My Reading Wish List

Today my co-worker gave me the heads up about a new embroidery book that will be coming out this August by the woman behind the amazing blog, Posies Get Cozy. This lady has such a charmed life! I dream of the day where I can stitch and create all day, while working on my newest publication, and in a lovely Portland home, none the less!

Alicia Paulson's new book titled Embroidery Companion: Classic Designs for a Modern Home sounds like it will have a wonderful variety of new designs. I get the impression that it will have a nice combination of updated classic embroidery designs that one would find in folk art inspired needlework. I'm imagining lots of floral designs that you could stitch onto just about anything! Want to know more? Read about the upcoming book HERE. You can also pre-order it from the same page.

Another book you may want to check out is Redwork from the Workbasket. I found this book while browsing the shelves at Powell's bookstore in Portland. It really is quite phenomenal. The price was a little steep so I decided to wait on purchasing it, but I can't wait to add it to my collection.

The book includes a few wonderful embroidery projects for you to try as well as a cd with JPeg images of some of the featured designs. All the designs come from a craft magazine started in 1935, called Workbasket. You can browse a few pages of the book on Amazon for free. My favorite design is the horse head which you can view on Page 7 with Amazon's "Look Inside!" feature.

Now if only I had some free time to actually stitch up some of these designs for myself.
Sigh . . . . .

I'm recuperating from my first summer craft fair today. Face and legs are burnt. Tired as hell. But like usual, it was all worth it. I came across this funny video of the Bad Romance song put to a Newsies clip. Made my day. Enjoy!

Events!!

Summer is upon us which means that it is time for lots of fun crafty outdoor events! I currently have two on my schedule for this month and it is sure keeping me busy.

For some reason I have such a hard time deciding what to make/stock up on for an event. I'm always thinking, "Should I make more of this? Will people buy this item?" I'm definitely a little behind in making new stock for my event this weekend, but alas that's what happens when you are juggling a full time job and creative business.

If you are in the neighborhood for either events, be sure to stop by and say hi!

Today I'm in love with . . . .

Claire Coles! This amazing British textile artist has really stolen my heart. I find her work to not only be unique but quite inspiring. Claire received a degree in Applied Arts from Middlesex University and is mostly recognized for her unique stitched vintage wallpaper designs. But what caught my eye initially were her embroidered tea cups that I found via the website I dreamed I saw. And they are actual embroidered cups!

I then ventured onto her website where I discovered more amazing work. I realized then that I just had to share her makings with you. Be sure to take a few minutes to peruse her website, found HERE. You won't regret it. Here are a few of my favorite pieces by her.

I love these wallpaper textile collage tableaux. The inclusion of lighting was pure genius. It really brings the objects and wallpaper to life.

Here are the teacups which are actually embroidered. She also has ceramic teacups that have been imprinted with what appears to be lace and textured wallpaper. I can't decide which ones I like more. She also has bird and flower wallpaper brooches.
Loving the flowers. This wallpaper collage of an airplane really won me over too. I have been thinking about possibly doing an embroidered wedding invitation that I could digitally scan and sell. I doubt they would be as glorious as this one that Claire did.
Simply Stunning. **All images from Claire Coles Design. Artist discovered via I dreamed I saw blog.

Who doesn't love a cute doggie or kitty?

A couple weeks ago I mentioned how the Berkeley Humane Society burnt down in a fire. I was inspired to make these doggie and kittie embroidery designs as a way to raise some money for them. I was initially going to make some simple little fabric brooches, but found myself suddenly creating key chains. The keychains came out pretty good. I'm still trying to perfect circular fabric key chain part.

I can't decide whether to make it an enclosed plushie with no edges or a more circular plushie with a pinking shear fringe trim. No matter how hard I try I can't seem to get the circular shape to stay even or consistent when making an enclosed plushie. I still think they turned out pretty cute- even if they are a little crooked. :)

I decided to try the exposed edges with the fringe trim because it is easier to sew the plushie shut after stuffing it. What do you think? Should I try to come up with a new pattern shape and make an enclosed plushie or should I stick with the shabby chic fringe look? Or should I stick with my Crooked Sister motto and just make cute little crooked key chain plushies?

A Bit of a Slump

I'm afraid I may have enjoyed my time off from the busy internet world a little too much. I'm still having a pretty difficult time getting up the energy to blog or even read my daily blog roll. As much as I'd hate to admit it, I'm much rather curl up with a good book!

Hopefully my little blogging slump will wear off soon. Here is another set of photos from my little trip to Portland to hold you over.

We stayed at a Holiday Inn Express in NW Portland. I thought it was pretty nice. Very quiet neighborhood in an old industrial area. We also had a nice view of one of the many Portland bridges.

We found this apartment rental sign a few blocks from our hotel. $450?!? Are you kidding me?

A yummy treat after a delicious dinner at Merriwether's. Very yummy treat!

Pretty mural at the Kennedy School. I'll be talking more about this place later . . . .

Here's an insane flower I found in someone's yard, plus my shoe.

Humane Society Needs your help!

Sad,sad news today. I found out that the Berkeley Humane Society caught on fire last night. The center lost 15 cats in the fire along with their offices, cat area, and laundry facilities. Fortunately the dogs were in a separate area and all the dogs were saved.

I want to encourage everyone to try and donate whatever they can to the Berkeley Humane Society, regardless of whether you live in the Bay Area or not. This place had a great facility and was a no kill shelter. They have been around helping and saving animals since 1927 and are committed to helping animals that have special needs. Please take a second to donate whatever you can. Anything helps! To donate money go HERE!! Or visit their website to find out about other ways to DONATE.

Thanks so much for your help!