your vision...

(Read more about my dress making process in the premier issue of Art Quilting Studio)

When my children were very young I worked with polymer clay. I would construct dolls with armatures. I found great delight in how each one took on a life of its own some how... once I created one of these dolls I would bestow it with hand stitched clothing to enhance its individual personality.



In some ways when I create a poetry Pinafore the process is much like when I made dolls, as each dress is unique unto its self. Most of them come together quite quickly telling me what they want to become while others offer me a little more of a challenge and hang around uncompleted taking longer to complete.

I have been toying with the idea of once more creating a doll of some sort to go with my dresses but I have yet to fully grasp just how I will go about this task… I did have a reflection a few days ago however I need to find some time to carry it out. soon… I hope.

I take great strides to utilize my sewing machine as much as possible the writing on the dress is done with a process called free motion sewing or free motion embroidery.
(in July I will TRY to get up a youtube of how I do my stitching as my process is somewhat different)
(I sew with a Bernina aurora 440 however I travel with a singer featherweight 221 from the 1930's and she does it all!)



I do delight in the details When I create these dresses I try to capture a depth and motion.
I do this my hand basting and gathering to create a rousing effect on each piece.

(my signature is on the back of each dress)

(Shoulder detail)

(Bottom of dress details)

each time I make a new one I discover new ways to add a little more life to each one, I started to take a dress making class a few weeks ago as I have found that I need to learn foundations of this craft that I have embraced so fondly... its very hard for me to be a student as my mind has a hard time staying on task and wonders quickly to the "what if's"... and alas strait seams and edges have never been my thing. however sometimes we must go back to go forward. and as my husband like's to say only I would write a book on sewing then take a class to learn how to sew!
Lucky for me I am surrounded by a delightful group of many knowledgeable seamstress's who have all taken me under there wings! (thank you all for putting up with me!) Now I am off to work in my studio! Happy creating, follow your vision!

Chinese legend tells of an invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, Regardless of time, place, or circumstances… This thread symbolizes an attachment of hearts That distance alone can't keep apart. This tiny, thin thread may stretch, tangle or fray but can never break~