The Handprinted Fabric Swap: Here comes the Finish Line!

Mimi's is In the Mail.
Rose's and Dorie's and Pasha's and my pal Lindy's are in my home.. trying not get drool on them...

They are so very cool, I am suffering a teeny bit of what I like to call Craft-timidation. In the best way, of course.

I did a few fat quarters with an art nouveau design with vines that are silkscreen and lino block for the blossoms.



I guess I think it is pretty but not "charming".
So I looked through my Lotta Jansotter book and decided to try again.

After all, it was her book that made me think that printing fabric might be deeply fun.

I did a new screen freehand inspired by her cleaner and truly charming designs and my husband's succulent and cactus container garden.

the new WIP:



Oh and I did eventually post a Flickr group for us to all post the fabric-y goodness...
Check it out! We can post the fabric and also the great stuff it will become.


I will be done printing in time .. But JUST.

How about the rest of you swappers?
Will you be able to mail by Friday?

Peace, Love and Finally some New New Vinatge

Mc Calls 9658 from 1969. A year after our summer of love but close enough for me. This one is a "Time Saving Quickie"..
It says so right on the envelope. Sounds a bit risque to me.



It was easy to make. No fitting. I added a contrasting facings to amuse myself. It didn't need the zipper that was on the pattern and I put it in.. but I have worn it a few times and never used the zipper at all. I also shortened the sleeves, just for fun. I am experimenting with shapes and I like to see if I can make alterations work.



This looks like a circus tent or clown costume on the hanger.. But I think it looks pretty cute on... in an easy livin', sweetly psychedelic way.





Here's hoping all everyone's summers are full of love... Or at least a well timed folk song or two.

Hemmin' and Hawin' with Mrs. Home Maker

The first hem is my favorite.. and the hanging your dress overnight so that any sagging will show? I mean, this is precision dressmaking! And I think that Mrs. Home Maker is feeling her sewing oats with the clever punning.

Last episode some one asked where they can get this gem. Unfortunately, I have never seen anything else like it.
I do plan to keep putting it up on my blog though because I really think these skills and tricks are so well illustrated and covered in this little marvel. And the humor is something else besides!

Last Week In Craft

Howdy.. Here's a recap of the last week in crafty goodness here at Chez Betty.


( clockwise from upper left)
1)Pug from Mame Wanko for my niece, 2) two cool vintage books from the Pay and Take sale when I went to visit mom and grandma and drop the boy off for camp, 3) the silkscreen WIP potentially for the handprinted fabric swap, 4) the sweet fruits of my olallieberry jam making obession.. (Thanks Michelle, for my first lesson.) 5) J's hair bleached out in preparation of the summertime blue, 6) a love critter print from the lovely Vanessa Valencia of A Fanciful Twist.

Beyond this there were two projects for the Lark patchwork book, and a skirt for the lovely folks at P&B textiles..but those will be for them to reveal.

So much for a lazy summer.

More tomorrow!

I Still Make Things! Honest!

These little tiny guys are from the super cute Japanese craft book, 'Mame Wanko', I got when Futuregirl was in town.



I made them to keep my son and nephew company while they are at my mom's house for 2 weeks, for art camp and some grandparent time.



These guys are about 3 inches tall and I made them out of felt before I attempt the fancy mohair versions featured in the book. I made the aptterns bigger by about 100% for what they were in the book and can't even imagine how you would stuff their bitty legs if you didn't.

Great book though. I expect to have a tiny pack of breed specific pups by the end of the summer!

Goose Egg Art Class

Hi All.. A little plug for the locals here!



I will be doing my Goose Egg class at a lovely little bead shop in the Santa Cruz Mountains on Sunday, July 15th.









The Bead Nook is across from New Leaf Market on Hwy 9 In Felton. The shop owner travels the world to find great beads and findings... It is a great place to come shop.

The cost for the class is 60.00 and that includes supplies. You will get to make 2 goose egg pieces, one box style and one "theater" style.
Supplies are included but you are encouraged to bring sentimental items along to be used in your design.

The class is from 12 until about 4, or when we are finished.

Please contact Kerry at 831-335-7111 to reserve a spot.

Contact me at bitterbetty13 (at) sbcglobal (dot) net if you are signed up and have a special image you'd like to use for your "theater" egg... Or if you have questions about the class!

Hey: I will be back on tv on July 13th... The gift wrap show on DIY Network will be re-aired.. oddly, the egg show is still waiting in the wings.