combination of our Blue Bayou and Blue Note Rib knits...the same patterns also come in an acid green. Beth said about working with these fabrics that the Blue Bayou is spongy, so she had to adjust the fit because the fabric seemed to stretch as she worked with it....this is not uncommon, every knit responds differently, so it is essential to fit and adjust as you sew.
Both Shelley and I love love love the results. Such flattering lines, takes a basic T to a new level.
On my design table right now is a prototype for Vogue for a dress that will be released next spring. I am bursting with excitement about it, but cannot show anything until the pattern is released.
What are YOU sewing this holiday week? |
| | Beth's Fabulous T |
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| | Monday, July 2, 2012
Meet Roxy
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Roxy is the newest member of our ArtBarn team. She is on board as our official bookkeeper as well as lending assistance with cutting, shipping and answering the phone. For our international customers, she handles your shipping under the new federal regulations. We love her serene presence, and she is a world traveler, master gardener AND she sews. Here wearing a top made from a Sandra Betzina Vogue pattern in our Dappled Garden ITY knit.
One day I noticed Roxy wearing a great little knit shrug cardigan, did not recognize my own pattern. She is tall, so had merely lengthened it, adding onto the bottom bands....so simple, such a great look. Now I am going to do the same! See below for details, the curvy inset at the back tells the tale. You can also shorten the length of the front edge for a summer little cardi/shrug. | | Roxy's Cardi: Vogue 8559
Super simple to sew (and easy to fit), the basic style is cropped (you can add length to the hem), and has bands at the front/neck and hem. In the pattern I suggest using raw edges and a lapped seam stitched with a double needle, but you could substitute a single needle too. Roxy added width to the bottom band and the curved inset at center back.
I've included a sketch of the tank too....it is a great layering basic piece with a flattering cut and neckline. | | |
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