Sew, Forest, Sew!

Gathered clutches getting ready for the big show

I have not been posting a whole lot lately because of an exciting event coming up...my first "craft show!" I have been sewing like a mad man trying to get ready for the "Old School Handmade Market" at The Bookshelf in Thomasville, GA. I have been frantically sewing as many things as possible so that I have enough goodies to fill up a 6 ft. table. So I hope you'll forgive me for not being around lately.

If you live close, come check this cool event on Aug. 6th!

Ready to sew into stacked fabric cuffs

Patchwork Painted Fabric

I love Spoonflower, a website created for every day people to print out their own designs on fabric. I recently did an experiment and sewed some of my painted fabric pieces together and then had them printed out at Spoonflower. I was inspired by Laura Gunn. The result is really unique, and I think fun. I do not know what I am going to do with the fabric, yet. I can't wait to create my next fabric on Spoonflower. I wish it cost a bit less but that keeps me from "impulse buying." I could easily spend all my extra cash printing my own fabric.

Warning: Arachnophobes Beware

We have a friend on our front porch that has settled in for almost a month now. She doesn't pay us rent, but she is killing all those pesky mosquitoes for us. I thought she was really cool looking from the top and the bottom. I actually almost got a video of her eating a fly, but alas she dropped her lunch right after I pushed the record button. I am sure she was more frustrated than I was.

African Clutch Designed by....

I have created a new listing for my shop. A simple little clutch made with fabulous fabric that the customer gets to choose. The fun part about it (besides picking your own fabric) is that I am going to take 50% of the proceeds from each bag and give it to a charity that is near and dear to my heart.

Some of you may already know that my husband has been spending a good part of his summer for the last three years, in Rwanda. It all started with research for his dissertation, but it has become more than just that. It has been life changing. I was able to join him in Rwanda the summer of '08. While we were there we made so many amazing friends. One of the special souls that we had the privilege of meeting was Pastor David. Pastor David is one of those people that really makes an impression. He is a very gentle spirit with a huge heart. He has taken on many projects to try and improve the lives of others in his community. For example, he has an after school program for children, grows a very large garden to help sustain and support his neighbors, and he runs a program that teaches widows the art of tailoring so that they can learn a skill that will allow them to be self-sufficient and care for their families. He does this with kindness and compassion without seeking anything in return.

Pastor David telling a story to his little neighbors.

Pastor David showing off his beautiful garden.

The women in Rwanda wear these stunning clothes created with African Wax-Print fabric. You see the fabric everywhere on the streets in Butare. It adds pops of color to the already beautiful landscape. While I was there I bought some fabric and my husband has also brought me back fabric from his trips. I now have a nice collection of this fabric.

Women from the tailoring class dressed in the beautiful prints.

I decided to use the fabric I have collected to raise a little money for Pastor David and his sewing school. So each time one of my custom bags sells, I will "sock away" 1/2 of it to send off to Pastor David. Here are some of the choices of fabrics that I have (I am hoping that Jason will get me a few more when he returns from his trip this year):

I am not sure how much money I will raise with this little endeavor, but I know that each penny helps. If you know someone who might like a little African bag, pass the word on. Thanks friends! :)

Rusty Gathered Wristlet

I'm trying to fill up my etsy shop with more goodies. Here is my latest wrislet. The fabric is by Laura Gunn, who inspires me greatly. I love the way her fabric collection looks like her paintings. It adds such texture and dimension to a flat piece of fabric. She inspired me to create my own painted fabric. I actually used one of my painted creations to create fabric that was printed at spoonflower. It is in the wash right now, so maybe tomorrow I'll show you?

Check our Laura's Blog. You'll like it I promise.

Lovely New Orleans

Jason and I went on a two week trip that started in New Orleans. We had a delicious time (literally). New Orleans is a wonderful city that is full of life and passion. Here is a glimpse of the few days we got to spend in this amazing place.

Tanya and Dorise

Tipitina's

Saint Louis Cathedral

National World War II Museum

I recommend staying here.

Hat Happy

While on vacation I was inspired to try some new hat designs. It was a bit of a challenge, not working with a pattern, but I think they turned out kinda cute. I would like to get better at the hat making process. I have dreams of being like Piper and Paisley or Sparky Jones. LOVE these two shops.

Pink Floral Kick-Pleat Cloche

It is kinda cool the way the wind started blowing when I took this picture. Do you recognize the fabric?

Country Bumpkin Kick-Pleat Cloche
Looks like a modern day bonnet in a way. Kinda silly, but I think it is fun.

They are both in my shop now.

Drinking it all in

I spent some time today looking through all my vacation pictures. I took so many that I am a bit overwhelmed with what I want to share with all you nice people. It would've been a bit stressful had I not had the perfect treat to relax with.

One of the stops we made on our trip was to New Orleans. We had a great time (I will be sharing pictures). In New Orleans we had the most wonderful culinary experiences. Of course we had to visit Cafe Du Monde where we indulged in beignets and iced coffee. (It was too hot for anything other than iced). After eating there we promptly went and bought our own box of beignet mix and can of coffee to take home.

Today I pulled out the coffee pot that we hide away until we have company (I am a tea drinker)and I made Cafe Du Monde iced coffee. I have a feeling this coffee pot will be out on our counter a bit more often from now on. My drink was heavenly, especially after I added a squirt of chocolate. Yum!!!

The Sun Sets on my Vacation

A view from my front porch last night:

I am back from my vacation and had an absolutely wonderful time. I took a ton of pictures and in the following days will be sharing them with you as the mood strikes. It feels good to be back home, sleeping in my own bed, cooking in my own kitchen, but most of all I am happy to be sewing again. I have been inspired to sew some new goodies and will be re-opening my shop soon with some fun new designs. Stay tuned for more...