Under My Nose

The first floor of the building where I have a studio is retail stores. One is a fabric and upholstery shop, and one I've not seen in years. Looking for a better Olfa cutter (they had one) I also haunted the aisles with discounted fabric. I've already many pieces never used at home, so I was not tempted. Bought the cutter.
 

Test Results

As promised, here is the yard+ of the combination fabrics. I've a variation of color uptake here. I've two reds, two yellows, two blues, black and chartreuse. My stable pallet works for me, and this will inform how much I'll strengthen some of the weaker. Tyvek labels sewn before soda ash label the fabrics.
 

Busman's Holiday

Because Toronto is a bonafide metropolis, it's got a fabric district. And you can sight see the fancy fabrics all you want -- no charge for browsing. These beaded lovelies went up to $450 Canadian now and again. But they were indeed beauties.
 

Wall of Wonder

I've a project to sew that needed dress fabric, and my hostess was kind to take me to a fabulous store just north of Minneapolis SF Harris. We searched, we found, I bought. How I wish I lived closer -- but wait, maybe that's good I don't. 
 

The Frenzy

Tonight was vendor night at QSDS and my students, wonderful people that they are, stopped at my table and compliment me -- as well as purchase some of my yards of fabric. We had fun, was rewarded with ice cream, and made it home to rest up for tomorrow. 

 

The Struggle Begins

It takes good looking fabric, yes, but something more. Here is the first slap down of pieces that I've held out for the next work. A couple are left whole, and some are torn to pieces. We'll get back to this in the morning, when it might start to look better. 

Commercial Design Lover

While many visit museums and galleries (and I do that, too) I get charged seeing what graphics are in the commercial designer's tool box. This large scale, red and tan piece, which could easily be part of an 1850s applique, caught my eye. And yes, it's gone home with me.

Stealing Ideas (or Maybe Just Borrowing)

That's Mary teasing me with her hunk of fabric. When I teach, the most fascinating fabric shows up. I can hardly contain my greed. If the owner is strong, they will resist my pleas. Just having this photo is enough for me to explore direct painting next time I work in my dye studio.

Fabric On A Roll

Whole Nine Yards, in Portland, has inspiration enough for any surface design lover. And I miss seeing these kinds of independent stores, where just when you thought you have see it all, another wonderful combination of color and material use pops up.

Fabric on the Rack

My set up at Chautauqua, with fabric, fabric, fabric. All my hand-dyes, and some shibori. Now some gone to new homes. Quilting Around Chautauqua was way more interesting than I thought it would be and certainly something to write home about.

Cutting the Pretty Fabric

Jenna is here cutting up that shibori fabric she bought from ME last June. Yes, it can be done! Just hold your breath, watch your fingers and cut. My quilt is in the background. More to sell this weekend in Chautauqua, New York.