The Piecemakers, quilting for a cause
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Piecemakers quilt group. The group was formed in 1997 to help support the Akwesasne Freedom School located on the St. Regis Mohawk Reserve in Rooseveltown, New York. The Piecemakers quilt group is based out of New Paltz, New York, but has members from all around the world! The … Continue reading
Handmade Gifts: Framed Quilt Squares
Framed quilt squares make great handmade gifts and you don’t need to be an expert quilter to create one. First find a quilt square that you like, keeping in mind the size of frame you intend to use. Many quilt square designs can be found online, check out McCalls Quilting for ideas. The best part about these quilt … Continue reading
Perforated Paper
Perforated paper is exactly that, paper (pliable paper stock) in which holes have been punched to a specific size. Most of what is sold today is 14 count per inch, but perforated paper, invented around the 1820s could be bought up to 28 count per inch. Perforated card-board or card work, as it was called … Continue reading
Craft Room Tour
Remember that armoire I got for $15 at a big garage sale? And remember how I cleaned it up? Well here, finally, are some pictures of it being put to good use. Our little house has two rooms upstairs under the eaves: one larger one we use as a guest room, and one bitty one … Continue reading
Creative Reuse! Materials, medium and being open to what comes.
After reporting on the lovely Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse I started thinking about some creative reuse of my own. In addition to the things I found at CCR, but also things from antique shops, vintage stores, friends…So here is a little story about what I did with the stuff I find and what’s up … Continue reading
Celebrating Reuse at the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse
It all started with a 7” inch white zipper. I could not find it at the national big box sewing and crafts store. So I did what anyone would do in that situation. I googled it. Among the list of usual suspects, was the name Center for Creative Reuse. There was an invitation to joy … Continue reading
5-ways to use your $5 rotisserie chicken in 5 days – Day 2
Day 2 Chicken, Go Take A Hike Sandwich I have to admit I may eat Chicken Tacos for 3-4 days in a row, but I said 6-ways so that would not be fair to you. So I love to hike and I often need to take food with me if I am going on … Continue reading
Fourth Fashion!
Windows One of the great joys of a trip to NYC is my visit to the Met and my walk down Fifth Avenue. During this last NY Fashion Week, Bergdorf had an amazing display of vintage flags and banners along with beautiful white dresses. Seemed like a nice time to present these images. What great … Continue reading
Inspiration Point: Jaracanda
Inspiration Point As a fashion designer I find myself drifting off mid-sentence, or worse seemingly day dreaming when someone else is speaking. No, I am not bored or falling asleep (usually). I am thinking of a project I have to do or I am inspired by what I am seeing at that very moment, ‘Oh … Continue reading
Simple Sewing: T-Shirt “Something Old but New For You”
Turning Something Old into Something New For You Summertime, summertime, summ summ, summer time – t-shirt time!! If you’re like me. you troll vintage shops, thrift stores, the Goodwill, Salvation Army. And regardless if you’re a girl or a boy you have to check out the t-shirt sections in both areas. Heck I … Continue reading
FarmHouse 