Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Could you blow your nose in these?



















While I was searching for vintage material, I came across these vintage hankies. I feel as though I've discovered a treasure. They were designed by Tammis Keefe and most are being sold by Rubylane.com, Sharon's Antiques, and ebay. I just love the illustrations. She designed scarves for Kimball during the 50s.

These pictures examples were taken from the Rubylane website. The photos link back to the products which are still on sale.

Friday, March 2, 2007

Vintage Obsession

I can't explain this new obsession I have with vintage fabric. I think it started when I saw a Bird in the Hand's "allstar" fabric collection. How could you not be inspired by that.? Then I did a flickr search for vintage fabric and found myself pouring over thousands of gorgeous fabrics. I am still drooling.

Some of my favorites (I've linked to the original source to give credit where its due) that may be still available for purchase. Its more of a wishlist than a list of fabrics I own. I just love the designs.


Look at this kitchen scene! I just love the colors and subject matter. I found it at Rubylane.com for $65.



I found this one at Dewitt Co. for $10 per half yard.




Also from Dewit Co. at $10/half yard.


I can't remember where I found this one - I think it was Dewitt Co., but don't know for sure.


This one was from Ruby Lane I think. I'll try to go back and find the link. I just love it.


How can you not just love this print and the colors. I think it was $44 for 4 yards.


Thursday, February 8, 2007

Inspiration of the Day

I covet this book. I've only seen a few images and the cover from other people who have uploaded it, but it what I have seen is totally inspiring. I love the clean lines, colors, and patterns. It makes me want more fabric.

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Elephant



Today I finished a felt elephant of which I am very proud. I made it for my daughter, but don't think she'll get to play with it because the dye in the felt I used gets all over my fingers when I touch it. Oh well, something for the shelf I guess.

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Way too Early

It is way to early to be writing, but I'll take what I can get. This is the time when the kids wake up, I put a pot of coffee on, and I surf the web for inspiration. Its one of my favorite times of the day because, thanks to the never-ending barrage of children's television programing, I can surf/write/drink mostly uninterrupted.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Small ideas

I find that big ideas come easily. A big idea starts with the simplest, cleanest thought. The thought rolls around in my head, like a tiny snowball down a very long hill gathering enormous clutter as it moves. The original thought is forgotten in favor of the gigantic mess wrapped around it - the "big idea".

Big ideas, however, are complicated and hard to execute. I lose focus and, eventually, interest. I have so many projects cut from cloth waiting to be assembled, but I can't seem to make myself finish (or start depending on how you look at it).

Thus, I am focusing on small ideas. Small ideas are not necessarily easy to plan, but they have a simplicity and cleanliness of form that I crave. Small ideas do not need to result in small objects or boring end products, but as well designed and executed pieces of my imagination.

I have great "crafty" ideas all the time - and now a place to record and share them. I can come back to the small idea before I cast aside the baby slippers I've cut from recycled, felted sweaters or when I find the patchwork bag at the back on the fabric shelf that I started two months ago. Most importantly, the tiny thought that resulted in the monstrous mess made on the kitchen table, and the "aha" moment that came with it, will be preserved for future inspiration.