Ready to Sew

Tomorrow I get to sew all day. I love days like this. I love waking up and have nothing calling to me or distracting me. I even have special comfy clothes and shoes that I wear in the studio as I plod around from cutting table to sewing machine. I wear my hair in a ponytail that looks horrid but here in the studio I get to be comfy with no one judging…. well, the outcome goes up for judging, doesn’t it? The work gets judged, critically so, and that’s Ok. The work is what matters, not how I dress.

It’s hard to sleep I am excited and filled with enthusiasm. I have two new designs to try out on the dress form and new fabric to order. Additionally, I also want to make some new dresses for simply the sake of playing with design. I do miss dressmaking. I have never done anything so fulfilling as crafting out a new dress, that one wonders if anyone would dare wear it.  I made a pumpkin dress once for a girl who dared to be a pumpkin. She looked like the Good with in The Wizard of Oz except in bright Orange. I loved that dress and loved her for being so excited about wearing it.

I also miss making dolls. I miss making dolls that explode with emotion; sadness, despair and hopelessness. Women connect with those emotions. Women all share moments of crying out in despair. We all know what it feels like to not have what we need. I better try and sleep if I am to be productive tomorrow.

Here’s a photo of Aprons and outfits I designed for Thanksgiving one year. I enjoyed making these and miss window dressing.

Thanksgiving Aprons

Making a new Apron design

I live at the cutting table. Its mess is a reflection of the workings of my mind. Its layers speak to me alone and form a language only I understand…. another designer may be able to come in and pick out enough of that language that they would understand… or maybe not.

My Work Table

I know I want to work in trees and that the lime looks like a perfect compliment, so I keep it on hand.

Mary, The Dress Form

Finally I drape my choices onto her to mimic what I am about to sew. I am happy with my decisions and I love how everything  looks under the skylight. I love how the sun and shade dance over everything, like deep in a forest.

Mary tries on the Woodland Apron

The dress form and I are best friends. She holds my designs as best she can and demonstrates what it will look like on a person. I love her. Sadly, I spend more time with her than anyone alive. She holds the pieces I have cut, just to fit her. I can’t decide on the lime or graphic brown and white for the waistband. She holds my choices while I sip coffee and decide.

  She is so patient with me and never seems to tire.

Woodland Apron

Even once I am done, I long for the lime print and ache for a place for it to reside. A large bow on the head would present so dramatically. Lovely, here in the studio, but I hardly perceive anyone cleaning with a lime print perched theatrically upon their head. I could be wrong. It has happened.

Joy and Peace, Susannah

Saved Photos of Firsts from the studio

Just like children save their art projects from school. I think most artists save their own projects. Here are a few of mine that are still fun for me to see. Not all the pictures blow up well but they bring back nice memories.

Patty was my first Ebay sale and now lives out West. I always loved making dolls and hope I have more time to include them this year.

First Ebay Sale

My first attempt at unrefined curly wool roving hair. I decided that I liked it and it is now my standard…..(on most days unless something really interesting comes along with which i need to play). Clarissa now lives in Vermont with the artist that adopted her.

from First Vermont Doll Collection

Morrison, my first non-fur, bear now lives in England. I heard he did really well on the very long flight home.

First Cotton Bear with Hair

My first baby bear, Silkie lives nearby.

First Silk Teddy Bear

The first pair in the Doll Sculpture Collection, These Victorian Bridesmaids  adorn the living room of a wonderful German woman who wouldn’t let them be separated. These were always my favorite form of dolls to make. They take on emotion much more easily than other forms.

First Sculpted DOll with Dress

Amish Amy was the first to inspire me to take a more creative hand to my photography, using the sun and darkness equally, I am still drawn to the technicalities of photography. The light in this photo still draws me into it.

Country Doll

 

Peace,

Susannah

 

More Saved Photos of Firsts from the studio

My first Vermont Apron Company Apron, the beginning of a very fun collection.

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The Beginning of the Hat collection; the first hat, at the first show on the first Styrofoam head.

First Knitted Hat

The first hat that I ever made where I blended both knitting and crocheting.

First Hat blendeing Knitting and Crochet

The First Carpet Bag I ever made. It was made from an antique tapestry that I purchased at a flea market.

First Carpet Bag

 

The First Carpet Bag created for sale and photographed for online web sales.

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