Field Trip to Marcia Derse

A short drive up the road is the studio of fabric desiger Marcia Derse. Her charming house and studio hold the collections and prompts she uses to design her line of printed fabric. The visit has us all enchanted with her studio and archive. Many thanks for the hospitality and tour. It is a delightful experience.
 

Is It Time for Supper at Last?

While in Chicago's North Side, our workshop was held in a church that displayed a fine rendition or the Last Supper made in lace. It was made so suptlely that I had to look closely to see the scene.

 

Strong Clothes

How people dress continues to intrigue me. This shirt/coat was a commercial purchase, but the flair and drama it holds -- as well as the entire outfit -- had me remembering to use that strong contrast in other prints, or sets of motifs. Photo from a textile fair in California in early November. Bag is New Yorker's.

 

Fashion Finds

Friday's Beyond Fashion show at RIT brought out the textile lovers. The after 'party', held to honor one of the designers, left no one shy about demanding what, how, where garments were all about. I love this gathering, one for enthusiasts who care about garment history, and show it with what they're wearing. 

Imperial Embellishment

My quick photo at top, and the V&A Kensington (London) photo from their website below. This is a silk panel 1825-1875 of Chinese origin. It was embroidered and then would be sent to tailors in Beijing, where it was cut to form the 'Dragon Robe' for the imperial family. Treasures from my England trip! 

 

Busman's Holiday

Chelsea Fay had her very graphic and bold home dec fabrics on view today at More Fire Glass Studio (itself a fabulous art glass showcase) along with other fine art and craft. I was smitten with her clean prints. She is explaining the drop on the tablecloth, in the background are glass rondelles for color choice.
 

Something Here is Speaking

While working out examples for the next class (time is ticking) this pairing showed up. Diversionary as it may be, I think there is something here that is talking to me. So, I might as well sew it up and finish it. Valentine's day has me seeing a broken heart here. There's the title. 
 

Why We Do What We Do

Tuesday night was a special gathering for people at Quilting by the Lake's retreat to see other special fabrics, crafts, and offerings. Rosalie Dace, from South Africa, is on the left discussing an African textile collected by Donna Lamb, the director of the Schweinfurth and organizer of this retreat.