On Monday, the first rainy day, I took on combining the clothes from the FL condo clean out with my wardrobe here in Baltimore. I took out all the "bottoms"....jeans, pants, capris, shorts, leggings, and skirts. Each one I tried on to see: does it fit? (I've lost weight this year so some things were just too big and not worth altering), was it flattering? (that nixed all but two pairs of capri pants since I have skirts that are cool and much more flattering for summer wear) did I wear it in the last two years? Turns out I have more LL Bean outdoor pants to wear than I really need. Three large bags and a half dozen suits and jackets on hangers left today for the Junior League resale shop.
Here's one lesson so far. A dozen or more years ago I thought I would be sewing a lot of art to wear items, particularly jackets. I know several wonderfully talented fabric artists in this area....Stephanie Goddard, Rae Cumbie, Nancy Schreiber....and have enjoyed classes with them tremendously. Turns out "artsy" is their style, but not mine, in any serious way. Nonetheless I purchased fabrics over the past years to make pieced, elaborate jackets...and of course, have either never made them or else don't regularly wear those that I have sewn. That's where today's sewing project started its life in my house.
Hand painted59" panel from Mekong River Textiles |
A better life as a dining room table runner in progress |
Clever idea I saw to manage your binding while stitching it to the edge |
Aren't those tulips glorious near this bright orange hydrant? |
Look, raw edged tulips, just like some of my jacket trims!! |
New River Birch cluster |
Hi, I think we all fall into the trap of wearing things that are someone else's style (or the job;s style, or what Mum said suited us). I'm glad you have worked out your own sense of style.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous piece of fabric! I would have hated to cut it up -- so glad you turned it into a table runner. Perfect! I love to curate my fabrics too -- I love those moments when I come across a long-forgotten piece that inspires me. Your backyard garden looks just as beautiful as Sherwood Gardens!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you managed to find another way to enjoy that gorgeous piece of fabric. It certainly looks lovely on your table.
ReplyDeleteI envy you your industry. On my last rainy day I stayed in my housecoat, read, and napped. So I need to get inspired from your blog, as we have several rainy days coming up!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea to use the fabric as a runner. It's lovely. Thanks for the peak into your garden areas-so pretty!
ReplyDeleteThat fabric in gorgeous...better on your table than sitting on a shelf for years!
ReplyDeleteAnd the gardens? Dreamy.
Spring looks glorious out in your area. I hope you keep posting garden photos.
ReplyDeleteI visited the South Coast Botanic Garden 2 days ago with my mom to see the roses in full bloom. It's much bigger than my 700 sf patio garden, and zero maintenance! That leaves more time to pet my fabric collection. ;-)
What a post full of pretty! I've kept it open all day so I could keep looking back at the beautiful fabric-now-table-runner. And your unbelievable yard!
ReplyDeleteI love the "curating" comment! And your backyard is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGreat use for that fabric. I would have never thought to use it as a table runner. Love your backyard
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