Anchors Aweigh!

This is it!  The graduation weekend is here! Family has arrived, rehearsal is done, the big show is tomorrow morning and then I have officially reached that pinnacle of raising a teenager: the high school diploma!  The chains of high school drama, district boundaries, and attendance mandates have been flung off and the brave new world seems suddenly wide open with possibilities!

My daughter has already been to 90% of the US and Canada so when thinking of the ultimate graduation celebration destination we chose Thailand.  This time next week my daughter and I will be somewhere in the sky jetting off to meet Hubby who will be working in Bangkok.  Hubby has filled our heads with the sights and sounds of this exotic city and we are ready to leave behind the familiar for the great unknown.

With a 22 hour flight in my near future I have planned a very special anchor project that travels light with minimal fuss.  Yep- it's time to unfurl the travel cross stitch pack and needlework my way to the other side of the world.  In prep for a November art show in Galveston, I have designed an historical sampler centered with a giant anchor and southern charm.  (Sneak peeks to come in future posts.)

Anchors are iconic coastal life and ring in the summer with a promise of new memories and colossal adventures.  Now that Baby Girl is 18 and a high school graduate, a new chapter in our relationship begins.  I see her as a young adult about to set out on her life journey- one that includes the dreams of far off places, making a difference and discovering a new world to call her own.

 

LOVE  &  ANCHORS AWEIGH!

Mohair Easter Peeps

Mohair and camel hair have fast become my spring go-to fabrics.  With fine textures to elate the fingertips and vintage hues that inspire childhood winter memories, mohair and camel hair are as durable as they are pliable.  Of course, I use vintage up-cycled fabrics so each piece wears a history all its own and a once treasured garment gets a chance to delight again!

 

This weekend was all about simple leaping rabbits.  This bunny, adapted from Robyn Pandolph's quilting pattern in Stitched With Love, is a spring fave! 

 

 

I love the fluffiness of the camel hair and mohair on these rabbits! The fibers give them a definition simple linen can not. Much of the vintage mohair I find is blended with additional fibers.  I am pretty picky (just like mohair.. har har har!) and stick to mohair that is blended with wool.  It works best in the felting process to create a tight workable fabric.

 

 

Camel hair also worked well on this pillow interpretation of Robyn's pattern.

 

 

Up-cycled mohair blend sweaters also make the fuzziest wee chicks around! Once all the rabbit forms are cut there is usually enough fabric left to make a cheeky chicky duo.

 

 

As you see I have lots of starts that need finishing. So back to the studio I go! 

Here's to a creative week for all!

 

LOVE  &  EASTER PEEPS!

Everywhere A Hare

As certain as freshly sprouting garden seeds, rabbits are also a sure sign of spring!  Here in the studio bunnies of all shapes and sizes are peeking their noses through the embellishment bins and finding their way through my primitive whimsy process.

 

There are bunny busts in grungy velveteen and painted linen picking our their baskets in which to nestle.  The velveteen addition is new this year and I am just loving the texture!  Her basket is a perfectly romantic one- but her finish will be a surprise debut in Olde Primitve Peddler mid March.

 

 

One of my all time fave bunnies is from Robyn Pandolph's Stitched With Love quilting genius! I was so spoiled to have her studio shop right here in Galveston until last year!  I loved to pop in just to chat, see her works in progress, and sneak a peek at her latest fabric line. Because I am not a quilter, I adapt elements of her patterns to wool applique.

 

Spring is not the same without one fat bunny!  This roly-poly rabbit is made from up-cycled wool and wool roving.  I haven't quite figured out her feet situation so for now she stands a bit like a weeble. 

 

Then there are the smalls.  If you ever wonder why something so small is so expensive- ask an artist!  It's so much easier to make something bigger with easily stitched corners and ample stuffing cavities! Add using an old mohair blend fabric and oh what a tangled web it weaves!  There was some satisfaction in impaling this wee bunny with a stick!  And covering a wooden egg with paper maiche? Holy Mother Mary Vodka!

 

 

These are just a few of the projects awaiting completion in today's work basket.  What's on your table today?

 

LOVE  &  COTTON TAILS!